walking from Lisbon to Oporto

[ioannisluca]

Hello,

I'm leaving to Lisbon on wed 30th June, I'll walk the Camino Portuguese from Lisbon to Oporto. Is there anyone who can gime me some advice about accomodation? I know there are no albergues in this route... I'd like to know if there will be troubles to find a room in this "holy" year, and if I need to book it day by day for the night!

Greetings
Gianluca

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Gianlucca,

I have walked from Lisbon to Oporto, and the British Confraternity has a copy of my short guide on their website, where you can download it (they ask for a donation). http://www.csj.org.uk/guides.htm (You'll see there are several online guides available there).

I always stayed in private accommodations -- hotels or residenciales (residencial is the equivalent of pension in Spain). My guide has lists of all the possibilities I could find, with phone numbers, so that should help you out. Most of the places were not in overly touristy places, so I don't imagine you'll have trouble finding a bed, barring any special fiestas -- for instance, I know Golega has a special horse fair, but I am not sure of the days. I don't think you should worry about it, though, because as a last resort you can sleep on the floor of the Volunteer Firemen building.

I never met another peregrino on this route, but the owners of the places I stayed assured me that there were people walking, one owner had kept statistics and told me that in the spring months she usually had between 35-50 a month.

I enjoyed this route in many ways, but one thing I did not like was the asphalt. I would estimate that nearly 85% of this route is on one street or another. Usually it's a quiet rural street, but there are a few stretches along the shoulder of busy highways (but the shoulders were always ample). I'd love to hear about your experiences -- you'll find that all the libraries have free internet, so you could post along the way to let us know how it's going.

If you like Roman ruins, don't miss the villa at Rabacal (with its small museum) or the much bigger site at Conimbriga. There are lots of other nice spots to visit in towns along the way, and I have put my suggestions all in that guide. Buen camino, Laurie

 

[ioannisluca]

Hola Laurie,

thank you for your advices...! I downloaded your guide and it's great! I'll take it with me - together with the Brierley guide I bought last year in Santiago.

I will search for a credential in the Igreja dos Màrtires, I asked for it to the Confraternita di San Jacopo in Perugia but I didn't receive it, so I'll do as you say in your guide...

I will try to post along the way...

Thank you again,

Ultreya
Gianluca

 

[peregrina2000]

Only two days to go! Bom caminho Gianlucca. I look forward to hearing how it goes for you.

Laurie

 

[Via Lusitana]

I´ve been there 5 days ago and they where out of Credentials.
The Associação Espaços Jacobeus can suply one to you, but in Lisboa they only have a delegation. Try to phone them, 931 602 448.


Bom Caminho

Hola Laurie,

I will search for a credential in the Igreja dos Màrtires, I asked for it to the Confraternita di San Jacopo in Perugia but I didn't receive it, so I'll do as you say in your guide...

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Via Lusitana,

I hope Gianlucca sees this message before his departure. And thanks very much for the information about the alternative source of credentials. I will make a note and get it into the guide.

Laurie

 

[Via Lusitana]

I hope that too. I´m not in Lisboa now, away for a few days, can´t help him here now.
Via Lusitana is a new pilgrim´s association here in Lisboa, and yes, we know your guide
Next time you won´t be lost in the woods, we have been painting a lot of yellow arrows from Lisboa to Porto.
In a few days we will mail you all the news about the Portuguese Camino, will you be in Lisboa anyday soon?

Jose Luis

Hi, Via Lusitana,

I hope Gianlucca sees this message before his departure. And thanks very much for the information about the alternative source of credentials. I will make a note and get it into the guide.

Laurie

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Jose Luis,
This is great news! I will be in Lisbon next spring, but I will send you a PM (private message about that). It's good to know that the next time I walk, I won't get lost in the eucalyptus forests.
Bom Caminho, Laurie

 

[sus-anna]

Hi!

I'm also walking this route this year and planning to start in August.
Wonder if the hotels etc are to crowded then?

Guess the Portuguese people have their holiday in August?

 

[gaspésie]

I hope that too. I´m not in Lisboa now, away for a few days, can´t help him here now.
Via Lusitana is a new pilgrim´s association here in Lisboa, and yes, we know your guide
Next time you won´t be lost in the woods, we have been painting a lot of yellow arrows from Lisboa to Porto.
In a few days we will mail you all the news about the Portuguese Camino, will you be in Lisboa anyday soon?

Jose Luis

Hi, Via Lusitana,

I hope Gianlucca sees this message before his departure. And thanks very much for the information about the alternative source of credentials. I will make a note and get it into the guide.

Laurie

Hello, I'll take my credential in Lisbon Church of the Martyrs, 2 euro. I'm glad to know that you have rebuilt the arrows from Lisbon to Porto. Sorry for my english, I'm french Canadian.
Thank you! Diana