How is Camino Portugues compared to Camino del Norte?

[Nikolas]

I walked Caminp del norte june 2017 and really did enjoy the journey. Not to crowded, alot of people my age (25) and the coast nearby.

Is the Camino Portugues similar? Would you recommend it for someone my age?

I would love to hear about similarities and differences!

 

[surya8]

I didn't walk the North way myself but walked with someone who did. He said in comparison the Portuguese way seems like a very easy walk, as the terrain is mostly flat. So you may not need trekking boots there, runners will do. Both the coastal and the central ways from Porto are popular but generally not very busy, no rush for the beds, the infrastructure is great, and it's definitely more budget. Plenty of people of your age there. If you decide to walk from Lisbon be prepared to walk long stages. Bom Caminho!

 

[Former member 22438]

Two totally different routes. First of all you will miss the Portuguese hospitality on the norte and miss the kindness of the Portuguese people.
The Portuguese is most on hard surface. You will find towns, villages and hamlets short from each other . The Norte is more remote.

 

[Anniesantiago]

They are totally different.

I enjoyed the Norte more, personally, as I walked the central Portuguese route and worried more about getting hit by a car on those winding shoulderless narrow roads than enjoying the scenery. But I understand the coastal Portuguese route is better.

Where the Portuguese winds back and forth, the Norte road goes UP and DOWN! lol! Plenty of hills.

 

[LTfit]

They are totally different.

I enjoyed the Norte more, personally, as I walked the central Portuguese route and worried more about getting hit by a car on those winding shoulderless narrow roads than enjoying the scenery. But I understand the coastal Portuguese route is better.

Where the Portuguese winds back and forth, the Norte road goes UP and DOWN! lol! Plenty of hills.

I've done the Norte and both the Portuguese routes (Caminho Portugês da Costa and the Central) and I agree with Annie's observations. After the first few days on the Central route out of Porto I muttered to myself: "why would anyone choose to walk here?" Lots of hard surfaces and walking along roads with cars speeding by. And this was in March so very few pilgrims were walking. I hate to think what it's like in the summer! The only saving grace was staying with Fernanda and her family at Casa Fernanda. Although to be fair, the Central does go through some pleasant towns. personally I would not repeat the route.

The coastal route was an improvement (still LOTS of hard surfaces) but all in all I preferred the Norte for the rugged coastal scenery and varied terrain. Most of this Portuguese coast is built up, walking along boardwalks. A nice walk but not much of a challenge.

To be fair I guess that you should take my comments with a grain of salt as I live within 15 minutes of the Dutch coast with lovely beaches and dunes and so was less enamored with that part of the Portuguese coast. But if you want to see a truly amazing part of Portuguese coastline I suggest walking the Rota Vicentina (but that's not what you asked).