The Camino de Santiago from Coimbra
The Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James) from Coimbra to Porto is part of the Camino Portugues (The Portuguese Way): The third section of the Camino Portugues, from Coimbra to Porto, begins in the city of Coimbra, and is famous for its University that has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Our route will continue towards the north of the Atlantic coast until reaching the city of Porto.
We will walk through vineyards and quiet forests, along river valleys and ancient Roman roads, passing through a variety of small towns and villages.
We will finish our tour in the centre of Porto, an impressive city that has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Porto is also famous for its fine wine.
Coimbra
Coimbra is a city with lots of energy and was previously the capital of Portugal. Coimbra has a very well preserved Gothic cathedral and is home to the University of Coimbra dating back to the 13th century, one of the oldest universities in the world.
The University of Coimbra was included on the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 2013. In Coimbra we can enjoy a multitude of cultural events.
Overnight: Coimbra
From Coimbra to Mealhada
Once we leave Coimbra, our route will continue along rivers following a relatively flat path, after which we will make our way up to Cioga do Monte. Along this route we will be able to see remains from the ancient Roman road.
We will spend the night in Mealhada, an area famous for its vineyards.
Length: 23 km
Overnight: Mealhada
From Mealhada to Agueda
This part of the route is easy and we will get the chance to see some of the most beautiful vineyards. During today’s route we will arrive in the town of of Avelas de Caminho, whose history is closely tied to the Camino de Santiago. We will spend the night in Agueda, on the banks of the River Certima.
Length: 25 km
Overnight: Agueda
From Agueda to Albergaria A Velha
Today’s route will be relatively easy and short. We will follow the old Roman road, the Vía Romana XVI, through eucalyptus and pine forests. Then we will cross a Roman bridge over the River Marnel before arriving at Albergaria-a-Velha.
Length: 17 km
Overnight: Albergaria A Velha
From Albergaria A Velha to Sao Joao da Madeira
Once we leave Albergaria-a-Velha, we will continue our route through forests until reaching more urban areas in the northern part of the Beira coast.
We will pass through the historic town of Oliveira de Azemeis, where we recommend visiting the Main Church of Sao Miguel. Once we leave Oliveira, we will continue to follow the trail up and down small hills until arriving at Sao Joao da Madeira.
Length: 29 km
Overnight: Sao Joao da Madeira
From Sao Joao da Madeira to Grijo
Today’s route takes place in urban areas, however we will still be following the original route of the old Roman road. We will pass through the town of Arrifana with its beautiful blue church.
The last part of the route will gradually take us downhill to the Monastery of Sao Salvador de Grijo that dates back to the 13th century.
Length: 16 km
Overnight: Grijo
From Grijo to Porto
Along this route we can enjoy the refreshing breeze coming from the Atlantic Ocean on our way to Porto. Porto is famous for being the capital of Port wine.
We will follow our route towards Vila Nova de Gaia, crossing the fantastic bridge known as Ponte Luiz I in Porto to reach the city’s old quarter. Porto has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Length: 16 km
Overnight: Porto
Porto
Porto’s old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. You will love visiting Porto. We’ll have the chance to enjoy the colourful banks of the River Duero with its vintage boats, the local atmosphere and its exquisite cuisine.
End of our services.
General information
All the rooms you book with Santiago Ways to do the Camino de Santiago have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure your best comfort.
Our team checks on site the quality of all the accommodation offered in order for pilgrims to have a comfortable and unforgettable experience on the Camino de Santiago.
Availability
When working with quality accommodation with limited capacity, the exact name of the accommodation will be provided 30 days before the start of the Camino.
All accommodation on the Camino de Santiago is subject to availability. In case we can't offer any of them due to lack of capacity, we'll accommodate you in one of equal or better quality.
Single rooms
Single rooms are subject to availability. Reservations must be made in advance and come at an additional cost.
Where am I going to stay?
All our accommodation has been selected to ensure tranquillity, rest and enjoyment during your Camino de Santiago:
Coimbra
Mealhada
Agueda
Albergaria A Velha
São João da Madeira
Grijo
Porto
Included Services
Accommodation in Hotels and Country Cottages.
Rooms with private bathroom.
Meal plan of your choice.
Baggage transfer between stages.
Complete route itinerary.
24 hours Telephone assistance on route.
Assistance vehicle in case of emergency.
Information pack for the Camino de Santiago.
VAT.
Additional Services
Additional single room: 213€ per person.
Extra night in Porto: 90€ per person.
Transfer from Porto to Coimbra: consult for pricing.
Travel assistance insurance: 21€ per person.
Cancellation insurance: 21€ per person.
In order to resolve pilgrims’ doubts, here we answer the questions that are most frequently asked when we receive your enquiries.
