Portuguese Camino - Coimbra to Porto

Beautiful old city of Coimbra in Portugal

Pilgrims on the Portuguese Camino

View of Porto

Pilgrims walking the Camino Portuguese

Visit Porto on a cycling or walking trip along the Portuguese Camino | Jaclyn Lofts

Portuguese Camino sign showing the way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain | Jaclyn Lofts

Hiking along the Portuguese Camino

Beautiful old city of Coimbra in Portugal

Pilgrims on the Portuguese Camino

View of Porto

Pilgrims walking the Camino Portuguese

Visit Porto on a cycling or walking trip along the Portuguese Camino | Jaclyn Lofts

Portuguese Camino sign showing the way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain | Jaclyn Lofts

Hiking along the Portuguese Camino

moderate

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

7 nights in comfortable hotels

Meals

7 Breakfasts

8 Days£800GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: PC2

Trip highlights

Discovering on foot the small villages and pilgrimage sites along the Camino Portugués
Exploring the historical and lively university city of Coimbra
Experiencing culinary delights and the port wine varieties of the area
Enjoying the hospitality of family run hotels and B&Bs
Visiting historic and vibrant Porto

The second stage of our self guided walking route along the Portuguese Camino between Lisbon and Santiago takes you from the historic and lively university city of Coimbra through vineyards, woodlands and villages to Porto, set on the banks of the Douro River and famous for its port wine production. Throughout the walk there are ample reminders of past pilgrims and the route offers many insights into the religious significance of the Camino. The Portuguese Road, or Caminho Portugués, is considered by many as the most spiritually connected pilgrimage route. Following the path St James' body took to its resting place at the site of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, the quieter Portuguese path offers a wealth of history and delightful landscapes to discover. Visually stunning in parts, there are many other advantages in walking the Portugués route.

Countries:

Portugal

Starting Point:

Coimbra

Finishing Point:

Porto

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Arrive Coimbra

Coimbra is a lively university town situated on the Mondego River. Enjoy exploring this beautiful and historic city, its churches and museums and don’t miss the university itself, especially the library Biblioteca Joanina. Coimbra can be very busy in early May with its 'Ribbon Burning' festivities, the oldest in Portugal, which begin with the traditional fado serenade in the square of the Old (Se) Cathedral of Coimbra.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Coimbra to Mealhada (5-6hrs)

The trail today is quite flat. It follows river valleys and irrigation channels along a mix of asphalt (68%) and natural paths (32%). Passing through several villages, arrive in Mealhada, once a major Roman crossroads. It is now best known for leitão da bairrada, suckling pig. Pigs from the surrounding Barraida region are acorn fed and considered the best in Portugal. Mealhada is also well known for its wine. Distance 22.5km/14mi

Meals: B

Day 3
Walk to Agueda (6-7hrs)

Today the path is gently undulating along the Certima river valley. It is mostly along roads (88%) with pockets of vineyards and woodland tracks (12%). You'll pass through the town of Avelas de Caminho with its pretty Manueline featured Quinta de Grimpa. Continue to Agueda after crossing the river and the old bridge Ponte Velha. Distance 26km/16.2mi

Meals: B

Day 4
Continue to Albergaria (4-5hrs) and transfer back to Agueda for overnight

The path is again quite flat except for a small ascent into Albergaria. Walk along the original Via Romana XVI and across the recently restored bridge Marnel towards Albergaria, founded in 1120 to provide refuge to pilgrims on the Camino. 81% of the route today is on small roads whilst 19% is on natural paths. This afternoon (4pm) you will be transferred back to Agueda for the night. Distance 16km/10mi

Meals: B

Day 5
Transfer to Albergaria and walk to Oliveira de Azemeis (5-6hrs)

After breakfast (8:30am) transfer to Albergaria to re-commence your walk. The terrain today is more undulating than in past days, through pine and eucalypt forests and local villages. About 82% of the route is on roads with some sections on main roads with traffic. Oliveira has an old centre, the Matriz de Sao Miguel church and a row of fine houses dating from the 1800s, built by prosperous emigrants returning from Brazil. On the 2nd Sunday in August, festivities honouring Our Lady of La Salette are very popular. Distance 20km/12.5mi

Meals: B

Day 6
Walk to Malaposta (4-5hrs)

Today’s walking is over rolling hills and through more urban areas including the town of Sao Joao da Madeira. The route is almost entirely on roads today as a result. Follow a section of the original Roman Via XVI via Arrifana to Malaposta. If you'd like to visit the historic town of Santa Maria de Feira, this can be arranged with reception on arrival at your Malaposta hotel (not included). It has an immaculately maintained castle and in early August hosts the Viagem medieval festival, with re-enactments, markets and entertainment. Distance 16km/10mi

Meals: B

Day 7
To Porto (7hrs)

Leaving Malaposta on the original cobbled Roman road, the path leads to Grijo. Its 13th century monastery Mosteiro San Salvador, first consecrated in 1235, has long been an important stop along the Camino. Continue to Porto, on the banks of the Douro River. Its maritime legacies and importance as a New World trading port shaped it into a proud city, with an impressive cathedral and port wine lodges. After checking in to your hotel, take the time to explore the city with its many cultural sites. Distance 27km/16.8mi

Meals: B

Day 8
Trip concludes

Trip concludes after breakfast in the hotel. Porto has a lot to see and do, we can assist with booking extra nights on request. Own onward arrangements from Porto, or continue along the inland Portuguese Road to Tui, or coastal route to Viana and beyond.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts. Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices.
7 nights in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX
Return transfers between Albergaria and Agueda
Pilgrim Passport
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Coimbra and from Porto
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
Guide – this is a self guided walking holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees not listed as included
Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Excess luggage
Items of a personal nature

Suitability

moderate

MODERATE – GRADE 3 Daily walks are between 15-26km on a combination of small roads (70% on av.), natural paths (18%) and main roads (12%) over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to hilly. The route takes you along quiet rural roads, at times on the verges of roads with traffic. Some of the route is on walking trails away from the road and there are often alternative routes available. Route finding is reasonably straight forward following the yellow arrows and granite pillars (showing distance to Santiago), however you still need to be vigilant as markers from other trails can be confusing (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). However our notes include hints and pointers to help you navigate the route. The route will inevitably cross main roads close to cities and towns, although the majority is on side roads the surface of this route is largely asphalt. The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 1 Nov

Notes

Note:

Other dates are available on request. Supplements may apply outside of the main season due to additional charges for luggage transfers and hotel closures (some transfers may be required to confirm your booking).

Priceper person from

£800GBP

Options & Supplements*

Single SupplementGBP£400
Solo traveller supplementGBP£540

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.