Camino Portugues is among the non secular 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 whole distance of the Camino from Porto to Santiago will depend on the route you select; the Coastal Route – 280 km, the Central Route – 260 km. Another choice is to begin strolling from Lisbon then the overall distance to Santiago is about 630 km.
On this put up, we’ll talk about completely different route choices and the benefits and drawbacks of each route. Within the second a part of the put up, 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 recordsdata:
The primary file incorporates detailed info 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 lodges. 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. For those who’re planning to stroll the Camino this season are can’t discover open public albergues for some days you possibly can keep in non-public albergues they’re a bit bit dearer.
If you wish to know the present necessities to enter Portugal and journey guidelines applied 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, lodges, guesthouses
- Route marking – yellow shells and arrows
Completely different route choices of the Camino Portuguese
I understand how it’s once you need to do a stroll and understand that there are a number of routes that finish on the identical locations. Which one to decide on? – was our query after we had been planning our Portuguese Camino stroll.
First, you could have two choices to begin strolling in Lisbon or in Porto. We began in Lisbon there have been some issues that we actually preferred and a few not that a lot on the route.
For those who begin the Camino in Lisbon then the overall distance to Santiago is 616km. It’s doable to do a detour and stroll by Fatima, it provides about 25km to the route. The principle problem we confronted there’s a lack of infrastructure for pilgrims, typically it was troublesome to seek out lodging, as soon as in Caxarias, we had been supplied to sleep in church storage on the ground as a result of all rooms within the city had been occupied.
I need to say the stroll from Lisbon is gorgeous however for those who favor to have a cushty and straightforward stroll we’d recommend beginning in Porto. For those who 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. For those who like a problem and like to go off the overwhelmed observe 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 manner 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 observe from Porto?
The Central Route
Benefits; 1. it has a greater infrastructure; extra albergues, extra cities, extra eating places, and outlets. 2. For those who’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 think about it as a bonus), you’ll want much less time to finish it. 4. It’s a greater choice to stroll in unhealthy climate circumstances 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 by is extra developed and touristy.
The Coastal Route
Benefits; 1. Strolling alongside the coast is all the time a bonus (at the least we expect 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 consult with albergues although for us it was an issue solely as soon as in Vigo the place there are not any albergues solely lodges/hostels.
For those who determine to stroll this route examine our detailed put up 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 simplest ways to stroll out of town and skip strolling alongside the busy freeway resulting in the airport. You’ll be able to learn in some guidebooks that it’s higher to skip the primary stage from Porto since you stroll by industrial areas, they consult with strolling out of town following the Central Camino or Coastal Route, not the Litoral. On the primary day no must decide about which manner 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 further factor this route shouldn’t be marked very properly (apart from the primary day) but it surely’s straightforward to stroll you simply go alongside the coast/seaside.
Obtain Camino Portuguese Strolling Routes map
A nice choice 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 non-compulsory route from Pontevedra that goes over the mountains and joins the Central route in Padrón. This fashion you mix all doable routes of the Camino Portugues and stroll by 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 another outside exercise includes a threat of getting an harm or shedding a few of the gear. It’s all the time beneficial to have journey insurance coverage once you go away. The Portuguese Camino de Santiago shouldn’t be an exclusion. It’s not a excessive altitude wild hike by 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.
Ensure that 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 system break/loss you possibly can all the time declare it again. It makes the stroll much less tense when you recognize you’re coated in case of any unpredictable emergencies.
Be aware! In case you have European Well being Insurance coverage Card you don’t want any further medical insurance coverage for Spain.
The very best months for strolling the Portuguese Camino
If you wish to skip crowds and have good climate Could and September are the greatest months to stroll the Camino. For those who fairly need to stroll alone go low season, April and October are good months, you will be fortunate with the climate and there will probably be only a few individuals. 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 but it surely’s nonetheless not too busy but and already good and heat. July and August are the hottest and the hottest months, it’s necessary to begin strolling early to skip the warmth of the day.
Lodging on the Camino route
Hostels for pilgrims on Caminos de Santiago are known as “albergues”.
Albergue is a form of hostel with dormitories and shared services so don’t anticipate any luxurious.
To show you’re a pilgrim it’s worthwhile to present your Credential, you get a stamp at each albergue you keep.
