The Portuguese Camino has two distinctive geographic regions. The route from Lisbon to Porto takes a route along the Tagus River and into the center of southern Portugal; the route from Porto to the border with Spain has a route that follows along the ocean. Two very distinctive parts of the country.

As I’ve already mentioned, the trail after leaving Lisbon for the first few days is not always pleasant. Yes, there are wonderful people. Yes, there are snatches of beautiful scenery. Yes, there are visual reminders of Portugal’s past. Statues of Matadors and posters of bulls. However, I had some tough times those first few days.

The trail varies as the following photos show. Besides walking past a large, closed convent, through beautiful scenery, past an old Roman bridge.

And, of course, the other creator of blisters were the cobblestones. Cobblestone sidewalks. Cobblestone streets. Cobblestones everywhere.

The signs were generally prevalent. Sometimes colorful. The Camino signs are often supplemented by the signs to Fatima, a historic Roman Catholic pilgrimage destination. Located approximately six walking days north of Lisbon, Fatima is east of Tomar. At times, as I’ve already mentioned, the signs leave much to be desired.

One of the reminders that I’m in a Roman Catholic country are the roadside altar shrines. Once again, the Portuguese can’t resist decorating them with a painting or with tile.

One of the necessities of long-distance walking is water. The Portuguese know how to display their drinking fountains! Many are adorned with beautiful tiles. Not trusting the drinkability of the water, I certainly admired the fountains even if I didn’t use them!