An article about how to start the Camino in Porto? How nonsensical – there are arrows for this!
Yes, of course. So much for the theory. But when you stand in front of the cathedral in Porto, you quickly realise that there are not too few, but too many arrows!
Where does the Camino start in Porto?
The Camino Portugues actually starts in Lisbon or you start even earlier in the Algarve.
That’s why there is no single starting arrow in Porto, but arrows are scattered all over the city. And usually there is no indication whether the arrow in question is one that leads pilgrims from Lisbon through the city, or whether it is meant for people who start their Camino in Porto.
To make matters worse, you can start from Porto on four different variants. So the first step is to figure out: Which is yours?
They all start at the cathedral (Link).
There are four variants and they are confusing in name.
- Camino Central
- Senda Litoral
- Camino da Costa
- Camino por Braga
Chances are very high that you plan to walk number one or two.
But the arrows for the Caminho da Costa are very visible and often followed by pilgrims, who actually want to walk the Senda Litoral and that are confused by the naming.
Let´s make sure that you find the right arrows for your Camino:
The Camino Central
The Camino Central heads north and covers:
Gião, Rates, Barcelos, Casa Fernanda, Ponte de Lima, Valenca.
But: As the beginning is a little ugly, many pilgrims walk along the coast to Vila do Conde and from there to Rates.
If this is your plan, read the section about where the Senda Litoral starts. If you plan to follow the real Camino Central, then read the section for the Camino Central.
The Senda Litoral / Coastal variant
The senda litoral, also called coastal way or coastal variant, goes from the cathedral to the river and follows it to the ocean.
It covers: Matosinhos, Vila Cha, Vila do Conde, Esposende, Viana do Castelo, Caminha.
Now that we know which Camino is yours, we can figure out which arrows belong to it:
The start of the Senda Litoral / Coastal Variant
Just to be clear: The signs saying “Caminho da Costa" are NOT YOURS.
This official starting marker is not for you.
If you have the Cathedral at your back and look at the official marker, then you go down the (flat) stairs left of it. There are yellow arrows too. Follow these!
Now that you found the right first error, you are still not on the safe side. The arrows down to the river are very confusing and sometimes they mix with arrows that guide pilgrims coming from Lisbon.
So my advice is: Don´t overthink. Walk down through beautiful Ribeira and find your own way to the river, if the arrows are not clear enough.
As soos as you reached the river, make sure that it stays to your left. When you reach the ocean after around 6km, make sure the ocean stays to your left. From Matosinhos on (km 10) you will find a better marking.
Hi, I am Nicoletta and I plan and support your Camino.
Let′s have a chat!
The start of the central way of the Camino Portugues
If you have chosen the inland route, the arrow on the stone pillar is the right one. Follow the markers with the signage “Camino da Costa".
I know, I know, it is confusing. Just believe me, they are the right ones for you.
The central Camino leads you through Ribeira, you see the famous Rua das Flores, walk by the university, through Cedofeita pedestrian area and then you pass the pilgrim albergue.
Can you get lost on the Caminho Portugues?
Theoretically yes, but practically unlikely.
At least, after you’ve managed the start in Porto
The signposting is basically very good everywhere, so you can survive even without a pilgrim’s guide. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have a GPS track with you so that you can check if you are unsure. Because sometimes an arrow points to the left, but there are two left-hand paths. Or at some point you overlook an arrow and wonder where all the other pilgrims have gone.
But even if you take a wrong turn, it doesn’t matter. The Portuguese are very nice people (the Spanish, too, of course) and most of the time you are guided back onto the right path by the next local – or you notice that something is wrong and then check whether you are still on course.
No pilgrim has ever died alone in the wilderness 🙂
Are you still worried about whether it will all work out?
If you are unsure, then I recommend you (quite unselfishly of course 🙂 ) to book my consulting.
I have walked the Portuguese Camino several times and live in Porto myself.
I offer you different options: the full package includes a detailed consultation including a personalised pilgrim’s guide and a digital companion, but there is also the possibility to book only a short consultation and still have my phone number with you when you are on the way. Or book the Porto Welcome Package, where I meet you here to answer any questions and/or show you around this wonderful city.