Camino Português v Camino Frances

[MickMac]

Not to be controversial but just my humble opinion, I have obsolutely no interest in walking the Camino Portuguese, "there I have said it" something I have felt for long time.

I have walked the Camino Frances many times and last year Fiinisterre and Muxia.

Watched many vids and blogs but left with the feeling it's flatish and unchallengeing and lot of walking beside roads and rural landscapes.

Maybe comradeship, scenery,and albergues are better?? pilgrims lately seem to be drawn to it.

Sorry for the negative vibes but I cannot get my head round it. Can someone explain without taking offence its a genuine perspective.

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[Enzed]

Fair enough, everybody has their own opinions, no hate from me.

Pro Portugal... the unique architecture of the churches, the colourful buildings, decorative tiles, the convento Christo in Tomar, the roman ruins of coinbriga, the student city of coimbra, less rain than in Galicia, pastel de natas and other tasty treats from the bakeries/cafes, the friendly locals...just a short list, I could go on.

Personally, have done 2 Portugese camino , the most recent the central starting from Tomar. Not that many pilgrims before Porto, some road walking..but i have fond memories.
I learnt good lessons like appreciating all the simple things in life, finding beauty in the "boring" things.
And I got to experience pleasures from having so much time alone (alot of it prior to Porto) just me and the path. Ears, eyes and mind busy all taking it all in. I found the spring wild flowers to be particularly lovely.

Plus theres the knowledge that soon I'll walk into a town with all that unique portugese architecture, friendly locals and yummy pastries.

And if you want pretty scenery, walking from Ponte lima to Rubiaes on a sunny day, is a pleasure for all the senses.

The gallacian section of the path was enjoyable, but the towns were not as visually attractive as in Portugal.

Have yet to do a French camino, but have looked on youTube. The scenery does look nice, not so sure about the crowds after Sarria though.
Maybe I'll give a section of the French a try one day.

 

[naplesdon]

Several pros of the CP is being able to walk along the ocean for several days. Porto is a delightful place to visit for a few days before starting out and Viana do Castelo, Baiona and Pontevedra are very nice stops along the way.

 

[Walkalong]

Been having a similar debate on which one to suggest to my son.

As other jhave mentioned, Convento Christo, Coimbriga, Coimbra ...... were nice places to spend an afternoon or a day. Porto is a great rest day, or two. The scenery and architecture is different - both are appealing.

We've had great encounters with local people on the Portuguese. Pilgrims walking may still be a novelty - at least south of Porto.

It depends on where one starts. Shorter walked like starting in Porto, Astorga or Leon have a similar social dynamic that is very different than starting 5 weeks or more from SdC.

If doing the shorter 10-12 day walk then in Portugal you can mix Coastal/Litoral with the Central for an even more pleasant walk.

Tui to SdC and Sarria to SdC are different but the walking on groomed paths is very similar. While the Portuguese is busy, it did not have the herds that the last 100 km of the Frances had.

In Portugal those little alarm dogs still bark! There are so many people walking the last 100 km of the Frances that the dogs just don't bother.

I know several people who have walked the Portuguese to see if they like to do a longer Camino. I did it the first time to warm up for the Frances from Roncesvalles, but have returned because it is a pleasant, relaxing walk with wonderful people and equally pleasant scenery.

 

[Grousedoctor]

My perspective is that I’m open to traveling/walking anywhere once. I’d hate to miss out on something because of my preconceived ideas. So far, I’ve never been disappointed! Bim Camino!

 

[Enzed]

A

Been having a similar debate on which one to suggest to my son.

As other jhave mentioned, Convento Christo, Coimbriga, Coimbra ...... were nice places to spend an afternoon or a day. Porto is a great rest day, or two. The scenery and architecture is different - both are appealing.

We've had great encounters with local people on the Portuguese. Pilgrims walking may still be a novelty - at least south of Porto.

It depends on where one starts. Shorter walked like starting in Porto, Astorga or Leon have a similar social dynamic that is very different than starting 5 weeks or more from SdC.

If doing the shorter 10-12 day walk then in Portugal you can mix Coastal/Litoral with the Central for an even more pleasant walk.

Tui to SdC and Sarria to SdC are different but the walking on groomed paths is very similar. While the Portuguese is busy, it did not have the herds that the last 100 km of the Frances had.

In Portugal those little alarm dogs still bark! There are so many people walking the last 100 km of the Frances that the dogs just don't bother.

