Litoral - Central - Spiritual routes in limited time

[YanaCamino]

Hi,

First of all thank you to all for posting such useful information and for providing great answers. This forum is full of knowledge!

I am planning Camino Portuguese from Porto next April and really want to attempt combining all three routes (because Spiritual variant looks incredibly beautiful). I would like some advice on which parts of the route we could cut/skip/get bus/taxi/train in order to make it on time. Are there any parts that are worth skipping and getting a ride? I.e. too industrial, or too long between albergues etc.

My current approximate plan is:
Leave Porto and follow Litoral route along the river Through Matosinhos and to Vila do Conde (with potential stop at Labruge)
Cut to Central route from Vila do Conde to Rates or Arcos (not sure which one yet, the path is somewhat confusing),
Follow Central route to Pontevedra,
Take Spiritual route, including the boat (can we get a certificate with a stamp from the boat?).
Arrive to Santiago de Compostela

I haven't planned stops for the night yet.

My only issues is time. We have 13 days in total (possibly 14, meaning arriving to Santiago day later and spending less time there). I will be with a 12 year old child, and we are not very experienced hikers (simply didn't do enough of it in the last few years). So I would like to allow a day or 2 extra in case we will need to take a day break or cut the day walk short. Or to plan not too crazy long days. Yes I understand it is not a race, but we cannot be back to "life" later than the school starts. And I don't know when and if we will have this opportunity again, so I am taking the most of it.

Things I don't want to miss:
- The last 100km (from Tui?) for the certificate for both of us.
- The walk along the river and coast in the beginning, from Porto (apparently it is beautiful).
- Other beautiful and most interesting places of the journey
- I'd like to see some Easter celebrations along the way, and connect with the community.
- The Spanish part probably needs to be planned exactly and realistically, as I will need to book an accommodation (Holy week). So I must allow enough time for it.

I really hope someone can help me with this dilemma. I also hope we are stronger than we think and manage to complete the whole route without any breaks and perfectly on time, but I fear it is not very realistic.

Thank you and Buen Camino!

 

[Enzed]

Just because I can't sleep, I'd give you a possible 14 day idea.

Porto
- Vila cha 26Km
- Rates 7Km + distance between Conde and Rates?
- Barcelos 16.2
- Casa fernada 21Km
- Ponte lima 11.6Km
- Rubiaes 17.8Km
- Tui 20.1Km
- Mos 22.1Km
- Arcade 17.1Km
- Combarro 24.9(one of my favourite stops)
- Armenteira (have a sleep in, enjoy the old town of Combarro, stroll up the hill in the afternoon) 9.1Km
- Arousa 28.3Km
- boat, a look around Pardron and stop before Santiago
-Santiago
That's 14 days, with a mix of shorter and longer stages, to make it easier on your body.

How will that work for a 12 year old, not sure.

That said i met a 13 year-old traveling with a parent, walking all the way from lisbon, so if she could it?

Keep it mind, it's not a wilderness hike, it's just a long stroll in a civilized country. It's nor a race, plenty of hours in the day, so no rushing. And you do get fitter, both physically and mentally, as the days go on.

So time to do some research...treat yourself to a Brierley's guide book, go to the gronze website, play with distances on camino ninja, watch videos on youTube..time to get inspired.

 

[YanaCamino]

Just because I can't sleep, I'd give you a possible 13 day idea.

Porto - Vila cha - Rates - Barcelos - Casa fernadas- Ponte lima- Rubiaes - Tui - O porrino - Arcade - Combarro (one of my favourite stops) - Armenteira (have a sleep in, enjoy the town, stroll up the hill in the afternoon) - Arousa - (early boat) to Santiago.....that's 13 days, with a mix of shorter and longer stages. The short stages are kinda like rest days, good to keep injuries away.
An extra day? maybe 2 days from Arousa to Santiago

How will that work for a 12 year old, not sure.

That said i met a 13 year-old traveling with a parent, walking all the way from lisbon, so if she could it?

