Before and after the Central?

[aerialobserver]

On my second Camino but first in Portugal, I intend to start from Porto and probably fly in to Lisbon. Between there and Porto, Tomar and Coimbra sound like interesting towns it might be good to see. If you've passed through them, I'd appreciate knowing whether they have unique or compelling sights enough to go out of my way to see them by bus or train, or just go on to Porto and spend a little post-Camino time back in Porto and Lisbon. While Santiago was wonderful, I don't plan to spend much time there this trip. As with the Camino Frances, walking it is straightforward; it's harder to know how to handle my two weeks or ten days before and after the walking stops.

 

[Charlie Davenport]

Porto, Tomar and Coimbra are all great towns to visit, with very old history being the focus for all. Beautiful sights in each, great history in each ... We spent 3 nights in Porto before doing the Coastal and then 2 months later, 2 nights back in Porto before we left. Obviously the touring the Douro river valley and it's history of Port production is mandatory.. Tomar and all the knights Templar focus is well worth the visit, as well as Coimbra which is downright gorgeous... the University Library tour is worth the time ...

 

[aerialobserver]

Thanks very much! Great to hear from someone who's actually been. Looks like there's a spur line to Tomar from the main train route from Lisbon to Porto, and a stop at Coimbra. Is that how you came and went?

 

[Flog]

The path from Tomar to Coimbra, three or four days walking, is the nicest part of tbe portuguese to walk, south of Porto. You could spend a day or two in each of these lovely towns. You can take the train from Porto to Tomar, with one change.

 

[Elle Bieling]

Check it out for yourself, from my photos: Tomar and Coimbra. I highly, highly recommend them both! You will not regret spending times in both cities.

 

[cronnik]

Porto, Tomar and Coimbra are all great towns to visit, with very old history being the focus for all. Beautiful sights in each, great history in each ... We spent 3 nights in Porto before doing the Coastal and then 2 months later, 2 nights back in Porto before we left. Obviously the touring the Douro river valley and it's history of Port production is mandatory.. Tomar and all the knights Templar focus is well worth the visit, as well as Coimbra which is downright gorgeous... the University Library tour is worth the time ...

I wanted to spend more time in Porto during my Porto->SdC Camino and made the mistake of landing there in the am from nyc and spending a couple of hours getting my credenciale at the cathedral and some food. It IS a beautiful city. The ceramic tiles roofs cascading down the hill to the Douro, the Eiffel bridge, the food!oh boy. Also on the other side of the border if you can get to San Sebastián after SdC I highly recommend that - one of my favorite cities in Spain!