Camino Portuguese

[Wexford]

I’m walking from Porto to Santiago in Sept.Any suggestions for a good/accessible starting point a few miles from Porto which will enable me to avoid the long road walk out of the city.

 

[TMcA]

Take the Metro/tram to Matosinhos. Get off at Mercado and just cross the bridge next to that tram station.

 

[Mike Savage]

I agree with TMcA. I have done it both ways. I didn't mind the walk out of the city but the year before I took the metro to Matosinhos mainly due to the very heavy rain at the time.

Bom Caminho!

 

[bobbogram]

I did that last year after completing Lisbon to Porto in 2017. I flew into the Porto Airport which is just north of Porto, so I just started there. Your choice will be walk along the ocean or inland.

 

[FLEUR]

Our flight from London arrived at Porto early afternoon. From the airport we took the metro to Porto, had our credencials stamped at the cathedral then walked the river walk onwards to Matosinhos where we'd booked a room at Hotel D'el Rei.
You can go straight from the airport to Matosinhos but it's a shame not to see something of Porto.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Yes, Porto is a jewel of a city. If at all possible, people should plan at least a day to enjoy some of its highlights.

 

[caminoagogo]

Have you considered doing the Senda Litoral out of Porto, @Wexford? It's along the river and the beach and is supposed to be a much nicer way to exit Porto. You can connect up with either the Coastal or Central route further along. You can find my plan (Senda Litoral > Central > Variante Espiritual) and my reasoning behind it on my blog at https://tinyurl.com/y2bp6y3h & https://tinyurl.com/y5vkedfv. Buen Camino!

 

[Elle Bieling]

I so agree with @caminoagogo! The Senda Littoral along the Douro River to Matosinhos is so peaceful and beautiful in the early morning! I think you are truly missing something if you take the metro! I am trying so very hard to dispel the myth that the metro is the best way to go! You can have a look at my day fifteen to see what I mean. I have had lots of feedback to the positive regarding my recommendation, so it is not just my preference! It is longer, however, but you can break up the stage of needed! There are plenty of choices. Buen Camino!

 

[Elle Bieling]

BTW, we are all assuming that you are walking the coastal! If you go to my blog, you can see photos of how it looks leaving Porto on the Central Route. There will be traffic through here, but I do not find it so bad here either. The Portuguese drive really, really fast and take their half out of the middle everywhere, but you will have sidewalks out Porto must of the way. Happy planning and decision making!

 

[Wexford]

Our flight from London arrived at Porto early afternoon. From the airport we took the metro to Porto, had our credencials stamped at the cathedral then walked the river walk onwards to Matosinhos where we'd booked a room at Hotel D'el Rei.
You can go straight from the airport to Matosinhos but it's a shame not to see something of Porto.

 

[Wexford]

Many thanks for your interest and contributions.Have walked the coastal route from Matosinhos before.As I’m planning on walking the Central Route I thought I’d start from somewhere like Cedofeita or Padrao da Legua?

 

[David Tallan]

I’m walking from Porto to Santiago in Sept.Any suggestions for a good/accessible starting point a few miles from Porto which will enable me to avoid the long road walk out of the city.

I avoided the long road walk out of the city by walking along the river and up the coast to Vila do Conde, then switching to the Central. I found the walk to be quite pleasant. But it depends on whether you want to avoid what is reported to be an unpleasant walk through the cities northern suburbs or to shorten your walk by a few miles at the same time. If your intent is the latter, what worked for me won't work for you.

 

[Walking Lover]

I’m walking from Porto to Santiago in Sept.Any suggestions for a good/accessible starting point a few miles from Porto which will enable me to avoid the long road walk out of the city.

We took a taxi to the bridge and started there.

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Thanks for all these great ideas

 

[Alex M]

I'm going to Oporto on Tuesday and I plan to walk to Tui (alone) then return by tren from Valenca to Oporto, and I've already arranged accommodation. Tomorrow the Brierly Camino Portugues map should arrive. Any words of wisdom appreciated!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I'm going to Oporto on Tuesday and I plan to walk to Tui (alone) then return by tren from Valenca to Oporto, and I've already arranged accommodation. Tomorrow the Brierly Camino Portugues map should arrive. Any words of wisdom appreciated!

I like Brierley's maps and have no problem with them. You should be fine!

