For almost four weeks we walked on one of Spain's many caminos. Heading out from Sevilla we walked north on the Via de la Plata as far as Salamanca.
Via de la Plata blog
Getting ready, Málaga to Sevilla, Oct 20
After a few lovely days in Málaga with friends, we made our way to Sevilla where we would start our camino.
Day 1, Sevilla to Guillena, Oct 21
We stopped by the cathedral to snap the obligatory photos of us heading out, then easily made our way through Sevilla and across the bridge to Triana. It was exciting to start seeing markers and to imagine what was ahead.
Day 2, Guillena to Castilblanco de los Arroyos, Oct 22
It was a very early start to the day as we had to be out of the albergue by 8:00, even needing to set the alarm to be sure we’d be up.
Day 3, Castilblanco de los Arroyos to Almaden de la Plata, Oct 23
Finally, we had a good night’s sleep. What a relief. So although it would be a long day, we didn’t get going at the crack of dawn.
Portugal’s Rota Vicentina consists of two trails, the inland Historical Way and the coastal Fisherman’s Trail. Our route from Santiago do Cacem to Cabo São Vicente combined the two trail systems to give us great variety.
Rota Vicentina blog
Getting to the trailhead, Santiago do Cacem, April 20
After a couple of lovely days in Lisbon, it was time to head to the trail head in Santiago do Cacem. The trip would be easy with just a short walk from our hotel to the metro and on to the bus station.
Day 1, Santiago do Cacem to Vale Seco, April 21
The day dawned grey and drizzly which was not perhaps the auspicious start one wants, but breakfast at the hotel was simple but good.
Day 2, Vale Seco to Cercal do Alentejo, April 22
The morning in Vale Seco started cloudy, but at least behind the cloud, I could see the sun. Perhaps today, the Dry Valley would be a little less wet.
Day 3, Cercal do Alentejo to Porto Covo, April 23
The trail splits here with the Historical Way continuing south on an inland route and an alternate connector trail leading to Porto Covo and the start of the coastal Fisherman’s Trail which was our chosen route.