Aveiro
Its not easy getting from Portugal to Spain, or Spain to Portugal by train. The most accessible route is from Porto to Vigo. One train each way 12 hours apart. It's almost like the passenger railways don't want to do it. But, I'm getting
camino
There is something so comforting about a really good hotel or guesthouse. Its not about flunkies in uniforms, or obsequious staff. Friendliness, comfort and understanding are what you need as a traveler and make the real difference. Smiling Places has that. Its small and we were lucky to get a
camino
We left the hotel about 0900 after a refreshing sleep and headed down to the beach following the route we took yesterday. Passing the lighthouse, we stopped for a coffee, toast and to watch the sea. Not quite as lively as yesterday, but definitely a presence on todays walk. It
camino
We plan to take our time. Last time we walked from Porto to Santiago, it felt like we did it at a bit of a run. We had hotels booked all the way through, we were on half-board, so dinner was included along with breakfast. A sensible approach for a
porto
Walking out of Porto along the River Douro is one of the nicest ways to leave a major European City. No endless suburbs, no dock yards, no light industrial estates, no endless rows of social housing. No need, in fact, to get the 500 bus at all, or the tram.
camino
We took the 0900 Alfa Pendular from Lisbon Saint Apolonia station touching speeds of over 220km/h or 137mph along the way. The trains are very comfortable and excellent value in first class compared to the UK's relatively expensive system. Its half price if you're over