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Wednesday, March 26, 2014

The Trains in Spain

There are many types of trains in Spain 
and for some of us, 
it can be quite confusing.

Here is some information you might find helpful:

Most of the Spanish railway network is operated by RENFE.
Use the Eurail Time Table to check times for trains in Spain.
 

Regional and Intercity Trains:

The main rail network in Spain is made up of the following regional and intercity trains:

Media Distancia trains link regional destinations with larger cities. The network connects with long distance high-speed trains and the trains make frequent stops. 

Cercanías (suburban trains) is a network of trains that operates in and around the larger Spanish cities including Barcelona and Valencia.

High-speed trains in Spain

International high-speed trains in Spain

These high-speed trains operate to and from Spain:

TGV connects Barcelona with Paris (France).

Talgo du Jour (Mare Nostrum) links Valencia, Murcia and Barcelona with Montpellier (France).

Internacional trains connect Vigo with Porto (Portugal).


Domestic high-speed trains in Spain

Spain's extensive high-speed train network is operated by modern trains that offer you high quality service.  The following high speed trains operate in Spain

AVANT Train
Avant trains operate on short-distance routes. 

 * * *

AVE Train
AVE trains reach speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph) 
and take you from Madrid to Barcelona in less than 3 hours.

* * *

ALTARIA Second Class Seating
Altaria trains link Madrid with cities in the south of Spain.

* * *

ALVIA First Class Seating
Alvia and Arco trains operate between Madrid 
and Spain's nothern cities like Bilbao and San Sebastian.

* * *

Euromed Train
Euromed trains operate on the route Barcelona – Valencia – Alicante.


Night Trains in Spain

I have traveled on the InterCite and the Lusitania, and frankly, I'd rather go in the daytime and see the scenery. It was difficult for me to get any sleep, not because the trains weren't lovely, but because of the constant noise and bouncy tracks. I just didn't like it and will not do it again unless necessary. However, here is the information for those of you who are able to sleep anywhere or might need to take a night train due to time constraints.

International night trains in Spain

The following night trains connect Spain with France, Luxembourg, Portugal and Switzerland:

First Class Couchette on InterCite de Nuit
InterCité de Nuit:
Portbou – Toulouse – Paris (France)
Portbou – Montpellier – Nancy – Luxembourg (Luxembourg)
Portbou – Montpellier – Strasbourg (France)
Irún – Lourdes – Paris (France) 
Irún – Bordeaux – Marseille – Nice (France)
Irún – Toulouse – Lyon – Geneva (Switzerland)

TrenHotel Lusitania

Lusitania:
Madrid – Lisbon (Portugal)


Toilets/showers and berths are pretty much the same on Sud Expresso and Lusitania
Sud Expresso:
Irún – Lisbon (Portugal)


Domestic night trains in Spain



Estrella trains connect major Spanish cities by night:
Madrid – Barcelona – Portbou
Bilbao – Malaga

Trenhotel trains link the north of Spain with Barcelona and capital city Madrid:
A Coruna – Barcelona 
A Coruna – Madrid

DISCOUNTS

For most high speed and long distance trains (Ave, Altaria, Alaris, Alvia, Arco, Euromed and Talgo), Renfe offers two discounted fares. 

 - The Web fare provides a 60% discount off full fare. It must be purchased a minimum of 15 days in advance. 

 - The Estrella fare is a 40% discount, which must be purchased a minimum of 7 days in advance. 

 - A Tarifa Ultima Hora fare, a 50% discount, is available on some trains, some routes, which can be purchased online a maximum of 24 hours prior to departure. These are not available on the medium distance AVANT trains, which offer only one class of service and one discount-a 20% discount for a round trip ticket for the same day, and a 10% discount for a round trip made within 15 days.


 - The Tarjeta Dorada is a card available to those 60 and over, of any nationality, which can be purchased at any Renfe station or Spain travel agency (but not online) for €6. See previous blog posting for more information.

CLASSES

There are various classes of train travel:

Turista (tourist) class: Cars have a 2-2-seat configuration, ample leg room, and passengers receive a headset for video (movie) and four music channels. 

Preferente (business) class:  Cars have a 2-1 seat configuration, fewer passengers, greater seat pitch.  Passengers receive headsets for video and music channels, a newspaper and copy of the Renfe Paisajes magazine, a set meal (breakfast, snack or dinner), free drinks (wine with meal and after dinner cordials) and access to the VIP Club Ave lounges. 

Club Car:   Offere on AVE trains, this is a more expensive class of service.  It has 30 leather seats and a 2-1-seat configuration, and is similar to the Club car of a US Northeast corridor ACELA train. The meal served is a la carte, with "open bar" service throughout the journey.

