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Camino Portugues is likely one of the religious routes to Santiago de Compostela. The Camino Portugues is the second hottest Camino de Santiago after the Camino Frances, greater than 25% of all pilgrims who arrive in Santiago de Compostela stroll yearly stroll this Camino route. The full distance of the Camino from Porto to Santiago relies on the route you select; the Coastal Route – 280 km, the Central Route – 260 km. An alternative choice is to start out strolling from Lisbon then the overall distance to Santiago is about 630 km.
On this submit, we’ll focus on completely different route choices and the benefits and drawbacks of each route. Within the second a part of the submit, you’ll discover a detailed itinerary for the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.
To make your Portuguese Camino planning simpler we created free downloadable PDF information:
The primary file incorporates detailed data on the strolling phases for the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino. The second file contains lodging alongside the route: private and non-private albergues, guesthouses, and motels. As of February 2022, some public (municipal) albergues are nonetheless closed as a consequence of journey restrictions. The scenario may change later this 12 months relying on the scenario in Portugal and Spain. If you happen to’re planning to stroll the Camino this season are can’t discover open public albergues for some days you’ll be able to keep in non-public albergues they’re slightly bit costlier.
If you wish to know the present necessities to enter Portugal and journey guidelines carried out within the nation you could find them on the official web site Journey Portugal.
The Portuguese Camino route overview
- Distance – 260 km (Central Route), 280 km (Coastal Route)
- Variety of days – 12-14 days
- Place to begin – Sé Cathedral, Porto, Portugal
- Ending level – Obradoiro Sq., Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Strolling floor – asphalt, cobblestone, wood boardwalks
- Common value – 25-30 Euro pp. per day
- Lodging – albergues, motels, guesthouses
- Route marking – yellow shells and arrows
Totally different route choices of the Camino Portuguese
I understand how it’s while you need to do a stroll and notice that there are a number of routes that finish on the identical locations. Which one to decide on? – was our query after we have been planning our Portuguese Camino stroll.
First, you might have two choices to start out strolling in Lisbon or in Porto. We began in Lisbon there have been some issues that we actually appreciated and a few not that a lot on the route.
If you happen to begin the Camino in Lisbon then the overall distance to Santiago is 616km. It’s attainable to do a detour and stroll via Fatima, it provides about 25km to the route. The primary problem we confronted there’s a lack of infrastructure for pilgrims, generally it was troublesome to search out lodging, as soon as in Caxarias, we have been provided to sleep in church storage on the ground as a result of all rooms within the city have been occupied.
I have to say the stroll from Lisbon is gorgeous however in case you desire to have a cushty and straightforward stroll we’d counsel beginning in Porto. If you happen to really feel like strolling extra you are able to do one of many different Camino de Santiago routes e.g. Camino Primitivo, Camino Ingles, or stroll to Finisterre. If you happen to like a problem and like to go off the crushed monitor then begin the Camino in Lisbon.
The Portuguese Camino from Porto – route choices
Second, determine which route you need to take from Porto; there are three completely different route choices;
Caminho Central (Central Route) – 260km from Porto to Santiago, goes inland all the best way.
Caminho da Costa (Coastal Route) – 280km from Porto to Santiago, follows the coast (besides the primary day from Porto) until Redondela the place joins the Central Method.
Senda Litoral (Litoral Path) – distance is kind of the identical because the Coastal Route. From Porto, it follows the coast until Vila do Conde after goes the identical approach because the Coastal Route with the principle distinction the Litoral actually sticks to the coast. It merges with the Central Route at Redondela.
Which path to comply with from Porto?
The Central Route
Benefits; 1. it has a greater infrastructure; extra albergues, extra cities, extra eating places, and outlets. 2. If you happen to’re extra into historical past and structure you’ll benefit from the Central Route there are extra outdated cities and cities on the best way. 3. It’s shorter (undecided if everyone will contemplate it as a bonus), you’ll want much less time to finish it. 4. It’s a greater choice to stroll in dangerous climate situations e.g. sturdy wind, heavy rain. 5.
For individuals who are going to make use of a backpack shuttle service, it’s cheaper by 1 or 2 Euro per stage to switch backpacks on the Central Route.
Disadvantages; 1. That is the busiest route, 70% of pilgrims on the Camino Portuguese stroll this route. 2. The realm it goes via is extra developed and touristy.
The Coastal Route
Benefits; 1. Strolling alongside the coast is all the time a bonus (a minimum of we predict so). 2. Solely 30% of all pilgrims take this route. 3. Higher probabilities to see a extra genuine non-touristy a part of Portugal.