 

[EdelK]

Hi everyone!
Im doing the camino from Porto at the start of July. Im conflicted as what route to do.

As of now I plan to do
Matosinhos-vila do conde-esposende then bus to barcelos, then onto Ponto de Lima and following the rest of the central route to Santiago

I know the coastal route joins the central at vila do conde I just feel Id like more than 1 day of walking along the coast.

Opinions, feedback and suggestions welcomed! Im doing it solo , so that is why Im thinking of following more of the central route so that there are more people on it!

 

[Elle Bieling]

@EdelK, you can do the entire Coastal Camino from Porto, all the way to Redondela. It does not actually end in Vila do Conde. The Coastal also has a closely following path called the Senda Litoral, which hugs the coastline as much as possible, where the Coastal Route often goes inland. We did a combination of the two, following the coastline only where it was practical.

The Coastal Route is for those who love the beach, the boardwalks and yet still have lots of other attractions, like old churches, castles, monasteries, etc. There is a debate about whether or not this is a historical Camino, but still it is ever gaining in popularity.

The Central route is for those who want the most historical Camino, with lots and lots of castles, more monasteries, walking on old Roman roads, and so forth. They both join in Redondela. They are both beautiful and fascinating Caminos, albeit in different ways! I recommend you pick one, then come back later and do the other when you can!!

To help you decide, I have lots and lots of photos on my website, of this one, called the Many Ways on the Camino Portugues. I hope this information is useful for you! Happy planning!

 

[EdelK]

Thank you so much, I will definately check out your blog.

My reason for not doing the coastal route the whole way was that I have read a few places that it is more secluded, and not as well marked as the central route and this was putting me off slightly because I am traveling solo (female!)

 

[Elle Bieling]

@EdelK, it is my opinion that the Coastal is not secluded at all, especially in July! Maybe some others can chime in here. You will be walking through many beach towns, and there are many, many locals on the boardwalks, in addition to the pilgrims. I can think of a few sections that go inland that may be more secluded, but the albergues will be full. Just hook up with other pilgrims if you are worried. Many people travel as "families" anyway. If you do not want solitude, you should be able to find plenty of pilgrims. I do, however understand your concern as a solo female! There will most certainly be more pilgrims on the Central.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Just did the same route in March. Started in Matosinhos.

Bom Caminho!

 

[EdelK]

Just did the same route in March. Started in Matosinhos.

Bom Caminho!

Did you enjoy it? would you change any part of your route?

 

[KariC]

Like everyone else said. Matosinhos.

 

[Salash]

@EdelK, I walked the Senda Litoral in April this year. There was no time when I felt uncomfortable walking alone, and I found both the experience and the scenery wonderful.
And the walk out of Porto along the riverfront at pre dawn was glorious.

 

[Wanderlusting RN]

I agree with TMcA. I have done it both ways. I didn't mind the walk out of the city but the year before I took the metro to Matosinhos mainly due to the very heavy rain at the time.

Bom Caminho!

Im doing that route in august and am voncerned with the distance my first day to Villa do condo anf finding Autor guest house in Vila do Condo.. Thoughts?

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Im doing that route in august and am voncerned with the distance my first day to Villa do condo anf finding Autor guest house in Vila do Condo.. Thoughts?

Well, I was concerned about that long day too in April. I cut it in half and stayed in Matosinhos at the Fishtail Sea House. A lovely, impeccable newer property.

 

[auburnfive]

You can take the metro to Matosinhos and walk to Vilo donConde from there, 21 k or so

 

[Wanderlusting RN]

Yes , that was my plan but really onky wanted to do about 15km. Is it really only 21? Im walking 13 days and don't want to get injury .

 

[Salash]

Yes , that was my plan but really onky wanted to do about 15km. Is it really only 21? Im walking 13 days and don't want to get injury .

A lot depends on how fit you are before you begin, and how often during the day you have breaks.
I did quite a bit of training with my loaded pack before I left, and then had a week of sightseeing when I walked pretty much everywhere before beginning my Camino from Porto.
I had no issues with longer days, (including a nearly 40km day, when I had to walk on to find a bed) and I'm no longer young in body.

 

[Wanderlusting RN]

Sooo... I think I am in pretty good shape .. walking 12 miles without diffuculty.. so will metro to Matoshinos.... then onward along the water to Vila do Conde and staying at Autor guesthouse my first night.

