Portuguese camino- New question...

[Camino Chrissy]

I am finalizing plans for walking the Portuguese camino from Porto, and am choosing to break up the long stage from Barcelos to Ponte de Lima by taking either a bus, train or taxi a 'portion' of the way. Unfortunately this stage falls on a Sunday in my plans, so my only option may be to use taxi service. Is this correct? For the first time (after 4 previous caminos) I have pre-booked the majority of lodgings along the way. Brierley shows the full stage as almost 35k. I hope to reduce it by 10k or thereabouts. Any advise on the best little section to skip that would coincide with available transportation to shorten this stage?

P.S. I'm not really interested in new ideas on how to 'mix and match' to lengthen or shorten other stages to accomodate this long stage.)

 

[Via2010]

Why do you not stop at the nice albergue "Casa de Recoleta" in Alto de Portela/Tamel (10 k after Barcelos) or at Casa Fernanda (20 k after Barcelos). There are also some other Options for accomodation on this stage.

Accomodation Barcelos-Ponte de Lima (Gronze)

Last but not least - if you have not enough time for an additional stop - there is also a Train Station which you pass about 2 k after Tamel. I am sure you can catch a Train to Ponte de Lima from there.

 

[Michael-FL]

Chris, check out the Renfas website for bus service from Porto to points north. Many pilgrims walking a shorter Portugues catch a bus from Porto airport to Tui on the Rio Minho. There are several intermediate stops along the route at which you might alight and debark.

 

[andycohn]

Chris: Here’s the bus schedule for the line between Barcelos and Ponte de Lima. http://www.transdev.pt/sites/default/files/horarios/afi_barcelos_-_ponte_lima_a4h_1811.pdf

Transdev is the bus line. Looks like there is a stop at Portela, which is 10k short of Ponte de Lima, so you could just hop on bus there. If all else fails, can’t be a very expensive taxi ride to just go 10k.

 

[Michael-FL]

Chris: Here’s the bus schedule for the line between Barcelos and Ponte de Lima. http://www.transdev.pt/sites/default/files/horarios/afi_barcelos_-_ponte_lima_a4h_1811.pdf

Transdev is the bus line. Looks like there is a stop at Portela, which is 10k short of Ponte de Lima, so you could just hop on bus there. If all else fails, can’t be a very expensive taxi ride to just go 10k.

Wow, I realized I got the firm name completely wrong! Good research, Andy.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Why do you not stop at the nice albergue "Casa de Recoleta" in Alto de Portela/Tamel (10 k after Barcelos) or at Casa Fernanda (20 k after Barcelos). There are also some other Options for accomodation on this stage.

Accomodation Barcelos-Ponte de Lima (Gronze)

Last but not least - if you have not enough time for an additional stop - there is also a Train Station which you pass about 2 k after Tamel. I am sure you can catch a Train to Ponte de Lima from there.

Thank you for the suggestions. My main concern is if buses run on Sunday. I'd tried looking at a calendar a week ago and it didn't show any schedules offered for Saturdays and Sundays.

 

[David Tallan]

That depends on what you like in a Camino. If you like walks in nature and a bit of a climb (and the subsequent views), walk the first part and taxi the second. If you like walking through villages and want to avoid the biggest climb of the Camino (at least, after Porto, the only part I can speak to), then walk the second and taxi the first.

All of this assuming you need to skip a section and can't afford the time to split it into two days with a stop at Casa da Fernanda, as I did.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I like everything in a Camino! Well, maybe not the industrial sections as much. Lol. Thanks for your input. If I have to take a taxi for the 10k, then I will try to pick a stretch that avoids more of the road walking. If a bus or train would be an option on Sunday, then I would choose whatever section is easier to hop on and off.

 

[Myra Ramsay]

We arrived at Casa Fernanda, in the rain, and there were no rooms. The owner phoned ahead but all accommodation was full. She then rang a taxi for us and gave directions for our drop off in Pont de Lima. Perhaps you could seek help with organising a taxi at Casa Fernanda - a gracious hostelera who I am sure would help.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

That's an interesting idea, Myra. Thanks!

 

[Eckart.S]

There is also a train running from Barcelos to Tamel, eg on sunday, 25.11. at 7.13 a.m.

