After an exhausting walking day I still go up to the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site founded by the Knights Templar a long time ago. If you are walking the caminho from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela, you have to rest here to really visit the town and castle. It is up the hill. Your legs don’t want to go up and for sure your head is in a hurry to continue to Santiago de Compostela. Still, it is a magical place which belongs to the caminho too. You probably will not come back to visit this town with its famous history of the Templars.
Many pilgrims have mentioned that the route from Lisbon is not ideal for walking. Consider starting your journey from a different location. The beauty of the path truly begins in Tomar, continuing through Casa da Lima and Coimbra, and extends all the way to the metropolises of Porto and Galicia in Spain. Don’t miss this beautiful first part of the Caminho Portuguese.
Start Sightseeing Tomar
Starting in the charming town of Tomar, this route promises an unforgettable path filled with natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here’s why this path should be your starting point.
Nestled in the heart of Portugal, Tomar is the perfect place to begin your journey. Known for its stunning Convent of Christ and the Castle of the Templars, Tomar offers a unique glimpse into medieval history. Soak in the serene atmosphere before you set off to start your pilgrimage. If you seek quietness and peace walking in nature and not on asphalt, this is definetely a better place to start your caminho than bustling Lisbon.
As you leave Tomar, you’ll find yourself surrounded by forests and rolling hills. This route is renowned for its natural beauty, with towering trees lining your path. It also provides a quiet, shaded walk. The peaceful environment is perfect for reflection and offers a welcome respite from the city life.
Actually, I listen to the advice of experienced pilgrims and chose not to take the inland path via Lisbon. Instead, I walk along the coast.
How to go to Tomar?
You can take the bus or train. It is easy to travel. From Porto you can take the bus Rede Expressos or Flixbus to Tomar, both cheap if you book in advance.
Lovely Coimbra
Continuing north, you’ll also reach the historic city of Coimbra, home to one of the oldest universities in the world. Coimbra is a true Portuguese city, offering an authentic experience. Unlike the bustling metropolises of Porto and Lisbon, Coimbra retains its traditional charm.
Explore the University of Coimbra, with its breathtaking Joanina Library, and stroll through the picturesque streets and botanical garden. Don’t miss the chance to experience a Fado performance, a traditional Portuguese music genre, unique to this city. They perform twice daily in the Cafe Santa Cruz, next to the nice church which is decorated with typical blue tiles from the inside.
The photo’s are made in 2019 when we toured around Portugal and visited both places.
