Switching to central - Mindelo or Vila do Conde?

[aheadfullofsongs]

Hi! I am walking my first day from Porto now on the coastal route. Had initially planned to stay in Vila do Conde tonight then switch over to central tomorrow through the route mapped out in the guidebook. One of the tourist offices recommended to move inland earlier around Mindelo to Vairão, saying that it’s not as bad as the other route with road crossings.

Has anyone done either of these routes? I guess I’m wondering if the route from Vila do Conde is bad enough to switch it - I was looking forward to an evening staying by the beach but don’t particularly want to be crossing traffic all day tomorrow!

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[KariC]

I crossed at Vila do Conde 7 years ago, So keeping in mind that it's been a minute, I don't remember bad road crossings at that point. Having said that, I found I enjoyed the Central route more. So if there's the way to get there earlier, I would say follow the tourist office's advice.

 

[CalDevere]

You’re probably already past the point, but we went via Mindelo, and it was quiet and lovely. A few spots on busy roads with traffic zooming by, but overall nice.

 

[Mormon]

I went inland via Vila do Conde about 5 years ago. I didn't find the road walking bad.

 

[Calvin & Hobbes]

Hi! I am walking my first day from Porto now on the coastal route. Had initially planned to stay in Vila do Conde tonight then switch over to central tomorrow through the route mapped out in the guidebook. One of the tourist offices recommended to move inland earlier around Mindelo to Vairão, saying that it’s not as bad as the other route with road crossings.

Has anyone done either of these routes? I guess I’m wondering if the route from Vila do Conde is bad enough to switch it - I was looking forward to an evening staying by the beach but don’t particularly want to be crossing traffic all day tomorrow!

Thanks in advance for your help.

We started on the Senda Litoral. Ubered from Esposende to Barcelos 3 days ago. We had sufficient sand and water and wanted something different. We're heading over Alto da Portelo tomorrow - definitely different from the flat coast.

 

[Salmons]

I went via Villa do Conde last May. It was a hair-raising experience. Lots of traffic whizzing by, no shoulder on the road, and zig-zagging across the road to avoid oncoming traffic around blind corners. There are also several places where there are walls on the side of the road and no shoulder; this means you must flatten yourself against the wall when cars race by inches from you. Take another route if possible. I spoke with other pilgrims who were similarly concerned for safety walking this route.

 

[Lynne (USA/Crete Greece)]

You’re probably already past the point, but we went via Mindelo, and it was quiet and lovely. A few spots on busy roads with traffic zooming by, but overall nice.

Good day. Can you give more specifics on how you got from Mindelo to Vairao?
How did you map the route? Directions taken? From Vairao you followed the central route into Rates? Thank you

 

[CalDevere]

Good day. Can you give more specifics on how you got from Mindelo to Vairao?
How did you map the route? Directions taken? From Vairao you followed the central route into Rates? Thank you

The way was marked pretty well into Rates. I don’t think it went through Vairao, but nearby. I use Camino Ninja app when in doubt.

 

[Lleslie]

We crossed over at Vila do Conde in June this year. Walked up to the convent where we followed the aquaduct for about 4k. One section had to walk around a small corn field by the road - pretty sure we were on a footpath - and rejoined the aquaduct where we started to see camino signs. Nice walk, came across a couple of cafes, don't remember feeling unsafe at all.

 

[chunter]

Hello, i have a similar plan: Crossing over from the costal/Litoral via Mindelo to just south of Vilarinho and hope to stay at Mosteiro de Vairao. From above notes, this walk along the M530? seems to be noted as quiet. This is an option noted in John Brierly's most recently released Camino Portuguese guide. Via John's roughish map it looks like a shorter road walk and might offer a nice hostel option at the end. Would be interested to hear any experiences. This thread looks a bit old so not sure if this will be picked up.