Disadvantages; 1. If it’s very windy and wet it’ll be an disagreeable path to stroll. 2. Much less infrastructure, I primarily seek advice from albergues although for us it was an issue solely as soon as in Vigo the place there are not any albergues solely motels/hostels.
If you happen to determine to stroll this route examine our detailed submit on the Portuguese Camino Coastal Route strolling phases.
The Litoral Method (Senda Litoral)
To begin with most pilgrims go away Porto following this Route, it’s one of the best ways to stroll out of the town and skip strolling alongside the busy freeway resulting in the airport. You possibly can learn in some guidebooks that it’s higher to skip the primary stage from Porto since you stroll via industrial areas, they seek advice from strolling out of the town following the Central Camino or Coastal Route, not the Litoral. On the primary day no must decide about which approach to decide on you can begin alongside the coast and see how a lot you prefer it.
All of the benefits and disadvantages are the identical as for the Coastal Route. Just one additional factor this route just isn’t marked very effectively (apart from the primary day) nevertheless it’s straightforward to stroll you simply go alongside the coast/seashore.
Obtain Camino Portuguese Strolling Routes map
A nice possibility is to mix the Coastal route with rural areas and even add to this some mountain surroundings. Begin in Porto following the Coastal Route and proceed on it until Caminha (the top of the Portuguese half) from there stroll to Valença to get to the Central Route. Then take the Variante Espiritual, an elective route from Pontevedra that goes over the mountains and joins the Central route in Padrón. This fashion you mix all attainable routes of the Camino Portugues and stroll via areas with completely different surroundings; sea, fields, and mountains. Plus you skip the Spanish a part of the Coastal route that has an absence of albergues, significantly in A Ramallosa and Vigo.
Journey insurance coverage for the Camino Portuguese
Strolling like every other out of doors exercise includes a threat of getting an damage or dropping a number of the gear. It’s all the time beneficial to have journey insurance coverage while you go away. The Portuguese Camino de Santiago just isn’t an exclusion. It’s not a excessive altitude wild hike via distant areas it’s nonetheless a bodily difficult expertise that includes an extended strolling distance, carrying a heavy backpack, strolling asphalt, and cobblestone it’s not uncommon for pilgrims to get accidents from small blister issues to greater knee or shin splints points.
Be certain it is possible for you to to get medical help any time you want it. It’s fairly useful to have insurance coverage in case of a gear or machine break/loss you’ll be able to all the time declare it again. It makes the stroll much less disturbing when you realize you’re lined in case of any unpredictable emergencies.
Notice! If in case you have European Well being Insurance coverage Card you don’t want any additional medical insurance coverage for Spain.
One of the best months for strolling the Portuguese Camino
If you wish to skip crowds and have good climate Might and September are one of the best months to stroll the Camino. If you happen to fairly need to stroll alone go low season, April and October are good months, you might be fortunate with the climate and there will probably be only a few folks. Winter months are not one of the best it will get chilly and wet, some albergues are closed. June is the start of the excessive season for this Camino nevertheless it’s nonetheless not too busy but and already good and heat. July and August are the hottest and the hottest months, it’s essential to start out strolling early to skip the warmth of the day.
Lodging on the Camino route
Hostels for pilgrims on Caminos de Santiago are referred to as “albergues”.
Albergue is a type of hostel with dormitories and shared amenities so don’t count on any luxurious.
To show you’re a pilgrim you want to present your Credential, you get a stamp at each albergue you keep.
There are two kinds of albergues; municipal, run by the federal government, cheaper, can’t be booked forward, worth between 5-6 Euro pp. Personal albergues – belong to an individual or firm, costlier, between 10-12 Euro pp, often with higher amenities, might be booked prematurely over the telephone or on-line reserving providers.
Every albergue has dormitories with bunk beds, shared toilet/bathroom, kitchen, some have washing machines and wi-fi.
Municipal albergues settle for solely money.
Mattress bugs downside – after finishing two Caminos we didn’t have bedbugs as soon as. It’s a bonus of strolling the Camino firstly of the season, most albergues do “large cleansing” earlier than the season begins. We noticed some pilgrims utilizing bedbug spray we’ve by no means tried it however seems like it really works.
Some folks asking if it’s price carrying a tent with I’d say “No“. You possibly can keep in albergues for 5-6 Euro most campsites will cost you a similar or much more for tenting (wild tenting is prohibited in Spain), plus it’s a must to carry a lot additional baggage; a tent, mattress, cooking stuff, and so forth.
For extra particulars on lodging on the Camino, the professionals and cons of staying at albergues, ideas, and so forth. examine our detailed submit Albergues on the Camino de Santiago.