If you have any other questions, you can contact us and we will be happy to help you resolve all your queries.
General Information
What is the best time to do the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago can be started on any day of the year, always taking into account the weather and the season in which you want to travel, so that your clothes are the right ones.
How do I get to my starting point on the Camino?
The best way to get to the starting point of your Camino de Santiago is to arrive at the airport, train station or bus station nearest to the town from where you will start walking.
Once you confirm your Camino, you will send us the arrival information for your flight, train or bus and, from there, we organize a private transfer to the town where you should start your Camino.
Can I travel alone?
Yes, you can. All the routes on the Camino de Santiago are suitable for pilgrims to travel solo.
Also, whether you are travelling alone, or travelling accompanied but want to sleep in a single room, Santiago Ways offer this option to you.
We can book all your nights of accommodation in single rooms at an additional cost. We suggest you book well in advance since they are usually in high demand.
On the Camino de Santiago, you will find hundreds of pilgrims walking on their own. Many of them may have come to the Camino alone; others have probably moved away from their fellow travellers for a few hours because of the difference in speed when walking.
In any case, all the routes on the Camino are very well signposted, so you will have no problem if you go on your own.
Am I going to have an accompanying guide on el Camino de Santiago?
Most routes on the Camino de Santiago are done in a self-guided mode. Thus, each traveller has the opportunity to advance on their own and at their own pace along the routes marked on the complete itinerary of the route, which is sent one month before starting the Camino.
However, we also offer organized groups with accompanying guide on the stretch from Sarria to Santiago. We have specific dates already established, and we carry them out in groups of up to 15 people, with guaranteed departures. The guides in charge of these routes speak English and Spanish.
We already have all the dates published until 2021, so you are encouraged to reserve your place before the groups are filled.
What does the complete route itinerary consist of?
The complete route itinerary of the route is a guide that we prepare for you with information about the maps, route profiles and places of interest, kilometre by kilometre on each of the stages that you will go through on the Camino de Santiago.
The travel distances and travel times indicated for each route on both the website and the itinerary we send you are based on reference values. It depends on each pilgrim exactly how they carry out these times and distances, according to the speed at which they progress.
When do I get the complete route itinerary?
You will receive it by email one month before starting your Camino along with all the documentation for the trip: accommodation reservations, baggage transfers, among others.
How many kilometres should I walk on each stage?
In Santiago Ways, we adapt each stage to the needs of our pilgrims, so that they can travel according to their physical capability and the number of days available.
On average, a stage of the Camino de Santiago has 15 to 20 km. On most routes, however, we can organize your Camino so that you walk fewer kilometres, dividing some stages into two parts, depending on what is most comfortable for you.
Advice
What should I consider to prepare physically?
Both sedentary people and those who regularly exercise should physically prepare for doing the Camino de Santiago.
Sedentary people can start with moderate activity and continue progressively. They should start by taking small 20-minute walks, two or three times a week. It is suggested to increase the time until you reach walk about 4 or 5 kilometres every hour.
People with regular physical activity can start by walking from 45 to 60 minutes a day and increase the amount of time and kilometres they travel in the same span of time.
Generally, it is recommended to start training for about three months before starting the route.
How far in advance should I make a reservation?
There is no minimum number of days in advance to book, although on certain dates the occupancy of the accommodation is higher, especially in high season, and in dates of religious interest such as the San Fermin Festivals in Pamplona, from 7th to 14th July, or the Feast of Santiago the Apostle, on July 25th.
Therefore, in order to guarantee availability in the best accommodation, we suggest you book as much in advance as possible, so that we can meet all of your needs.
What clothes and hiking equipment are indispensable?
For any of the Caminos, we suggest you to bring the following items: light and fast drying clothing, waterproof jacket and trousers, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a pair of shoes suitable for hiking, trekking poles, a pair of shoes to rest in, a jacket that doesn't take up much space and a bottle to carry water.
Depending on the time of year in which you make the route, these items may vary.
Remember that with Santiago Ways, you have included a baggage transfer service between stages, so we will take your backpack from one accommodation to another so that you only worry about walking (maximum 1 piece of 20 kg per person).
For this reason, we suggest you prepare a second backpack, much smaller, that you can carry with you every day with water, sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, documents, some food and cash.
How does the baggage transfer between stages work?
Every day, at 8:00 am, you must bring your luggage, properly labelled, to the reception. One of our carriers will pick it up and take it to the place where you are going to stay on your next stage.
Delivery time varies according to the distance between stages and the carrier's delivery route. Usually, delivery is made before 4 p.m.
Should I take out travel insurance?
To complete any of the routes on the Camino de Santiago, it is advisable to have travel insurance with all the necessary coverage, especially emergency evacuation and medical care.
