Days 1 and 2 Lisbon to Azambuja 48km

Our trip started with a couple of days in Lisbon (we will return, what a place) and included the first seven km of the walk while we were there. So, our first real day on the Camino Portuguese was today, Friday 28th August 2015.

DAY 1 Parque das Nachoes to Alhandra (26km)

We set off along the Tejo estuary at 7.15. Lots of early morning joggers, on a wonderful morning. During the day the temperature climbed to 33 degrees, so we found it very tough.

We had heard that some parts of the walk just north of Lisbon were on busy/dangerous roads - we experienced some of this on a stretch of the N10 south of Alhandra.

We walked to Alhandra but stayed a few kilometers north of there at Villafranca de Xira. We were offered free accommodation and meals with the nuns in the old peoples home but skipped on that as we felt our time had not come!! So, we opted for the very nice DPHostel.

Dinner was wonderful. It was at the tapas restaurant 150 Gramas, where the chef\proprieter spoke good English. He even advised us where he thought we were over ordering, and he was right.

 English speakers can be difficult to find and are usually the young, but everyone is so helpful and tries to respond with a mixture of other languages, shrugs and grunts.

The locals appear not to drink a lot, however, alcohol seems to be very cheap, especially when we got clear of Lisbon. A brandy, half pint of beer and a fizzy water cost €3.60 last night.

First Camino arrow at the Cathedral in Lisbo

Boat in the Tejo estuary Lisbon, early morning

Day 2 Alhandra to Azambuja 22km

We are using the John Brierly (Irish guy) guide book again. It is a fine guide and the most popular of Camino guidebooks but sometimes the distances don't seem quite right, and of course the route keeps changing so hard copy guides don't remain current. One section today beyond Villafranca De Xira was way different from the guide (mine has a 2014 issue date).

Temperatures at 33 degrees again today (subsequently heard that this may be understated by us and have been nearer to 40). So, it was a very tough day.

We finally met some fellow walkers. A couple from France - she walks and he rides a bike next to her, and an Irishman from Greystones who seems to be walking about twice as fast as us.

Azambuja is just about OK, so we are looking forward to Santarem which looks bigger and more attractive.