Sensible information for the Portuguese Method of St.James
For this Camino we used the Camino Portugues information ebook by John Brierley, it incorporates all the required data and maps, small, mild, and straightforward to make use of.
Each pilgrim wants a Credential – a small ebook together with your identify that will get stamped at each albergue you keep. The credential is a pilgrim’s ID. You should buy it from the official Credential distribution workplace in your nation or in Se Cathedral in Porto.
For the final 100 km to Santiago de Compostela, you want two stamps a day with a purpose to get the Compostela on the Pilgrim’s Workplace, we have been there in June 2019 and so they confirmed this data.
There may be an hour distinction between Portuguese (GMT+1) and Spanish time (GMT+2), Spain is one hour forward. If you cross from Portugal to Spain don’t neglect to alter the time.
Each nations use the identical energy shops – Europlug. If you happen to come from the US, UK, Australia you may want a journey adapter.
Faucet water in Portugal is superb, locals are pleased with the water high quality. In Spain, to start with, we purchased bottled water however later have been advised that faucet water is ok to drink. Generally you possibly can style sturdy chlorine, strive first if it’s not good then purchase bottled water.
We have been stunned how many individuals in Portugal communicate good English in comparison with Spain. Even in Spain, there may be all the time anyone who can translate or clarify.
In Spain, many supermarkets and outlets are closed on Sundays, public holidays, and within the afternoon.
In each nations, you’ll be able to purchase medication with a prescription in English out of your physician again house even when it’s simply an electronic mail, not the unique.
Purchase a native SIM card, each Portugal and Spain have comparable packages from Vodafone legitimate for 30 days; Portugal – 3Gb information, 300 minutes native telephone calls, plus SMS – 15 Euro. Spain – 2Gb information, 200 minutes of native telephone calls, SMS – 15 Euro (after we ran out of knowledge we nonetheless might use it for FB and Twitter). Each labored nice, we used it so much for importing images and movies, Whatsapp, and so forth. and it was greater than sufficient. It’s very helpful to have a neighborhood telephone quantity if you wish to telephone and ebook a spot.
The route marking could be very good, it’s all the time straightforward to comply with, there are yellow arrows each 100m or so.
Carry a pouch or a foldable backpack to hold valuables (cash, passport) with when leaving an albergue, often, there are not any lockers.
Well being ideas for strolling the Camino
Strolling the Camino is a bodily problem don’t push your self attempting to comply with the guidebook or anyone’s itinerary, take your time, transfer your tempo.
If you happen to really feel very drained or unwell take a day without work or a minimum of stroll shorter distances you need to arrive in Santiago wholesome. We heard some tales of individuals pushing themselves for the entire Camino and as soon as they reached Santiago they bought terribly sick so maintain your self.
Many pilgrims on the Camino have issues with their ft, primarily blisters.
To forestall blisters
- pack 2 or 3 pairs of merino wool socks, they’re one of the best for mountaineering.
- in the course of the stroll each time your ft get moist from sweating take off a moist pair and placed on dry socks. You possibly can dangle moist socks out of your backpack to allow them to dry in the meantime.
- you realize your ft and the place you often get blisters, plaster these areas earlier than you get one.
Social life on the Portuguese route
You meet folks on a regular basis there are lots of pilgrims who stroll alone a few of them don’t really need the corporate however many will probably be completely happy to search out anyone to stroll with. Albergues have a very social vibe particularly within the night, folks cook dinner and eat collectively, make associates, give ideas, present images, and so forth.
There are folks from everywhere in the world; Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa you’ll be capable of discover anyone who speaks your language, belongs to the identical age group, or have comparable pursuits. If you happen to can’t discover a strolling buddy go and stroll the Camino alone you’ll see what number of nice folks you’ll meet on the best way.
Baggage supply service on the Camino Portuguese
If you wish to make your stroll simpler or have some again points and might’t carry a heavy bag on daily basis you need to use a backpack supply service. There are a number of firms that may ship your backpack or suitcase for each stage between your lodging. Examine Pilbeo (the Central Route), Camino Fácil (each routes), and Correos (the Central Route from Tui) they do baggage switch on the Portuguese Camino. You need to use the supply for your entire route or for some phases. One stage prices between 5 and seven Euro per backpack.
It’s essential to do not forget that often it’s not allowed to ship baggage to public albergues on the Camino. These albergues can’t be booked prematurely and so they gained’t maintain a mattress for you even when your backpack is delivered there. Personal albergues and motels alongside the route haven’t any downside with baggage supply.
Portuguese Camino value
Portugal is a bit cheaper than Spain however normally costs in each nations are comparable. Lodging and buying will value roughly the identical. Public transport particularly trains is cheaper in Portugal than in Spain. A prepare trip (regular prepare, financial system class) from Lisbon to Porto, 310km, will value you 25 Euro. In Spain, for a similar distance, you pay 30 Euro.