To do this, we suggest you take out the Travel Assistance Insurance and Cancellation Insurance that we offer you in Santiago Ways. If you want more information about it, we will be happy to answer your questions.
Accommodation
Do all rooms have a private bathroom?
Yes, all rooms you book with Santiago Ways to do the Camino de Santiago have a private bathroom.
Can I sleep alone in a room?
Yes. We offer accommodation in single rooms and double rooms, according to the requirements of each pilgrim.
Single rooms have a special surcharge and are subject to availability according to the location.
When will you tell me where I am going to stay?
We work with multiple accommodations in all locations which allows us to guarantee the best quality rooms for our pilgrims, provided that they are booked well in advance.
The name and exact location of each hotel is sent about one month before the start of the Camino with all the documentation related to the trip.
Am I going to share a room with strangers?
No. All the accommodations we book for our pilgrims have private rooms with private bathrooms in order to guarantee all the comfort needed torest properly.
Is the accommodation close to the route that I should follow?
All the accommodations that we book are in the centre of the towns or villages. In any case, depending on availability, if any accommodation is somewhat far from the centre, most of them are accessible on foot.
When necessary, Santiago Ways could offer a round trip transfer so that the pilgrim can reach their accommodation in the most comfortable way possible and return the next day to the point on the route from where he must continue the Camino.
What type of accommodation do you reserve?
All the accommodation that we book in Santiago Ways offers the necessary comfort to rest after long days of walking.
We work with hotels, traditional Galician homes, country cottages, and charming hostels, always a room with a private bathroom.
Here, in Santiago Ways we want to talk about one of the most attractive routes that exist among the alternatives on the Camino de Santiago. In particular, we refer to the stage from Coimbra to Porto, which is part of the so-called Camino Portugues. We want to talk about what are the most important reasons to do it, as well as all the information necessary for any pilgrim. We hope that it helps.
Why choose the Camino de Santiago from Coimbra a Porto?
First of all, we want to talk about some of the reasons why we do this Camino route. Each of the possible routes has its particular charm. So, we want to show you some of the attractions that this particular one has:
1.-The city of Coimbra: One of the most interesting points of this route and, in general, of all the possible things we can do on the Camino de Santiago is visit the city of Coimbra. It was the scene of many wars, especially during the Middle Ages, and is, in fact, one of the most important and strategic points in Portuguese history and what came to be called the Kingdom of Galicia during the Middle Ages. Today it is a city named as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
2.-Nature: One of the great incentives that the Camino Portugues, and especially the stretch between Coimbra and Porto has, is the great beauty of the whole environment. In fact, we will travel through one of the greenest areas of Portugal , a country that itself is very beautiful due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean which gives it such a distinctive climate. You can enjoy beautiful meadows, beautiful forests and pleasant walks on the shores of tranquil rivers.
3.- Infrastructure: One of the advantages that the Camino Portugues has acquired in recent years has to do with the infrastructure and the endowment for the Pilgrim that is being implemented lately.
Indeed, although before the dominion in this direction of the Camino Frances was indisputable, in recent times the Camino Portugues is catching up and is becoming by itself a great alternative to that especially for those who want to take on this adventure for the first time.
It has good signposting, and well-eqipped to be able to supply everything you need along the way and, in general, everything that any pilgrim may need in an accessible and affordable way.
4.-Less saturation: The main reason why more and more pilgrims are encouraged to do the Camino Portugues and especially the route from Coimbra to Porto, is that this alternative does not have as many pilgrims as the well-known Camino Frances. That means that along the route we can enjoy more tranquillity and, consequently, a more conducive experience to enjoy the nature that will surround us and the wonderful heritage of the route.
5.-History: Although before we talked about the historical importance of the city of Coimbra , the Camino Portugues to Santiago from Coimbra to Porto has a huge cultural heritage ready to surprise us. Indeed, this route connects with the deepest aspects of Portuguese history and traces its origins back to the Middle Ages.
For this reason, throughout the tour, we will be able to enjoy the great artistic, historical and cultural heritage of some of the most beautiful places of the neighbouring country. For example, the first stage, from Coímbra to Mealhada, is one that we will be able to walk on our way along a Roman road or later visit the incredible Villa de Oliveira de Azemeis.
Information about the route of the Camino de Santiago from Coimbra to Porto
The Route of the Camino Portugues from Coimbra to Oporto is one of the possible alternatives on the Camino Portugues. It is, in fact, its third section and begins in the emblematic city of Coimbra, whose university has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The route takes you to the north of the Atlantic coast until you reach the magnificent city of Porto.
Along this route, we can go through beautiful natural places of such beauty that, as we said previously, are an incentive to complete this Camino.
