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After cycling part of the French Camino last summer we were hooked! Our 2nd Camino starts by bike from Lisbon, Portugal. 1/2 way, brother & sister-in-law will join us to walk the rest from Porto, Portugal ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain Read more
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  • Camino Portuguese
    1
    1121
    Day 2–4

    LISBON

    April 2 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F

    Day 1: After an uneventful red-eye flight, we arrived to a sunny, comfortable 65 degrees and couldn't wait to explore the city. We hiked up & down the narrow cobblestone streets to at least 3 of the "7 Hills" that make up Lisbon, from the Ponta Delgada cruise port to the Time Out Market to the City Center and up the steep hill to Castelo de S. Jorge. We stumbled across a movie shoot in progress of a woman getting saved from being hit by a truck at one of the Miradouras (overlooks). We couldn't resist passing another Pastelaria without trying a codfish croqueta and their famous Pastel de Nata, egg custard tart.

    After returning to the Sant Jordi Hostel, we needed a nap! We woke just in time to enjoy a White Port Spritzer in the Japanese tea garden, turned bar and a walk to Zé da Mouraria 2 for a delicious classic Portuguese dinner of Bacalhau, Shrimp in garlic sauce, and a sample of cherry beer and ginjinha, their famous sour cherry liqueur. Upon return, we caught the end of Top Gun Maverick on the garden's big screen.

    The top floor of the hostel gave us complete privacy with a small but comfortable room with a private bath while still enjoying the international mix of primarily young travelers. We had the option to eat a full European breakfast buffet or cook our meals in the shared kitchen.

    Day 2: Met friends of the Eckenrode family, Heather & Dave Wechter. Heather graciously walked in the chilly pouring rain, showing us more highlights, including Avenida da Liberdade and The Cathedral of Saint Mary Major, and a stop for a delicious lunch of seafood soup, grilled octopus & clams in more garlic sauce, the perfect way to warm up on a rainy day.

    We look forward to more time here after we return our rented bikes via train from Porto on the 11th and meet up with John's brother, Bob, and wife, Linda, before embarking on the hiking leg of our Camino together from Tui, Spain.    Read more

  • Camino Portuguese
    111111
    Day 3–4

    SINTRA

    April 3 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    As the sun began to wane, we arrived at the enchanting Moon Hill Hostel, our home for the night. After settling in, we ventured out to explore the picturesque Vila de Sintra, renowned for its romanticist architecture and rich history. The streets were bustling with activity, as vendors sold their wares and musicians serenaded passersby. We marveled at the grandeur of the royal palaces, the Pena National Palace, and the historic estates and gardens, all of which were steeped in centuries-old tales. The Castle of the Moors stood atop a hill, casting a watchful eye over the town below. As we rode in and out of Sintra, we were captivated by its magical charm. Although we only had a few hours to spend, its impression will last forever 💕Read more

  • Camino Portuguese
    1
    111211
    Day 3–4

    LISBON heading west along coast

    April 3 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
  • Camino Portuguese
    Day 4–5

    CABO da ROCA - SANTA CRUZ

    April 4 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    As the sun started to rise over Sintra, we embarked on a breathtaking journey through the undulating hills towards Cabo da Roca. This westernmost cape of the Sintra Mountain Range boasts the distinction of being the furthest western point in all of Europe. Our destination for the day was the beautiful Santa Cruz.

    On our way, we made a quick stop at a local Farmacia to pick up some essential Valerian root. This natural remedy helps with jet lag, which was much needed after a long flight. We then stopped for lunch at a local favorite in São João das Lampas. The restaurant served an amazing version of Bacalhau and Cuttlefish, which is a typical Portuguese dish.

    After lunch, we continued toward Santa Cruz Beach Resort. We arrived just in time to take a leisurely stroll to the Lavandaria for a much-needed clothes wash. The resort's laundry room was equipped with modern machines that already had soap built in. This made the washing process a breeze- one less thing to worry about on our trip!