I know several people who have walked the Portuguese to see if they like to do a longer Camino. I did it the first time to warm up for the Frances from Roncesvalles, but have returned because it is a pleasant, relaxing walk with wonderful people and equally pleasant scenerary

Agree about returning to Portugal.
First time, the coastal from Porto with my parents. Enjoyed the experience, fell for the pleasures of Portugal, vowed to return.
I did...felt I needed a challenge, a long solo walk. Walked from Tomar to Muxua, so glad I did it, the good and the not-so-good bits included.

There are other paths on Portugal to try aside the popular Porto sections too...from Braga, Visau, the argarve..

I might try a Spanish camino for my next journey though. Still deciding which one. Spain is a big country, so much to discover.

So many choices...so little time.

 

[jungleboy]

There are other paths on Portugal to try aside the popular Porto sections too...from Braga, Visau, the argarve..

That’s a great point. There’s not only one (or two, thinking of coastal v central) camino path to walk in Portugal. There are others with less road walking than the standard CP that may appeal more to the OP, although most have virtually no pilgrims on them. Here’s my overview of different routes in Portugal:

https://spiritofthecamino.com/camino-de-santiago-portugal

 

[Enzed]

That’s a great point. There’s not only one (or two, thinking of coastal v central) camino path to walk in Portugal. There are others with less road walking than the standard CP that may appeal more to the OP, although most have virtually no pilgrims on them. Here’s my overview of different routes in Portugal:

https://spiritofthecamino.com/camino-de-santiago-portugal

Fair enough. Often newbies are a bit intimidated by solo foreign travel, that wears off after a camino or 2. At least in my experience.

Whatever a pilgrim chooses, a big buen Camino from me.

 

[Roland49]

I've done the CF in 2019 and in 2023 the CP (coastal and from the border central).

The biggest difference I experienced on the CP was the missing "vibe" of the CF!
It's just the feeling that I only encountered twice on the CP, once in Viana do Conde and in the Albergue Portela.
I'm not really able to write about it, but maybe the more experienced pilgrims will understand.

Whatever route you choose, Buen Camino to you!

 

[MickMac]

Been having a similar debate on which one to suggest to my son.

As other jhave mentioned, Convento Christo, Coimbriga, Coimbra ...... were nice places to spend an afternoon or a day. Porto is a great rest day, or two. The scenery and architecture is different - both are appealing.

We've had great encounters with local people on the Portuguese. Pilgrims walking may still be a novelty - at least south of Porto.

It depends on where one starts. Shorter walked like starting in Porto, Astorga or Leon have a similar social dynamic that is very different than starting 5 weeks or more from SdC.

If doing the shorter 10-12 day walk then in Portugal you can mix Coastal/Litoral with the Central for an even more pleasant walk.

Tui to SdC and Sarria to SdC are different but the walking on groomed paths is very similar. While the Portuguese is busy, it did not have the herds that the last 100 km of the Frances had.

In Portugal those little alarm dogs still bark! There are so many people walking the last 100 km of the Frances that the dogs just don't bother.

I know several people who have walked the Portuguese to see if they like to do a longer Camino. I did it the first time to warm up for the Frances from Roncesvalles, but have returned because it is a pleasant, relaxing walk with wonderful people and equally pleasant, relaxing, warm up, scenery.

I think you have summed it up very well the CP that was in my head, the words you used were "nice places", pleasant, relaxing, The scenery and architecture is different - both are appealing the word missing is challenging, and spectecular for me.
"Horses for course's" is a saying appropiate to the summation I have now, not any more enthusiasm for CP.
I will stick to the voyage of discovery and people which every time for me will always be the "Challenge" of CF.

 

[dugavski]

I have done Portuguese from Porto and Primitivo so I can't say much about French, except last two days from Melide to SdC, but... Camino Portuguese is a wonderful Camino with great sceneries, ocean views, nice food, charming cities and beautiful nature. Porto is a perfect starting point, Variante Espiritual is pure magic, people are welcoming all the way.
Primitivo is completely different, all about nature, peaceful and silent, but spectacular.
I will repeat both for sure.
I am planning next two caminos - Invierno and Ingles with Muxia/Finisterre, French is not in plan for several reasons. First of all, I don't like atmosphere I have witnessed from Melide... too crowded, too loud. I know it's just a finish, but I think it's not for me at the moment.
One day I will do the French, but not for now.