I'll just go to camino ninja now and do some distances..

Where I am it's 3pm, no sleep for a while yet

Thanks a lot, I'll check out this route, it sounds very doable from the first glance!

I'm struggling to plan the stops and distances right now, jumping between Gronze, Google maps and word document doesn't seem to work very well. I'll look at Camino ninja, thanks

 

[trecile]

I'm struggling to plan the stops and distances right now, jumping between Gronze, Google maps and word document

I wouldn't use Google Maps, as the Camino distances are often different from the street distances.

Mapy.cz is better for trail distances.
Wise Pilgrim app is good for distances too.

 

[trecile]

I have a friend who did what you are planning in 15 days, and a few were rather short days, so maybe could be combined. I'll see if I can find his schedule.

 

[Pafayac]

I am planning it for next spring or next summer, here is my first idea:
1) Porto to Labruge (24,5 km)
2) Labruge to Apulia (28)
3) Apulia to Anah (26,1)
4) Anha to Villa Praia de Ancora (23,5)
5) Villa Praia de Ancora to Viladesuso (29,2)
6) Viladesuso to Oia/Vigo (29,2)
7) Oia/Vigo to Redondela (26,4)
8) Redondela to Pontevedra (19,6)
9) Pontevedra to Armenteira (Espiritual: 23,2)
10) Armenteira to Vilanova de Arousa (Espiritual: 22,7)
11) Vilanova de Arousa to Padron (Espiritual con barco: 27,7)
12) Padron to Santiago (24,4)

 

[auburnfive]

A suggestion - stop in Armentiera for lunch and carry on another 7 km to Ribodumia ( stay at Os Castanos) that will shorten your next day to Arousa and there is very little accommodation in Armentiera. If there was any stage to cut short transit bus from Ponte de Lima to Valenca/ Tui.

 

[Enzed]

Where I am it's 3pm, no sleep for a while yet

Thanks a lot, I'll check out this route, it sounds very doable from the first glance!

I'm struggling to plan the stops and distances right now, jumping between Gronze, Google maps and word document doesn't seem to work very well. I'll look at Camino ninja, thanks

I edited my answer whilst you were replying. Oh and the stages are only suggestions, make your camino your own!

 

[Enzed]

A suggestion - stop in Armentiera for lunch and carry on another 7 km to Ribodumia ( stay at Os Castanos) that will shorten your next day to Arousa and there is very little accommodation in Armentiera. If there was any stage to cut short transit bus from Ponte de Lima to Valenca/ Tui.

Fair point about Ribodumia, accomidation is limited in armenteria, definitely book in advance there.
I personally chose to spend the extra time in Combarro, but an afternoon stroll along the stream route does sound quite pleasant.

 

[YanaCamino]

Just because I can't sleep, I'd give you a possible 14 day idea.

Porto
- Vila cha 26Km
- Rates 7Km + distance between Conde and Rates?
- Barcelos 16.2
- Casa fernada 21Km
- Ponte lima 11.6Km
- Rubiaes 17.8Km
- Tui 20.1Km
- Mos 22.1Km
- Arcade 17.1Km
- Combarro 24.9(one of my favourite stops)
- Armenteira (have a sleep in, enjoy the old town of Combarro, stroll up the hill in the afternoon) 9.1Km
- Arousa 28.3Km
- boat, a look around Pardron and stop before Santiago
-Santiago
That's 14 days, with a mix of shorter and longer stages, to make it easier on your body.

How will that work for a 12 year old, not sure.

That said i met a 13 year-old traveling with a parent, walking all the way from lisbon, so if she could it?

Keep it mind, it's not a wilderness hike, it's just a long stroll in a civilized country. It's nor a race, plenty of hours in the day, so no rushing. And you do get fitter, both physically and mentally, as the days go on.

So time to do some research...treat yourself to a Brierley's guide book, go to the gronze website, play with distances on camino ninja, watch videos on youTube..time to get inspired.

