The Camino de Santiago is a mediaeval pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Galicia, in the north-western part of Spain. The Camino de Santiago is suitable for travellers and catholic pilgrims. It is also much more than a pilgrimage; it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that draws thousands of pilgrims and travellers from all over the world. It’s a very spiritual and personal experience.
The Camino de Santiago routes begin in a variety of locations, and the one you choose is entirely up on your personal preferences and what you hope to gain from the trip. The fact that the ancient pilgrims would have started their trips from their own homes explains why there are so many diverse starting sites. As a result, numerous Camino routes have arisen.
Practicalities of walking the Portuguese Camino
You can get your pilgrim passport before you start your Camino trek, and you’ll need at least two stamps per day to get your certificate at the finish. You can get the pilgrim passport at the Porto Cathedral. The pass is a booklet in the shape of an accordion with blank pages. These pages are intended to be filled with stamps from the trail’s many businesses, churches, and other locations. All of this is part of the Camino de Santiago experience. You will meet other pilgrims and can talk with the locals while collecting your stamps. This certification also confirms your status as an official Camino pilgrim. As a pilgrim, you’ll have the option of staying in albergues, which are hostels dedicated solely to pilgrims.
You will present the pass at the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, once you have completed the Camino. You will be eligible for the Camino Compostela certificate if you have collected enough stamps along the road. The Compostela is a Latin religious document that certifies that you walked or cycled 100 kilometres to Santiago de Compostela. For people who are walking the Camino for non-religious or non-spiritual purposes, there is also a non-religious “Certificate of Welcome.”
Portuguese Camino from Lisbon
The Portuguese Camino is part of the Camino de Santiago route network, and it runs for 630 kilometres from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The Camino Portugués leads pilgrims from Lisbon through breathtaking countryside, villages, and towns such as Santarém, Coimbra, home to a UNESCO-listed 13th-century university, and beautiful Porto, home of Port wine. Along the Camino Portugues, you’ll see terraced farms, lush woodlands, wineries, and tranquil sleepy communities. The Portuguese Camino follows the coast from Porto into Spain, via Pontevedra, and then on to Santiago. You’ll begin the final leg of your adventure once you’ve over the 19th century International Bridge over the River Minho, which serves as a natural border between Portugal and Spain. Vigo is a famous beginning place for pilgrims because it represents the end of the Camino de Santiago from Portugal.
Portuguese Camino from Porto
Starting in the vibrant UNESCO-listed city of Porto, the Camino de Santiago will lead you to attractive beach towns and villages along Northern Portugal’s stunning Atlantic coast. Before continuing your Camino, take a stroll along the picturesque Póvoa de Varzim harbour and visit the historic neighbourhood. The nicest views of the town and the surrounding coast may be seen by walking up to the Convento de Santa Clara. You’ll pass through the popular seaside town of Póvoa de Varzim, with its sandy beaches, and through the Coastal Natural Park, Parque Natural do Litoral Norte, on your route to Esposende. The complete route is regarded to be from Porto to Santiago.
You will stay in attractive little cities and explore the most charming towns and villages from the coast to the mountains over the course of at least 12 days. From Caminha, take the boat to A Guarda, Galicia, and the heart of the Ras Baixas, where you will continue this unforgettable journey as it veers inland through more bucolic landscapes towards Santiago de Compostela.
Through the Full Camino Portugues Coastal, discover the untamed Atlantic beauty and sandy beaches of Northern Portugal and Southern Galicia, sample wonderful seafood and local wines, stay in charming fishing villages, and be refreshed by the nautical mood of this picturesque Coastal Camino.
Santiago de Compostela is a treasure of a city, small enough to explore and discover on foot while remaining dynamic and alive. Explore the cobblestone alleyways of the city’s UNESCO-listed old town, take a stroll through Alameda Park, and sample regional flavours at the local market (Mercado de Abastos) and the numerous restaurants and pubs.
Tips for walking the Portuguese Camino
- Hip straps are crucial. They spread the weight more evenly and take the weight off your shoulders. Make sure your bag isn’t too heavy as it will be way more difficult to complete the walk. A 40L backpack is perfect.
- Sleeping bags are too large and bulky to transport. A decent sleep sack can keep you toasty while taking up very little room.
- With trekking poles, the weight of your baggage is distributed more evenly between your legs and the poles. To avoid blisters on your hands, invest in a pair of gloves.
- Rainy days can be made a little more bearable with a decent lightweight rain jacket. Make sure it’ll fit in a tiny bag.
- Purchase some high-quality, water-resistant hiking shoes. Your shoes will determine whether you complete the pilgrimage or not. It’s good to also bring another pair of shoes like sandals.
- Don’t forget to pack snacks and some water bottles, especially when Portugal can reach hot temperatures. Nuts and raisins are good snacks for the Camino.
- When completing the walk, go at a steady pace so you don’t tire yourself out. Don’t over plan excessively.
- Bring plenty of sunscreen and sunglasses.
- This route’s waymarking with yellow arrows will point you in the proper path. To go to your next destination, simply use your guidebook and follow the yellow arrows along the way.
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