 

[LTfit]

I'm in the camp that doesn't understand the hype about either the Coastal/Littoral and definitely not about the Central from Porto. Yes, there are several interesting cities to visit but the Camino route itself? No way. The Central runs during the first few days along roads where cars are parked on the sidewalk and drivers have no consideration for walkers - and I walked in March with very few pilgrims. The only redeeming factor was my lovely stay with Fernanda. The Portuguese I have found to be friendly and helpful so this comment is purely over the route itself.

The Littoral/Coastal runs from one tourist town to another. Pleasant but I've got wide, quiet beaches where I live so that's not an attraction for me. The northern part (Oia for example) improves but for a spectacular coastal walk in Portugal the Rota Vicentina wins hands down! That is a route I would definitely like to walk again.

Since haven't yet walked the less traveled Camino routes in Portugal, I must claim ignorance regarding the others mentioned in this thread.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I chose the Central route with the Spiritual Variant in Portugal after having just walked the amazing Rota Vicentina. I knew the Coastal route from Porto wouldn't seem nearly as special after experiencing the RV. I was actually missing the Camino Frances as I had some great memories of the two times I had walked it in the past, so felt the Central route would be a bit more similar with villages and vineyards.
I loved including side trips to Tomar, Coimbra, Braga and the Douro River Valley.
I would not call Portugal's main Caminos as favorites of mine, but I liked the variety of architecture, the beautiful huge blue tiles on buildings and churches depicting landscape scenes, and for all of that, it did not disappoint.

 

[lt56ny]

I have walked from Lisbon once and last year from Porto on the coastal to finish the last leg of my camino. I like walking different routes. There is some beautiful scenery of course. There are some wonderful towns and cities to walk through, as have been mentioned by others. Ponte de Lima is probably my favorite town of all the camino towns I have walked through.
The food is really good. I will not comment on the amount of pilgrims from Lisbon as I walked 7 years ago and things have changed. I also have no idea what time of year you want to walk. I also have to assume you do not mind the amount of Pilgrims on the CF. There are plenty of CP pilgrims but of course not as many as on the CF. I loved walking the CP coastal even though there was heavy rain virtually daily. You also have the Espiritual Variante to walk on the CP which is supposed to be really beautiful. Hopefully I will have the opportunity this year to do it.
Finally I do not think there are warmer and friendlier people anywhere that can top the Portugues people for their kindness and generosity. Also there are far more local people who speak English in Portugal than in Spain.
There are so many beautiful and wonderful, quiet and may I say solitary caminos to walk. Try branching out, you may like it!

 

[hansking]

Not to be controversial but just my humble opinion, I have obsolutely no interest in walking the Camino Portuguese, "there I have said it" something I have felt for long time.

I have walked the Camino Frances many times and last year Fiinisterre and Muxia.

Watched many vids and blogs but left with the feeling it's flatish and unchallengeing and lot of walking beside roads and rural landscapes.

Maybe comradeship, scenery,and albergues are better?? pilgrims lately seem to be drawn to it.

Sorry for the negative vibes but I cannot get my head round it. Can someone explain without taking offence its a genuine perspective.

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My Freind

I have done 3 Caminos - Camino Frances, Barcelona-Finnisterre, and Lisbon to Finnisterra. I loved them all - true, the first 10 km out of Lisbon is a bit urbanised, but dont let that put you off. It is lovely walking through Portugal and I will go there again!!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I keep hearing here that there are more Portuguese that speak English than there are in Spain. That might have an effect on pilgrims' choice of Camino's.

 

[Lynn McCoy]

Walked Lisbon to Porto in 2019.
Not many peregrinos, was alone walking several days, but that was fine.
Beautiful scenery especially a day or two out of Lisbon through the 'Market Garden of Portugal.
The local folk couldn't have been more pleasant and friendly. Some English spoken, but folks were very patient of me at least trying to respectfully speak in their language.
Walking down into Porto and across the Rio Douro was gorgeous and exciting.
I plan to finish Camino Portugues in 2025, Porto to Santiago. Can't wait!
Bom Caminho!

 

[Robbo55]

Walked Lisbon to Porto in 2019.
Not many peregrinos, was alone walking several days, but that was fine.
Beautiful scenery especially a day or two out of Lisbon through the 'Market Garden of Portugal.
The local folk couldn't have been more pleasant and friendly. Some English spoken, but folks were very patient of me at least trying to respectfully speak in their language.
Walking down into Porto and across the Rio Douro was gorgeous and exciting.
I plan to finish Camino Portugues in 2025, Porto to Santiago. Can't wait!
Bom Caminho!

Thanks Lynn, I would really love to underestand your actual route to Porto and then across Rio Douro if you have it recorded somewhere. What towns are in the "Market Graden of Portugal"?

