Joining Portugese Central on day 2 from the coast

[asienka]

I am walking Portugese Central in September and will cover day 1 along the coast. I have a question of what is the best route to join Portugese Central in Arcos from Vila do Conde or Vilarinho from Mindelo. I am not clear as to the distances and how well these are marked. I will be walking all the way to Barcelos so it will be a long day.

On another note - are the municipal hostels packed in September as in some stages on Camino Frances last year? Or should I book private hostels ahead - not convenient as it removes flexibility.

Any advice on these two topics will be much appreciated

 

[Grousedoctor]

I am walking Portugese Central in September and will cover day 1 along the coast. I have a question of what is the best route to join Portugese Central in Arcos from Vila do Conde or Vilarinho from Mindelo. I am not clear as to the distances and how well these are marked. I will be walking all the way to Barcelos so it will be a long day.

On another note - are the municipal hostels packed in September as in some stages on Camino Frances last year? Or should I book private hostels ahead - not convenient as it removes flexibility.

Any advice on these two topics will be much appreciated

We found the CP to be well signed. After walking up the coast to Vila do Conde, we cut in to the central route from there. No particular difficulties heading out of Vila do Conde. Nonetheless, if you download the Mapy.cz. app, the Camino is well marked on it and it’s easy to follow and know where you are all the time.

You are correct that it’s a long day into Barcelos. If I were to do this route again, I wold stop short of Barcelos in Pedro Furada. Antonio has a nice restaurant with beds. From there, I’d make my next stop Casa da Fernanda half way between Barcelos and Ponte de Lima. You would want to reserve there.

On Gronze.com, you’ll find good information on distances and accommodations.

 

[lovelyshell]

The CP is marked but I found using Wise Pilgrim to be immensely helpful. I second the other person who suggested Casa Fernanda but definitely reserve. Pilgrims Nest/Ninho in Rubiaes also does a nice pilgrims dinner which is a very nice treat after hiking up a huge hill that day.

 

[David Tallan]

The CP is marked but I found using Wise Pilgrim to be immensely helpful. I second the other person who suggested Casa Fernanda but definitely reserve. Pilgrims Nest/Ninho in Rubiaes also does a nice pilgrims dinner which is a very nice treat after hiking up a huge hill that day.

Pilgrims Nest/Ninho didn't do a pilgrim dinner when I stayed there in October 2018. Maybe it us something they've started doing since then.

 

[lovelyshell]

Pilgrims Nest/Ninho didn't do a pilgrim dinner when I stayed there in October 2018. Maybe it us something they've started doing since then.

I was there in April 2023. Maybe it’s a newer thing.