As the leaves start to turn and the crisp autumn air begins to whisper promises of adventure, I find myself on the cusp of an incredible journey. On September 17, I will embark on my third Camino pilgrimage, this time walking the Portuguese Camino from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela. Having previously traversed the well-trodden Camino Frances and the rugged Camino Primitivo, I am eager to experience the unique charm and challenges that the Portuguese route offers.
Why the Portuguese Camino?
After the bustling Camino Frances and the demanding Camino Primitivo, I yearned for a different kind of Camino—one that balances tranquillity with cultural richness. The Portuguese Camino, also known as the Camino Portugués, offers a quieter, more intimate experience, winding through picturesque villages, vibrant cities, and breathtaking landscapes. This path promises a new blend of physical challenge, self-reflection, and cultural immersion, appealing to both the seasoned pilgrim and the curious traveller in me.
Preparing for the Journey
Preparation for this adventure has been a blend of familiar routines and new considerations. The logistical aspects—like booking accommodations, planning daily stages, and mapping out rest stops—are tasks I've become accustomed to, yet each Camino has its unique nuances.
Physical Preparation
From my past experiences I know that while any Camino will be challenging, the physical preparation will be taken care of by just going about my daily life as I generally walk to get anywhere I need to be. The bigger part of preparation for a Camino is realising that I need to walk every day for the better part of 5 weeks even if you have an off, or bad day. The journey is long, but as someone once said… it starts with the first step. Every day.
Gear and Packing
Packing for the Camino has become an exercise in futility as for each of my previous two Caminos I swore I would pack light and minimalistic, but both times I ended up with around 13kg in my backpack. So, for this Camino I have embraced this and will pack pretty much the same gear:
Comfortable walking shoes: A new pair of hiking boots for this adventure, they have been worn in for the past 2 months and feel good on my feet. Plus, a pair of arrival shoes, shoes to walk around in after I’ve arrived for the day so my hiking boots can have a breather before the next day starts.
Backpack: The same one that has seen me through both daily life and the previous two Caminos, a Fjellrãven Kaipak 38L. It is not the lightest one, but it is both practical and sturdy.
Clothing: Practical hiking clothing, for temperate to warm climates. Shorts, socks, t-shirts, the usual.
Sleep system: A lightweight sleeping bag, travel pillow, and earplugs essential for restful nights in the albergues (pilgrim hostels).
Miscellaneous: First aid kit, toiletries, a refillable water bottle, hydration system (CamelBak), battery bank, camera, phone, chargers, and a guidebook—each item a lesson from previous journeys.
Mental and Emotional Preparation
Having walked two Caminos, I understand the importance of mental and emotional preparation. The Camino is not just a physical journey but a reflective one. Setting intentions for a Camino is a futile task. Whatever your expectations are, the Camino will be different in surprising ways… from the people you meet, the friendships you form, and the self-reflection. The Camino provides what you need, it may not be what you think.
The Route Ahead
The Portuguese Camino offers a rich tapestry of experiences, distinct from my previous routes. Starting in Lisbon, the path passes through vibrant cities like Porto and crosses into Spain at Tui, and ending in Santiago de Compostela.
Lisbon to Porto
The first leg of the journey, from Lisbon to Porto, will take me through the rolling hills of central Portugal, passing by ancient ruins, Roman bridges, and medieval churches. The bustling city of Porto, with its stunning architecture and famous port wine, will mark a significant milestone on the journey.
Porto to Santiago de Compostela
From Porto, the path meanders northward, hugging the coastline at times and venturing inland at others. The crossing into Spain at Tui signifies the final stretch. The journey concludes at the awe-inspiring Santiago de Compostela, where the Cathedral stands as a beacon for pilgrims from around the world.
Reflecting on Past Caminos
Reflecting on my previous pilgrimages, each Camino has offered its own set of challenges and rewards. The Camino Frances, with its well-marked trails and bustling pilgrim community, introduced me to the spirit of the Camino. The Camino Primitivo, with its rugged terrain and solitude, taught me resilience and introspection.
The Portuguese Camino promises a different kind of adventure—a blend of tranquillity, culture, and history. I look forward to the new experiences and insights it will bring.
Looking Forward
As the departure date draws nearer, my excitement and anticipation grow. Walking the Portuguese Camino is not just another long hike; it is a journey of self-discovery and connection. Each step will bring me along what promises to be a long sought after adventure, whatever it may bring.
I look forward to sharing my experiences, reflections, and lessons learned along the way. This pilgrimage promises to be a chapter in my life filled with memorable moments, challenges, and profound insights. Here's to the adventure that awaits, starting on September 17!
Buen Camino!