Portuguese Camino Day 1: Porto (Sé Cathedral) to Póvoa de Varzim

Starting at Porto’s Sé Cathedral — excitement and nerves all at once.

Starting from Porto’s Sé Cathedral

I began walking at 8:00 am, leaving my hostel in Bonfim for the Sé Cathedral (about 1.7 km away). It was a relief to leave that noisy, cramped place behind. The moment I stepped into Porto’s historic streets, I felt a rush of anticipation — the true beginning of my Portuguese Camino.

As I neared the cathedral, memories of the violinist performing there the day before came back — a haunting, uplifting soundtrack to the start of my pilgrimage. I had come earlier to take photos and confirm where to begin the trail.

The scenic coastal path north of Porto.

Meeting Havel from the Czech Republic

A young man with a backpack arrived seconds after me — Havel, from the Czech Republic. It was nice to have company at the start, though I worried he might slow me down. After 45 minutes, he stopped at a church to buy his Camino passport. I already had mine, purchased earlier at the cathedral.

When he asked if I would go back with him, I explained my goal — to reach Santiago in seven days. We said goodbye, unaware that soon I would meet another Czech pilgrim — a woman with whom I’d walk for three days.

Arriving in Póvoa de Varzim after a long first day.

Reaching Póvoa de Varzim

I continued north through Matosinhos and Vila do Conde, following the scenic Atlantic coast. After a long, rewarding day, I reached Póvoa de Varzim and checked into The ONE Grand Hotel.

If I had known better, I might have started from Póvoa de Varzim itself — my Camino would have been gentler, though perhaps less transformative.

Have you walked the Camino or plan to?
Log in or sign up to share your thoughts below — we’d love to hear from you.