Starting in Lisbon at sunrise on May 1

[Mike Hamilton]

I will start Camino Portuguese from Lisbon on May 1. I have previously walked the CF from SJPDP in 2015 and 2022 so it’s time to try something a bit different. — Mike from Toronto, Canada (travelling full time and in year 2 of a planned 4)

 

[Lleslie]

Hi Mike, We are starting from Lisbon May 14 after doing the Frances in 2014 and Via Podiensis in 2018. How are you planning to manage the first few days - long distances or breaking them up into shorter days? Bom caminho, Linda

 

[Mike Hamilton]

Hi Mike, We are starting from Lisbon May 14 after doing the Frances in 2014 and Via Podiensis in 2018. How are you planning to manage the first few days - long distances or breaking them up into shorter days? Bom caminho, Linda

I’m not doing much if any planning! As I did on the CF, I walk until noon and then decide if I want to continue for a few more hours (generally not past 3 pm) or start looking for a place to stay. I’m pretty flexible so anything from the municipal hostel to a mid-range hotel would do and I’m not opposed to taking a taxi to find accommodation off the Camino. But to answer your question, I can spend up to 90 days in the Schengen and must reserve 10 for later in the summer so I will likely split many stages in two and spend a few extra days in the main cities.

 

[Former member 60103]

I started from Lisbon on 22/3/23. The Cathedral and Tourist office do not open until 09.30/10 am so for my early start I had to get my credential stamped by finding a local police station. If you want an early start and that first stamp maybe best to sort out previous night.
From Lisbon to Porto I saw maybe 7 other pilgrims over 2 weeks. I am now a day out of Porto on the Coastal and the count today is in excess of 30.
Santarem and Tomar are well worth a stopover and the bus from Tomar to Fatima is 4.35 euros and takes an hour. Well worth the visit.
Buen Camino,
Don.

 

[Mike Hamilton]

I will be visiting friends in Lisbon for a week before setting out on May 1 so will get my credential and a few supplies (SIM card, walking sticks, etc.) well ahead. Thanks for the tip on Fatima — I’ll definitely check it out as I have time on my side. Buen Camino!

 

[Pilger Franz]

I started from Lisbon on 22/3/23.

Hi Don Camillo, which way out of Lisbon did you take in the first two days?

 

[Former member 60103]

I am using the excellent guide book on the Portugues by John Brierly for the basis of my stages. The first two days. 1). 32 KLM to Alverca do Ribatejo.Come off the Camino and 1 klm extra gets you accom. I stayed at alfa10..25 euros for room, shared bathroom. 2). 30 klm to Azambuja. There is an albergue and private lodging in town. I was tired and went for Hotel Ouro, 50 euros nice room with breakfast. In honesty I have gone through my "albergue years" hence a bank balance suitably padded in preparation.
I do recommend Brierley's book as it gives you stages to go with or plan around plus intel on the places en route.
Don

 

[ThirstyThursday]

Thanks. This is very helpful.