Purchasing Tickets Online

If you are traveling in shoulder or off season, I wouldn't bother purchasing tickets online. If you are traveling in high season, depending on exactly when and how long a trip you're taking, it might be a good idea.  

The Renfre site appears to work well with Master Card, Visa, Discovery, and Capitol One credit cards. American Express does not appear to work. Before attempting an online purchase, you should call your credit card issuer to alert them that you will be making a purchase on the Renfe site so that your credit card fraud department does not block your purchase. This has been the source of many frustrated pilgrims. 

If you'll be doing a lot of train travel, a rail pass might be convenient, but to me, the best prices are found in the stations in Spain as you travel.. 


Discounts for Those Over 60


If you are over 60 years old, 
you can save a bit of cash 
by applying for a Tarjeta Dorada card.

This card entitles you to purchase tickets for any train and class.

The Tarjeta Dorada is valid for one year.
It can be purchased at any Renfe station, 
ticket office, or travel agency.

The cost is only €6.

People over 18 years of age who are receiving a pension, 
people with an officially declared permanant, total 
or absolute or severe physical or mental disability, 
or people with a disability of 65% or more 
can also obtain the Card. 
For such persons, the words 
"AND TRAVELING COMPANION" 
will be printed on the card and allow the companion
 to travel with the same discount.


On AVE Trains.
These trains reach up to 300 mph!
On Monday through Thursday you will get a 40% discount.
On Friday through Sunday you will get a 25% discount 
for tickets that have not been bought in advance and with a reserved seat.


On Conventional Trains
40% discount all days, trains, and routes.


On AVANT
These trains operate on short-distance routes.
25% on Monday through Friday
40% on Saturday and Sunday


On Cercanías
These are suburban trains.
40% discount all days


On Ancho Métrico
50% discount all days, trains, and routes

The card used to be quite colorful,
but last year I received a heavy paper foldable card
 that looked much like this one:


Other discounts:

Last year I was able to use my card for a big discount 
at the archaeological site in Merida on the Via de la Plata. 
 However, other museums and bus stations did not allow a discount. 

I suggest you simply ASK at each place.

For €6,
 if you plan on doing any train travel at all, 
this card can save you some cash.

You will need identification to prove 
either your age or your disability status.

Buen Camino!

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Buy Your Camino Shoes Today!

Those of you following my blog know
that I LOVE LOVE LOVE
New Balance Shoes for walking the Camino.

Today, The Clymb has two of my favorites on sale!

I paid over $125 for my pair 
of  New Balance Leadville 1210 Trail Runners.

Today the exact same shoe is on sale 
for $44.98 on The Clymb!!!

Inspired by the legendary Leadville 100 race, 
these shoes are cushioned and have a rugged Vibram outsole, 
and a breathable synthetic mesh upper with debris-free construction. 

 I have worn these hiking in the California desert hills and they ROCK!  
I bought a second pair when they went on sale 
so I'd have them for next year's Camino also.

Be sure to buy your shoes 1 to 1.5 sizes larger than you generally wear. 
Then take out the insole and insert a gel insole. 

I use New Balance Motion Control inserts every year and love them!





For after walking this year, 
I found these New Balance 110 Running shoes for sale on The Clymb today 
for $39!!!  

They only weigh 6 ounces and will be perfect!  

They were named "Best Minimalist" in TrailRunner Magazine, 
and have RockStop in the forefoot for protection against small rocks. 
This means I can also wear them on the trail
to give my feet some variety.

I love these shoes!




If you'd like to purchase shoes today from The Clymb,
here is a link you can use.


Once you join, when you send your friends your link,
if they purchase, you get $25 credit which you can accumulate 
to buy more great gear.

I love The Clymb
and I love NEW BALANCE SHOES for the Camino even more!

This is an exceptional opportunity to buy 
the perfect shoes for the Camino
at 50-75% discount.
But they're only there today,
so go check them out!


Buen Camino!
Annie


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Certificate of Distance







Johnnywalker, who works in the Pilgrim Office in Santiago

 recently posted:

In addition to the traditional Compostela
and Certificate of Welcome 

which are still issued on a donativo basis 

the Pilgrims' Office is now offering 

a Certificate of Distance.


This new certificate has been produced 

in response to requests from pilgrims. 


It records the route which the pilgrim walked, 

the starting point, 

the amount of kilometers 

and the date of arrival in Santiago. 


The cost is 3€. 





THE COTOLAYA

A New Certificate on the Camino Santiago



A new Certificate is being issued this year in Santiago.  
It is called the "Cotolaya."

In 1214, St. Francis of Assisi visited 
Santiago de Compostela.
There he founded a convent.

