CAMINO KOALA
City

Lisbon

48m
38.7118°N, 9.1305°W

Coordinates

38.7118°N, 9.1305°W

Elevation

48m

Accommodation

Available

Services Available

Accommodation
Restaurant
Cafe
Grocery
Pharmacy
ATM
Train
Post Office
Airport
Bus
Pilgrim Office
Clinic
Water
Tobacconist

About Lisbon

Lisbon is the traditional starting point of the Camino Portugues, though only a small fraction of pilgrims choose to walk the full route from here. The pilgrimage begins at the small Church of Santiago in the historic Alfama district, with the nearby Se Cathedral serving as the place to collect a credencial.

The city offers every service imaginable, from pilgrim hostels to luxury hotels, supermarkets to Michelin-starred restaurants. Key landmarks include the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, Praca do Comercio, and the winding streets of the Alfama and Bairro Alto districts.

Pilgrims should allow at least a day to explore Lisbon before setting out. The walk north out of the city is long and mostly urban, following the Tagus River estuary through Lisbon's northern suburbs before reaching open countryside. The Lisbon-to-Porto section of the Camino is significantly less well-served than the Porto-to-Santiago section, with fewer albergues and longer stages.

Explore Lisbon

Things to Do in Lisbon

Camino Moment

Visit the Igreja de Santiago

The official starting point of the Camino Portugues. This small church in the Alfama district is easy to miss, but it is where the pilgrimage begins. A sign next to the front door marks 610 km to Santiago de Compostela, and the first yellow arrow is spray-painted on the gate. Stand in front of it, take a breath, and step onto the Camino.

Sightseeing

Explore the Alfama

The oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon, a maze of narrow streets, tiled facades, and steep staircases tumbling down to the Tagus. The Se Cathedral, the Castelo de Sao Jorge, and countless small bars and restaurants are all here. Walk slowly, get lost, and listen for the sound of fado drifting from doorways in the evening. The Alfama survived the 1755 earthquake that destroyed much of the city, and its medieval layout remains largely intact.

Food & Drink

Eat Pasteis de Nata

The Portuguese custard tart is one of the great small pleasures of this country. The most famous bakery is Pasteis de Belem in the Belem neighbourhood, which has been making them since 1837. But every cafe and padaria in Lisbon serves its own version, and the best ones you eat will probably be from a place nobody has heard of. Order them warm, dust them with cinnamon, and have a coffee alongside.

Sightseeing

Visit the Tower of Belem

A 16th-century fortified tower on the bank of the Tagus, built to guard the entrance to Lisbon's harbour during the Age of Discovery. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most recognisable buildings in Portugal. Nearby, the Jeronimos Monastery is equally impressive, with its ornate Manueline cloisters. Both are in the Belem neighbourhood, about 6 km west of the city centre.

Relaxation

Ride Tram 28

The iconic yellow tram climbs through the steepest streets of the Alfama, Graca, and Baixa neighbourhoods, rattling past churches, miradouros (viewpoints), and tiled buildings. It is touristy but genuinely fun. Board at Martim Moniz or Praca do Comercio and ride the full loop. Alternatively, walk the same route on foot and save the tram fare for another pastel de nata.

Relaxation

Watch the Sunset from a Miradouro

Lisbon's hilltop viewpoints offer some of the best sunsets in Europe. The Miradouro da Graca and the Miradouro de Santa Luzia both look out across the Alfama rooftops to the Tagus. Bring a drink, find a bench, and watch the light change. Tomorrow you start walking. Tonight, enjoy the city.

Practical Information

Everything you need to know for your time in Lisbon.

Pilgrim Office / Credential

Se Cathedral (Largo da Se), open daily approximately 9:30am to 6:30pm. Also available at Basilica dos Martires (Basilica of the Martyrs). Costs around 4 euros.

Additional Notes

Lisbon is a major international city with every service available. Be aware of pickpockets in tourist areas, especially trams and the Alfama.

Accommodation in Lisbon

Where You Are on the Camino

You are here

Lisbon

615 km to Santiago de Compostela

Part of

Lisbon → Alpriate(Next Stage)
View stage