 

[Terry&Dianna]

Not to be controversial but just my humble opinion, I have obsolutely no interest in walking the Camino Portuguese, "there I have said it" something I have felt for long time.

I have walked the Camino Frances many times and last year Fiinisterre and Muxia.

Watched many vids and blogs but left with the feeling it's flatish and unchallengeing and lot of walking beside roads and rural landscapes.

Maybe comradeship, scenery,and albergues are better?? pilgrims lately seem to be drawn to it.

Sorry for the negative vibes but I cannot get my head round it. Can someone explain without taking offence its a genuine perspective.

Quote

Having walked both (recently walked Lisbon to Santiago) I would share (imho) that both are unique experiences and therefore difficult to compare (apples to oranges). The walk throughout Springtime Portugal was joyful, beautiful, many uphill challenges, and some of the most friendly people you would ever be blessed to meet. I also note the many unique historical towns you will experience (Lisbon. Santorum, Tomar, Coimbra, Porto to name a few). Coastal walks out of Porto, Spiritual Variant to Padron, Mountain Vistas to die for...priceless. Perhaps the best measure is to experience both...glad I did.
BOm Caminho

 

[Lynn McCoy]

Thanks Lynn, I would really love to underestand your actual route to Porto and then across Rio Douro if you have it recorded somewhere. What towns are in the "Market Graden of Portugal"?

If memory serves me correctly, Robbo55, the market garden area was primarily between Azumba and Santarém in the lowlands along the Río Tejo. It was a beautiful, flat walk, and for many stretches there were tomato fields as far as you could see. I walked in September, and it was harvest time apparently with farm machinery picking the tomatoes. Truck after truck left the fields loaded with the most beautiful looking tomatoes, a sight to see. I actually went into one of the fields and helped myself to a couple and enjoyed eating them along the way.

 

[kimgaspesie]

Hi, we've done the CF twice and just finished the central Portuguese from Porto and then walked to Muxia. While I would do the Frances again, I definitely wouldn't do the Portuguese. We approached the CP as tourists and enjoyed it, because we weren't expecting our take on an "authentic Camino experience". Please note, that's "our take" only. The highlight was definitely Santiago to Muxia where you felt the Camino "vibe again. The CP is a largely walking on asphalt and cobblestones and I felt you could never really relax as you had to be on the alert for traffic in most places. Mind you, we met incredible pilgrims and were lucky to have a Camino family straight out of Porto all the way to Santiago, so that made our trip.

 

[Kcecamino]

Not to be controversial but just my humble opinion, I have obsolutely no interest in walking the Camino Portuguese, "there I have said it" something I have felt for long time.

I have walked the Camino Frances many times and last year Fiinisterre and Muxia.

Watched many vids and blogs but left with the feeling it's flatish and unchallengeing and lot of walking beside roads and rural landscapes.

Maybe comradeship, scenery,and albergues are better?? pilgrims lately seem to be drawn to it.

Sorry for the negative vibes but I cannot get my head round it. Can someone explain without taking offence its a genuine perspective.

Quote

My experience is the things that make a memorable Camino are enjoying the pilgrims you are walking with, how the nature, architecture, history, spirituality, etc., you encounter strike you on any given day along the way, the interesting people — pilgrims and locals — you meet by happenstance, the experiences you have in cafes, restaurants and albergues, and the satisfaction you derive from completing your walk. I suspect these are common to all Caminos. But if the Frances does it all for you, I say count it as a blessing.

 

[PilgrimLiving]

“Comparison is the thief of joy”. I’ve done the Frances and on the CP getting ready to walk to Santiago tomorrow. It was hard to avoid comparing until I was reminded of the quote above, I believe credited to Rosevelt.
They are both so different and I’m afraid that comparison ruins the experience.

 

[Robbo55]

“Comparison is the thief of joy”. I’ve done the Frances and on the CP getting ready to walk to Santiago tomorrow. It was hard to avoid comparing until I was reminded of the quote above, I believe credited to Rosevelt.
They are both so different and I’m afraid that comparison ruins the experience.

That is a a wonderful quote, and very true..."Comparison is the theif of joy", thanks for sharing

 

[David Tallan]

Not to be controversial but just my humble opinion, I have obsolutely no interest in walking the Camino Portuguese, "there I have said it" something I have felt for long time.

I have walked the Camino Frances many times and last year Fiinisterre and Muxia.

Watched many vids and blogs but left with the feeling it's flatish and unchallengeing and lot of walking beside roads and rural landscapes.

