Staying with the Bombeiros Voluntarios

For those who asked about sleeping with firemen, we are happy to report that its pretty straight forward, and while they tend to be very basic (the accommodation not the firemen) and more used to dealing with pre-booked groups going to Fatima they will take in stray travellers to (and from) Santiago.

If you start in Porto you won’t need to stay in Bombeiros as there is a good network of often excellent albergues going up to Tui and onto Santiago. But if you start in Lisbon chances are the Bombeiros will often be the only budget option available in town.

If you want to stay just turn up with your credencial and ask. Most offer only mattress on the floor of the main hall. But you can use their showers, women can use the female showers if available. No kitchens in those we stayed in but most stations are close enough to a bar or restaurants. They don’t charge individual walkers and most won’t accept donations, so just thank them and make sure they don’t have to clean up after you!

While a list of stations is available from most camhino web sites and CJS guide it is worth noting that this is not up to date a few changes to be aware of are:

Alverca is not a full station, more of an office so go up the road a couple of kms to Alhandra and the boys will see you right. Note it’s the big station next to the cement factory not the old shed.

Santarem’s old station has moved and while the lovely old tiles still show the Bombeiros in action the building is bricked up and the new station is some way out of town.

Alvaiazere is also on the edge of town, but not that far out as it’s not a big place, can be hard to find a meal here though.

We were two females (mother and daughter) walking in winter so came in wet, muddy and smelly...

Most stations have female staff who show you the ropes, and yes they tend leave you alone once so this could be read as dis-interest. But in general its a safe, dry service they offer which is more then other places we've stayed in.