If I could like your post once more I would Thank you for the work you've done, it makes the planning so much easier! Even if I have to adjust the route a little for albergues etc, I now can actually do it properly!

I've watched enormous amount of videos, any more and I will spoil everything
This is all getting very real now, Camino was on my bucket list for years, and now seeing the names of the places, looking at distances, photos, and booked flights in my email I am getting so very excited for this adventure

 

[YanaCamino]

I wouldn't use Google Maps, as the Camino distances are often different from the street distances.

Mapy.cz is better for trail distances.
Wise Pilgrim app is good for distances too.

I've seen Wise Pilgrim recommended over and over again, but its paid Portuguese version has low reviews. Considering a small price I will still give it a go tho

 

[YanaCamino]

I am planning it for next spring or next summer, here is my first idea:
1) Porto to Labruge (24,5 km)
2) Labruge to Apulia (28)
3) Apulia to Anah (26,1)
4) Anha to Villa Praia de Ancora (23,5)
5) Villa Praia de Ancora to Viladesuso (29,2)
6) Viladesuso to Oia/Vigo (29,2)
7) Oia/Vigo to Redondela (26,4)
8) Redondela to Pontevedra (19,6)
9) Pontevedra to Armenteira (Espiritual: 23,2)
10) Armenteira to Vilanova de Arousa (Espiritual: 22,7)
11) Vilanova de Arousa to Padron (Espiritual con barco: 27,7)
12) Padron to Santiago (24,4)

Is this following coastal route?

 

[YanaCamino]

A suggestion - stop in Armentiera for lunch and carry on another 7 km to Ribodumia ( stay at Os Castanos) that will shorten your next day to Arousa and there is very little accommodation in Armentiera. If there was any stage to cut short transit bus from Ponte de Lima to Valenca/ Tui.

Thank you! So many places, so many names

 

[Pafayac]

Is this following coastal route?

Yes. At least it is the intention !

 

[trecile]

I've seen Wise Pilgrim recommended over and over again, but its paid Portuguese version has low reviews. Considering a small price I will still give it a go tho

IMO the Wise Pilgrim app for the Portuguese Caminos is the best because the map clearly shows all the different routes on one map.

 

[Enzed]

If I could like your post once more I would Thank you for the work you've done, it makes the planning so much easier! Even if I have to adjust the route a little for albergues etc, I now can actually do it properly!

I've watched enormous amount of videos, any more and I will spoil everything
This is all getting very real now, Camino was on my bucket list for years, and now seeing the names of the places, looking at distances, photos, and booked flights in my email I am getting so very excited for this adventure

Ah, that anticipation of the first camino, fond memories.
Whatever accommodations you choose, I'm sure it'll be fine.

Anyhow a major highlight is the path itself, every sight and sound, every new discovery as you follow the next arrow.
That, and the chance to be a nomad, living out of a back pack, long walks in the fresh air, a break from the usual urban rat race, the feeling of freedom.
That's the important stuff!

Have a special time

 

[YanaCamino]

If there was any stage to cut short transit bus from Ponte de Lima to Valenca/ Tui.

Any recommendations on bus? I.e. booking in advance/just turning up at the bus stop?
Also why this part is the best to ride? Is it not so picturesque?
I definitely want to have an option like this as a plan B, if we are running out of time or behind the plan. Also given it's just before the last 100km we can see at that point how we are doing with the time/plan, so thank you, it's a great suggestion!

 

[Enzed]

Any recommendations on bus? I.e. booking in advance/just turning up at the bus stop?
Also why this part is the best to ride? Is it not so picturesque?
I definitely want to have an option like this as a plan B, if we are running out of time or behind the plan. Also given it's just before the last 100km we can see at that point how we are doing with the time/plan, so thank you, it's a great suggestion!

IMO, the path between Ponte lima and Rubiaes was one of my favourite stages, very picturesque. But it is a bit steep at times, that might put some people off. And in heavy rain, it might be a bit challenging, or so I've heard.
I lucked out and had good weather.

