Day 1: Porto to Vila Do Conde

Thursday 19 September

We left Porto from Se Cathedral at 7:30 and followed the Douro to the sea. A lovely walk that included our first pasteis de nata since arriving in Portugal. Crunchy pastry and perfect custard filling. Delicious!

The route follows the promenade in Matosinhos, where we took a short break to find accommodation in the next town, which proved tricky. Possibly the wildfires that broke out on Monday made more people change their plans to walk the Coastal Route. We had to walk much, much, much further to Vila Do Conde. A full afternoon of walking through some small, sleepy towns and along pretty seaside boardwalks, bringing us to 27 km for the day. Way longer than the planned 12-15 km! Definitely all that’s needed for a good night’s rest (along with some food and beer - I have discovered that an icy Super Bock is perfect after a long, hot walk! Thanks, Prudence!). Tomorrow will be a much shorter walking day… if all goes to plan! I already have blisters starting, so we will catch a bus to Sao Pedro De Rates, then walk the rest of the way (16 km) to Barcelos on the Central Route.Read more