There are two forms of albergues; municipal, run by the federal government, cheaper, can’t be booked forward, value between 5-6 Euro pp. Non-public albergues – belong to an individual or firm, dearer, between 10-12 Euro pp, often with higher services, will be booked prematurely over the cellphone or on-line reserving companies.
Every albergue has dormitories with bunk beds, shared rest room/bathroom, kitchen, some have washing machines and wi-fi.
Municipal albergues settle for solely money.
Mattress bugs drawback – after finishing two Caminos we didn’t have bedbugs as soon as. It’s a bonus of strolling the Camino at first 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 to be like it really works.
Some individuals asking if it’s value carrying a tent with I’d say “No“. You’ll be able to keep in albergues for 5-6 Euro most campsites will cost you an identical or much more for tenting (wild tenting is unlawful in Spain), plus you need to carry a lot further baggage; a tent, mattress, cooking stuff, and many others.
For extra particulars on lodging on the Camino, the professionals and cons of staying at albergues, suggestions, and many others. examine our detailed put up Albergues on the Camino de Santiago.
Sensible information for the Portuguese Method of St.James
For this Camino we used the Camino Portugues information guide by John Brierley, it incorporates all the mandatory info and maps, small, gentle, and straightforward to make use of.
Each pilgrim wants a Credential – a small guide along with your title that will get stamped at each albergue you keep. The credential is a pilgrim’s ID. You should purchase 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 so as to get the Compostela on the Pilgrim’s Workplace, we had been there in June 2019 they usually confirmed this info.
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 international locations use the identical energy shops – Europlug. For those who come from the US, UK, Australia you may want a journey adapter.
Faucet water in Portugal is excellent, locals are pleased with the water high quality. In Spain, at first, we purchased bottled water however later had been advised that faucet water is okay to drink. Typically you would style sturdy chlorine, strive first if it’s not good then purchase bottled water.
We had been stunned how many individuals in Portugal communicate good English in comparison with Spain. Even in Spain, there’s all the time any person who can translate or clarify.
In Spain, many supermarkets and outlets are closed on Sundays, public holidays, and within the afternoon.
In each international locations, you possibly can purchase medication with a prescription in English out of your physician again house even when it’s simply an e mail, not the unique.
Purchase a native SIM card, each Portugal and Spain have comparable packages from Vodafone legitimate for 30 days; Portugal – 3Gb knowledge, 300 minutes native cellphone calls, plus SMS – 15 Euro. Spain – 2Gb knowledge, 200 minutes of native cellphone calls, SMS – 15 Euro (after we ran out of information we nonetheless may use it for FB and Twitter). Each labored nice, we used it loads for importing photographs and movies, Whatsapp, and many others. and it was greater than sufficient. It’s very helpful to have a neighborhood cellphone quantity if you wish to cellphone and guide a spot.
The route marking may be very good, it’s all the time straightforward to observe, there are yellow arrows each 100m or so.
Convey a pouch or a foldable backpack to hold valuables (cash, passport) with when leaving an albergue, often, there are not any lockers.
Well being suggestions for strolling the Camino
Strolling the Camino is a bodily problem don’t push your self attempting to observe the guidebook or any person’s itinerary, take your time, transfer your tempo.
For those who really feel very drained or unwell take a time without work or at the least 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 obtained terribly sick so deal with 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’ll be able to dangle moist socks out of your backpack to allow them to dry in the meantime.
- you recognize 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 individuals on a regular basis there are many pilgrims who stroll alone a few of them don’t really need the corporate however many will probably be glad to seek out any person to stroll with. Albergues have a very social vibe particularly within the night, individuals prepare dinner and eat collectively, make associates, give suggestions, present photographs, and many others.
There are individuals from everywhere in the world; Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa you’ll be capable to discover any person who speaks your language, belongs to the identical age group, or have comparable pursuits. For those who can’t discover a strolling buddy go and stroll the Camino alone you’ll see what number of nice individuals 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 may’t carry a heavy bag on daily basis you need to use a backpack supply service. There are a number of corporations that may ship your backpack or suitcase for each stage between your lodging. Test Pilbeo (the Central Route), Camino Fácil (each routes), and Correos (the Central Route from Tui) they do baggage switch on the Portuguese Camino. You should utilize the supply for the whole route or for some phases. One stage prices between 5 and seven Euro per backpack.