The legend, 
described in an inscription on the wall of the convent,
tells how a coal man named Cotolay
began the building.

While praying on the mountain, St. Francis 
was told by God
that his order of begging friars should found convents, 
beginning in Santiago.
St. Francis was struck with fever and blindness.
A young coal man, Cotolay, 
promised to build the convent for him.

Cotolay persuaded the abbot 
of St. Martin's Benedictine Manastery 
to grant a parcel of land as large as a bull's skin
in return for a basket full of fish.

The abbot agreed,
believing all would come to naught.
However, Cotolay brilliantly cut the skin into thin strips 
and marked out
a far larger plot of land than anticipated.

Next, he asked the cathedral master mason Mateo
to donate a pile of stones
and arranged to have loggers transport them to the site
in a competition of strength.

After Mateo constructed the convent,
St. Francis was taken to the new building 
where his sight was restored.


Since then, 
Francisans have paid tribute to St. Martin
with a basket of local trout.

* * *
A stamp is also being issued to commemorate St. Francis' Pilgrimage.

The Cotolaya will be issued 
at the Church of San Francisco de Santiago 
to commemorate 800 years 
since St. Francis walked the Camino Santiago.

It is offered to those pilgrims 
who walk to the tomb of St. James 
under the protection of St. Francis of Assisi.

In order to receive the Cotolaya you must do the following:

1) Walk at least the last 100 km

2) Walk to the tomb of St. James under the protection of St. Francis of Assisi

3) Visit the Convent de San Francisco in Santiago.



You can receive the Cotolay
in ADDITION to
your regular Compostela.

You can pick up your Credential 
in O Cebreiro.

I am checking to see if it is possible 
to pick it up anywhere else,
or order it ahead of time.


For those who are interested,
there is an old movie loosely based
on the legend, 
called "Cotolay"
or "El Nino y El Lobo."




Legend of St. Francis and the Wolf

Perhaps the most famous story of St. Francis is when he tamed the wolf that was terrorizing the people of Gubbio. While Francis was staying in that town he learned of a wolf so ravenous that it was not only killing and eating animals, but people, too. The people took up arms and went after it, but those who encountered the wolf perished at its sharp teeth. Villagers became afraid to leave the city walls.

Francis had pity on the people and decided to go out and meet the wolf. He was desperately warned by the people, but he insisted that God would take care of him. A brave friar and several peasants accompanied Francis outside the city gate. But soon the peasants lost heart and said they would go no farther.

Francis and his companion began to walk on. Suddenly the wolf, jaws agape, charged out of the woods at the couple. Francis made the Sign of the Cross toward it. The power of God caused the wolf to slow down and to close its mouth.

Then Francis called out to the creature: “Come to me, Brother Wolf. In the name of Christ, I order you not to hurt anyone.” At that moment the wolf lowered its head and lay down at St. Francis’ feet, meek as a lamb.
St. Francis explained to the wolf that he had been terrorizing the people, killing not only animals, but humans who are made in the image of God. “Brother Wolf,” said Francis, “I want to make peace between you and the people of Gubbio. They will harm you no more and you must no longer harm them. All past crimes are to be forgiven.”

The wolf showed its assent by moving its body and nodding its head. Then to the absolute surprise of the gathering crowd, Francis asked the wolf to make a pledge. As St. Francis extended his hand to receive the pledge, so the wolf extended its front paw and placed it into the saint’s hand. Then Francis commanded the wolf to follow him into town to make a peace pact with the townspeople. The wolf meekly followed St. Francis.

By the time they got to the town square, everyone was there to witness the miracle. With the wolf at his side, Francis gave the town a sermon on the wondrous and fearful love of God, calling them to repent from all their sins. Then he offered the townspeople peace, on behalf of the wolf. The townspeople promised in a loud voice to feed the wolf. Then Francis asked the wolf if he would live in peace under those terms. He bowed his head and twisted his body in a way that convinced everyone he accepted the pact. Then once again the wolf placed its paw in Francis’ hand as a sign of the pact.

From that day on the people kept the pact they had made. The wolf lived for two years among the townspeople, going from door to door for food. It hurt no one and no one hurt it. Even the dogs did not bark at it. When the wolf finally died of old age, the people of Gubbio were sad. The wolf’s peaceful ways had been a living reminder to them of the wonders, patience, virtues and holiness of St. Francis. It had been a living symbol of the power and providence of the living God. 

(from www.americancatholic.org)












Albergues on the Via Lusitana (Camino Portuguese)

Annie Carvalho at the Sacred Carvalho Oak
In 2006,  I walked a portion of the Camino Portuguese. 

Here is a list of albergues you will find on the Portuguese Route.
I have taken this list from a website hosted and currently under construction by the Portuguese Association of Pilgrims.

