Camino de Santiago Portuguese Day 1 (September 2024)

The starting point was Mantosinhos Beach. Many people start from Porto City Center but we decided to start from this location because it would be far too long for the first day if we started from the city center.

We had to wait until the Tourism Office was open at 9:30AM. We were among the first pilgrims to collect the initiating stamp.

At the starting point, we spotted a couple of scenes that we could remember. A bunch of seagulls on the beach and a statue that portrays the wailing people yearning for people who died in the ocean.

Our first-day trip was to Povoa de Varzim. Approximately 26 km and Google Maps says it would take a little over six hours if we kept walking without stopping. But, the terrain was flat and the scenery was beautiful as we walked along the seashore. 

It was somewhat challenging, but we felt it was manageable.

Here are some photos we took on the way. They were indeed beautiful. Today, we walked primarily on the boardwalk, enjoying the scenery and the sea breeze. 

But, at times, we passed through a shaded area.

Throughout the journey, previous pilgrims left their legacies here and there. This was the first one we noticed.

There were a couple of landmarks we passed by: an obelisk and a lighthouse.

Since it was the first day of walking with a somewhat long distance, it was a bit challenging, but we managed to complete the walk.

We stayed at Costa Verde Povoa de Varzim. It was a 2-star hotel, but to us, it was a 4-star hotel. Contemporary, clean, spacious. Moreover, the dinner was included at a nearby restaurant. The meal included 3 courses even wine. Overall, we were very happy with our first-day journey. Thank God! - Jeffrey