 

[t2andreo]

Given what you wrote originally, I would recommend you take a taxi from your lodgings to the village of Aborim. It is about 10 km from Barcelos. That reduces the day's walk to about 23 Km, +/-. At about 1 € per Km, it is not too bad.

On the other hand, IF you wanted to split this into two days, the BEST place to stay on the entire Camino Portuguese is at Casa Fernanda in Lugar do Corgo. This splits the distance to about 20 + 10 km.

Casa Fernanda is a private albergue in Fernanda's home. The 'bunk house' is in the backyard. It is very clean, neat, and friendly. Fernanda is a saint, and a Camino Angel. Her home cooking and baking (especially bread) is to die for!

But, you MUST book in advance, well in advance. She fills up fast and early. I THINK she has some private accommodation in the house proper if you ask nice in your e-mail to her. Fernanda speaks English quite well. If you DO go this route, please give her my kind regards. I stop by there each time I am walking past, if only for home made coffee and BREAD.

By way of your original idea, here is the bus schedule for that route. There is NO Saturday or Sunday service. 'Dias uteis' means working days.

http://www.transdev.pt/sites/default/files/horarios/afi_barcelos_-_ponte_lima_a4h_1811.pdf

Personally, knowing what I do about this route and Casa Fernanda, if you can get into Casa Fernanda, and especially if she will put you up in her guest room(s), this is a good experience. As she operates on a donativo basis, the cost of staying here would wash out with any taxi ride you might take to keep the segment to a single day. But you DO have options.

Hope this helps.

 

[NHGargoyle]

Break it up into 2 days by staying Casa Fernanda at Lugar do Corgo. You will not be disappointed by staying there. She does take reservations Tel: 914589521

 

[Camino Chrissy]

There is also a train running from Barcelos to Tamel, eg on sunday, 25.11. at 7.13 a.m.

Good to know. Thanks!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Given what you wrote originally, I would recommend you take a taxi from your lodgings to the village of Aborim. It is about 10 km from Barcelos. That reduces the day's walk to about 23 Km, +/-. At about 1 € per Km, it is not too bad.

On the other hand, IF you wanted to split this into two days, the BEST place to stay on the entire Camino Portuguese is at Casa Fernanda in Lugar do Corgo. This splits the distance to about 20 + 10 km.

Casa Fernanda is a private albergue in Fernanda's home. The 'bunk house' is in the backyard. It is very clean, neat, and friendly. Fernanda is a saint, and a Camino Angel. Her home cooking and baking (especially bread) is to die for!

But, you MUST book in advance, well in advance. She fills up fast and early. I THINK she has some private accommodation in the house proper if you ask nice in your e-mail to her. Fernanda speaks English quite well. If you DO go this route, please give her my kind regards. I stop by there each time I am walking past, if only for home made coffee and BREAD.

By way of your original idea, here is the bus schedule for that route. There is NO Saturday or Sunday service. 'Dias uteis' means working days.

http://www.transdev.pt/sites/default/files/horarios/afi_barcelos_-_ponte_lima_a4h_1811.pdf

Personally, knowing what I do about this route and Casa Fernanda, if you can get into Casa Fernanda, and especially if she will put you up in her guest room(s), this is a good experience. As she operates on a donativo basis, the cost of staying here would wash out with any taxi ride you might take to keep the segment to a single day. But you DO have options.

Hope this helps.

Yes, it helps...just like always, such good details from you! It looks like I may be able to take the train from Barcalos to Tamel station (10k). If I taxi instead, is there a "best stretch" in your opinion to eliminate more of the road walking, but not the trails?

 

[Leon Ivan]

Casa Fernanda !!! I would not plan any further , that is home from home !

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Casa Fernanda !!! I would not plan any further , that is home from home !

Yes, I hear such marvelous things about her! At the very least I will try to stop in to meet her and say hello!

 

[t2andreo]

Chris: The entire Porto to Santiago segment is wonderful. Once you are out of the city (Porto) proper, it is all very nice walking...

Also, I am going to send you my 2017 planning document that shows my entire itinerary and walking plan from Lisbon, day by day. Watch for the PM.

Hope this helps.

