‘Sabores do Caminho’ ends cycle in Vila Nova de Gaia
The first edition of Sabores do Caminho – Caminhos de Portugal (Flavours of the Camino – Portuguese Caminos) cycle, part of the Sabores e Paladares Ibéricos (Iberian Flavours and Tastes) programme, came to an end this week. The journey began in June in Lisbon, continued in Santiago de Compostela and concluded in Vila Nova de Gaia. The initiative, promoted by La Vida Ibérica, Lda. in partnership with El Corte Inglés (Spanish department store), aims to highlight the cultural heritage shared by Portugal and Spain through gastronomy, history and art.
On Wednesday, September 25, the Âmbito Cultural room (Cultural Hall) of El Corte Inglés in Santiago de Compostela hosted a session attended by 60 participants that combined culture, tourism and Iberian flavours. Dário Silva, Councillor for Tourism in Gaia and representative of the Portuguese Federation of the Camino de Santiago, underlined the cultural and heritage significance of the Caminos in Portugal, with special emphasis on the northern area of Gaia. The tasting included canned products and wines and concluded with a toast of Port wine. The strong attendance reflected the interest in initiatives that value the culture shared between Galicia and Portugal.
The next day, Vila Nova de Gaia hosted the closing session of the cycle, with Tomar as the guest municipality. Ana Soares, Head of Tourism and Culture at Tomar City Council, presented the city’s templar legacy and its connection to the Camino de Santiago. The gastronomic component once again featured canned products, wines and convent sweets, representing local traditions. The cycle ended in Gaia, but also left the invitation for a future stage dedicated to Tomar.
Over the past months, the different sessions provided a space of exchange where gastronomy engaged with history, literature, music, festive traditions and tourism, fostering an environment favourable to cultural sharing and professional networking. The Sabores e Paladares Ibéricos programme, of which this initiative is part, is consolidating its role as a bridge between Portugal and Spain, celebrating their common heritage and the spirit of the Camino de Santiago.
