Travelling from Lisbon to Santiago

[Cheryl Patricia]

This is my first entry and would appreciate some advice. I am planning to walk the Camino Portugues starting in April. In the book it notes that new pilgrims should start in Porto, I would like to start in Lisbon. What are the difficulties that could arise? Am I likely to have the company of many pilgrims on this first part of the journey? Many thanks and I look forward to your answers.

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Cheryl,
Welcome to the forum. There are many of us who have walked from Lisbon here on the forum, so we can answer questions and give you our opinions.

First of all, you should look at the resources section because there is a lot that can help you out in a walk from Lisbon.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/resources/categories/camino-portugues.40/

The guide from Lisbon to Porto could be especially useful!

I don't think there are any difficulties in the Lisbon to Porto section that are any different from the Porto to Santiago section, but what kind of difficulties are you referring to?

The numbers of people starting from Lisbon are really increasing at a rapid pace. In April you won't be in a flood of pilgrims, but I'm pretty sure you will have company. My advice would be to walk on day one from the cathedral to the new albergue in Alpriate, only 20 km from the cathedral. You are likely to meet others there. Bom caminho, Laurie

 

[gerardcarey]

I'll be there in early April!
Flying in on 31st March. Then after spending 2 or 3 days sightseeing I'll leave Lisbon around the 3rd.
I have Brierly's guide, and with the info available on the Portuguese section of this forum, and advice from Laurie who posts above, I feel eminently prepared, but still a little apprehensive and excited.
Research tells me to expect pilgrim company in the evenings.
Hooray for us!
Regards and Bom Caminho
Gerard

 

[poogeyejr]

Bom Caminho to you both. It would be fabulous if you ran into each other along the way! I love this forum and the "meeting" new people from different places. Forum magic!

 

[Davie Blisters]

Hi Cheryl,
I'm also setting off from Lisbon in late May and have heard all the tales of Woe about the lack of infrastructure, distance between accommodations, abundance of tarmac trails etc. etc. I have digested all the information that peregrina2000 has kindly highlighted above.
But, I also have a cunning plan and that is if I'm not enjoying myself I will take one of the many transport options north to Porto. This will give me extra time, once I've reached Santiago, to back-track to Leon and undertake the San Salvador to Ourense.
Buen Camino

 

[Cheryl Patricia]

Many thanks for the words of wisdom. I feel more confident and have also thought that if needs be I will take some transport and then perhaps walk to Finisterre if there is time. Gerard I hope our paths cross along the way. I will seek more advise as my questions arise. Cheryl