{"id":119364,"date":"2025-04-14T17:24:35","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T17:24:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/?p=119364"},"modified":"2025-04-14T17:24:54","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T17:24:54","slug":"portuguese-customs-for-pilgrims-starting-in-porto","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/customs-in-portugal-for-pilgrims\/","title":{"rendered":"Portuguese customs for pilgrims starting in Porto"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Starting the <\/span>Camino de Santiago in Porto<\/b> is a unique experience. The city, with its dignified atmosphere and cultural life, is the <\/span>starting point of one of the most travelled routes<\/b>: the Portuguese Way. Before you put on your boots, it is recommended to familiarise yourself with some customs of the country, as Portugal has a very strong identity and traditions that may surprise you.<\/span><\/p>\n

From interactions with locals to meal times, there are small details that can make your pilgrimage smoother and more enriching. Respecting local customs not only facilitates coexistence but also allows for better immersion in Portuguese culture.<\/span><\/p>\n

If this is your first time travelling to Portugal or if you simply want to learn more about its habits, here you will find everything you need to enjoy the journey from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why choose the Portuguese Way?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Portuguese Way is one of the most emblematic routes to reach Santiago de Compostela. Its beauty, accessibility, and cultural richness make it an excellent option for both first-time pilgrims and those who have already experienced the Camino on other stretches.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starting from the city of Porto, this route allows the walker to <\/span>immerse themselves in the heart of Portugal<\/b>, passing through charming towns such as Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, and Valen\u00e7a, before crossing the natural border marked by the River Minho and entering Galicia through Tui.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you prefer, the <\/span>Camino de Santiago from Tui<\/b><\/a> is ideal for those who have less time but still wish to experience the final stretch of the Portuguese route.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the great advantages of the Portuguese Way is its balance between <\/span>nature, heritage, and services<\/b>. Along the way, pilgrims enjoy riverside paths, lush forests, and historic towns, <\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, this route offers a <\/span>more temperate and less demanding<\/b> alternative compared to others, such as the<\/span> Camino de Santiago from Bilbao<\/b><\/a>. Here, the mountainous terrain and Atlantic climate present a greater physical challenge. However, both routes share a unique charm: the opportunity to explore areas full of history and stunning landscapes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Similarly, if you’re looking for a more intimate and rural experience, the<\/span> Camino de Santiago from Ribadeo<\/b><\/a> offers fewer pilgrims and beautiful coastal landscapes. However, its physical demands may be greater than those of the Portuguese route.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Portuguese hospitality and the importance of greetings<\/b><\/h2>\n

In Portugal, <\/span>the approach to others is warm and polite<\/b>. Unlike other European countries, it is common here to <\/span>greet strangers<\/b> when entering a shop or approaching someone on the street. A simple <\/span>“Bom dia”<\/span><\/i> (good morning) or <\/span>“Boa tarde”<\/span><\/i> (good afternoon) is enough to make a good impression.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you choose to stay in a private hostel or rural guesthouse, it is common for the owners <\/span>to make an effort to make you feel welcome<\/b>. Hospitality is one of the country’s defining features, and many pilgrims highlight the friendly treatment they receive at accommodations.<\/span><\/p>\n

During your <\/span>Camino de Santiago trip<\/b><\/a>, it is advisable to always maintain a respectful attitude. Although the language may be a barrier, most Portuguese <\/span>appreciate that you try to communicate in their language<\/b>, even if it’s just a few basic words.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Portuguese timetables: Meals and lifestyle<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

One of the aspects that most surprises pilgrims is the <\/span>meal times<\/b>. In Portugal, breakfast is early, but the usual time for lunch is <\/span>between 12:30 and 14:00<\/b>. Dinner, on the other hand, can be later, although in general, the Portuguese <\/span>eat dinner earlier than the Spanish<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you plan to eat in restaurants, it is advisable to stick to these timings, as many establishments close their kitchens outside of these hours. Fortunately, <\/span>bakeries and caf\u00e9s are usually open all day<\/b>, and they are an excellent option for having a coffee with a pastel de nata, one of the country\u2019s most typical pastries.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pace of life in Portugal is relaxed. Most shops <\/span>close between 7:00 and 8:00 pm<\/b>, so it’s advisable to plan your shopping in advance. Likewise, on Sundays, many shops are closed, except in tourist areas where some establishments remain open.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Portuguese cuisine: Dishes you must try<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

One of the greatest attractions of pilgrimage in Portugal is its gastronomy. Although the dishes vary by region, there are some specialties you must try during your journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Bacalhau \u00e0 Br\u00e1s<\/b>: one of the most popular recipes made with shredded cod, fried potato strips, and scrambled egg.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Francesinha<\/b>: a typical sandwich from Porto filled with cured meats and meat, covered with melted cheese and drenched in a thick sauce made of tomato and beer.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Caldo Verde<\/b>: a traditional soup made with potato, collard greens, and chorizo. It\u2019s a simple but very comforting dish, perfect for cold nights.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Arroz de marisco<\/b>: similar to paella, but with a more soupy consistency. It contains fresh seafood and is one of the most appreciated dishes along the Portuguese coast.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    To accompany your meal, nothing better than a <\/span>vinho verde<\/b>, a young and slightly sparkling wine produced in northern Portugal. It\u2019s refreshing and perfect to pair with fish and seafood.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Useful expressions for pilgrims<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Although many Portuguese understand Spanish, it\u2019s advisable to <\/span>learn a few basic phrases in Portuguese<\/b>. This not only facilitates communication but also shows interest in the local culture.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Some expressions that might be useful on the Camino are:<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • “Onde fica o albergue?”<\/span><\/i> (Where is the albergue?)<\/span><\/li>\n
    • “Quanto custa?”<\/span><\/i> (How much does it cost?)<\/span><\/li>\n
    • “Pode ajudar-me?”<\/span><\/i> (Can you help me?)<\/span><\/li>\n
    • “Quero um caf\u00e9 e um pastel de nata, por favor”<\/span><\/i> (I would like a coffee and a pastel de nata, please)<\/span><\/li>\n
    • “Muito obrigado\/a”<\/span><\/i> (Thank you very much)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Mastering some key phrases can make a difference when interacting with the locals and make your experience more enriching.<\/span><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      A country that deserves to be discovered step by step<\/b><\/h2>\n

      \"\"<\/p>\n

      Portugal is a fascinating destination for pilgrims starting their journey in Porto. Its hospitality, cuisine, and traditions make each day on the route special. Adapting to local customs not only makes coexistence easier but also allows you to enjoy the experience with a deeper cultural connection.<\/span><\/p>\n

      The Portuguese Camino is one of the most recommended routes <\/span>both for its beauty and accessibility<\/b>. However, if after reaching Santiago you wish to keep exploring, you can always opt for new routes that will take you to discover other corners of the Iberian Peninsula.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Every pilgrimage is unique, and getting to know the customs of the country you’re walking through is a way to enrich the journey and make it even more memorable.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Starting the Camino de Santiago in Porto is a unique experience. The city, with its dignified atmosphere and cultural life, is the starting point of one of the most travelled routes: the Portuguese Way. Before you put on your boots, it is recommended to familiarise yourself with some customs of the country, as Portugal has […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":119335,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[542,536,534],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-119364","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-preparativos-para-el-viaje-en","category-camino-a-pie-en","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119364","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=119364"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119364\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/119335"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=119364"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=119364"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=119364"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}