Here is that link: http://www.vialusitana.org/en/albergues_eng/


Albergues from Caminho Português to Santiago
(and other places you can sleep)

Last Update: March 15, 2014 
Information: info@ViaLusitana.org



Note:

- In some locations, Firefighters provide accommodation. That is not the vocation of Fire, but they do so in a spirit of service. In many cases there is nothing more than a mattress on the floor;  just a place to sleep and access to bathrooms and showers. Anyone wishing to use this option should have a sleeping bag. Please always ask permission to stay overnight, if possible one or two days in advance. And be ready to take no for an answer. There is no obligation for Firemen to accommodate pilgrims. It is the duty of the pilgrim to realize that sometimes you cannot accommodate all. 
- In Youth Hostels, make a reservation and inform them you are a pilgrim. It is not necessary to have a youth membership card, the credential is enough. 
- If you choose to stay in a hotel or pension, you should always show your Credential.  Some do offer a discount for Pilgrims.

Portugal

- Country Code for Portugal is +351


Lugares = spaces/beds
com Peq. Almoço = with breakfast

LISBOA

Pousada de Juventude Parque das Nações
Rua de Moscavide, Lt 47 – 101
Tel: 218 920 890
lisboaparque@movijovem.pt
LinkVL.us/JuvLX

Várias outras opções em:

Find various other options at:
HostelWorld

ALHANDRA

Bombeiros Voluntários
Rua Vasco da Gama, 58
Tel: 219 519 020

VILA FRANCA DE XIRA

Os Bombeiros Voluntários deixaram de receber peregrinos.

Casa de Hóspedes Ribatejana
R. da Praia, 2-A (junto à Estação C.F.)
Tel: 263 272 991

Hospedaria Maioral
Travessa do Terreirinho, n.º 2
Tel: 263 274 370
maioralhospedaria@gmail.com

Pensão-restaurante Flora
R. Noel Perdigão, 12
Tel: 263 271 272 / 967 941 010
residencial.flora@mail.telepac.pt
flora.com.sapo.pt

AZAMBUJA

Os Bombeiros Voluntários deixaram de receber peregrinos.

Ouro Hotel
Quartos para 1, 2, 3 e 4 pessoas
E.N.3, Km 10 (na entrada da Azambuja)
Tel: 263 406 530
www.ourohotel.net

Residencial Flor de Primavera
R. 
Conselheiro Francisco Arouca, 19
Tel: 263 402 545 / 967 067 381

PORTO DE MUGE

Quinta da Marchanta
Turismo Rural (Desde 75 € duplo)
Tel: 243 749 279 / 965 895 960
www.quintadamarchanta.pt

SANTARÉM

Santarém Hostel
Acolhimento 
e preço especial para peregrinos (special price for pilgrims)
Rua Eng. António Antunes Júnior, 26 

(à esquerda dos antigos Bombeiros)
Tel: 965 832 702
santaremhostel@sapo.pt
santaremhostel.blogspot.com
Facebook

Residencial Beirante

Rua Alexandre Herculano, 5
Tel: 243 322 547
geral@residencialbeirante.com
www.residencialbeirante.com

Alojamento – Casa das Flores

Rua Pedro Canavarro, 9
Tel: 243 324 101 / 965 612 001 / 966 931 810
info@casadasflores.net
www.casadasflores.net

GOLEGÃ

Albergue Solo Duro 

(Casa da Tia Guida)
10 lugares + 2 quartos duplos – 10 € with breakfast
Rua Francisco Sousa Terré, 1
Rua José Relvas, nº 84/86
Tel: 249 976 802 / 935 640 550 / 935 640 551
casadatiaguida@gmail.com

O Té

A partir de 10 € with breakfast

Rua José Relvas, nº 119
Tel: 249 976 404 / 918 598 819

S. CAETANO (Qta da Cardiga)

Albergue de Alexandre Hachmeister
19 lugares – 15 € com Peq. Almoço
Tel: 917 063 823

TOMAR

Hostel 2300 Thomar

12,50 € / 15 €
R. Serpa Pinto, 43
Tel: 965 515 100
2300thomar@gmail.com
Facebook

Bombeiros Municipais

Rua de Stª Iria
Tel: 249 329 140

ALVAIÁZERE

Bombeiros Voluntários

Rua dos Bombeiros Voluntários
Tel: 236 650 510

Albergaria Pinheiro’s

Preço p/ Peregrino 10 €
R. Dr. Acúrsio Lopes, 1 (junto à Igreja)
Com lavandaria por baixo
Tel: 915 440 196 / 911 150 817 / 925 850 756
Facebook
www.albergariapinheiros.com

