Coastal and Seaside Way: The Testimony of Those Who Lived a Transformative Experience

Who better than the pilgrims who have already walked the Camino de Santiago to share what this unique and extraordinary experience was truly like? That is why we asked some of our clients to try to put into words what they carried in their hearts.

We present the testimonies of Susan (Australia), Elizabeth (United States of America), Julia and Paul (both from the United Kingdom).

See, through the eyes of these pilgrims, what it is like to walk the Coastal and Seaside Way to Santiago de Compostela.

 

1. What was your journey along the Camino de Santiago like and what were the most memorable moments of the walk?

Susan > We chose a route that suited our ability and walked within our limits. That alone made the walk memorable and very enjoyable.

Elizabeth > The journey was wonderful. The highlight was meeting so many friendly and lovely people from all over the world.

Julia > The journey along the Camino de Santiago was fantastic. I loved hearing the church bells in every village in Portugal. I found the central route of the Portuguese Camino more beautiful and peaceful than the main Camino, which I walked from Sarria to Santiago last year.

Paul > We did the Portuguese route, that is, from Tui to Santiago de Compostela, approximately 114 km. Every day was memorable — the people we met, the walks through pine-scented forests, the ups and downs, the beautiful villages and the wonderful landscapes — you need to experience the walk to see it for yourself.

 

2. Did the chosen route meet your expectations? Which aspects would you highlight?

Susan > The rest days were great, although if we were to do it again, we would probably have two fewer.

Elizabeth > Yes, the route was as we expected. Perhaps a little more commercial and not quite as beautiful as we had anticipated in some areas, but PGW mentioned this in the daily route details. The highlight was all the small villages we passed through, away from the main roads.

Julia > The route met my expectations and I faced and overcame challenges that I thought would be impossible.

Paul > The route was chosen because it suited our physical needs. Yes, in some sections the climbs took our breath away, but once at the top, the descent was easy. We walked for 9 days and had 2 rest days, which made everything far more enjoyable, as we averaged 15 km per day (on some days, only 10 km).

 

3. How did you prepare for this walk and what were the greatest challenges you encountered along the way? Please share your testimony with future pilgrims.

Susan > Regular walks for a few months and Pilates classes for strengthening. Some days were more difficult than others, but we found our rhythm and grew stronger over time.

Elizabeth > We prepared by doing intense workouts at the gym, as we usually do, and adding long outdoor walks to our routine. The biggest challenge was the five days of rain. After a while, it becomes rather discouraging to be wet all the time.

Julia > I walked at least 5 km every day for 3 months before the start of my adventure. For me, the biggest challenge was walking more than 16 km in a day, which I did on four occasions, including a climb of over 500 metres to the top of Monte Labruja on one of the days. It had been at least 10 years since I had done long walks, so I was very pleased with my achievements!

Paul > We did some preparation for the walk, but essentially we walked 10 to 12 km, 3 or 4 times a week, on flat terrain, for several weeks. I strongly recommend doing something similar, but including uphill walks and some uneven ground. The greatest advice and testimony: enjoy the pilgrimage, enjoy the scenery, do not push yourself to the point where you begin to dread each day. For us, it was a holiday.

 

4. Can you put into words the emotions you felt upon arriving at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela?

Susan > Mixed emotions — happy to have achieved it and sad that it was over.

Elizabeth > Happy that we had spent so much time praying for others and ready to celebrate!

Julia > I felt a warmth in my heart seeing so many people from different countries and backgrounds celebrating and witnessing their arrival at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Paul > You start in Tui seeing signs indicating Santiago de Compostela at 114 km. You walk for an hour and the next sign says 110 km to Santiago. It is a gradual countdown, day after day, until you arrive in Santiago and see the 0 km sign — an enormous relief. You feel overwhelmed by the emotion of achievement — it was fantastic.

 

5. Could you share with our blog readers a few words about your experience with Portugal Green Walks?

Susan > Portugal Green Walks made everything easy. Excellent support from the initial planning stage through to the walk itself. They are incredibly professional, always available and helpful.

Elizabeth > PGW were excellent! The accommodation in 4- and 5-star properties was superb. The luggage transfers were efficient. They answered all questions before the walk and also during the journey. The daily itineraries were detailed and exactly as described. I would recommend them to future pilgrims!

Julia > I found the organisation of Portugal Green Walks impeccable, and any issue that arose during my time on the Camino was resolved quickly and efficiently by the company.

Paul > Everything worked perfectly — I can only HIGHLY RECOMMEND them. The organisation and support were incredible — I give them an AA+. They listened to our initial ideas and essentially provided a tailored package, taking all our requests into account. Clean, comfortable and modern hotels. The daily luggage transfers went smoothly without any issues. Everything went according to plan; I would certainly use them again. You have an incredible team supporting you from the moment of planning to the instant you take your first step with your left leg, until your right foot crosses the finish line. EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT.

 

And so, after reading these testimonies, do you feel like putting on your trainers and walking every step of the way to Santiago de Compostela?

 

THEN COME WITH US! DISCOVER OUR PROGRAMMES, LIVE AND WITNESS FOR YOURSELF AN EXPERIENCE THAT WILL REMAIN UNFORGETTABLE FOR A LIFETIME.

 

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