Hello,
I have just completed the Portuguese Camino, starting in Lisbon. Here are a few pointers that might be relevant to people planning this trip.
1. Avoid the first two days out of Lisbon.
Apart from a couole of short stretches, most of the first 60 km (two days) is pretty horrible involving walking on national highways with no footpaths and trucks coming straight at you or else walking along a pretty grotty and smelly creek. I would stringly recommend walking the first 7 km and staying in the suburb of Oriente and then catching the train from there to Azambuja or Santorem.
2. Santorem has a new hostel. Really good. Located just around the corner from the Tourist Office.
3. Porto.
Good option here is to catch the metro to the outskirts. Avoids streets, roads etc.
Make sure you set aside at least one day, preferably two, to explore this wonderful city. So take a rest day or two here if you are starting from Lisbon. If starting in Porto give yourself a little time here before commencing the camino.
4. Sao Pedro de Rates
Go for the upstairs dorms in the alburgue. Much better (less musty and damp) than downstairs. If you are first to arrive get key from the shop 50 m up the road. Lovely lady at the shop is very helpful. She also sells camino shells (first place I was able to find them).
And check out the church. It is neat.
A restaurant in a new area about 50 metres to the right of the church has a pilgrim menu which is very good value.
5. Casa do Fernanda
Whatever you do, do not miss staying here. Fernanda is simply a wonderful woman and you will have a brilliant stay here. It was easily the best night of my camino.
6. Valenca v. Tui.
Have a quick look around Valenca but cross the border and stay in Tui. Far greater choice of hostels (incl private ones) as well as a much greater variety of cafes, bars etc and it is also a nice place to look around.
7. Santiago.
Give yourself some time at the end. Don´t arrive and leave straight away. The midday pilgrims mass is well worth attending even if you are not religious.
Bon camino
John
I have just completed the Portuguese Camino, starting in Lisbon. Here are a few pointers that might be relevant to people planning this trip.
1. Avoid the first two days out of Lisbon.
Apart from a couole of short stretches, most of the first 60 km (two days) is pretty horrible involving walking on national highways with no footpaths and trucks coming straight at you or else walking along a pretty grotty and smelly creek. I would stringly recommend walking the first 7 km and staying in the suburb of Oriente and then catching the train from there to Azambuja or Santorem.
2. Santorem has a new hostel. Really good. Located just around the corner from the Tourist Office.
3. Porto.
Good option here is to catch the metro to the outskirts. Avoids streets, roads etc.
Make sure you set aside at least one day, preferably two, to explore this wonderful city. So take a rest day or two here if you are starting from Lisbon. If starting in Porto give yourself a little time here before commencing the camino.
4. Sao Pedro de Rates
Go for the upstairs dorms in the alburgue. Much better (less musty and damp) than downstairs. If you are first to arrive get key from the shop 50 m up the road. Lovely lady at the shop is very helpful. She also sells camino shells (first place I was able to find them).
And check out the church. It is neat.
A restaurant in a new area about 50 metres to the right of the church has a pilgrim menu which is very good value.
5. Casa do Fernanda
Whatever you do, do not miss staying here. Fernanda is simply a wonderful woman and you will have a brilliant stay here. It was easily the best night of my camino.
6. Valenca v. Tui.
Have a quick look around Valenca but cross the border and stay in Tui. Far greater choice of hostels (incl private ones) as well as a much greater variety of cafes, bars etc and it is also a nice place to look around.
7. Santiago.
Give yourself some time at the end. Don´t arrive and leave straight away. The midday pilgrims mass is well worth attending even if you are not religious.
Bon camino
John