Residencial “O Brás”

20 € / 32,50 € (preço p/ peregrinos)
R. José Augusto Martins Rangel
Tel: 236 655 405
Menu do Peregrino 10 €
www.residencialobras.com

ANSIÃO

Bombeiros Voluntários

Avenida Dr. Vitor Faveiro
Tel: 236 670 600

ALVORGE

Albergue de Peregrinos

Donativo
Na Igreja
Mais informações no café da praça. (more info in the cafe in the plaza)

RABAÇAL

Casa de Turismo do Rabaçal

Preço p/peregrinos: 15 €
Rua da Igreja
Tel. 918 752 990 / 917 620 982 / 239 569 371
pousadadorabacal@gmail.com

ZAMBUJAL

Junta de Freguesia do Zambujal 

(Casa Paroquial)
Largo da Igreja
Tel: 239 569 849

COIMBRA

Albergue Rainha Santa Isabel

16/20 lugares – 8 €
Na Igreja Rainha Santa Isabel, 

Mosteiro Santa Clara-a-Nova
Contactar na sacristia da Igreja até às 18:30 h
Tel: 239 441 674. Depois das 18:30 -> 916 008 988 / 934 596 564 / 966 321 235
www.rainhasantaisabel.org

Pousada de Juventude de Coimbra

Rua Dr. Henriques Seco, 14
Tel: 239 822 955
microsites.juventude.gov.pt/Portal/pt/PCoimbra.htm

Serenata Hostel Coimbra

Largo da Sé Velha, 21/23
Tel: 239 853 130
www.serenatahostel.com

MEALHADA

Os Bombeiros Voluntários 

deixaram de receber peregrinos.
Albergue Hilário
18 lugares – 10 € (15 € no Hotel anexo)
Estrada Nacional 1, 

Avenida da Restauração, 30 – Sernadelo
3050-347 Mealhada
Tel. 916 191 721
Facebook

ÁGUEDA

O Albergue encerrou.

Residencial Celeste
20 € com Peq. Almoço
Estrada Nacional 1, Rua da Misericórdia, 713
Tel. 234 602 871

ALBERGARIA-A-VELHA

Os Bombeiros Voluntários j
á não recebem peregrinos.

O novo Albergue Municipal 

abrirá em 2014 (open in 2014)
Residencial da Alameda
A partir de 15 € com Peq. Almoço
Av. Bernardino Máximo de Albuquerque
Tel. 234 524 242

OLIVEIRA DE AZEMÉIS

Bombeiros Voluntários

Rua dos Bombeiros Voluntários
Tel: 256 682 122

S. JOÃO DA MADEIRA

Bombeiros Voluntários

Rua Oliveira Figueiredo, Z. Ind. 1
Tel: 256 837 120

LOUROSA

Bombeiros Voluntários

Avenida Principal, 4030
Tel: 227 443 189

PORTO

Bombeiros Voluntários

2 lugares – Donativo
Rua Rodrigues Sampaio, 145
Tel: 222 055 845

Refugio de Peregrinos 

ViaPortuscale20 lugares – Donativo
Rua Vasco Santana, 264 – Senhora da Hora
Tel: 960 227 134 – obrigatório telefonar antes
www.viaportuscale.net

Pousada de Juventude do Porto

Rua Paulo da Gama, 551
Tel: 226 177 257
microsites.juventude.gov.pt/Portal/pt/PPorto.htm

Andarilho Oporto Hostel

Desconto a peregrinos (discount for pilgrims)
Rua da Firmeza nº 364 (Metro Bolhão)
Tel: 222 012 073
www.andarilhohostel.com

Air Porto Hostel

Rua da Estrada, 244
4479-600 Moreira – Maia
Muito perto do Aeroporto
Tel: 229 427 397
www.airportohostel.com
Facebook

Várias outras opções em

HostelWorld

VAIRÃO

Albergue de Peregrinos

50 lugares – Donativo
Rua do Convento, 21
Tel: 936 061 160
mosteirodevairao@gmail.com
Facebook

VILARINHO

Casa Família Vida

l9 lugares – 10 €
Rua do Salteiro, 87 (sinalizado no Caminho)
Tel: 252 661 503 – 966 766 092 (français) – 914 413 500 (español/english)
Facebook

Refúgio Provisório Polidesportivo

4 lugares – Donativo
Farmácia Rei / Rua D. Ildefonso, Nº 313 – Vilarinho
Tel: 252 661 610

Casa da Laura

8 lugares – 10 €
Rua Estreita (sinalizado no Caminho)
Tel: 917 767 307
Facebook

S. PEDRO DE RATES

Albergue de Peregrinos de Rates

50 lugares – Donativo
Rua Sto. António n.º 189
alberguederates@gmail.com
Facebook

