Day 1. From Porto to Angeiras

After an almost three-hour flight, I finally arrive in Porto at night. The Parkhotel is located right at the airport, so I only have to walk 5 minutes. A nice double room awaits me. At 60,- euros, it's not as cheap as a hostel, but since I don't have to travel there anymore and check into a shared room at night, I don't have to do that anymore. After a rather short night and a delicious breakfast, I take the S-Bahn, which is located below the airport, to get to the Cathedral in Porto (Trindade stop) (20 minutes ride; €2.60).

Tip: always have enough change with you, because bills are only accepted at the machine if the total cost is at least €10.

I would have saved 10 km if I had walked from the airport to Angeiras/Labruge (next station).

But I want to start from the traditional starting point.

And that is in the opposite direction for now 🤷🏼‍♂️

I haven't taken care of the accommodation yet.

I'll just walk a bit of the way first and then book a room on Booking.com.

The weather is great. 20 degrees at 10 o'clock, the sun is shining, just a few clouds. It's supposed to be 26 degrees today. I have the stupid feeling that I started too late.

The way from the S-Bahn station Trindade is already becoming a sightseeing tour! Wonderful old houses and monuments. After I got a stamp in the Cathedral of Porto, I walk down through old, winding streets to the harbor and head towards Angeiras.

The huge bridge that spans the harbor of Porto (Ponte de Arrabida) is very impressive.

At first, there are still a lot of people, but on the promenade there is enough space so that you don't have to wear a mask.

One place that I immediately fell in love with is 'O Farol do felgueiras': a former lighthouse that was built a piece into the sea! The waves are splashing particularly high against the stone walls today, as it is very windy.

The wind is not dangerous, as you don't notice whether you are getting a sunburn. But I applied sunscreen well before I set off.😎

After half of the distance, I eat half of the freshly roasted chicken from Lidl (yes, they have it on offer here) and a Portuguese beer. But I pour away the beer after the second sip, because it was probably not Portugal's figurehead when it comes to beer. For now disappointed, but I am ready to give Portuguese beer a second chance! I am not like that...😇

My status after a little over half of the distance: surprisingly good! Slight neck pain, a little pressure under the left foot, but nothing serious. The shoes (one size larger and 2 insoles) seem to be holding up!

The beach is sparsely populated, sometimes a few more people, but also many couples who can swim alone in a huge area between the cliffs (or reefs). Many apparently come directly after work, because it is still nice and warm there.

In between, I pass an old seafaring fortress with a view over the bay and some cannons that are still there.

My battery is slowly running out, and the app tells me that I still have over an hour to walk.

I have to reduce posting on the next day so that the problem doesn't occur again. But you are overwhelmed by impressions that you naturally want to share, especially since many people are interested and ask.

One more hour...okay, now I'm starting to feel my legs! I also seem to be limping slightly because the slight discomfort in my left foot has become worse...

I booked the room during the last break. I think €40 for a double room is okay, because I don't feel like staying in a hostel again. The campsite is full, as a German couple of hikers tells me. We briefly talked because he found my banana that fell out of my backpack. Better the banana than my wallet 🤣

However, I decide to deposit the two cards and the return flight ticket with my ID in different compartments, so that not all the things I need to survive are lost in one loss.

Except for a toast in Bremen Airport and two short 'Bom Camonio' between hikers, the contact has been very sparse so far, which is certainly also due to Corona.

I notice that I think about a lot of things while hiking. Work/private...

I consciously do without music. I want to hear the sound of the sea and be open to a friendly word (hope dies last😃).

Finally, I arrive at the 'Casa da Praia Guesthouse' in Labruge.

I slowly take off my left shoe and look under the sole of my foot. No blister! Thank God!😅

I have been on the road for 8 hours for 25 km (including breaks). The shower feels really good! Not because I'm sweaty, but because it's relaxing.

Afterwards, I apply cream to my feet and walk 400 m back to the beach to eat at a restaurant.

The port wine quickly goes to my head! I will definitely sleep well tonight! 😂