    The day was perfect- sunny, with a temperature of around 65-70° Fahrenheit. It was a beautiful day to be outdoors and explore the awe-inspiring scenery of Portugal's Atlantic coast    Read more

  • Camino Portuguese
    111
    Day 5–6

    ÓBIDOS

    April 5 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F
  • Camino Portuguese
    111
    Day 6–7

    FATIMA

    April 6 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    As we continued on our journey, we opted to tread the road less traveled, forging our own "way". So far, this has rewarded us with some unforgettable experiences, and our ride from charming Óbidos to the holy city of Fatima was undoubtedly one of the highlights. I can only speak for myself, but while the rugged Atlantic coast is undeniably breathtaking and fun watching surfers dotting the shoreline in every town, my soul finds solace in the quiet simplicity of the bucolic countryside. Cycling immersed us in the natural beauty of each region, tantalizing our senses as we pedaled through the crisp breeze that carried scents of minty eucalyptus forests, tangy citrus trees, earthy olive orchards, and sweet spring flowers. It allows for a snapshot in time of farm animals grazing in the lush verdant valleys, vibrant purple wisteria in full bloom adorning a stone fence, or a worn stray cat lying on the warm cobblestone path without a care in the world. I was grateful to the Portuguese dog owners in just about every other residence we passed for containing their overly protective furry family members, making for a much safer journey. Those we did see wandering were estranged and seemingly on their own Camino. Much to John's chagrin, I picked up some animal treats. I reminded him of one of my life mottos, "I stop for animals," and the Camino is no different 😊
    As we continue on our way, I am filled with serenity and gratitude for the opportunity to experience God's hand in it all.    Read more

  • Camino Portuguese
    11
    Day 7–8

    ALVORGE

    April 7 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    Pedaling away from the town of Fátima and into the calmer countryside, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. Cycling can be equally exhausting for the mind, navigating the circles and crosswalks. While I can appreciate the religious significance of Fátima for devout Catholics, I have to admit that it wasn't my favorite stop. Despite the town's beautiful statues, Basilica, relics, and rituals, I found its over-commercialization disappointing.

    Our overnight stay at an old "nunnery" filled me with mixed emotions as memories of cleaning the nun's convent flooded back, a penance for my tardiness to children's mass.

    Traversing through the tranquil countryside en route to Alvorge, my thoughts drifted to the three young shepherd children who were visited by the Blessed Virgin Mary back in 1917. The significance of the secrets, prayers, and prophetic messages that were revealed to them by the "Lady of the Rosary" on six separate occasions still continues to captivate and inspire pilgrims from all corners of the world. As I breathe the fresh, sweet Portuguese air, I don't think I need to go to Fátima to experience God as the most beautiful reality of human existence.    Read more

  • Camino Portuguese
    111
    Day 8–9

    COIMBRA

    April 8 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    On our journey from Algorge to Coimbra, we encountered a less-than-ideal day for riding. It was chilly and windy, and the rain poured intermittently, which forced us to take multiple stops along the way. These stops allowed us to meet fellow Canadian pilgrims we had previously encountered at an Albergue (camino hostel) the night before. This is one of the cool things about the Camino: the impromptu run-ins along the way and the story-swapping. We were fortunate to have discovered the Roman ruins in Conimbriga, which we may have otherwise missed.

    We decided to cut the day short and crossed the Santa Clara bridge to reach Coimbra, the third-largest city in Portugal. This time, we chose to break away from the usual albergue accommodation and stayed at Zero, a minimalist Japanese concept hotel that featured rooms made of wooden boxes. Although the rooms were small, we were glad we weren't claustrophobic. Following a quick shower, we set out to find a place to eat. We stumbled upon a hole-in-the-wall gem that offered typical Portuguese dishes.

    Afterward, we explored the city further and climbed the steep cobblestone sidewalk that led to The University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in the world, established in 1290. We were awed by its stunning architecture and the spectacular view of the Mondego River. We also had the opportunity to witness a "Praxe," a freshman initiation ritual that is akin to rushing a fraternity or sorority. It was an interesting spectacle.

