Leaving Porto by train/metro? Which station to stop?

[Anamya]

Dear all

We may start our Portuguese Camino (Central) next year. However, due to some time constrains, we are thinking about spending a day in Porto, but skipping the walk out of it taking the train/comboio/metro.

Does anyone know which station should we aim for?
(I've already ordered a guide to get some information, but it has not arrived yet and I'm really anxious to keep planning... so I decided to ask here! )

 

[Ekelund]

Hi Anamya
It is a good plan to spend a day in Porto, it is a beautiful city.
I went by metro from Porto to Forum Maia and the yellow arrows is around the corner from the metrostation in Forum Maia. Brierlys CP guide shows the way to the Camino from the metrostation Forum Maia and then it is a short walk to the auberge in Vilarinho. Part of the walk to Vilarinho is on a road with lots of traffic and not much space for walkers, but after the auberge in Vilarinho it is a beautiful walk.
Buen Camino to you

 

[VascoH]

Dear all

We may start our Portuguese Camino (Central) next year. However, due to some time constrains, we are thinking about spending a day in Porto, but skipping the walk out of it taking the train/comboio/metro.

Does anyone know which station should we aim for?
(I've already ordered a guide to get some information, but it has not arrived yet and I'm really anxious to keep planning... so I decided to ask here! )

Hello Anamya,
I've walked the Camino Portuguese twice and each time caught the metro from Porto to Vilar do Pinheiro. This is just a little closer to Vilarinho than Forum Maia and makes your first day a little easier. Take advantage of the extra rest time because the second day out to Barcelos is a long one.
Enjoy and Bon Camino

 

[Scott Sweeney]

We took the metro to Mathosinhos and walked along the coast, made the day a little longer but it was a beautiful walk. (on our left side anyways)

 

[OzAnnie]

Hi Anamya
Re your credencial. You can get one from the cathedral in Porto. If you bring yours with you, get a stamp on it in Porto at the cathedral and even if you don't have much time , try to look in the main railway station to look at the beautiful tile work inside. Awesome.
Buen Camino

 

[Anamya]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, I'll study the maps and also make sure we have a great time in Porto!

This forum is amazing... I just came back from CF and you guys are helping me to nurture my dreams of Camino Portugues and Via Francigena. And they are growing well and healthy ^^

 

[dariosilva]

If you decide to take the coastal route at least up to Vila do Conde, take metro to Matosinhos as has been mentioned. Get off on the Mercado stop, which is the next to last stop. If you happen to get off at the Matosinhos exit, the last stop, you will have to back track to the bridge that goes over he river. That was our experience.

 

[annakappa]

We took the #500 bus from opposite the main railway station, to Matosinhos. By doing that, we could enjoy the view all along the Douro and also enjoy the coastal ride until Matosinhos, where the bus stop was just before the bridge.