But if you feel you need to shortcut with public transport, who am I judge, you do you.

 

[YanaCamino]

But if you feel you need to shortcut with public transport, who am I judge, you do you.

Only as a plan B if we are out of time, in case of an emergency stop etc

 

[Enzed]

Only as a plan B if we are out of time, in case of an emergency stop etc

What ever works for you .

You won't be the first person.
Just last year, i got the train to Tomar from Lisbon, to save time on the central camino.

 

[auburnfive]

Only as a plan B if we are out of time, in case of an emergency stop etc

Mostly based on not missing Ponte de Lima or Valenca and the steep climb with a child. Also there is a bus 4 times day Rede Express, you can book online a day or two ahead. Just over an hour ride

 

[Enzed]

One more good source of information regarding portugese caminos, including connecting to Rates, go to the stingy nomads website.

 

[SeñorJacques]

Lots of great advice here, as always - I'll add my own itinerary from my CP this past May:

Day 0	Porto
1	Matosinhos	12 km
2	Vila do Conde	22
3	Rates	12.5
4	Barcelos	16
5	Vitorino dos Piaes	20
6	Ponte de Lima	13.5
7	Rubiaes	17.4
8	Valenca/Tui	19.1
9	Porriño	13
10	Redondela	16
11	Pontevedra	19
12	Armenteira	21
13	Vilanova de Arousa (via Ruta de la Piedra y del Agua.)	23.6
14	Padron	Boat
15	SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA	25.2

This could easily be adjusted to 13 days by combining days 1 and 2 (i.e., Porto to Vila do Conde, 34 km) and days 9 and 10 (i.e., Valenca/Tui to Redondela, 29 km - you won't miss anything by not staying overnight in Porriño, which was easily the least attractive town en route.)

The walk from Vila do Conde to Rates is a little confusing but we managed just fine with the river route - I know a lot of folks recommend the aqueduct route as well. If you're feeling hale and hearty you can certainly push on to Barcelos for a total day of <29 km. I wanted to get to Barcelos early the next day to visit the weekly market and explore the town a little, hence the two shorter days of walking.

Some accomdation highlights you may want to look into and/or prebook: Pilgrim's Nest in Rubiaes, Hostal Bulwark in Valenca, and Hostal Charino in Pontevedra. (I wasn't able to book Casa Fernanda in Vitorino dos Piaes, but that's obviously the popular choice - I stayed at Casa Sagres and had a perfectly lovely evening.)

The Spiritual Variant is amazing - I still have dreams about the Ruta de la Piedra y del Agua between Armenteira and Vilanova. Definitely a peak walking experience.

You will have a wonderful time. Buen Camino to you!

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@YanaCamino, I have yet to walk this route - you have some great planning suggestions above.

A recommendation: start slow.

Starting with twenty five plus kilometre days is fine when you're experienced and know your limits, however you say that you have little experience.
Better to skip forward one day than be injured and forced to miss several. After a couple of days on trail you will be much better able to judge how comfortable you are walking longer stages - and be able to cope with them better too.

An alternative strategy is to book the relevant accommodation and simply take a taxi or bus for the last five or ten kilometers once you feel you've had enough for the day. (Or you hit a particularly boring section) Just don't overdo those first couple of days!

You have plenty of time between now and then for training. Ensure you train on a few occasions nearer the time with your full kit, and try and do at least one three day hike. Which can of course just be three 15km (or so) day hikes from home, back to back. A short trip would make it more enjoyable for your 12 year old though...

Please excuse me if I'm trying to teach you to suck eggs

Like @trecile I use mapy.cz for planning, Wise Pilgrim or Gronze are excellent resources for accommodation. If you use mapy on your laptop you can drag the route around, see intermediate distances etc. Once you have set your route you can save it and then access it from your app. On the trail you can even use the app in airplane mode to save the battery. Although you probably won't need it because the trails are very well marked - but it's a useful backup!