Maybe comradeship, scenery,and albergues are better?? pilgrims lately seem to be drawn to it.

Sorry for the negative vibes but I cannot get my head round it. Can someone explain without taking offence its a genuine perspective.

Quote

If you like the Camino Frances, great. No one is knocking that. But it does seem strange to come into a Camino Portugues forum and start a thread with "I have no interest in walking the Camino Portugues."

That said, there are a number of things that might lead one to walk the Camino Portugues. An interest in seeing the scenery and historic sights, taste the different cuisine, enjoy the different (Portuguese) culture, see a different part of Galicia (when you walk into Galicia on the Frances, you walk through cattle country; on the Portugues, through wine country, which smells much better ).

I'm not saying that these are necessarily better than the Frances - just different. Sometimes you want a change. Let me give a couple of examples. I love paella. I make it at home often. It is great food. It is not the only food I want to eat for the rest of my life. When I occasionally enjoy something else it doesn't need to be a competition between that and paella. I like the Beatles. I have all of their albums and listen to them regularly. But I do occasionally want to listen to other music, too. If I enjoy listening to other music from the 60s ( or 90s, or contemporary) it's because I like that, too.

Yes, a fair amount of the Portugues is fairly flat. So is a fair amount of the Frances. For some people, the Meseta on the Frances is their favourite part. These people are unlikely to be put off by the lack of mountain ranges on the Portugues (although there certainly are hills on the Portugues). Frankly, "a lot of walking along roads and through rural landscapes" is a pretty good description of the Frances, too. It isn't the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail. I'm not sure why this would bother you on the Portugues and not the Frances.

A lot of people are drawn to the Portugues for a first Camino because most walk from Porto and that can be done in 2 weeks, which fits with many people's available vacation time and seems a more manageable task for a first Camino than a month to six weeks for a "complete" Frances. Or for a later Camino because they want to try something different, as described above.

 

[MickMac]

If you like the Camino Frances, great. No one is knocking that. But it does seem strange to come into a Camino Portugues forum and start a thread with "I have no interest in walking the Camino Portugues."

That said, there are a number of things that might lead one to walk the Camino Portugues. An interest in seeing the scenery and historic sights, taste the different cuisine, enjoy the different (Portuguese) culture, see a different part of Galicia (when you walk into Galicia on the Frances, you walk through cattle country; on the Portugues, through wine country, which smells much better ).

I'm not saying that these are necessarily better than the Frances - just different. Sometimes you want a change. Let me give a couple of examples. I love paella. I make it at home often. It is great food. It is not the only food I want to eat for the rest of my life. When I occasionally enjoy something else it doesn't need to be a competition between that and paella. I like the Beatles. I have all of their albums and listen to them regularly. But I do occasionally want to listen to other music, too. If I enjoy listening to other music from the 60s ( or 90s, or contemporary) it's because I like that, too.

Yes, a fair amount of the Portugues is fairly flat. So is a fair amount of the Frances. For some people, the Meseta on the Frances is their favourite part. These people are unlikely to be put off by the lack of mountain ranges on the Portugues (although there certainly are hills on the Portugues). Frankly, "a lot of walking along roads and through rural landscapes" is a pretty good description of the Frances, too. It isn't the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail. I'm not sure why this would bother you on the Portugues and not the Frances.

A lot of people are drawn to the Portugues for a first Camino because most walk from Porto and that can be done in 2 weeks, which fits with many people's available vacation time and seems a more manageable task for a first Camino than a month to six weeks for a "complete" Frances. Or for a later Camino because they want to try something different, as described above.

Sorry Dave I did not notice it was a CP forum my humble apologies.

 

[Walkalong]

I think you have summed it up very well the CP that was in my head, the words you used were "nice places", pleasant, relaxing, The scenery and architecture is different - both are appealing the word missing is challenging, and spectecular for me.
"Horses for course's" is a saying appropiate to the summation I have now, not any more enthusiasm for CP.
I will stick to the voyage of discovery and people which every time for me will always be the "Challenge" of CF.

Challenging and spectacular? Consider the Long Range Traverse.

It's changed a lot in 50 years - boat ride to a starting point (cuts the distance by half), a discernable game trail (when not covered by snow), GPS, tent platforms, chemical toilets, spot devices (emergency locators).

Those luxuries make it tempting to repeat at age 70. In the meantime I'll stroll "nice places", pleasant, relaxing, scenery and architecture.

 

[Stephan the Painter]

Sorry Dave I did not notice it was a CP forum my humble apologies.

