From Lisbona to Vila Franca de Xira
Hello fellow Monkey friend, I’m Samuele and I’m part of the La Scimmia Viaggiatrice team. In January 2020, I decided to embark on the Portuguese Way of Santiago. If you’re considering this adventure, then you’re in the right place to get some (but not too many) tips on preparing for the Way of Santiago.
Firstly, it’s essential to acknowledge that each journey is unique, and this introspective experience shouldn’t be over-planned. However, a tad bit of planning won’t hurt. As you may have guessed from the title, I’ll focus solely on accommodation advice. So, fluff up your pillow, get comfortable, and let’s begin.
Portuguese Way of Santiago First Stage: from Lisbon to Alpriate (24 km)
The Portuguese Way of Santiago starts from Lisbon, a city so beautiful that it speaks for itself. So, I won’t try to convince you to visit; just know that you must! If you heed my somewhat veiled advice, I recommend staying at Vistas de Lisboa Hostel.
The strengths of Vistas de Lisboa include its enviable location in Rossio (the restaurant area), a 10-minute walk from the Sé Cathedral (the starting point of the “Camino”) and Bairro Alto (the nightlife hub).
Additionally, there’s a brewery across the hostel and a back massage center nearby. The hostel offers great value for money. For instance, I paid 32 euros for two nights in a mixed dormitory, including taxes. While the hostel is basic, the kindness of the staff, ample breakfast, and hot showers make it an excellent place to rest before or after exploring Lisbon.
Second Stage: from Alpriate to Vila Franca de Xira (25 km)
From Alpriate, we move another approximately 25 km to Vila Franca de Xira, a small town with all comforts and some tourist attractions, such as the port area, accessible by following the yellow arrows of the Camino, or the mercado velho nestled among colorful azulejos.
Right near the market, you’ll find the second hostel I recommend for spending the night here: Hostel DP – Suites & Apartments. It’s a modern and well-kept hostel with a great, abundant breakfast and helpful staff, at an excellent price of 15 euros per night including breakfast.
I had a sleepless night because a fellow dorm guest snored excessively, but that’s certainly not the hostel’s fault. Besides, it’s a rite of passage to experience a sleepless night due to a snorer at least once, and if you haven’t had one yet, then perhaps you’re the snorer.
Jokes aside, I recommend this structure, which you can always book through our booking banner or website.
These are the first stages of an unforgettable journey full of surprises.