Walking My Way Across Portugal and Spain: My First Camino Adventure

I just got back from walking over 200 miles along the stunning coastline of Portugal and into the heart of Spain—.

For years, I dreamed of traveling abroad. I imagined cobblestone streets, ocean views, and long days of walking through ancient towns with a backpack and a big smile. But in the background everyone kept asking? What if you can’t handle it? What if you get lost? What if it’s too hard?

Well… this summer, I did it even if I had to go solo. I grabbed my passport, my pack, and my courage—and I took the leap. My first Camino de Santiago. The Portuguese Coastal Route, the Sende Litoral Variant. And I didn’t have to do it alone—my sister-in-law joined me, and thank goodness, because we’re the perfect pair. (We even tackled part of the Appalachian Trail together last year—so I already knew she could handle summer heat and long days.)

Walking with Someone Who Gets You

If you're going to spend 24 hours a day with someone, you’ve got to like 'em. You need someone who knows when to talk, when to walk, and when to just share the silence. Liz and I had that. We laughed, we rested, we powered through the long days and celebrated the little wins—like finding a café with cold sparkling water or a hotel bed that didn’t squeak.

A Coastal Path Worth Every Step

We chose the Portuguese Litoral Route because who wouldn’t want to walk along the gorgeous coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. Give me ocean breezes, seafood, and sandy paths and I’m in my element. This path is quieter than the traditional and more popular French Way, but no less beautiful. It’s a mix of boardwalks, forest trails, small villages, and centuries-old churches. Every step carried the weight of centuries—and the lightness of knowing I was exactly where I was meant to be.

The Real Journey Was Inside

This wasn’t just a travel adventure. It was me proving to myself that I could do hard things. That I could get on a plane, cross an ocean, and figure it out. I could trust that I’d be okay—and more than okay, I’d thrive.

Fear, it turns out, is a mile wide and an inch deep. It looks massive from the outside. But once you step through it? It crumbles. Turns out the scariest part was just deciding to go.

If You’re on the Fence...

Let this be your nudge. Do the thing. Book the trip. Take the walk. Say yes. Scary things only stay scary if you never do them. And there’s a whole world waiting for you once you push past that first wave of doubt.

What’s Next?

Well, I’m not done walking. I’ve got more Camino dreams, more trails to hike, and more stories to tell. And I’ll be sharing what we packed (and what we didn’t need), our favorite places to stay, and all the little moments that made this trip unforgettable.

So stick around. The adventure’s just getting started.