Camino de Santiago
Portomarin, Galicia, Spain and Canary Islands
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Several pilgrims start their camino walk from Sarria as the distance from Sarria to Santiago – 100 km - is the least distance one has to walk to receive a Compostela. This means the way will be busier than we have been used to till now. We were told to expect better signs, water fountains and improved facilities.
After a hearty breakfast at our hotel, we were on our way. At breakfast, we noticed several new walkers – families and religious groups – and they all had the excitement of starting a new adventure! In particular, there were a group of students from the public school board in UK. Apparently, their teachers organize a camino walk from Sarria to Santiago very year! Today's hike was mostly through the countryside with a few mild climbs – fields, woods and forests of beech, oak, pine and occasional eucalyptus. As we approached Portomarin, there was a sharp descent and then we crossed the new bridge into town. Our final challenge (or so we thought) was the 52 steep steps that bring you to the arch of the ancient Roman bridge, which is the entrance to the city. We used our final few ounces of energy to climb up these steps only to find that the way to our hotel, which was at the other end of town was all uphill!!
Portomarin has existed as a town since the 6th century. The Romans built a bridge across the Mino river. In the 60s, a new bridge was built and the river Mino was dammed to build a reservoir and the entire city was dismantled and rebuilt on higher ground. The old churches and other historic sites were moved to higher ground and rebuilt brick by brick. You can see remains of the old city when water levels fall.
Our Hotel, Pousada Portomarin, was perfectly located with a great view. We settled in, had a drink and a shower and went down to dinner to meet our fellow pilgrims. We had a great time and reluctantly returned to our rooms as we had another long day ahead of us.
Where I stayed
Pousada De Portomarin - Avenida Sarria s/n, Sarria, Spain
I rated this place 5/5 - Excellent!
Spacious, great views, great bar/cafe/dining room, breakfast. Welcoming and helpful staff.
chgeorgeca
15 chapters
16 Apr 2020
A tale of two cities: Old and new Portomarin
July 12, 2015
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Portomarin, Galicia, Spain and Canary Islands
Portomarin, Galicia, Spain and Canary Islands
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Several pilgrims start their camino walk from Sarria as the distance from Sarria to Santiago – 100 km - is the least distance one has to walk to receive a Compostela. This means the way will be busier than we have been used to till now. We were told to expect better signs, water fountains and improved facilities.
After a hearty breakfast at our hotel, we were on our way. At breakfast, we noticed several new walkers – families and religious groups – and they all had the excitement of starting a new adventure! In particular, there were a group of students from the public school board in UK. Apparently, their teachers organize a camino walk from Sarria to Santiago very year! Today's hike was mostly through the countryside with a few mild climbs – fields, woods and forests of beech, oak, pine and occasional eucalyptus. As we approached Portomarin, there was a sharp descent and then we crossed the new bridge into town. Our final challenge (or so we thought) was the 52 steep steps that bring you to the arch of the ancient Roman bridge, which is the entrance to the city. We used our final few ounces of energy to climb up these steps only to find that the way to our hotel, which was at the other end of town was all uphill!!
Portomarin has existed as a town since the 6th century. The Romans built a bridge across the Mino river. In the 60s, a new bridge was built and the river Mino was dammed to build a reservoir and the entire city was dismantled and rebuilt on higher ground. The old churches and other historic sites were moved to higher ground and rebuilt brick by brick. You can see remains of the old city when water levels fall.
Our Hotel, Pousada Portomarin, was perfectly located with a great view. We settled in, had a drink and a shower and went down to dinner to meet our fellow pilgrims. We had a great time and reluctantly returned to our rooms as we had another long day ahead of us.
Where I stayed
Pousada De Portomarin - Avenida Sarria s/n, Sarria, Spain
I rated this place 5/5 - Excellent!
Spacious, great views, great bar/cafe/dining room, breakfast. Welcoming and helpful staff.
1.
Dog Day Afternoon in Madrid
2.
Exploring Astorga
3.
Our first day on the Camino
4.
Ups and Downs
5.
Orchards and Vineyards
6.
A pretty town and a riverside walk!
7.
A Heavenly Day!
8.
Camino Miracle
9.
The Long Walk to Sarria
10.
A tale of two cities: Old and new Portomarin
11.
A traditional and classy homestay
12.
'The Way' to Castaneda!
13.
Mixed feelings, aches and pains!
14.
Santiago de Compostela!
15.
The Final Stretch!
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