Actually I think you posted in just the right place. I was interested in just this question as I am contemplating doing the CP after Two CF’s. I was educated by the comparisons and I don’t want to hear just the positive. Where would be more appropriate?

One thing I didn’t know is how much asphalt and cobblestone there is. This is really relevant to me because I have foot problems that are exacerbated by hard surfaces.

 

[MickMac]

Actually I think you posted in just the right place. I was interested in just this question as I am contemplating doing the CP after Two CF’s. I was educated by the comparisons and I don’t want to hear just the positive. Where would be more appropriate?

One thing I didn’t know is how much asphalt and cobblestone there is. This is really relevant to

Great post, I was contemplating walking CP but got the pre conceived response I expected, for, its as I thought, nice seems to be the operative word on CP nice people, nice food, nice scenery, nice pleasant short walk I will stick to CF its history of pilgrimage and the Spanish and Basque peoples and its variants and expect the unexpected its never disappointing.
As I said Horses for course's.

Buen Camino

 

[SparkyBridie]

Been having a similar debate on which one to suggest to my son.

As other jhave mentioned, Convento Christo, Coimbriga, Coimbra ...... were nice places to spend an afternoon or a day. Porto is a great rest day, or two. The scenery and architecture is different - both are appealing.

We've had great encounters with local people on the Portuguese. Pilgrims walking may still be a novelty - at least south of Porto.

It depends on where one starts. Shorter walked like starting in Porto, Astorga or Leon have a similar social dynamic that is very different than starting 5 weeks or more from SdC.

If doing the shorter 10-12 day walk then in Portugal you can mix Coastal/Litoral with the Central for an even more pleasant walk.

Tui to SdC and Sarria to SdC are different but the walking on groomed paths is very similar. While the Portuguese is busy, it did not have the herds that the last 100 km of the Frances had.

In Portugal those little alarm dogs still bark! There are so many people walking the last 100 km of the Frances that the dogs just don't bother.

I know several people who have walked the Portuguese to see if they like to do a longer Camino. I did it the first time to warm up for the Frances from Roncesvalles, but have returned because it is a pleasant, relaxing walk with wonderful people and equally pleasant scenery.

I hadn't the courage to take on the Camino Frances solo in 2008 but the Camino called and I headed to Porto. A beautiful experience with very few pilgrims but quiet time in nature, handsome buildings, great food and kind people won my heart and I'm going to head back next year. I walked to Finisterre after reaching Santiago in 2008 and two hospitalieros at San Roch confirmed that I had made the right decision to walk the CP as a first Camino. Having walked the Camino Frances and from Le Puy to Conques and part of the Via Francigena in later years, none lived up to the CP. Why not give it a try?

 

[trecile]

I hadn't the courage to take on the Camino Frances solo in 2008 but the Camino called and I headed to Porto. A beautiful experience with very few pilgrims

You will probably be surprised at the growth of pilgrim numbers on the Portuguese since 2008!

 

[Damien Reynolds]

I love a good ole' which route is better thread... though sadly IMO usually the most correct answer is "it depends..." (maybe this is what Roosevelt meant?)

I have walked in Portugal twice... central route from Lisbon and coastal/littoral route from Porto. I have walked on the Frances a ton.

My first impression of the Portugues, or is it the Portuguese, or Português, was when the lady at the hotel in Lisbon looked at my credential and said, "What's this?".

Here is my list of Pros/Cons:

Spelling: obviously the Frances wins. So easy.
Food: Portugal wins (just don't order the little piglet if you don't want it staring at you while you eat it. Note: you can ask them to carve it for you.)
Coffee: Portugal wins
Getting a tan on the beach: Portugal wins (if coastal), i seriously love that first day out of Porto along the river and coast. Cool fishing towns.
Walking along a road and not freaking out because the cars have no regard for your presence: Frances wins. The Spanish drivers are more likely to attempt to avoid scaring you.
Meeting American expats on a city street: Portugal wins. Had dinner at two separate expat homes.
Camino "Vibe": Frances definitely wins.

My choice: Do the Norte.

 

[SparkyBridie]

You will probably be surprised at the growth of pilgrim numbers on the Portuguese since 2008!

Hope it's still relatively quiet!

 

[jungleboy]

Hope it's still relatively quiet!

Porto is the second most popular departure point of any camino after Sarria, and has been for a few years now. It’s true that pilgrims from Porto are divided into 2-3 routes, but still, the CP in general is busy and getting busier by the year. Good job getting in early in 2008!