Our Walk Along the Camino Portuguese

Reflecting on the Camino Portuguese  Pilgrimage Reflections and Considerations We have already mentioned in detail throughout our blog many of the ways in which Camino Portuguese is similar to and yet differs from Camino Frances.  As such – we don’t think that you can hike the Camino Portuguese thinking it will simply be another Camino Frances. While it is one of the countless routes on the Way of St. James with similar signage, stamps, and symbols, it is ultimately its own trail with its own sites, culture and challenges. In short, they are different hikes, in different countries, with different levels of trail development and a completely different pilgrimage focus – as such your expectations have to shift accordingly. Lisbon to Porto Portugal There is a great deal of naysaying about the Lisbon to Porto section – in guidebooks, online forums, blogs, Facebook, etc. – and it is hard to tell if this is a “chicken and egg” situation or merely a Camino section in devel...

Getting your Compostela in Santiago Camino Portuguese Compostela   While not necessarily the goal of walking any of the Camino routes, the Compostela - or the official attestation given to any individual or pilgrim who has (as of 2019) walked, hiked, or trekked more than 100 km to the cathedral in Santiago (There are different rules for cyclists). In addition to travelling at least the minimum distance to Santiago, pilgrims must also ensure that they have had their Pilgrim Credential (Credencial del Peregrino) or Passport stamped once per day prior to the last 100 km and twice per day in the final 100 km. Traditionally these stamps are the official seals of Churches, Cathedrals, Monasteries, Convents, and Albergues/Gites/Hostels along the Camino, however, they often include stamps from cafes, bars, and hotels along the various Camino Routes.  The Credential is a small booklet carried by pilgrims on any Camino route, that identifies them as pilgrims on the Way of ...

Exploring  Santiago de Compostela Santiago and the Cathedral We had intended to get up early this morning and attend the English pilgrim's Mass at Santiago Cathedral, but sadly our alarm clock went unheeded in the dark, cozy, warmth of our room.   Apparently, we were a lot more exhausted than we realized.   By 9 AM we were awake and heading down to St. Martin's restaurant below our hostel for a breakfast of small pastries and cafe Americano.   Afterwards, we made our way to the Cathedral through streets that were already heating up under a bright, hot, sun.   On our last visit to Santiago following the Camino Frances , we took a tour of the Cathedral which we enjoyed greatly. On our first tour, we were able to explore the Cathedral museum, as well as being taken 'behind the scenes' and up onto the roof.   This year the tour didn't include a trip to the Cathedral's roof, but it offered a tour of the Portico of Glory, which we were also excited to ...