Heading North From Porto

When leaving Porto, the pilgrim has several options. Although our plan was to follow the Central Route north, we were also aware that leaving the city via the industrial zone was less than pleasant. Therefore, after getting our Credencial at the cathedral that morning, we headed for the coast. Here, too, options exist! As it was now pushing 10 am (the cathedral doesn’t open until 9), we shortened our walk by beginning at the Matosinhos Market a few kilometers up the coast, but still in Porto, instead of the city center. Shortly after starting out, one comes across the Farol de Leça or lighthouse. From here, straight north, we walked along an extensive network of wooden boardwalks until some 22 km later we arrive in Vila do Conde where we had reservations for the night. It was a beautiful day along the beach and a great first day on the Camino! The next morning, we would connect with the Caminho Central in Arcos.