Consuming out is cheaper in Portugal, a set menu in a neighborhood restaurant will value you 8 Euro when in Spain it’s from 10 Euro up. Our primary disappointment after we crossed to Spain was espresso, in Portugal, you pay 0,60 Euro for Americano, in Spain, it’s double, between 1-1,20 Euro. In all probability the one factor that’s costlier within the Portuguese half is the backpack switch service, 2 Euro extra per stage than in Spain.
If you happen to keep at albergues and purchase meals in supermarkets your common Camino value will probably be between 15-20 Euro per individual per day. If you happen to keep at albergues and eat in a restaurant a minimum of as soon as a day, exit for a beer, or cease a few occasions for espresso be able to spend between 25-30 Euro every day pp. If you happen to desire to remain in motels fairly than albergues add to it 10-15 Euro pp.
Portugal
- Lodging – municipal albergues – 6-7 Euro per individual, non-public albergues – 10-14 Euro pp. Inns from 15 Euro pp.
- Consuming out – Menu do Dia, a set lunch that features a starter, primary dish with sides, drink and occasional or dessert – from 8 Euro pp.
- Meals buying – 6-8 Euro pp per day
- A cup of espresso (Americano) – 0,60 Euro
- A beer in a bar – 1 Euro.
- Laundry – washing 2 Euro per load.
- Backpack supply service (elective) – 6-7 Euro per backpack per stage.
Spain
- Lodging – municipal albergues – 6-7 Euro per individual, non-public albergues – 10-14 Euro pp. Inns from 20 Euro pp
- Consuming out – Menu del Dia; starter, primary dish, drink (often home wine), espresso or dessert – from 10 Euro.
- Meals buying – 6-8 Euro pp per day
- A cup of espresso (Americano) – 1-1,2 Euro
- A beer in a bar – 1-1,2 Euro
- Laundry – washing – 3 Euro per load, drying – 1,5-3 Euro per load.
- Backpack supply service (elective) – from 5 Euro relying on the stage and route you’re taking.
What to pack for the Camino?
Be certain to not pack an excessive amount of and convey solely the required stuff. We’ve met many individuals who needed to rethink their backpack content material after the primary day on the Camino. You actually don’t want a lot and also you all the time should buy something you want approach there are outlets, supermarkets, and pharmacies alongside the best way. If you happen to’re planning on utilizing a baggage supply service then it doesn’t matter you’ll be able to pack as a lot as you need.
We now have an in depth Camino de Santiago packing checklist submit the place you could find our suggestions on what to pack for the Camino for women and men for various seasons.
Books to learn on the Camino
What might be higher than after an extended day of strolling to climb in mattress and browse your favourite ebook!? We’d undoubtedly suggest choosing the one you’ll undoubtedly have time for studying. Listed here are our high picks books for the Camino Portugues;
Helpful apps for strolling the Camino Portuguese
- Portuguese Method Premium. Value US$4, obtainable for Android and Apple.
- Camino Help Pilgrim Santiago. Free obtain, obtainable for Android and Apple.
- Buen Camino de Santiago. Free obtain, obtainable for Android and Apple.
- Properly + Camino Portugues; a Sensible Pilgrim information. Value US$6, obtainable for Android and Apple. We haven’t used it however I noticed many sad customers complaining concerning the app, I’d suggest studying the critiques earlier than shopping for it.
The Central Route of the Portuguese Camino – strolling phases
Our primary tip for the Camino is don’t underestimate it, you may be a match individual however strolling lengthy hours within the warmth with a heavy backpack is completely different from operating or coaching within the health club. Begin slower, don’t stroll lengthy distances to start with and also you’ll be effective. Plus while you stroll too quick or too far you don’t have sufficient time to cease, take images, take pleasure in a cup of espresso with a phenomenal view.
Porto, the start of the stroll
Porto is an incredible metropolis I’d undoubtedly suggest staying right here for a few days earlier than or after the Camino. Stroll round its slender cobblestone streets climbing up and down the hills, strive well-known wine, take a ship trip alongside the Douro River and benefit from the native delicacies. Porto is one in every of my favourite European cities for the reason that first time I got here right here.
Excursions and actions in Porto
If in case you have a few additional days in Porto earlier than beginning the Camino stroll there are lots of actions and excursions you are able to do right here to discover the town and its environment.