 

[Puiu]

I am finalizing plans for walking the Portuguese camino from Porto, and am choosing to break up the long stage from Barcelos to Ponte de Lima by taking either a bus, train or taxi a 'portion' of the way. Unfortunately this stage falls on a Sunday in my plans, so my only option may be to use taxi service. Is this correct? For the first time (after 4 previous caminos) I have pre-booked the majority of lodgings along the way. Brierley shows the full stage as almost 35k. I hope to reduce it by 10k or thereabouts. Any advise on the best little section to skip that would coincide with available transportation to shorten this stage?

P.S. I'm not really interested in new ideas on how to 'mix and match' to lengthen or shorten other stages to accomodate this long stage.)

You cam stop at Vitorino dos Piães, 12,5 km to Ponte de Lima, where it is an albergue - Acogida Casa da Fernanda, 10 places, 20 euros, or you can stop in Sobreiro, at Albergue O Caminheiro - 4 places(!!), 15 euros. The next stage, Ponte de Lima - Rubiães, has only 17,4 km! Buen Camino!

 

[Geoff Shepherd]

Chris: The entire Porto to Santiago segment is wonderful. Once you are out of the city (Porto) proper, it is all very nice walking...

Also, I am going to send you my 2017 planning document that shows my entire itinerary and walking plan from Lisbon, day by day. Watch for the PM.

Hope this helps.

@t2andreo - I am in planning for the CP from Lisbon late Apr-May19. Any chance of a copy of your itinerary as well please? It would be much appreciated. Any advice re late Apr-May weather also? Cooee Shep

 

[vlogan]

[U][COLOR=#0066cc]@t2andreo[/COLOR][/U] I am in planning for the CP from Lisbon late June 19. Any chance of a copy of your itinerary as well please?

 

[jsalt]

As she operates on a donativo basis, the cost of staying here would wash out with any taxi ride you might take to keep the segment to a single day.

On the contrary – this would be the most expensive option . Fernanda cooks a hearty supper, includes drinks, and provides a good breakfast, so most pilgrims will donate accordingly to cover all her costs and some. Staying at the albergue in Tamel for 5 euros, and making one’s own meals, would be the cheapest option .

 

[t2andreo]

You are correct. But Fernanda's hospitality is something not to be missed if one has the chance...regardless of what you decide to leave in recompense.

Even when I stop by for coffee, I always leave at leave €5 in the jar.

It's only money.

 

[andycohn]

Chris: Since everyone (including me) recommends staying at Casa da Fernanda, why don’t you just walk there from Barcelos on Sunday, stay overnight, and then have her call a cab for you on Monday morning to take you to Ponte de Lima? Then you do the same Monday walk from Ponte de Lima that you had planned before. This would seem to fit into your schedule. The only change you would have to make is to cancel whatever reservation you made for Ponte de Lima (I assume it is cancellable), and call Fernanda to make a reservation there instead.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Thank you, Andy. I will definately consider that as another very good option!

 

[Puiu]

@t2andreo - I am in planning for the CP from Lisbon late Apr-May19. Any chance of a copy of your itinerary as well please? It would be much appreciated. Any advice re late Apr-May weather also? Cooee Shep

https://www.gronze.com/camino-portugues

 

[t2andreo]

Chris: Since everyone (including me) recommends staying at Casa da Fernanda, why don’t you just walk there from Barcelos on Sunday, stay overnight, and then have her call a cab for you on Monday morning to take you to Ponte de Lima? Then you do the same Monday walk from Ponte de Lima that you had planned before. This would seem to fit into your schedule. The only change you would have to make is to cancel whatever reservation you made for Ponte de Lima (I assume it is cancellable), and call Fernanda to make a reservation there instead.

This is the best suggestion yet, IMHO. If you DO decide to walk to Fernanda's bear in mind that some folks walk right by, as there is not large sign.

Casa Fernanda is on the Camino path in a residential area where folks have gardens for growing fruit and vegetables. You are essentially walking on a path through butted-up backyards. Casa Fernanda is on the left, just before a cross street. Best if you use a guide book or maybe the WIse Pilgrim app on a smartphone. I have walked past it myself before realizing my mistake and backtracking.

In 2017, I was walking upi from Lisbon with a mixed group of three others, we agreed to meet at Fernanda's. I found it. They walked right by and ended up down the Camino a few km. After we enjoyed coffee and a nice visit, I texted the others and Fernanda drove me to where they were...happy ending...

There is a sign, but it is small, rectangle and right at the fence gate, not before. If someone happens to have a photo of the 'Casa Fernanda' sign, please contribute it.