It’s necessary to keep in mind that often it’s not allowed to ship baggage to public albergues on the Camino. These albergues can’t be booked prematurely they usually gained’t hold a mattress for you even when your backpack is delivered there. Non-public albergues and lodges alongside the route haven’t any drawback with baggage supply.
Portuguese Camino value
Portugal is a bit cheaper than Spain however generally costs in each international locations are comparable. Lodging and buying will value kind of the identical. Public transport particularly trains is cheaper in Portugal than in Spain. A prepare journey (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 foremost 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 dearer within the Portuguese half is the backpack switch service, 2 Euro extra per stage than in Spain.
For those who keep at albergues and purchase meals in supermarkets your common Camino value will probably be between 15-20 Euro per particular person per day. For those who keep at albergues and eat in a restaurant at the least as soon as a day, exit for a beer, or cease a few occasions for espresso be able to spend between 25-30 Euro day by day pp. For those who favor to remain in lodges fairly than albergues add to it 10-15 Euro pp.
Portugal
- Lodging – municipal albergues – 6-7 Euro per particular person, non-public albergues – 10-14 Euro pp. Motels from 15 Euro pp.
- Consuming out – Menu do Dia, a set lunch that features a starter, foremost dish with sides, drink and low 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 (non-compulsory) – 6-7 Euro per backpack per stage.
Spain
- Lodging – municipal albergues – 6-7 Euro per particular person, non-public albergues – 10-14 Euro pp. Motels from 20 Euro pp
- Consuming out – Menu del Dia; starter, foremost 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 (non-compulsory) – from 5 Euro relying on the stage and route you’re taking.
What to pack for the Camino?
Ensure that to not pack an excessive amount of and convey solely the mandatory 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 purchase something you want manner there are outlets, supermarkets, and pharmacies alongside the best way. For those who’re planning on utilizing a baggage supply service then it doesn’t matter you possibly can pack as a lot as you need.
We now have an in depth Camino de Santiago packing record put up 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 will be higher than after an extended day of strolling to climb in mattress and skim your favourite guide!? We’d positively suggest selecting the one you’ll positively have time for studying. Listed here are our prime picks books for the Camino Portugues;
Helpful apps for strolling the Camino Portuguese
- Portuguese Method Premium. Price US$4, out there for Android and Apple.
- Camino Help Pilgrim Santiago. Free obtain, out there for Android and Apple.
- Buen Camino de Santiago. Free obtain, out there for Android and Apple.
- Properly + Camino Portugues; a Smart Pilgrim information. Price US$6, out there for Android and Apple. We haven’t used it however I noticed many sad customers complaining in regards to the app, I’d suggest studying the evaluations earlier than shopping for it.
The Central Route of the Portuguese Camino – strolling phases
Our foremost tip for the Camino is don’t underestimate it, you is perhaps a match particular person 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 at first and also you’ll be wonderful. Plus once you stroll too quick or too far you don’t have sufficient time to cease, take photographs, get pleasure from a cup of espresso with a ravishing view.
Porto, the start of the stroll
Porto is a tremendous metropolis I’d positively 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 journey alongside the Douro River and benefit from the native delicacies. Porto is considered one of my favourite European cities for the reason that first time I got here right here.
Excursions and actions in Porto
In case you have a few further days in Porto earlier than beginning the Camino stroll there are numerous actions and excursions you are able to do right here to discover 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. Services; hot water bathe, wi-fi, kitchen, washer. Positioned fairly removed from the cathedral, to get there you need to use the metro.
For those who fairly favor to remain your first evening in a extra comfy place there are numerous 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 town. It means on the primary day as a substitute of following the Central Route that goes by 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 way nicer and delightful. It is going to add about 7km to your complete distance, no worries our itinerary doesn’t have very lengthy strolling days. We actually loved this half, it felt extra like a seaside than a strolling vacation.
Some individuals favor to take a tram to get from Se Cathedral to Foz do Douro at first of the promenade. We walked from the cathedral we went right down to the Douro river and adopted it. On the primary day more often than not, you stroll on wood boardwalks which is significantly better than asphalt or cobblestones. There are numerous eating places and cafés on the best way the place you possibly can get pleasure from breakfast or lunch with a sea view.