Locations to remain in Porto
There are a number of albergues/hostels within the metropolis together with one municipal albergue N.S. do Rosario de Vilar 7,5 Euro pp. We stayed at non-public Albergue de Peregrinos do Porto, for donations, a pleasant, clear, and really social place near the metro station. Amenities; hot water bathe, wi-fi, kitchen, washer. Positioned fairly removed from the cathedral, to get there it’s a must to use the metro.
If you happen to fairly desire to remain your first night time in a extra comfy place there are lots of choices in Porto for various budgets, however my recommendation is to remain inside strolling distance from the middle.
Day 1. Se Cathedral, Porto – Labruge, 23km
Se Cathedral – Foz do Douro – Matosinhos – Lavra – Labruge
As I discussed earlier than most individuals who begin strolling from Porto no matter which route they stroll on the primary day following the Senda Litoral (Litoral Method) to get out of the town. It means on the primary day as a substitute of following the Central Route that goes via the industrial space and outskirts of Porto following busy roads you stroll alongside the coast, previous seashores and small seaside villages. This fashion is a bit longer than simply following the Central Route from Porto however is far nicer and exquisite. It would add about 7km to your whole distance, no worries our itinerary doesn’t have very lengthy strolling days. We actually loved this half, it felt extra like a seashore than a strolling vacation.
Some folks desire to take a tram to get from Se Cathedral to Foz do Douro firstly of the promenade. We walked from the cathedral we went all the way down to the Douro river and adopted it. On the primary day more often than not, you stroll on wood boardwalks which is a lot better than asphalt or cobblestones. There are numerous eating places and cafés on the best way the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in breakfast or lunch with a sea view.
Labruge
We’d counsel stopping right here, and never making your first day too lengthy like a information ebook suggests to stroll 33km all the best way to Vila do Conde. No must punish your self and destroy your ft particularly in case you stroll in mid-summer when it’s scorching. The city itself is 1km inland from the coast. There’s a signal on the path pointing to the albergue.
- Municipal albergue – sure, for donation. Albergue Santiago Labruge – 3 rooms, 24 beds, kitchen, chilly water bathe, wi-fi.
- Personal albergue – no
- Resort, visitor home – sure
- ATM – sure
- Restaurant, café – sure
- Store – sure
- Pharmacy – sure
Locations to remain in Labruge
*Many individuals requested us about various lodging choices (non-public rooms with amenities) we determined so as to add lodging choices alongside the route which can be obtainable within the reserving system it may be helpful for a few of you for planning the stroll.
Day 2. Labruge – Charges, 23km
Labruge – Vila Chã – Vila do Conde – Arcos – Charges
The primary a part of the day is a phenomenal stroll alongside the coast until Vila do Conde from the place you flip off the Coastal Route and comply with a path that goes inland and joins with the Central Route at Arcos. Strolling by the ocean on the primary day offers you an thought concerning the Coastal route and in case you prefer it you’ll be able to follow it as a substitute of going to the Central Method. Vila do Conde is a really good and exquisite city with charming slender cobblestone streets, the Cathedral, and the spectacular aqueduct de Santa Clara it’s on the best way to Arcos.
Charges
A wonderful medieval city that grew across the monastery with an attention-grabbing historic half; Monastery of Charges, the principle sq., a few church buildings and chapels, a clock tower.
- Municipal albergue – sure, for donation. Albergue de Peregrinos – 30 beds, scorching water bathe, kitchen.
- Personal albergue – no
- Resort, visitor home – sure
- ATM – no
- Restaurant, café – sure
- Grocery store – sure
- Pharmacy – sure
Day 3. Charges – Barcelos, 16km/Tamel, 25km
Charges – Pedra Furada – Pereira – Bacelinhos – Barcelos or Tamel (San Pedro de Fins)
After becoming a member of the Central Route you’ll begin seeing extra pilgrims on the Camino. You may make today brief, keep in Barcelos and do some sightseeing round or stroll 9km additional to Tamel to make your subsequent strolling day to Ponte de Lima shorter. It would sound higher to remain in Barcelos however be able to stroll the following day 34km all the best way to Ponte de Lima as there usually are not many lodging choices earlier than.
Barcelos
Barcelos – a phenomenal metropolis, initially a Roman settlement that expanded so much within the fifteenth century. There are some very attention-grabbing sights to see right here; Ponte de Barcelos – 14th-century bridge, Tower of Barcelos, a church of Senhor da Cruz, church Matriz de Barcelos. The town is well-known for its pottery it’s the house of the well-known Galo de Barcelos (Rooster of Barcelos) or Portuguese Rooster – one of the crucial common symbols of Portugal.
- Municipal albergue – no
- Personal albergue – sure, solely 26 beds, donation. Albergue de Barcelos – 3 rooms, kitchen (range, microwave, fridge), scorching bathe, wi-fi.
