Day 2 From Porto to (just past) Matosinhos.

 We had arranged for our small suitcase to be transferred to each destination by Pilbeo (7 euros per day) so our case had to be in reception by 8 a.m. 

We had coffee and a snack  for breakfast, at a cafe next to the hostel  while chatting to an Australian man. 

The route started from the Cathedral & cut down to the river. There followed a long stretch alongside the river, past the police training building, vintage trams and the famous bridge. We finally reached the coast and treated ourselves to a coffee stop, and enjoyed some banter with a group of young Australians. 

We were pleased to arrive in Matosinhos and visited Tourist Information to gain our first stamp (after the Cathedral). We were tired and hot so popped into Matosinhos market for a lunch break: beer and tasty wraps with aircon! Just what we needed and good value. 

We had a lovely afternoon of beach walking. We didn't see many pilgrims, until we crossed the bridge just after Matosinhos; then there was quite a procession!

We continued on to our accomodation, Casa Velha, arriving just after 3pm. We had 'nagged' Pilbeo when they seemed to have forgotten our bag (it contained a tracker) but we were reunited at around 4 p.m. 

It was a little cool along the sea front & it was typical for restaurants to open for the evening at  7 or 7.30 pm. So, we had a drink to watch the sun setting then headed to a kebab place! Peter wisely chose a vegan burger while I enjoyed most of my Lahmacun kebab, all washed down with a bottle of red!!

Our first breakfast in Porto

Day 1 Arriving in Porto

 We were excited to travel to Porto and to begin our Camino after 7 months of planning and preparing. 

We landed in Porto at about 11.30 a.m. and after consulting Google maps, then seeking advice from an airport employee, we were quickly directed to the correct metro platform. Payment was easy, using card or phone. 

The 40 minute journey was interesting ,as our first view of this part of Portugal. Once we left the metro (Bolhao stop) it was only a few minutes to our accommodation, which was in a busy shopping street!

We  arrived at 1 p.m. and dropped off our small suitcase then headed for the city. After watching Michael Portillo's programme, we were keen to sample  the white wine and small fish plates in the market, which wasn't far from our accomodation. This was a great experience. The weather was beautiful  & we quickly fell in love with Porto. 

We collected our Credencials (pilgrim passports) at the Cathedral then it was time to check into our room. 

After a breather we headed out for our evening meal. After a stroll downhill to the old part of the city we found a cafe that look suitable & we sat in an outside area, entertained by a kids' martial arts class then a busker. 

I had the local rice & seafood soup, Peter had sardines. At the next table were a couple from the Peak district who had just spent 2 weeks helping friends on an olive farm. 

On returning to our room, it was still busy outside with shoppers, a saxophone busker and people enjoying the bars and cafes. Not exactly tranquil but the noise stopped eventually and we slept well enough. 

A summary

Monday  29th September to Wednesday 8th September.

Walking 30th September to 6th October. 7 days 130 miles.

Start: Porto.  End: Vila Nova Cerveira. 

Total cost approx £1500.

Stops:

Change the World Hostels,Porto £52

Casa Velha, Matosinhos £47

Naval Guest House (& Bistro) Vilo do Conde £78 nice location

Home of Pilgrims d'Apulia  £44  

Minho at home   (Just before Viana do Castelo) £64 ** the best!!  Rank 1

Casa do Sorrio   duplex just after Viana do Castelo £69   

Villa Ribeiro  Vila Praia de Ancora £60   Rank 2

Pilgrim's Rest , Vila Nova Cerveira  £60 Rank 9

Change the World Hostels, Porto £52

Nationalities encountered: American, Canadian, French (cafe owner), German, Norwegian, Danish, South Korean, Australian, English.....