After epic days on the coast, it was time to shift gears and head for the Portuguese capital. The Fisherman’s Trail left a good chunk of kilometers under my belt, but that just makes the contrast with modern Lisbon all the more enjoyable. Today was all about the journey and a first peek at the Oriente district. What were my first impressions, and what did I stumble upon after arriving?
Fisherman’s Trail: Morning Calm and the Bus Ride
Yesterday was intense, but the night passed surprisingly peacefully. At five in the morning, and then again at eight, I preemptively took Smecta, just to keep things settled for the journey. I was surprised how hard I crashed again after six. My seven o’clock alarm ripped me from sleep perhaps a bit too early – next time, I’ll set it for 7:40 to get my full beauty sleep.
I got up, packed the last of my gear, and after the essential hygiene, headed for the bus. The ride took several hours, winding through endless roundabouts and backroads. The bus only stopped twice before finally hitting the highway. Inside, I had plenty of space to myself; the seat next to me remained empty. I used every minute to rest, a well-deserved R&R after all those days on the Fisherman’s Trail.
First Impressions of Modern Lisbon at 1:30 PM
Around 1:30 PM, I finally stepped off at my destination. Oriente Station immediately hit me with its sheer scale and pristine cleanliness. It’s an architectural marvel, seamlessly connected to the Vasco da Gama shopping center. My first steps led me to the essentials: a toilet, some food, and a quick shop.
After that, I headed straight for the promenade stretching right behind the center. Can you feel that fresh breeze off the Mar da Palha bay? The vistas here are something else. To the right, the Vasco da Gama Tower stands tall, Portugal’s highest, and in the distance, the longest bridge of the same name arches across the water – the very one I just crossed into the city. The whole place has a totally different, modern vibe that I’m really digging.
Strolling Through Oriente and Reflections on the Fisherman’s Trail
Due to fatigue and limited time, I focused on exploring the area around the station and the waterfront. Gondola cabins glided constantly overhead, and a bit further, the famous Oceanário beckoned visitors. The entire district felt fantastic – clean, lively, and modern. Can you imagine a better spot for an extended weekend with your better half?
Around 6 PM, I finally found my accommodation. It’s a combo of a youth hostel and a sports complex. The room is pretty spartan, but for this one night, it’s more than enough. The main thing is a roof over my head and space to sort through all the trail thoughts. What do you think, after crushing a trek like the Fisherman’s Trail, can a person sleep even on the hardest bed? I bet after that performance, I could sleep anywhere!
Daily Summary:
- Today’s distance: 13 km
- Destination: Lisbon (Oriente district)
- Highlight of the day: First glimpse of the monumental Ponte Vasco da Gama bridge and the modern architecture of Oriente Station upon arrival at 1:30 PM.
- Points of interest: Vasco da Gama shopping center, Oceanário, waterfront cable car.
- Accommodation: Spartan room in a youth hostel.
My journey on the Fisherman’s Trail is slowly winding down, and Lisbon welcomed me with its most modern face. Do you prefer modern, waterfront architecture, or do you lean towards the historic alleyways of the old town? Share your Lisbon tips in the comments!
Finally, a few photos
