Unique places/experiences

[TCH]

We are taking our time (late Sept) going from Porto on the central then spiritual route and would welcome any suggestions for unique things to do - experiences - or places to stay (monasteries, etc. That might not show up on Booking.com). Thanks for any suggestions

 

[Grousedoctor]

Glad to hear you’re including the Variante Espiritual in your Camino. We spent a night at the Monestario Armenteria. That may or may not now be possible (we were off season). Contact them directly to inquire. However, the section right after Armenteria is the Route of Stone and Water. A most pleasant stretch of walking. But, the highlight of the entire Camino was the boat ride from Vilanova de Arouza to Padrón. The cruceros one passes are amazing. And, once you get to Padrón and get your credencial stamped at the church, stop by the albergue municipal for your Pedronía certificate. Bom Caminho!

 

[jungleboy]

We spent a night at the Monestario Armenteria. That may or may not now be possible (we were off season). Contact them directly to inquire.

They no longer take reservations, I believe.

 

[trecile]

They no longer take reservations, I believe.

That's correct. This is what their website says (Google translation):

ROOMS ARE NOT RESERVED FOR PILGRIMS.​

PLEASE REFRAIN FROM CALLING.​

IF A PILGRIM WANTS TO STAY AT THE MONASTERY, UPON ARRIVAL HE/SHE SHOULD ASK THE DOORMAN IF THERE ARE ANY FREE ROOMS, AND IF THERE ARE ANY, HE/SHE WILL BE ABLE TO STAY.​

 

[birchey]

We are taking our time (late Sept) going from Porto on the central then spiritual route and would welcome any suggestions for unique things to do - experiences - or places to stay (monasteries, etc. That might not show up on Booking.com). Thanks for any suggestions

I recommend a side trip to Braga and visiting Bom Jesus .. really easy from barcelos .. a very beautiful place

 

[Steven Dwyer]

You can make a reservation at the monastery in Armenteira if you are willing to spend 2 nights there, except July, August Or September when it is a three night minimum.

 

[trecile]

You can make a reservation at the monastery in Armenteira if you are willing to spend 2 nights there.

In July, August and September the minimum stay is three nights.

La Hospedería | Monasterio de Armenteira

www.monasteriodearmenteira.es

 

[David Tallan]

Casa da Fernanda is an albergue that likely won't show up on Booking.com (I haven't checked). It is unique on the Central Route and worth staying at, if you are willing to sleep in a small dorm (no bunk beds).

If you are doing the pilgrimage for religious reasons, it is worth climbing the hill in Padron to where St. James is said to have preached to the Iberians.

 

[grdemedeiros]

Between Sao Pedro de Rates and Barcelos, around Pereira, we saw a giant sign for the Variante da Franqueira and decided to veer off the traditional path. It was gorgeous! We braved the incline, enjoyed the smell & shade of the trees (Eucalyptus, Oak and Cork), and the almost-traffic-less roads. The beautiful church and grounds of Nossa Senhora do Rosáro da Franqueira were a welcome reward for the hike. The views over Barcelos and environs, all the way to the Atlantic... Wow! Just. Wow.

That sparked a rule of thumb for us the rest of our camino ... when possible "veer left". I haven't actually checked a map to count, but quite frequently the "complementario" routes for any given stage were off to the left. This was true in the case of the Variante described above, before Valenca and O Porrino. The Spiritual Variant itself is a huge "veer left". <3 These added kilometers, but also beauty.

For lodging, consider Casa Sao Sebastiao in Rubiaes. The host, Sonia, is super friendly and gracious. Though it is not a fancy place, they have a pool, which we 1000% needed on the day we rolled in. Another fun hostel is Darsena do Frances in Cesantes. The grounds are expansive and the sea breeze flows uphill to cool you off.