Albergues from Porto to S De C and distances between

[Daveyboy]

Hi,

My wife and her friend are wallking from Porto to S De C from mid-September, 2008. I would like to give them the information on albergues/refugios along that section and the distances between them. They both have some foot issues which may preclude hiking more than 15 to 20 kms. Luckily they have lots of time. If there are non-albergues (pensions, hostels, etc.) along the way that information would be invaluable. They're leaving in 2 days. Their choice of route had to change because of the bedbug problem on the Camino Francés - hence the short notice. When we walked the Via de la Plata last spring I had it all laid out and it was very helpful. That's no help now though.

Thanks everyone,

Daveyboy
British Columbia
CANADA

 

[viajero]

This downloadable guide http://www.amigosdelcamino.com/ is in Spanish and Portuguese only but should be of some use. I am toying with the idea of the Camino Portugues in Spring 2009 and have looked at it from time to time. I have not walked the camino Portugues so I'm sorry that I have no specific information.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hi

I’ve just returned from walking the Camino Portugués from Porto. I did it in 10 stages. Albergues are not available universally in Portugal and the distances of some recommended stages are greater than the 15 – 20 kms you mention.

Time before departure is really short so doing a huge amount of research won’t be possible in advance. I hope the following helps:

1 I was amazed at how well many Portuguese people speak English – they preferred speaking to me in English than in Spanish. Communication was never a difficulty.

2 There are a number of tourist offices in Oporto – one conveniently located right next to the Cathedral – they will provide maps and a list of pilgrim accommodation at each of the stages. It appeared to be well researched.

3 Taxis and to some extent buses are available all the way – even in the smallest villages and the proximity of main roads to the route makes it very feasible simply to get a bus or taxi back and forth to accommodation, if necessary

4 In Portugal the local fire station will always try to help including providing accommodation if that is available – I met a young woman who was walking the length of Portugal staying in fire stations.

5 A Credential and sello is only available from the Cathedral in Oporto. They had run out when I started but they were available at the first albergue.

Buen Camino

John