PEDRA FURADA

Restaurante Pedra Furada

9 lugares – 10 €
Rua de Santa Leocádia
Tel: 252 951 144 / 917 838 144
restaurantepedrafurada@gmail.com

BARCELINHOS

Albergue – Residência Senhor do Galo

20 lugares – 5 €
Rua da Carniçaria
Antes da ponte, na sede do Rancho Folclórico de Barcelinhos
Tel: 918 967 968

BARCELOS

Albergue Cidade de Barcelos

10 lugares – Donativo
Rua Miguel Bombarda, 36
geral@alberguedebarcelos.com
Facebook

TAMEL (S. Pedro de Fins)

Albergue de Peregrinos “Recoleta”

35 lugares – 5 €
Casa da Recoleta
alberguedeperegrinosdetspfins.blogspot.com
Facebook

LUGAR DO CORGO (Vitorino de Piães)

Casa da Fernanda

12 lugares – Donativo
Tel: 914 589 521

PONTE DE LIMA

Albergue de Peregrinos

60 lugares – 5 €
Casa do Arnado – Além da Ponte
Tel: 925 403 164 / 258 240 200
alberguedeperegrinos.cm-pontedelima.pt
Facebook

Pousada de Juventude de Ponte de Lima

Rua Papa João Paulo II
4990-062 Ponte de Lima
Tel: 258 943 797
LinkVL.us/JuvPL

RUBIÃES

Albergue de Peregrinos de Rubiães

34 lugares – Donativo
EN 201- Costa
Tel: 917 164 476
j.freguesia.rubiaes@gmail.com
LinkVL.us/Rubiaes

Ninho – Alojamento Local

17 lugares – 12 €
Pequeno Almoço 3€
Estrada de S. Pedro, 695
Tel: 251 941 002
marlenecas@gmail.com
Facebook

VALENÇA DO MINHO

Albergue de Peregrinos S. Teotónio

85 lugares – Donativo
Av. José Maria Gonçalves
Tel: 966 473 409
alberguevalenca@gmail.com
albergue-valenca.pt.vu

- Caminho por Braga

BRAGA

Albergue de Peregrinos

40 lugares – 5 €
Acesso a cozinha e refeitório
Centro de Acolhimento e Formação Jovens em Caminhada
Rua de S. João nº 3
(ao lado da Sé de Braga)
Tel: 253 215 165
joemca@joemca.com
www.joemca.com

GOÃES (Vila Verde)

Albergue de Peregrinos S. Pedro de Goães

30 lugares – Donativo
Lugar do Pereiro – Goães
Tel: 253 381 943 / 914 145 386 / 917 699 156
albergue@cm-vilaverde.pt
albergue.cm-vilaverde.pt
Espanha

- Indicativo telefónico internacional de Espanha +34
- Telefones começados por 9 são fixos, por 6 são móveis.

TUI

Albergue de Peregrino
s
36 lugares – 6 €
Rúa Párroco Rodríguez Vázquez s/n
Tel: 986 600 729 / 638 276 855

Albergue “El Camino”

30 lugares – 10 € / 12 €
Obispo Lago, 5
Tel: 646 982 906 / 636 839 675
info@albergueelcamino.com
www.albergueelcamino.com

Albergue “Villa San Clemente”

30 lugares – 10 €
Canónigo Valiño, 23
Tel: 678 747 700 / 661 334 050
info@villasanclemente.es
www.villasanclemente.es

Albergue “Caracol Veloz”

10 lugares – 12 €
Antero Rubín, 55
Tel: 986 604 324 / 666 416 354
contacto@caracolveloz.net
www.caracolveloz.net

O PORRIÑO

Albergue de Peregrinos

52 lugares – 6 €
Avenida de Buenos Aires
De 1 de Dezembro a 31 de Maio as chaves estão na Polícia Municipal (Casa do Concelho)
Tel: 986 335 428
alberguedoporrino@yahoo.es

MÓS

Albergue de Peregrinos

16 lugares – 6 €
Rúa de Santa Eulalia, 19
Tel: 986 334 269

REDONDELA

Albergue de Peregrinos

44 lugares – 6 €
Casa da Torre – Plaza Ribadavia
Tel: 986 404 196

Albergue “El Camino”

22 lugares – 10 / 12 €
C/ Telmo Bernárdez, 11
Tel: 650 963 676
info@albergueredondela.com
www.albergueredondela.com

ARCADE

Albergue “O Lar de Pepa”

10 lugares – 10 €
Calle Ribeiro nº 1.
Tel: 986 678 006 / 649 714 950 / 649 494 905
info@olardepepa.com
www.olardepepa.com
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PONTEVEDRA

