The Camino Nascente is a new route. It has been promoted by the regional councils of the Algarve and the Alentejo and it's probably fair to say that it will mature over the next 10 years or so. The lack of infrastructure certainly means this isn't a good choice for a first camino; however it is stunningly beautiful. And what's not to love - walking from the south coast of Portugal up the less populated eastern side of the country (only 10% of Portuguese live in the eastern half of the country), through multiple beautiful towns.
The camino starts in Tavira, a pretty town on the coast. The Algarve splits in two - the western side is primarily hotels and golf courses and nightclubs. The eastern side by contrast is much quieter although it still has a lot of golf courses.
There is an official start point for the Camino Nascente. I used the Wise Pilgrim app that told me to start at, unsurprisingly, the church dedicated to Santiago.
This wasn't it. But it was very close to church of Santiago, close enough to have me circling the church twice looking for a yellow arrow.
The right church is actually a bit further down the hill. It helpfully has a little shell on the wall next to the door. This is where one should get the first stamp in a credencial but it was closed, being a Saturday. Rather than hang around
Tavira for two days, the tourist office sufficed for a stamp. Then, having got up ridiculously early, it was time to head to a cafe on the way out of town. Cafe Sitio fitted the bill perfectly, serving a bifana and Super Bock.
There then followed a surprisingly rural walk with the sea on the right and a few settlements to the left. It was rather hotter than England so I stopped twice, once at Charrette in Cabanas de Tavira (very friendly and good English) and then in at Cacela Velha (Casa Azul, a bit commercial but to be expected in such a touristy location).
All in all a good 18km walk, a pleasant afternoon's stroll to a seafront hotel in Altura. Altura is a touristy hot-spot too so plenty of choice for dinner.
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