    On our way back to the hotel, we decided to take the Portuguese version of the Exorcist Steps, an adventure in itself, but we made it back to our Japanese box safely. Overall, despite the challenging weather, we had a full day of memorable days filled with unexpected adventures and experiences.    Read more

  • Camino Portuguese
    1
    1111
    Day 9–11

    AVEIRO

    April 9 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F

    The bright sunshine and warmer temps made for a promising day on the Camino. However, things took an unexpected turn when the fine gravel turned to rough rocks and ruts; the inevitable happened - a flat tire. Fortunately, there was a spare tube replacement, and John, an experienced tire-changing expert, came to the rescue.

    Despite the setback, we continued, enjoying the ever-changing landscape interposed with quaint villages and the occasional pilgrim. While climbing a steep hill, I was halted again when the chain fell off. John continued on, too far off to hear my cry for help. In the distance on the hiking trail, I could hear pilgrims whistling to get his attention. Thankfully, he heard them and made his way back. A stick, the culprit this time.

    For the next hour, we bounced our way through a gorgeous but oddly quiet trail, except for the occasional bleating of a baby goat, and joked about things happening in threes. When we arrived at the next town, I looked down, and my phone was gone! It had popped off my Quad Lock, last location, 45 minutes ago. The chances of finding it were slim to none, but we decided it was worth the effort, especially given our protection thus far. I was less than enthusiastic to retrace our route through the rough cratered hills, but it had to be where it was lost. We asked two lone pilgrims to no avail. As I turned up the path, I heard John speaking to someone and could see one of the two women pull a phone from her sack. She found it!! The same two women who whistled a few hours earlier....our Camino angels, interceded no doubt by Our Lady of Fatima! She told us about losing her phone the year before on a Camino and recalled the dreaded feeling. She was determined to find the owner in the next alberge, but there could be no chance of finding us on our biking route. After the harrowing morning, we needed a nourishment break. We stopped at the next local Churrascaria and enjoyed a hearty lunch of meat, meat, and more meat, and reflected on the day's blessings.

    One of the best things about a Camino is getting to do it YOUR way. We decided to give the bikes and our bodies a break. Aveiro was the perfect place to do so.    Read more

  • Camino Portuguese
    Day 10

    PORTO

    April 10 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F

    We parked our bikes for a 2nd day in Aveiro and hopped on a short train ride to Porto for a day...the 2nd largest city in Portugal and a popular tourist destination. The moment we arrived, we were greeted by the iconic bridges, lively streets, and historical monuments. Our first stop was the Porto Cathedral, a majestic structure with intricate details reminiscent of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque-style architecture.

    Porto's rich history dates back to the 4th century BC when it was established by the Celts and called "Cale." The Romans conquered the Iberian Penisula around 200 BC, transforming it into an influential commercial port, then the Moor invasion left their Islamic legacy on just about every aspect of culture: language, agriculture, architecture, and art; then came the Asturians, then Portugal's independence as shipbuilding grew the port in the 15th c, and so began the exploration "Age of Discovery" for the next two centuries, then Spain's king making way for Porto's golden age in the 18th century and port wine it's gold. Napolean tried to take it in the early 19th c. until the Liberal Revolution started in 1820. Fun fact: J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter and the Philsopher's Stone at the historical Majestic Cafe after she moved to Porto 🤓

    As we made our way through the narrow, cobbled streets, we were drawn to the charming neighborhood of Ribeira, which runs parallel to the Douro River. The area is lined with colorful townhomes, small bars, and eateries serving classic Porto fare of grilled sardines, Alheira, a smoked sausage dish, and the famous Francesinha, an open-face sandwich made with layers of ham, sausage, and steak – all smothered in melted cheese and a special tomato and beer sauce. Yumm! However, I did not try any of these and instead opted for their version of Avocado Toast.

    Feeling like true tourists, we decided to take a Rabelo cruise. A rabelo is a wooden, Viking-inspired boat historically used to transport wine and cleverly repurposed as a tour boat. Our first boat's engine failed, but the crew quickly switched us to the party Rabelo, and for the next hour, we cruised to Portuguese music under all the city's bridges to the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean and back. The scenery and the iconic bridges were even more beautiful from the river. We were grateful for the opportunity to experience such a vibrant and pretty city and learn it's history.    Read more

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