Albergue de Peregrinos

56 lugares – 6 €
Albergue dos Amigos do Camino de Pontevedra
Rúa Otero Pedrayo s/n
Tel: 986 844 005

CANCELA

Albergue de Peregrinos da Paróquia de Portela

32 lugares – 6 €
Cancela (junto à Igreja Paroquial)
Tel: 655 952 805
yoyo@barosa.es
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BRIALLOS / PORTAS


Albergue de Peregrinos
27 lugares – 6 €
Lugar San Roque
5 Km antes de Caldas de Reis
Tel: 986 536 194
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CALDAS DE REIS

Albergue “Posada Dona Urraca”

44 lugares – 5 €
Rúa Campo da Torre, nº 1
Tel: 669 822 529 / 986 541 310
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Albergue “O’ Cruceiro”

38 lugares – 10 € / 15 €
Juan Fuentes, 44
Tel: 986 540 165
ocruceiroalbergue@gmail.com
www.ocruceiroalbergue.com

VALGA

Albergue de Peregrinos

78 lugares – 6 €
Lugar de O Pino
Tel: 638 943 271 / 986 55 94 56 (Ayuntamiento)
www.valga.es/publicacions/ver.htm?publicacionId=18784

PONTECESURES

Albergue de Peregrinos

54 lugares – 6 €
Estrada das Escolas
Lugar de Infesta (Pontecesures)
Tel: 699 832 730

HERBÓN

Albergue de Peregrinos de Herbón (AGACS)

20 lugares – Donativo
Monasterio Franciscano de Herbón.
Seguir setas vermelhas (flechas rojas) em Pontecesures.
De Maio a Outubro
www.amigosdelcamino.com

PADRÓN

Albergue de Peregrinos

46 lugares – 6 €
Costiña da Carmen s/n
Tel: 666 202 863

TEO

Albergue de peregrinos de Teo

28 lugares – 6 €
Rúa de Francos s/n, O Faramello, Teo
Km 12,9 antes de Santiago

SANTIAGO

Monte do Gozo

500 lugares….
Carretera del aeropuerto
Bus 6 até ao fim da linha – direcção S. Marcos

Albergue “Fin del Camino”

110 lugares – 8 €
Rúa Moscú (Bairro Fontiñas)
Bus 11 até Rúa de Paris
Propiedade da Fundación Ad Sanctum Iacobum Peregrinatio (Oficina do Peregrino)
Dedicado à memória de D. Jaime García Rodríguez
Aceita grupos e reservas
Tel: 981 587 324

The Last Stamp

62 lugares – 15 € / 18 €
Rúa do Preguntoiro, 10
Tel: 981 563 525
reservas@thelaststamp.es
www.thelaststamp.es
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Albergue Acuario

52 lugares – 10 €
Rua Estocolmo, 2
Tel: 981 575 438
www.albergueacuario.es

Albergue San Lázar

o80 lugares – 10 €
Rúa San Lázaro s/n
Tel: 981 571 488 / 618 589 200

Albergue Santo Santiag
o
36 lugares – 10 €
Rúa do Valiño, 3
Tel: 657 402 403 / 606 437 437
www.elsantosantiago.com

O Fogar de Teodomiro

24 lugares – 15 €
Plaza de Algalia de Arriba, 3
Tel: 981 582 920 / 699 631 592
www.fogarteodomiro.com

Albergue Mundoalbergue

34 lugares – 16 €
C/ San Clemente, 26
Tel: 981 588 625 / 696 448 737
www.mundoalbergue.es

Seminario Menor

177 lugares – 10 € / 12 €
Albergue Seminario Menor la Asunción – Avda Quiroga Palacios S/N
Abril a Outubro
Tel: 881 031 768


www.albergueseminariomenor.com


* * *

I have not walked this entire route, though it's in the plans.

What I do know is that it is not quite as well supported as the Camino Frances. You will stay in a combination of albergues and private lodging. There are also a few long stretches that look like the photo below where there is (literally) no place to walk except on the busy narrow road. This felt a little dangerous, as there was no shoulder, and the cars came very close. We tied bandanas onto our walking sticks and held them in the air so drivers could hopefully see them when coming around the curves. There also were sweet sections through vineyards and eucalyptus groves, like the bottom photo.

If you choose this route, I would get in touch with the Portuguese Friends of the Camino and get all the most current information you can on the route, which is being updated constantly, as more and more pilgrims decide to walk it. 

I will be doing some posts on what to see in Portugal in the future.  In the meantime, feel free to drop me a note if you need more information.

Bon Caminho!


Walking the road was a little scary

Peaceful section through eucalyptus grove
Men harvesting grapes.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Which Money Belt Is Best for You?


