We leave the small and uninhabited village and continue on our way. We cross the ornithological reserve of Mindelo with the immense beaches and the calm sea, and then move to the coast along wooden walkways and tourist towns up to Pòvoa De Varzim, Portugal. A city with counter-bows, the kingdom of sportsmen, with immense Portuguese beaches, outdoor gyms, soccer, volleyball and basketball fields, skateboard track, climbing structures, Spartan fields 😍 … and to finish also the casino. In this huge gym, not even the shadow of a place to sleep, and then backpackers take the road to Teso. I’m sorry to leave a very interesting Bolognese blonde, but a bed and a belly have priority. Teso, a small village, where a young married couple welcome us and show true Portuguese hospitality, what remains in the heart and forever.

Luca Casaburi

We started from Teso to head to the coast. Wheat fields and mills served as masters until the asphalt roads became covered with sand. When we reached the banks of the Cávado River in Fão, we walked and crossed it accompanied by entire colonies of seagull and ducks. We arrived in Esposende, a small town with a truly unique port and promenade with its footbridge overlooking the sea. It was easy to conquer the third Marinhas stage. A walk and a bit of well-deserved relaxation on the shore until waiting for the sunset.

Luca Casaburi

Waking up at dawn and seeing a painting with fantastic colors on the ocean is an indescribable emotion. It was love at first sight to reach the end of the stage in Viana Do Castelo, to see it appear on the horizon, first the sanctuary with its architecture on a mountain, then the city, the port and a very long bridge to cross. This time it’s not the landscape that strikes me but the encounters, we were in the company of Fabrizio, a photographer who told us about the six or change of life. Also on arrival, the meeting at Father Riccardo’s hotel was short and intense, even if in Portuguese he explained the philosophy of the order of the barefoot Carmelites: life is beautiful and to be happy you have to be patient. Arriving in the evening we enjoy the small craft fair and between laughter, move meetings and tiredness we go to sleep on a mat on the floor.

Luca Casaburi

For this stretch we are 8, a lady joins the group. The longest 30km stage is a great challenge. This day was truly fantastic, walking for a while in the sea, in the icy waters of the ocean and in the sand dunes.

Today’s sunset is truly unique, the last of Portugal, tomorrow finally in Spain.

Luca Casaburi

The day begins adventurously. We leave Caminha by boat to cross the Miño, the river that divides Portugal and Spain and disembark like pirates on the Spanish banks with Miguel the boatman who tells us about the area and the two fortresses on the river. Once on the shore, follow the path to San Gaetano for breakfast. Up to Oia there is to admire nature and the ocean. We reach the final stage Puerto de Mougas for super relaxation, abundant dinner, swimming pool and a sleep of 8 hours …. sweet sleep, sweet food. An extraordinary new acquaintance is Carmen, a very nice lady whom we hope to meet again.

Luca Casaburi