AND SO THE CAMINO PORTUGUESE BEGINS

September 22, 2025

Porto to Matoshinos – All elevation profiles are from Wise Pilgrim, The Camino Portugues.

Total miles walked 9.4 miles

Today we begin the Camino Portuguese and I must say it was an exceptionally beautiful walk. We began at the Se Catedral across the street from our hotel Se Catedral Tapestry, a traditional starting point in Porto. From there we wound our way through some narrow streets and down a lot of narrow stairs until we reached the Douro River. From there we walked all the way to Matosinhos, from along the Douro to along the Atlantic.

We reached Da Foz around noon and had a little snack and then forged on to Matosinhos, another 3 miles.

Arriving in Matosinhos was a bit boring. We checked in to our hotel and then set off to do laundry.

While we did laundry is where things got a little (just a little) bit interesting. Glen found a restaurant that looked like it had amazing seafood. We’ve missed out on a few good restaurants because we didn’t have reservations. This time we decided to make a reservation.

When we arrived at the restaurant we found it to be a tiny place and only two people were there. We entered and I cautiously told the woman who looked in charge that we had a reservation for Michelle. She turned and shouted, “You’re the one!” Uh yes, I guess I was the one who made a reservation when one was obviously not needed.

I’m telling you this was the best meal we’ve had so far in Portugal. The fish was fresh, they grilled it in back, and the service was so hospitable. In the US restaurants bring you what you order and no more. Here they brought us a dish of olives, some warm meats, and bread from the nearby bakery. Then they took our order. They treat us with such hospitality. And after dinner they offered us a small glass of local liquor made with cinnamon and honey. It was delicious. We were treated like guests in their own home. Wonderful!

And now it’s late and we are tired.

Bom Caminho