Bom caminho

 

[Volha]

Have you already decided on your dates for the walk? I'm planning to do the Camino from April 12 to 25.

 

[YanaCamino]

Lots of great advice here, as always - I'll add my own itinerary from my CP this past May:

Day 0	Porto
1	Matosinhos	12 km
2	Vila do Conde	22
3	Rates	12.5
4	Barcelos	16
5	Vitorino dos Piaes	20
6	Ponte de Lima	13.5
7	Rubiaes	17.4
8	Valenca/Tui	19.1
9	Porriño	13
10	Redondela	16
11	Pontevedra	19
12	Armenteira	21
13	Vilanova de Arousa (via Ruta de la Piedra y del Agua.)	23.6
14	Padron	Boat
15	SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA	25.2

This could easily be adjusted to 13 days by combining days 1 and 2 (i.e., Porto to Vila do Conde, 34 km) and days 9 and 10 (i.e., Valenca/Tui to Redondela, 29 km - you won't miss anything by not staying overnight in Porriño, which was easily the least attractive town en route.)

The walk from Vila do Conde to Rates is a little confusing but we managed just fine with the river route - I know a lot of folks recommend the aqueduct route as well. If you're feeling hale and hearty you can certainly push on to Barcelos for a total day of <29 km. I wanted to get to Barcelos early the next day to visit the weekly market and explore the town a little, hence the two shorter days of walking.

Some accomdation highlights you may want to look into and/or prebook: Pilgrim's Nest in Rubiaes, Hostal Bulwark in Valenca, and Hostal Charino in Pontevedra. (I wasn't able to book Casa Fernanda in Vitorino dos Piaes, but that's obviously the popular choice - I stayed at Casa Sagres and had a perfectly lovely evening.)

The Spiritual Variant is amazing - I still have dreams about the Ruta de la Piedra y del Agua between Armenteira and Vilanova. Definitely a peak walking experience.

You will have a wonderful time. Buen Camino to you!

Thank you, that's a great plan as well!

 

[YanaCamino]

@YanaCamino, I have yet to walk this route - you have some great planning suggestions above.

A recommendation: start slow.

Starting with twenty five plus kilometre days is fine when you're experienced and know your limits, however you say that you have little experience.
Better to skip forward one day than be injured and forced to miss several. After a couple of days on trail you will be much better able to judge how comfortable you are walking longer stages - and be able to cope with them better too.

An alternative strategy is to book the relevant accommodation and simply take a taxi or bus for the last five or ten kilometers once you feel you've had enough for the day. (Or you hit a particularly boring section) Just don't overdo those first couple of days!

You have plenty of time between now and then for training. Ensure you train on a few occasions nearer the time with your full kit, and try and do at least one three day hike. Which can of course just be three 15km (or so) day hikes from home, back to back. A short trip would make it more enjoyable for your 12 year old though...

Please excuse me if I'm trying to teach you to suck eggs

Like @trecile I use mapy.cz for planning, Wise Pilgrim or Gronze are excellent resources for accommodation. If you use mapy on your laptop you can drag the route around, see intermediate distances etc. Once you have set your route you can save it and then access it from your app. On the trail you can even use the app in airplane mode to save the battery. Although you probably won't need it because the trails are very well marked - but it's a useful backup!

Bom caminho

Thank you, and I appreciate any advice, I asked for it haha
I am planning to start walking some part of the journey to work instead of bus all the way, and generally do more walking before the Camino

 

[YanaCamino]

Have you already decided on your dates for the walk? I'm planning to do the Camino from April 12 to 25.

I have yes, it's going to be different dates.

 

[Steven Dwyer]

If you are walking during Easter Week the Spiritual Variant is going to be a problem. This year the albergue is operating at max capacity of 17 beds, the police stop by nightly to do a head count according to the operator. The Monastery will not be offering pilgrim beds during Easter week, instead focusing on their retreats and community. The other options may prefer to take longer than one night bookings since many are off from work, and the route of stone and water draws in lots on non-pilgrims.