Labruge
We’d recommend stopping right here, and never making your first day too lengthy like a information guide suggests to stroll 33km all the best way to Vila do Conde. No must punish your self and destroy your ft particularly for those who 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.
- Non-public albergue – no
- Lodge, visitor home – sure
- ATM – sure
- Restaurant, café – sure
- Store – sure
- Pharmacy – sure
Locations to remain in Labruge
*Many individuals requested us about different lodging choices (non-public rooms with services) we determined so as to add lodging choices alongside the route which can be out there within the reserving system it is perhaps 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 ravishing stroll alongside the coast until Vila do Conde from the place you flip off the Coastal Route and observe a path that goes inland and joins with the Central Route at Arcos. Strolling by the ocean on the primary day provides you an thought in regards to the Coastal route and for those who prefer it you possibly can keep on with it as a substitute of going to the Central Method. Vila do Conde is a really good and delightful 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 phenomenal 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.
- Non-public albergue – no
- Lodge, 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 can also make this present day quick, 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 subsequent day 34km all the best way to Ponte de Lima as there aren’t many lodging choices earlier than.
Barcelos
Barcelos – a ravishing metropolis, initially a Roman settlement that expanded loads 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. 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 vital common symbols of Portugal.
- Municipal albergue – no
- Non-public albergue – sure, solely 26 beds, donation. Albergue de Barcelos – 3 rooms, kitchen (range, microwave, fridge), scorching bathe, wi-fi.
- Lodge, visitor home – sure
- ATM – sure
- Restaurant, café – sure
- Grocery store – sure
- Pharmacy – sure
Locations to remain in Barcelos
Tamel (San Pedro de Fins)
Be aware! there’s nothing right here besides an albergue carry meals with you. Albergue Casa da Recoleta, municipal, value 5 Euro pp. Services; 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
For those who begin in Barcelos and go all the best way to Ponte de Lima it’ll be an extended strolling day however you possibly can cut up it into two and stroll to Vitorino dos Piães, 16km, there’s a non-public albergue and a few lodges (examine beneath for reserving) or Facha, 23km, there are a few lodges there.
Ponte de Lima
A pleasant and comparatively small place evaluate 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 title 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.
- Non-public albergue – sure
- Lodge, 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 quick day of strolling principally by the forest with an extended uphill stretch that begins at 10km, from 100m to 400m over 4km, be sure to have sufficient water with. There’s a café at Revolta earlier than the climb the place you possibly can have lunch and fill your water bottle.
Rubiães
A really small cozy city with various infrastructure for pilgrims.
- Municipal albergue – sure, 5 Euro. Escola – 34 beds, scorching bathe, kitchen, wi-fi, opens at 1.30 pm.
- Non-public albergue – sure
- Lodge, 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
Immediately it’s principally 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 possibly can determine to remain the evening 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 is no such thing as a official border crossing, each international locations 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 many others. There are some attention-grabbing sights to see. Valença has a ravishing 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.
- Non-public albergue – no
- Lodge, 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.
- Non-public albergue – sure, many
- Lodge, 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 different 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 by Poligono Industrial (Industrial space), the brand new path utterly skips it and goes by the forest. At about 3km earlier than the city there’s yet one more cut up, go left following the river the correct path goes alongside the highway.
Porriño
A small industrial city with a pleasant historic middle.
- Municipal albergue – sure, 6 Euro. Albergue de Peregrinos – 50 beds, scorching bathe, kitchen, opens at 1 pm.
- Non-public albergue – no
- Lodge, 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 right down to Redondela. There are a few bars/eating places on the best way the place you possibly can have lunch. At Redondela each Central and Coastal Routes be a 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.
- Non-public albergue – sure
- Lodge, 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 shouldn’t be a really steep climb. There are a number of bars on the best way the place you possibly can refill water and have lunch. At the present time affords fairly a little bit of highway strolling however the roads weren’t very busy. A few kilometers earlier than Pontevedra on the correct facet of the highway there will probably be an indication River Path, observe it, the space is similar as strolling alongside the highway and it’s nicer for strolling.
