Casa da Arqitectura -- Centro de Documentação Álvaro Siza

An 11km day, all flat along the water.

A gentle start, brekkie recommended by gendarmes nearby, packed and off to the 12th century cathedral, obtained our stamped Caminho credentials, attended Mass with full choir, then took narrow lanes downhill to the River Douro.

We turned right, fought the wild crowds along the river for about 5km and stopped for lovely lunch. Further along river and another right turn to follow the Atlantic and Porto’s western beaches north, weather perfect, lots of beach goers and a few swimmers and board riders. Beaches very wide and quite crowded.

Now in our micro studio contemplating the beach and maybe a swim. Probably a small ale to follow. . . the first large one.
A long day tomorrow an early start planned. Day One completed!

After unpacking we returned to the beach and had a swim. The water was clean and clear, with a nice regular 2 foot swell and the water temperature a brisk 14.5c.Read more