Most pilgrims agree that a money belt is a necessity on the Camino Santiago.
It makes the most sense to use an ATM card 
and withdraw €200-€300 when you find a bank, 
and then spread that cash out over several days. 
Using my budget of €20 per day, 
one withdrawal can last me up to 10 days.

I take out €20 each morning 
and carry it in a change purse
that is easy to access.

The rest travels in a money belt with my passport and credit card.

There are many options for carrying your cash on the Camino.

Here are a few:

Neck pouch.




Review: I do not recommend these at all.
First of all, the strap around your neck is a dead giveaway.
Thieves have been known to grab these and cut them with a blade.
The ones that cannot be cut could strangle you if the thief was on a bike.
I just don't think they're safe at all.

Leg Safe.


Again, I do not recommend these.
I have seen pickpockets on the Metro
drop to their knees and run their hands
up a man's pants, because they know this is a popular option.
It only takes them a second
to grab your leg safe 
and jump off the train!

Waist Belt.

A regular waist-band money belt.
You can find these in all travel stores.
You can also find them in the Rick Steves travel store.
The are a zippered flat pouch that you wear around your waist.
The compartments are large enough for your passport,
and often have separate places for credit cards and cash.
They have a snap buckle that is plastic.

Please note this belt is to be worn UNDER your clothing, 
not over.


Review:  I wore this type of belt for several years. Sometimes it was uncomfortable because it continually rode up unless I tightened it, in which case it felt binding.  My passport and cash often was damp with sweat. But I still recommend this type of belt over a neck-style.

Bra Caddy

Here's another option.
I don't think it would be too comfortable backpacking,
but hey…


Hidden Pocket.

This is one of my favorites. 
It is a pocket, with various compartments. 
It is big enough for your passport, cash, and credit cards.  
It has two loops, one brown and one black, 
so you can wear it over your belt, 
then tuck it into your skirt or pants.  

It's easy to access. 

I like wearing this along with a regular money belt. (see below) 
It comes in different colors.
 I like the tan because it can't be seen under light clothing.






Standard Money Belt

In addition to the money pouch above,
this year I bought a regular money belt.
I bought the one made by 
Binh,
in a polyester weave.
It is lightweight,
not bulky at all, 
and the zipper is quite long,
so there's space to store several large bills.

The belts can be purchased in leather as well.
I tried this belt one year and discarded it.
It's just not convenient to me.
For a man, it might be a good way to store extra cash,
or for a woman who wears pants with belt loops.
But I didn't care for it.



Splitting Up The Cash

However you decide to carry your cash and cards,
it's probably a good idea to split it up.
Carry some in one belt,
and some in another.

Dummy Wallet

Some people carry a "dummy wallet."
This is a wallet with a credit card or two
that are outdated,
maybe a couple of €20 or €50 bills.
In case of pickpocket or theft,
this wallet can be surrendered easily,
and you're not out your entire bank!

Here is a good blog on what to carry 
in a "sacrificial wallet."

Whichever money belt you decide on,
I suggest you fill it,
and wear it around your hometown for a few days,
so you will know whether or not 
it is going to be comfortable on the Camino.


ON THE CAMINO
Never, ever leave your money, credit cards, passport,
or anything you cannot afford to lose
unattended.
Never leave it with another pilgrim
no matter how friendly they appear.
On my first Camino, I met three young people
whose Camino ended after 3 days.
In Pamplona, they left their bags
with a friendly fellow pilgrim
they had walked with from SJPP.
The "pilgrim" had targeted them
and when she agreed to watch their bags
while they showered,
she robbed them of all cash and credit cards,
and vanished in the Pamplona night.
Sad but true.

When you shower, put your valuables into a 
zip lock bag, or special waterproof bag 
and 
TAKE THEM INTO THE SHOWER WITH YOU!

* * *

And remember,
NEVER get into your money belt
in a public place.
Access it in private each morning,
in a bathroom stall if necessary,
taking out your cash for the day.

When you go to the ATM,
go with a friend when possible.
Have them turn facing outwards,
while you get your cash.
And then immediately go somewhere
you can put your cash away
out of the public eye.


Watch out for children who want to "help" you!
Keep your hand over the slot where the money comes out.
See my post on pickpockets here:
PICKPOCKETS

At night, don't just leave your money belt and valuables by your bedside.
Be sure they are safe where nobody can pick them up and walk out with them.
I often stealthily tuck mine into the foot box of my sleeping bag.

The fact is, there is very little theft on the Camino.
But it does happen.
Thieves look for an easy target, so...

Don't be paranoid, 
but don't be naive.


And you will have a
 Buen Camino!