Pontevedra
A really good city with a ravishing historic middle, wonderful 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.
- Non-public albergue – sure
- Lodge, 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 possibly can observe the principle path to Caldas de Reis or take Variante Espiritual (Non secular Method) and go over the mountains to Armenteira. Test for extra particulars and phases for the Non secular Route. Each routes be a part of once more in Padrón.
Caldas de Reis
A pleasant small city with scorching springs, church buildings, and outdated Roman ruins. In case you have an opportunity we’d recommend 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.
- Non-public albergue – sure
- Lodge, 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 individuals favor to stroll additional this present day so as to make the final day to Santiago shorter. There are numerous albergues and lodges on the stretch between Padrón and Santiago it gained’t be troublesome to seek out lodging.
Padrón
Padrón shouldn’t be an enormous however good city. The spotlight of the city is the gorgeous 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.
- Non-public albergue – sure
- Lodge, 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 individuals 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 principally by the forest, the second half has a few hills to beat, however all that is nothing in comparison with the joy and happiness you expertise approaching the Cathedral. If it’s your first Camino you’ll see how thrilled you’ll be once you put down your backpack on the Obradoiro Sq. in entrance of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
We’d recommend reserving lodging prematurely particularly within the months of July and August, the height season for the Camino. There are numerous albergues, hostels, lodges, and residences in Santiago for any price range.
In case you have time and energy you possibly can proceed strolling from Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre – a ravishing 3-4 day stroll with stunning forest and sea surroundings. For those who 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 wonderful 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 chill out 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 services. There are numerous choices in Santiago essentially the most troublesome is to decide on the correct one for you. Within the peak season, I’d suggest reserving your lodging in Santiago prematurely one of the best and essentially the most central locations is perhaps 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 price range rooms for pilgrims. These rooms are fairly small and modest however they’re non-public and have an hooked up rest room.
The placement of the place is wonderful, proper subsequent to the Cathedral. A single room prices 25 Euro, a double room 35 Euro. It’s important to guide it at the least a few weeks prematurely. You are able to do it by way of e-mail. They reply shortly. As an choice you possibly can keep in one of many renovated rooms, it’s dearer however extra comfy, these rooms will be booked on-line.
Locations to remain in Santiago
Excursions and actions in Santiago de Compostela
In case you have a few days earlier than your return flight you possibly can discover Santiago de Compostela and its environment, there are numerous excursions and actions within the metropolis.
Getting the Compostela in Santiago
Each pilgrim that walked at the least 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 response to their nation of origin e.g. 50 pilgrims from Spain, 30 pilgrims from the US, 10 from Australia, and many others.
To get the Compostela;
- go along with your Credential to the Pilgrim Workplace in Santiago.
- wait within the queue, it might probably take something between 30min. and three hours relying on the variety of pilgrims.
On the Pilgrims’ Workplace you will get the Certificates of Distance as properly it’s just like the Compostela paper but it surely contains extra particulars; the title of the Camino you walked, when and the place you began and complete distance walked. The Certificates prices 3 Euro. You should purchase 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 spiritual events. Botafumeiro is an costly ceremony and the cathedral can’t afford to do it on daily basis and even as soon as per week.
It’s doable to prepare 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 for those who’re 10 or extra individuals it’s not that costly. It’s important to guide it beforehand for a selected day once you’re planning to be in Santiago.
I’ve seen Botafumeiro as soon as and it’s one thing to expertise particularly for those who simply accomplished your pilgrimage! Vital! No picture or video footage is allowed in the course of the Mass even for those who pay for Botafumeiro you possibly can’t take photographs. To make a reserving write to [email protected].
Portuguese Camino closing ideas
It was our first Camino de Santiago although we’d executed many hikes earlier than the Camino is a very 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 day by day distance and also you’ll be capable to attain Santiago, it would take you one or three weeks however who cares!
Individuals 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 individuals like us identical to mountaineering, for others it’s an incredible and price range solution to see a rustic and a whole bunch of different causes.
Concerning our Camino alternative; initially, we didn’t need to stroll a really crowded manner so not the French Method; second, we began in mid-Could which is an efficient time for strolling on this area it was already heat however not too scorching. Third, the Portuguese route goes by the components 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!