 

[Hiker-jill]

I so agree with @caminoagogo! The Senda Littoral along the Douro River to Matosinhos is so peaceful and beautiful in the early morning! I think you are truly missing something if you take the metro! I am trying so very hard to dispel the myth that the metro is the best way to go! You can have a look at my day fifteen to see what I mean. I have had lots of feedback to the positive regarding my recommendation, so it is not just my preference! It is longer, however, but you can break up the stage of needed! There are plenty of choices. Buen Camino!

Is there a guide book or map that you would recommend...or an app? Thanks Elle.

 

[Hiker-jill]

Have you considered doing the Senda Litoral out of Porto, @Wexford? It's along the river and the beach and is supposed to be a much nicer way to exit Porto. You can connect up with either the Coastal or Central route further along. You can find my plan (Senda Litoral > Central > Variante Espiritual) and my reasoning behind it on my blog at https://tinyurl.com/y2bp6y3h & https://tinyurl.com/y5vkedfv. Buen Camino!

What guide books and "Ancient Texts" did you pore over to make your plan....cuz I am considering the same, i.e., switching back and forth to see all three routes? Thanks!

 

[Elle Bieling]

Is there a guide book or map that you would recommend...or an app? Thanks Elle.

Yes, mine! Please see Camino Portugues via the Coastal/Senda Litoral. My guide takes you mostly on the Coastal route and always on the Senda Littoral when practical!

 

[caminoagogo]

What guide books and "Ancient Texts" did you pore over to make your plan....cuz I am considering the same, i.e., switching back and forth to see all three routes? Thanks!

Hi @Hiker-jill, the main point of reference for me was the trusty Brierley Bible. That was my first stop. I also used the Wise Pilgrim app. I keep this on my phone and carry the Brierley guide with me on the actual Camino. It's good to have two points of reference and the Wise Pilgrim app also has reviews of the albergues by fellow pilgrims to refer to if you're unsure of where to stop for the night. I also referred to this forum A LOT and various blogs/webpages, @Elle Bieling's excellent site being one of them. Another blog I found handy in the early planning stages was https://stingynomads.com/camino-portugues-stages/. I hope this info helps

 

[Hiker-jill]

Yes, this is helpful....I used the Wise Pilgrim on the Norte...didn't realize it had Portugese also...great. Brierly...many love it....for me, it is a little overwhelming.

 

[Miki Goldie]

Thanks Elle for your wonderful knowledge of the Portugese Caminho. I enjoyed walking out of Oporto using the Brierley guide as I was so excited to be on the way again for my 4th Camino. I asked locals if I got lost, a single 66yo female, doing the central.
I'd like to make 3 points.
As it's around a 2 week walk, I would not take the rest day in Tui again, as I lost my "Camino family" and didn't really need the rest. I felt like I was starting over & I didn't see a lot of the great friends I had bonded with again.
I would definately do the Spiritual variant and stay at the monastery. People just loved it.
I remained injury free, but 3 females had fallen on their faces on a rainy day, on slippery cobblestones, usually going down hill. Black eye city.....so walk carefully everyone. Avoid the grates as they can be slippery in the wet.
I guess I'll just have to walk the coastal way, doing the spiritual variant another time. It would be a great first Camino, well marked, great accommodation and 2 cultures to experience.
Love

 

[JillGat]

I liked this guidebook: https://www.santiagodecompostela.me...-items/products/cicerone-the-camino-portugues by Kat Davis

Somebody earlier said a guidebook isn't needed and that's true, of course. But if I didn't have one with me, I would not have known about the Pedra Furada stone with the myth, the Roman milestones and several other sites I'm glad I had a head's up about from my guide.

 

[dreaminggypsy]

Have you considered doing the Senda Litoral out of Porto, @Wexford? It's along the river and the beach and is supposed to be a much nicer way to exit Porto. You can connect up with either the Coastal or Central route further along. You can find my plan (Senda Litoral > Central > Variante Espiritual) and my reasoning behind it on my blog at https://tinyurl.com/y2bp6y3h & https://tinyurl.com/y5vkedfv. Buen Camino!

We are walking the same route as you in April/May 2020! However, adding some "wander and wonder" days and staying in favorite places that we find for more than one night--giving ourselves that space. Cheers!