Camino Portugués – Coastal Day 1 – Porto to Labruge

It’s always a good feeling to return to the Camino, and to tread along a familiar path from 2022, was like slipping on your comfy shoes.

Just after 8am we left the cathedral making our way to the river Douro. The banks teaming with runners, making the walking more like a slalom course.

We passed under the bridges connecting Porto to Gaia, steadily making our way to the Atlantic. Joining the promenade it was easy walking. At 5km we stopped for food and a cold drink.

We rejoined the promenade with the small flow of pilgrims. I had heard the portugués was a busy route from those walking it this year, but the numbers today would struggle to fill an albergue dormitory

I lost myself to the sound of the waves, the sea breeze and dodging the runners. Before I knew it, I reached Matosinhos. The sandy beach spreading out before me, surfers in the waves and a huge cruise ship in the distance. The sea spray hazing the air.

At the other end we left the ocean briefly to cross over a river through dockyards and a bit of industry. We stopped at a local cafe for a cold drink, then moved on.

The route joins a boardwalk which formed the terrain for the rest of the day. Planes flew over head on their approach in to Porto airport. Hard to believe it’s taken the morning, what was a 20min tram journey yesterday.

We stopped at a beach side bar for some food before covering the last 6km of the day. The wave of pilgrims increased; the late starters catching up.

The light cloud cover that had kept the sun at bay, lifted. At Labruge, we left the boardwalk to head into the village, the end of our first day.

I checked into the Albergue, I was number 23 for the day. They have over 100 beds, definitely no sign of those crowds. I did my chores then met Pete and mum for food.

Day one complete.