Hope this helps.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Well, let me ask this question then...which half of the walk from Barcelos has less road walking and more paths? From Barcelos to Fernanda's or from her place to Ponte de Lima? I could taxi either section.

 

[JCLima]

There is a sign, but it is small, rectangle and right at the fence gate, not before. If someone happens to have a photo of the 'Casa Fernanda' sign, please contribute it.

Is it this one?



I'm not sure because I have never been there, I just googled it.

 

[andycohn]

Well, let me ask this question then...which half of the walk from Barcelos has less road walking and more paths? From Barcelos to Fernanda's or from her place to Ponte de Lima? I could taxi either section.

I don’t have a specific memory, but both halves are generally rural. Looking at the Wise Pilgrim online map, it seems that you’re not along much busy road on either segment. Brierley’s maps should. give you a good idea, too (I threw away the pages as I walked, so no longer have my copy). The segment to Casa da Fernanndo is about 19 k, and then it’s about 14 k to Ponte de Lima, so that may be a determinant for you. Another might be the fact that Ponte de Lima is one of the most gorgeous towns on the whole Porto - Santiago stretch (IMHO, of course), so if I had my druthers, I’d rather spend a night there than in Barcelos.

Hard not to obsess about these choices, I know, but as my son says, “It’s all good, Dad.”

 

[t2andreo]

Is it this one?
View attachment 49146
View attachment 49147

I'm not sure because I have never been there, I just googled it.

Yes! That is one of them.

If you follow this arrow, there is another small sign at the walk to the house and garden off the path.

Thank you.

 

[sydneypilgrims]

Chris: The entire Porto to Santiago segment is wonderful. Once you are out of the city (Porto) proper, it is all very nice walking...

Also, I am going to send you my 2017 planning document that shows my entire itinerary and walking plan from Lisbon, day by day. Watch for the PM.

Hope this helps.

May I have a copy of your itinerary too please? Walking from porto in June 2019.

 

[David Tallan]

The part before Casa da Fernanda has the woodland hike up to the highest point of the Camino (from Porto). I wouldn't say that the part after had extensive road walking but I would guess the part before had a bit less.

 

[Cicada]

I am finalizing plans for walking the Portuguese camino from Porto, and am choosing to break up the long stage from Barcelos to Ponte de Lima by taking either a bus, train or taxi a 'portion' of the way. Unfortunately this stage falls on a Sunday in my plans, so my only option may be to use taxi service. Is this correct? For the first time (after 4 previous caminos) I have pre-booked the majority of lodgings along the way. Brierley shows the full stage as almost 35k. I hope to reduce it by 10k or thereabouts. Any advise on the best little section to skip that would coincide with available transportation to shorten this stage?

P.S. I'm not really interested in new ideas on how to 'mix and match' to lengthen or shorten other stages to accomodate this long stage.)

I guess the general consensus would be stay at Casa Fernanda which is what we did last September. We were made to feel very welcome the dinner was delicious perhaps the consumption of alcohol was a little to excessive for two non drinkers but each to his own. It is donativo but there is a sign suggesting that a minimum €20 is recommended
Ponte de Lima is very nice but remember that the albergue does not open until 4pm so don't arrive to early
Buen camino

 

[t2andreo]

May I have a copy of your itinerary too please? Walking from porto in June 2019.

The will send it by a Private Conversation in the next day or so.

 

[camino-david]

Casa Fernanda is wonderful. In 2013 I spent my 82nd birthday there (after walking part of the VDLP and the Frances from Pamplona to SDC) and in the evening Fernanda produced a HUGE chocolate birthday cake that she had arranged for someone in the village to bake and she had decorated with chocolate icing. The cake was big enough for 16 big portions with the evening meal and another 16 portions for breakfast!

 

[Susan G.]

Chris: The entire Porto to Santiago segment is wonderful. Once you are out of the city (Porto) proper, it is all very nice walking...

Also, I am going to send you my 2017 planning document that shows my entire itinerary and walking plan from Lisbon, day by day. Watch for the PM.

Hope this helps.

Hello! I am planning for the Camino Portuguese in April 2020. I have been on the CF 4 times now and I am looking forward to a new perspective in Portugal. Would you be comfortable sharing your detailed itinerary with me? Also, as we have been to Santiago 4 times I want to head northwest to Finisterra, coming off the Portuguese Camino. Do you know if there is a "dedicated" path through this area? Thank you so much and Buen Camino!

