Reflecting on the Camino from Porto to Tui
Reflecting on the Camino from Porto to Tui
Camino Portugues Considerations
From Lisbon to Porto, as we have already noted, there are potentially longer distances between albergues, which means longer hiking distances per day; overall, there are fewer pilgrim amenities, and vast sections of The Way are on harder surfaces such as cobblestone tracts, ash vault roadways, or tiled and concrete sidewalks. In short, it is a tough way to start a hike.
From Porto onward, however, much of this changes.
The Way of St. James in Portugal
Simply put, if you loved the Camino Francés (I mean, who doesn’t) and want more of the same, then this section will be to your liking – more yellow arrows, closer albergue stops, more rest stops with refreshments, and more pilgrim-centred facilities. Admittedly, those who begin in Porto might initially feel that this is misleading. However, the comment that there is less road walking in this section needs to be understood in the context of the route between Lisbon and Porto. Especially since much of the first two days out of Porto and out of Barcelos is akin to trekking through suburbs, and is likely a little shocking for pilgrims who are just joining the route. Indeed, if I had to hike out of Porto again, I would definitely trek along the Senda Litoral and then rejoin a day later to the Camino Central – which, according to everyone who took that route, was beautiful, relaxing, and easy trekking along a boardwalk. Regardless, once beyond the boundaries of Porto, the Camino Portuguese becomes an easier trek on more friendly pathways.
Costs of Pilgrimage in Portugal
In terms of the cost of trekking on the Camino Português, we found that albergues were similar in price to those on the Camino Francés, while overall the food has generally been cheaper. However, it is worth noting that in towns like Porto, Barcelos, Ponte de Lima and Valença, the prices are higher than we have experienced along the Portuguese Way – likely a reflection of being larger cities and tourist destinations. In addition, from Porto onward there also seems to be a higher expectation of services, amenities, assistance, food, and wine, by pilgrims along this route than in the stretch between Lisbon and Porto.
Pilgrims on the Camino Português
In terms of the number of pilgrims en route to Santiago along the Camino Portugués, it must be understood that there is in no way a sheer volume of hikers on this route. As such, once again, things need to be understood in the context of the differences in the number of hikers between Lisbon and Porto and the relatively higher numbers of pilgrims which were evident after Porto and again after Tui. This means that from Porto onward most hikers will find themselves again part of a very clear community on a common pathway. While we found this also to be true from Lisbon onward, the sheer number of pilgrims, pilgrim amenities, and signage after Porto makes it clear that there are more people utilizing the route from this point forward.
Albergues, Cafes, and Pilgrim Services
The Albergues throughout Portugal and Galician Spain are very similar in style to those found on the Camino Francés – though the amenities are increasingly similar from Porto northward. Similarly, finding albergues and beds after Porto becomes simpler with each day, as both the advertisements (similar to those found on the Camino Francés) and accommodations get more plentiful. With this said, despite the increase in the number of albergues, both they and donativos were regularly full in this stretch as we hiked through. Many seemed to have been reserved in advance by pilgrims, tour groups and groups travelling together, which made things more challenging to ensure that we found accommodations. This, of course, does not mean that there are no available accommodations as you trek through this stretch because, in addition to albergues, pilgrims also have a range of other options including hostels, Quintas, Casas, pensions/fondas, and of course hotels along the way.*** Another thing that began in this section was that almost every albergue owner, hostel owner, or pension owner began to take pictures of our passports and ask for our signatures on their phones. Some even demanded to take pictures of us, and one asked to photograph my Mastercard and the reverse of the card with the signature on it. Perhaps I am just nervous around technology; however, much of this new tap-and-photograph system seemed to certainly lack any sense of security for our information. ***
Another notable change to the Camino Português after Porto is the increase in the number of cafes, bars, and restaurants along the Way. More than the existence of these establishments it is the rapid increase in the number of advertisements for lunches, pilgrim menus, and Camino stamps that makes you aware that things have changed. Indeed, some establishments have simply put their stamp and an ink pad on a post outside to allow pilgrims to self-stamp on the go. To this end, most bars also now have multi-lingual signs and menus with images openly displayed.
Beyond these familiar Camino features, from Porto northward – and especially after Tui – the public fountains with running water return, are accessible, and are for use. From Lisbon to Porto, finding public fountains with drinkable water was rare.
Another feature of the Camino Frances to return after Porto was the surge of luggage transportation services and taxi services are all much more evident and more utilized by many pilgrims throughout this section.
Camino Waymarking
As noted in our previous post, the waymarking of the trail throughout Portugal is amazing and comprehensive. Even from Lisbon onward, there are waves of little yellow arrows, shells, and Camino signage to help you north toward Santiago. In addition, there are blue arrows pointed towards Fatima, which from Lisbon to Tomar point in the same direction and from Tomar to Santiago point in opposite directions. This means that the waymarking on the Camino Portugués from Porto onward is just as comprehensive and familiar to those who have hiked on the Camino Francés – yellow arrows, shells, GR blazes, Camino signs, and crosses. As usual, we found following the yellow arrows challenging in the larger cities when they were often put on the side of the curb along the edge of the road rather than on the walls or sidewalk itself.
Need to pay attention, as there are variations in the route you can take after Porto (Coastal, Central, Spiritual, Litoral). While this might sound confusing in such areas, there were almost always maps delineating each route out of the major cities.
While the blue arrows are still around from Porto until Santiago, the emphasis on Fatima begins to disappear with the number of pilgrims heading southbound declining day by day. For those who get lost after Porto, remember that if you can locate a blue arrow, then you can typically find your way back to the Camino by walking in the opposite direction to them.
Reflecting on the Camino Português
From Porto onward there are more big cities, more bars/cafes/restaurants, more albergues and accommodations, but with these things come more tourists and more tourist destinations and more crowds. As a result, from Porto onward, this means that you often spend more time negotiating around tour groups in cathedrals and cities, spend more nights in hotels or pensions rather than albergues and spend more time eating at restaurants rather than cooking. In addition to the increasing urbanization of the trail, Porto is also the primary starting point for most pilgrims on the Camino Portugués. This means that on a trail which previously had a dozen or two dozen people on it, you now have hundreds of new hikers. In response to this, you also get the accompanying rise in advertisements, yellow arrows, luggage transport, taxi services, regional Camino mascots, and pilgrim tourist shops. In short, from Porto to Santiago, the Camino Portugués feels more like the Camino Francés. This is neither good nor bad, it is simply a noticeable difference. Perhaps the only downside of only hiking from Porto onward is that you spend so little time in Portugal compared to those who began their trek in Lisbon - which, given the beauty of the landscape, generosity of the people and amazing food along the route, is unfortunate to miss out on.
See
you on the Trail!
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