- Resort, visitor home – sure
- ATM – sure
- Restaurant, café – sure
- Grocery store – sure
- Pharmacy – sure
Locations to remain in Barcelos
Tamel (San Pedro de Fins)
Notice! there may be nothing right here besides an albergue deliver meals with you. Albergue Casa da Recoleta, municipal, worth 5 Euro pp. Amenities; kitchen, scorching bathe, wi-fi, 4 dormitories, 41 beds.
Day 4. Barcelos/Tamel – Ponte de Lima, 34km/25km
Barcelos/Tamel – Balugães/Cossourado – Vitorino dos Piães – Facha – Ponte de Lima
If you happen to begin in Barcelos and go all the best way to Ponte de Lima it’ll be an extended strolling day however you’ll be able to break up it into two and stroll to Vitorino dos Piães, 16km, there’s a non-public albergue and a few motels (examine under for reserving) or Facha, 23km, there are a few motels there.
Ponte de Lima
A pleasant and comparatively small place examine to Barcelos although it has an extended historical past, the oldest city in Portugal by the best way, and a few attention-grabbing sights to see; Ponte Romano (The Roman bridge over the Lima river) that gave the identify to the city, Outdated Chain Tower, Matriz church, Botanical backyard Paço do Marques, the church of Santo Antonio da Torre Velha. There are numerous lodging choices within the city.
- Municipal albergue – sure, 5 Euro. Casa do Arnado – 60 beds, kitchen, wi-fi, opens late between 4-5pm.
- Personal albergue – sure
- Resort, visitor home – sure
- ATM – sure
- Restaurant, café – sure
- Grocery store – sure
- Pharmacy – sure
Locations to remain in Ponte de Lima
Day 5. Ponte de Lima – Rubiães, 20km
A pleasant and brief day of strolling largely via the forest with an extended uphill stretch that begins at 10km, from 100m to 400m over 4km, ensure to have sufficient water with. There’s a café at Revolta earlier than the climb the place you’ll be able to have lunch and fill your water bottle.
Rubiães
A really small cozy city with numerous infrastructure for pilgrims.
- Municipal albergue – sure, 5 Euro. Escola – 34 beds, scorching bathe, kitchen, wi-fi, opens at 1.30 pm.
- Personal albergue – sure
- Resort, visitor home – sure
- ATM – no
- Restaurant, café – sure
- Store – sure
- Pharmacy – no
Locations to remain in Rubiães
Day 6. Rubiães – Valença/Tui, 20km
Rubiães – Cossourado – Pedreira – Valença – Tui
As we speak it’s largely down-hill strolling within the first half of the day until the Roman bridge (Ponte Romano) after which fairly flat all the best way to Valença/Tui there you’ll be able to determine to remain the night time in Portugal (Valença) or to cross the bridge over the Minho river and keep in Spain (Tui). Crossing the river don’t neglect to change the time, Spain is 1 hour forward of Portugal. There isn’t any official border crossing, each nations are members of the EU.
In Valença/Tui you may see extra pilgrims than earlier than on the Camino. Many individuals begin strolling the Portuguese Camino from right here as a result of each cities are simply over 100 km from Santiago. The final 100 km is the required strolling minimal on the Camino for getting the Compostela.
Valença
Each cities have good infrastructure for pilgrims, many lodging choices, eating places, and so forth. There are some attention-grabbing sights to see. Valença has a phenomenal medieval fortress Fortaleza de Valença, the outdated city is positioned behind the partitions. Each have cathedrals, church buildings, chapels, and museums.
- Municipal albergue – sure, 5 Euro. Sao Teotonio – 84 beds, 4 rooms, scorching bathe, kitchen, opens at 1.30pm.
- Personal albergue – no
- Resort, visitor home – sure
- ATM – sure
- Restaurant, café – sure
- Grocery store – sure
- Pharmacy – sure
Locations to remain in Valença
Tui
- Municipal albergue – sure, 6 Euro. Albergue de Peregrinos – 36 beds, scorching bathe, opens at 1 pm.
- Personal albergue – sure, many
- Resort, visitor home – sure
- ATM – sure
- Restaurant, café – sure
- Grocery store – sure
- Pharmacy – sure
Locations to remain in Tui
Day 7. Valença/Tui – Porriño, 19km
A brief and straightforward strolling with not many locations to cease for espresso or lunch, the primary place will probably be after 10km at Orbenlle, it’ll be a brief detour as the brand new various path turns proper simply earlier than it. We’d suggest following it, it goes left about 300m after a stone Camino signal that marks 106km to Santiago. The outdated route goes via Poligono Industrial (Industrial space), the brand new path fully skips it and goes via the forest. At about 3km earlier than the city there may be another break up, go left following the river the fitting path goes alongside the highway.
