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From Lisbon and Porto to Santiago: Central Coastal and Spiritual Caminos

Ricky Bell

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Published in The Camino Portugues: From Lisbon And Porto To Santiago Central Coastal And Spiritual Caminos (International Walking)

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A Photo Of A Group Of Pilgrims Walking Along The Camino De Santiago In Portugal, With A Long Winding Road Ahead Of Them And Rolling Green Hills In The Background. The Camino Portugues: From Lisbon And Porto To Santiago Central Coastal And Spiritual Caminos (International Walking)

The Camino de Santiago, or Way of Saint James, is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that lead to the tomb of Saint James the Great in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The most popular route is the French Way, which begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, and traverses the Pyrenees Mountains before entering Spain. However, there are many other Camino routes, including the Central Coastal Way and the Spiritual Way, both of which begin in Portugal.

The Camino Portugues: From Lisbon and Porto to Santiago - Central, Coastal and Spiritual Caminos (International Walking)

by Kat Davis

4.7 out of 5

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The Central Coastal Way is a 580-km (360-mile) route that follows the Portuguese coast from Lisbon to Santiago. The route is relatively flat and easy to walk, making it a good option for first-time pilgrims. The Spiritual Way is a 400-km (250-mile) route that begins in Porto, Portugal, and follows the Douro River to Santiago. The route is more challenging than the Central Coastal Way, but it offers stunning scenery and a chance to experience the spiritual side of the Camino.

The Central Coastal Way

The Central Coastal Way is a beautiful and diverse route that takes pilgrims through a variety of landscapes, including beaches, forests, and mountains. The route is well-marked and easy to follow, and there are plenty of places to stay and eat along the way.

The first section of the Central Coastal Way follows the Tagus River from Lisbon to Porto. This section of the route is relatively flat and easy to walk, and it offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding countryside.

After Porto, the Central Coastal Way continues along the Atlantic coast. This section of the route is more challenging, as it includes some steep climbs and descents. However, the scenery is breathtaking, and the pilgrims are rewarded with stunning views of the ocean and the coastline.

The final section of the Central Coastal Way follows the Minho River to Santiago de Compostela. This section of the route is relatively flat and easy to walk, and it offers pilgrims a chance to reflect on their journey and prepare for their arrival in Santiago.

The Spiritual Way

The Spiritual Way is a more challenging route than the Central Coastal Way, but it offers stunning scenery and a chance to experience the spiritual side of the Camino. The route begins in Porto, Portugal, and follows the Douro River to Santiago de Compostela.

The first section of the Spiritual Way follows the Douro River through the Portuguese countryside. This section of the route is relatively flat and easy to walk, and it offers pilgrims a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the river valley.

After the Portuguese border, the Spiritual Way enters Spain and continues to follow the Douro River. This section of the route is more challenging, as it includes some steep climbs and descents. However, the scenery is breathtaking, and the pilgrims are rewarded with stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains.

The final section of the Spiritual Way follows the Galician coast to Santiago de Compostela. This section of the route is relatively flat and easy to walk, and it offers pilgrims a chance to reflect on their journey and prepare for their arrival in Santiago.

The Central Coastal Way and the Spiritual Way are both beautiful and rewarding pilgrimage routes. The Central Coastal Way is a good option for first-time pilgrims, while the Spiritual Way is a more challenging route that offers stunning scenery and a chance to experience the spiritual side of the Camino.

The Camino Portugues: From Lisbon and Porto to Santiago - Central, Coastal and Spiritual Caminos (International Walking)

by Kat Davis

4.7 out of 5