 

[t2andreo]

If you send me your personal e-mail via a Private Conversation, I will be glad to send you a copy. Please do NOT post your personal e-mail in the open forum.

Hope this helps.

 

[Solsito]

Hello my dear pilgrim friends

At the end of April 2019, I'm doing Camino Portugues (from Porto - SdC ..the cost way).

Is there a bus/trainstation at the airport (or nearby) to get me from Port airport to the Porto center? Or do I have to take a taxi?

Any recommendation about accommodation in Porto? (not to expensive and near the starting point)

What is the temperature like this time of the year (end of April, beginning of May)?

Wish you all a great day.
S.

 

[mspath]

Hello my dear pilgrim friends

At the end of April 2019, I'm doing Camino Portugues (from Porto - SdC ..the cost way).

Is there a bus/trainstation at the airport (or nearby) to get me from Port airport to the Porto center? Or do I have to take a taxi?

Any recommendation about accommodation in Porto? (not to expensive and near the starting point)

What is the temperature like this time of the year (end of April, beginning of May)?

Wish you all a great day.
S.

Check out these earlier posts re airport/center travel
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/porto-airport.57652/

 

[Terry Callery]

Stick your thumb out in Barcelos and hitch a ride up the N-204 highway. The cab will be a mere 10 - 15 Euros to go up the Camino 10k to shorten the leg to something like 20 k. When I did the Portuguese Route in Winter of 2017 I never walked more than 25 k in a day. I'm with you - 40 k for me at 66 years old would be like the Bataan Death March.

For Solsito's question on accommodation's in Porto, I stayed at the Poet's Inn where they have cheep shared rooms and also private rooms for about 40 Euros and they are directly on the Camino. It was never below freezing in the morning in Feb-March on the Portuguese Camino and usually got up to 50 F. Compared to the French Route, the Portuguese route is flatter, the language more lyrical, the people friendlier and the food was exponentially better and it was way less crowded particularly at the end near Santiago. Nobody does seafood like the Portuguese.

 

[Susan G.]

Chris: The entire Porto to Santiago segment is wonderful. Once you are out of the city (Porto) proper, it is all very nice walking...

Also, I am going to send you my 2017 planning document that shows my entire itinerary and walking plan from Lisbon, day by day. Watch for the PM.

Hope this helps.

If you send me your personal e-mail via a Private Conversation, I will be glad to send you a copy. Please do NOT post your personal e-mail in the open forum.

Hope this helps.

Hello again! Just picking up this conversation after the holidays. Thank you so much for offering to send your itinerary. I don't know how to send a Private Conversation to you....! Thank you for helping out!

 

[t2andreo]

Click on my avatar photo, then click on Start Conversation... It is self-explanatory...

Remind me please, did you want the Porto to Santiago walking plan, or the Lisbon to Santiago walking plan? They are NOT the same...

 

[bhambetty]

May I have a copy of your itinerary too please? Walking from porto in June 2019.

I'm also walking from Porto in June, starting on the 16th and (hopefully) ending in Santiago on the 26th. Maybe I'll see you along the way!

 

[David Tallan]

I'm also walking from Porto in June, starting on the 16th and (hopefully) ending in Santiago on the 26th. Maybe I'll see you along the way!

That was exactly how long it took me to walk from Porto to Santiago in October.

 

[sydneypilgrims]

I'm also walking from Porto in June, starting on the 16th and (hopefully) ending in Santiago on the 26th. Maybe I'll see you along the way!

we are not starting until the 26th.. looks like we will miss you

 

[Stellie]

Chris: The entire Porto to Santiago segment is wonderful. Once you are out of the city (Porto) proper, it is all very nice walking...

Also, I am going to send you my 2017 planning document that shows my entire itinerary and walking plan from Lisbon, day by day. Watch for the PM.

Hope this helps.

Hello
Please may I also have a copy of your planning. I am a novice at this and would love some guidance.
Estelle from Cape Town

 

[t2andreo]

I will try to find it. I may have purged my files.

 

[t2andreo]

I found the .pdf file for my 2015 walk from Porto to Santiago. I just sent it to you attached to a Private Conversation. Nine years is a long time. I recommend you verify all the places of accommodation.

Hope this helps.

Tom