#98 Portuguese Camino-Tips For First Timers

Ecofitness by Korina Duffy

Valença To Santiago – Portuguese Route last 110km Day 1 – Fly from Dublin to Santiago Upon arrival, you are provided with a private transfer to Valença for your overnight stay. Take the chance to explore the fortaleza in Valença – the old town contained within fortress walls that date from the 13th century. Day 2 – Walk 20km from Valença to O Porriño Your day starts by crossing over the River Minho into Spain via a bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel. Passing by the Parador of Tui, you will walk uphill through the narrow streets of Tui to collect your first stamp in Spain at Tui Cathedral. Your day finishes in the small town of O Porriño, famous for its “Pink Porriño” granite stone. Day 3 – Walk 22 km from O Porriño to Arcade Your day involves passing through the picturesque hamlet of Mos before reaching Redondela, a pretty place to stop for lunch. Arcade is the self-styled Galician home of oysters and is also a chance for you to take a beach stroll to watch the sun go down over the Bay of Vigo. Day 4 – Walk 13km from Arcade to Pontevedra Your day starts by crossing the beautiful Roman bridge from Arcade to Pontesampaio. The short day allows you plenty of time to explore the old city centre of Pontevedra, centered around the Basilica de Santa Maria in Praza Ourense. Camino fact – Pontevedra was once a key trading port and is where the Santa Maria, Columbus’ flagship, was built. Day 5 – Walk 21km from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis A quiet day spent mostly on minor country roads allows you the chance to relax in San Amaro on the way to Caldas. Caldas de Reis (“the thermal springs of the kings”) takes its name from the thermal springs that are still used today. Day 6 – Walk 20km from Caldas to Padrón Passing through possible resting points at Santa Mariña, O Pino, and San Miguel, the day finishes up in Padrón, a town synonymous with Camino legend. It is here that the remains of St. James are said to have been taken ashore by his followers. Padrón is also home to the Pimientos de Padrón – peppers with a random hot surprise that are a local specialty worth sampling! Don't forget to visit this fabulous park below along your route and dip in the water fall there... Río Barosa. Un paseo entre molinos y cascadas - Perder el Rumbo Day 7 – Walk 24km to Santiago Today is all about reaching your journey’s end. You pass through Escravitude, Anguira de Suso, Faramello, and Milladoiro before walking the final couple of kilometers to the cathedral in Santiago. Set off early to give yourself plenty of time to explore the incredible city of Santiago, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the perfect place to get lost in meandering streets or to sit at a bar and watch the pilgrim world go by! Day 8 – Fly back Return to Santiago airport for your return flight to Dublin. NOTE: Don't forget the fabulous waterfall mentioned above. Want to join our up and coming trips? Check out www.ecofitness.ie #camino #ecofitnesscamino #caminotips #grouptrips