When you are looking to take on the challenge of the Camino de Santiago, the Camino Portugues or Portuguese Way is an excellent choice for those wishing to grow spiritually and take on the physical challenge of the pilgrimage against a stunning rural backdrop.
There are many camino routes to choose from on the Camino de Santiago and all will deliver an experience you will never forget. The Camino Portugues is one of those routes and offers travellers the essence of the pilgrimage, with a wide range of landscapes and scenery and the chance to try amazing new local gastronomy along the way.
Completing this route will leave you with a sense of fresh perspective on the world, and break from the rat race and an opportunity to truly reflect and experience new things.
Start your journey in the amazing city of Lisbon
Lisbon is already on the bucket list for many in it’s own right, as one of the the stunning great capitals of Europe. Beautiful architecture lines cobbled streets and the influence of trade through the years due to its location where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic Ocean, is easy to see. It is for good reason it is nicknamed the ‘City of Light’.
It is also the start point for the Camino Portugues, and while you are there it is highly recommended to visit the quaint squares and the castle of São Jorge or the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower.
Planning the stages of the journey is key to a successful journey
When planning your journey you will need to make sure that you have considered how far you will walk each day when leaving Lisbon, where you will stop for both food and overnight, and the practicalities of moving luggage from one stop to the next.
This is why many people turn to santiagoways, local regional experts in the Camino de Santiago that are familiar with each stage, have direct long standing relationships with the guest houses along the way, and intimate knowledge of the best places to try local cuisine. They can even offer support in provision of a 24 hour helpline, transfer of luggage and of course help with any language barriers in the booking process. You can build the exact itinerary for you and your group.
A route that takes you through beautiful rural landscapes
This route is fantastic for both the landscape and the historical towns and villages along the way. For example the stunning Arab city of Santarém, or Coimbra, home to another UNESCO World Heritage Site the University – one of the oldest universities in the world.
The route also travels through Porto, the birthplace of Port wine before crossing the border in Galicia, Spain. You go from impressive Atlantic coastlines to green rolling hills and fairytale forests, passing through rural villages. Stop to see the many baroque churches and other historic architecture.
Crossing into Spain you will need to cross the famous International Bridge across the Miño River. It forms the start of the final leg of the Camino de Santiago, passing through forests and traditional farmlands arriving at the Galician coastal city of Arcade, famous for its famous annual oyster festival.
A great achievement when you arrive at your final destination
When you finally reach the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the feeling can be euphoric. You will have challenged yourself in every way possible, and you can deserve to feel a sense of achievement in that.
You will be able to take part in the Pilgrim’s Mass at the Cathedral, and those pilgrims who receive the compostela the day before can have their countries of origin and start point announced during the mass. You will also be able to receive the ‘Compostela’ as proof of your great journey. So what are you waiting for, it’s time to get planning your trip and do a little soul searching along the way.
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