Porriño
A small industrial city with a pleasant historic heart.
- Municipal albergue – sure, 6 Euro. Albergue de Peregrinos – 50 beds, scorching bathe, kitchen, opens at 1 pm.
- Personal albergue – no
- Resort, pension – sure
- ATM – sure
- Restaurant, café – sure
- Grocery store – sure
- Pharmacy – sure
Locations to remain in Porriño
Day 8. Porriño – Redondela, 17km
Porriño – Torroso – Redondela
A brief day of strolling with a hill to climb, Conte Cornedo, about 200m however over greater than 5km. After that all the way down to Redondela. There are a few bars/eating places on the best way the place you’ll be able to have lunch. At Redondela each Central and Coastal Routes be part of you may see barely extra pilgrims.
Redondela
- Municipal albergue – sure, 6 Euro. Casa de Torre – 44 beds, scorching bathe, kitchen, washing and drying machine, opens at 1 pm.
- Personal albergue – sure
- Resort, pension – sure
- ATM – sure
- Restaurant, café – sure
- Grocery store – sure
- Pharmacy – sure
Locations to remain in Redondela
Day 9. Redondela – Pontevedra, 20km
Redondela – Cesantes – Arcade – Pontevedra.
Some uphill however it’s over an extended distance so the incline just isn’t a really steep climb. There are a number of bars on the best way the place you’ll be able to refill water and have lunch. At the present time presents fairly a little bit of highway strolling however the roads weren’t very busy. A few kilometers earlier than Pontevedra on the fitting aspect of the highway there will probably be an indication River Path, comply with it, the gap is identical as strolling alongside the highway and it’s nicer for strolling.
Pontevedra
A really good city with a phenomenal historic heart, superb cathedral, cobblestone streets, church buildings, many bars, and eating places. A pleasant city for chilling and going out.
- Municipal albergue – sure, 6 Euro. La Virgen Peregrina – 56 beds, scorching bathe, kitchen, washing and drying machine, opens at 1 pm.
- Personal albergue – sure
- Resort, pension – sure
- ATM – sure
- Restaurant, café – sure
- Grocery store – sure
- Pharmacy – sure
Locations to remain in Pontevedra
Day 10. Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis, 23km
After Redondela the Camino splits once more you’ll be able to comply with the principle path to Caldas de Reis or take Variante Espiritual (Non secular Method) and go over the mountains to Armenteira. Examine for extra particulars and phases for the Non secular Route. Each routes be part of once more in Padrón.
Caldas de Reis
A pleasant small city with scorching springs, church buildings, and outdated Roman ruins. If in case you have an opportunity we’d counsel visiting one of many balnearios (spa facilities) and stress-free within the springs, e.g. El Acuña or el Dávila.
- Municipal albergue – sure, 6 Euro. Posada Dona Urraca – 5o beds, scorching bathe, wi-fi, opens at 1 pm.
- Personal albergue – sure
- Resort, pension – sure
- ATM – sure
- Restaurant, café – sure
- Grocery store – sure
- Pharmacy – sure
Locations to remain in Caldas de Reis
Day 11. Caldas de Reis – Padrón, 20km
A pleasant and straightforward stroll previous a few smallish cities with a number of bars on the best way. Some folks desire to stroll additional today with a purpose to make the final day to Santiago shorter. There are numerous albergues and motels on the stretch between Padrón and Santiago it gained’t be troublesome to search out lodging.
Padrón
Padrón just isn’t an enormous however good city. The spotlight of the city is the attractive sq. in entrance of the cathedral with bushes plated on each side of it, their branches forming virtually a tunnel above the sq..
- Municipal albergue – sure, 6 Euro. Albergue de Peregrinos – 46 beds, scorching bathe, wi-fi, opens at 1 pm.
- Personal albergue – sure
- Resort, pension – sure
- ATM – sure
- Restaurant, café – sure
- Grocery store – sure
- Pharmacy – sure
Locations to remain in Padrón
Day 12. Padrón to Santiago de Compostela, 25km
Some folks from our albergue began strolling that day at 5 am to have the ability to attend the Pilgrim’s Mass within the cathedral at 12 am. The primary a part of the day it’s flat largely via the forest, the second half has a few hills to overcome, however all that is nothing in comparison with the thrill and happiness you expertise approaching the Cathedral. If it’s your first Camino you’ll see how thrilled you’ll be while you put down your backpack on the Obradoiro Sq. in entrance of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
We’d counsel reserving lodging prematurely particularly within the months of July and August, the height season for the Camino. There are numerous albergues, hostels, motels, and residences in Santiago for any funds.
