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Portuguese Central Day 1 Very Few Pilgrims

Maurice Frank

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Time of past OR future Camino
Frances, Portuguese Central
I began walking the Camino Portuguese Central route from the Porto Cathedral this morning. I’m now at Casa Da Laura in Vilarinho.

I saw or met only three other pilgrims walking this route while I walked 7:40 AM to 2:05 PM). This albergue is not full at all.

I met the first pilgrim at around 3.5 km from the start and he went Coastal at the split. The other two I saw are also here at Casa da Laura. There are a few others here but my six bed room is only half full.

I expect to see more later including at Casa Fernanda and especially from Tui.

Maybe it’s the time of year? Or maybe people avoid this part of the Central. I know many dislike it. Temperature range today was low to mid 70s F / low 20s C so not hot at all.
 
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There are a couple of other albergues in Vilharinho - maybe take a wander around town and see if there is anyone at the other albergues? (or anyone with packs at a cafe?)

Quite a few people do the first stretch out of Porto on the coastal route, then join the central route at Sao Pedro de Rates - so you might have some more company then! You will certainly have some more company after Tui and then again after Redondela when the coast and central routes join.
 
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Enjoy the quiet vibe, it's a good way to truly focus on the path and have some quality alone time...
If you think the path is quiet where you are now, try starting shoulder season before Porto....guaranteed to be the less crowded option. Personally recommend doing it, if you ever get the chance, perhaps next camino......


Once you get to Tui that definitely changes. My tip to avoid the excessive noise if you are needed some solitude then.....later starts and some relaxing afternoon walking.,.but if you are the type of person always craving company, then ignore my advice. You do you.
 
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Also some may have stopped at the albergue in the monastery in Vairao, just before Vilarinho.

Admittedly i set out from Porto late Feb, but I didn’t meet any other pilgrims till my day 3, from Barcelos to Lugar do Corgo.
 
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Hi. Similar to yourself in May I didn't even try to book Casa da Laura because I assumed it would be full. I met pilgrims later who said it was half empty but the Monasterio that people mentioned was full. By Ponte de Lima you will be on a different camino. Enjoy. Daniel
P.s if possible stay at the communal albergue in Ponte de lima. It was hilarious with the worst pillows ever and so much fun and 5 euro. I spent 9.40 that day in total.
 

+1 on that. That's what I did when I walked from Porto to Santiago in 2022.

Btw, Barcelos was one of my favorite places in all of Portugal. I ended up going back a year later with my Wife. Such a neat town. Ponte de Lima and Redondela were beautiful too. I am biased since it was my first Camino, but I really enjoyed the Portuguese Way and I would do it again.

Bom Caminho!
 
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Maurice Frank said:
expect to see more later including at Casa Fernanda and especially from Tui.
Click to expand...
Definitely after Tui. I left Tui on the 20th and although I didn’t see many that day, there seemed to be an explosion thereafter. Many full albergues, but I also stayed in several with extra beds.
 
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urbanmamma said:
How far in advance did you need to call her for your reservation?
Click to expand...
Sorry but when I walked I had no idea of her albergue. This is why I wrote by all accounts, Gronze says they do take reservations. I would think if you know exactly when you are going to be there to make a reservation. I am sure others can give you a much better answer to your question. Sorry I can't be of more help.
 
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