If in case you have time and energy you’ll be able to proceed strolling from Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre – a phenomenal 3-4 day stroll with lovely forest and sea surroundings. If you happen to don’t have time to stroll to Finisterre you are able to do a day bus tour from Santiago to Finisterre and Muxía. There are numerous different superb issues to do in Santiago de Compostela to maintain you busy for a few days.
Locations to remain between Padrón and Santiago
Santiago de Compostela, the top of the Portuguese Camino
Now it’s time to loosen up after a few robust strolling weeks and spoil your self by staying in a pleasant place, you deserved it after sleeping in dozens of albergues with shared amenities. There are numerous choices in Santiago probably the most troublesome is to decide on the fitting one for you. Within the peak season, I’d suggest reserving your lodging in Santiago prematurely one of the best and probably the most central locations may be absolutely booked.
There may be one particular place within the metropolis for pilgrims – Hospedaria San Marín Pinário Seminario Mayor. The place has been internet hosting pilgrims for the reason that sixteenth century. These days it’s an costly resort however they’ve particular funds rooms for pilgrims. These rooms are fairly small and modest however they’re non-public and have an connected toilet.
The placement of the place is superb, proper subsequent to the Cathedral. A single room prices 25 Euro, a double room 35 Euro. It’s important to ebook it a minimum of a few weeks prematurely. You are able to do it by way of e-mail. They reply shortly. As an possibility you’ll be able to keep in one of many renovated rooms, it’s costlier however extra comfy, these rooms might be booked on-line.
Locations to remain in Santiago
Excursions and actions in Santiago de Compostela
If in case you have a few days earlier than your return flight you’ll be able to discover Santiago de Compostela and its environment, there are lots of excursions and actions within the metropolis.
Getting the Compostela in Santiago
Each pilgrim that walked a minimum of the final 100km to Santiago can get a Compostela – an accreditation of pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Jacob. Throughout the Pilgrim’s Mass, they point out within the prayer the pilgrims that arrived that day in Santiago and registered on the workplace for his or her Compostelas in line with their nation of origin e.g. 50 pilgrims from Spain, 30 pilgrims from the US, 10 from Australia, and so forth.
To get the Compostela;
- go together with your Credential to the Pilgrim Workplace in Santiago.
- wait within the queue, it will possibly take something between 30min. and three hours relying on the variety of pilgrims.
On the Pilgrims’ Workplace you may get the Certificates of Distance as effectively it’s much like the Compostela paper nevertheless it contains extra particulars; the identify of the Camino you walked, when and the place you began and whole distance walked. The Certificates prices 3 Euro. You should buy a Tubo (cardboard tube) to place your Credential and Certificates in to ensure they gained’t tear or get soiled.
Botafumeiro ceremony within the Cathedral de Santiago
Sadly, it takes place solely on particular non secular events. Botafumeiro is an costly ceremony and the cathedral can’t afford to do it on daily basis and even as soon as every week.
It’s attainable to organize it for 400 Euro. It doesn’t matter how many individuals pay for it solely you or a gaggle of fifty the ceremony will happen in the course of the Pilgrim’s Mass and will probably be public. So in case you’re 10 or extra folks it’s not that costly. It’s important to ebook it beforehand for a particular day while you’re planning to be in Santiago.
I’ve seen Botafumeiro as soon as and it’s one thing to expertise particularly in case you simply accomplished your pilgrimage! Essential! No photograph or video footage is allowed in the course of the Mass even in case you pay for Botafumeiro you’ll be able to’t take images. To make a reserving write to botafumeiro@catedraldesantiago.es.
Portuguese Camino last ideas
It was our first Camino de Santiago although we’d performed many hikes earlier than the Camino is a totally completely different expertise. It was our longest uninterrupted hike and we didn’t know what to anticipate. The beauty of any Camino is that anyone can do it irrespective of how match or unfit you’re, simply select your tempo and every day distance and also you’ll be capable of attain Santiago, it’d take you one or three weeks however who cares!
Folks stroll the Camino with completely different intentions and causes; for some, it’s a pilgrimage with a spiritual background, some need to have a while to assume, some folks like us identical to mountaineering, for others it’s an excellent and funds method to see a rustic and a whole bunch of different causes.
Relating to our Camino selection; to start with, we didn’t need to stroll a really crowded approach so not the French Method; second, we began in mid-Might which is an effective time for strolling on this area it was already heat however not too scorching. Third, the Portuguese route goes via the elements of Spain and Portugal that we haven’t been to. We did like this stroll and it impressed us to do extra Caminos de Santiago within the nearest future. Buen Camino!
Camino Portuguese planning assets
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