It Is a route of 110 kilometres in length, making it quite achievable for most pilgrims in terms of duration. As we have said before, it is well-endowed in terms of infrastructure (one of the most important points to consider if you are going to do the Camino de Santiago for the first time). It is not too crowded and, at the same time, it has mild temperatures throughout the year by crossing the Oceanic climate zone.
Route of the Camino Portugues from Coimbra to Porto
Maps of the Camino de Santiago Portugues from Coimbra to Porto
Now, we enclose the maps of the route of the Camino de Santiago Portugues. We do so with the intention that you can plan your own route better and at the same time visualize everything that awaits you ahead.
Coimbra – Mealhada
Stage map from Coimbra to Mealhada
Mealhada – Agueda
Stage map from Mealhada to Agueda
Agueda – Albergaria A Velha
Stage map from Agueda to Albergaria A Velha
Albergaria A Velha – Sao Joao da Madeira
Stage map from Albergaria a Velha to Sao Joao da Madeira
Sao Joao da Madeira – Grijo
Stage map from Sao Joao da Madeira to Grijo
Grijo – Porto
Stage map from Grijo to Porto
Profile of the Camino from Coimbra to Porto
Here is the information regarding the profile of the Camino Portugues from Coimbra to Porto. With it, we want to make it easier to understand its difficulty and the relative toughness of its stages.
We can anticipate that on any of the variants of the Camino Portugues there is no route that has special difficulty in this way, on the contrary, specially indicated routes for beginners or for those who want to live the adventure regardless of age and state of fitness are recommended.
Coimbra – Mealhada
Stage profile from Coimbra to Mealhada
Mealhada – Águeda
Stage profile from Mealhada to Agueda
Agueda – Albergaria A Velha
Stage profile from Agueda to Albergaria A Velha
Albergaria A Velha – Sao Joao da Madeira
Stage profile from Albergaria a Velha to Sao Joao da Madeira
Sao Joao da Madeira – Grijo
Stage profile from Sao Joao da Madeira to Grijo
Grijo – Porto
Stage profile from Grijo to Porto
Stages on foot on the Camino de Santiago from Coimbra to Porto
We also talk about what are the stages that we will travel in this Camino de Santiago from Coimbra to Porto. It is important to know this information in order to plan our route with as much detail as possible.
Stage from Coimbra to Mealhada
Stage from Agueda to Albergaria A Velha
Stage from Albergaria A Velha to São João da Madeira
Stage from São João da Madeira to Grijo
How long does the Camino de Santiago Portugues from Coimbra to Porto take?
As we have said previously, the length of the Camino Portugues from Coimbra to Porto is 110 kilometres. This distance can be travelled in a total of 8 stages with its corresponding 7 nights. Although later we will talk about what is the most suitable time of year to do the Camino Portugues from Coimbra to Porto, we must say that this duration is perfect to be able to undertake the route in any of the holiday periods that are presented throughout the year.
Best time to do the Camino Portugues from Coimbra to Porto
It is true that when choosing which is the best time to do the Camino de Santiago, in general, each person’s own taste should always prevail. However, although it is true that regardless of what we look for, every season of the year has some advantages that others do not have. That is why we want to talk about the advantages of each season to complete this section of the Camino de Santiago as well as the disadvantages.
We hope that it will help you to get an idea about when to start your own adventure.
Spring
In spring, climate instability can increase. Indeed, the risk of precipitation increases greatly, and we must, therefore, increase our planning. That is why we recommend carrying some clothing for the possible rain, even if temperatures will be still be mild.
In a way, in the oceanic climate, there are not many differences between seasons, so it is neither too hot nor too cold. Yes: one of the strengths is in the explosion of colour that awaits us thanks to the profuse vegetation spread throughout the route. With Santiago Ways it is possible to avoid the main problem of this time of year: lack of accommodation.
Summer
Summer is the most popular time among pilgrims. This is because it has mild temperatures and at the same time it is when we all have more time to plan any kind of route. Thus, it also increases the influx of pilgrims so doing your pilgrimage with Santiago Ways is a guarantee to enjoy the best accommodation and the best attention.
On the other hand, during the summer the temperatures are fresh on the Camino de Santiago from Coimbra to Porto: This is due to the great proximity of its terrain with the Atlantic Ocean. This is why it is a good time to escape warmer temperatures found in the rest of the Iberian Peninsula.
Autumn
Again, autumn is a season where precipitation instability increases. The temperatures are still mild, but we must take into account this factor for the rain. So that we don’t get caught off guard we simply have to increase our planning.
On the other hand, its main advantages are two-fold. First, the number of pilgrims who travel the Camino de Santiago Portugues from Coimbra decreases. Also, all its natural landscapes are highlighted with the beautiful shades of this beautiful season offering great delight for our senses.
Winter
Although winter could be categorized as the season for the more adventurous, it has been gaining prominence for several reasons in the case of the Camino de Santiago from Coimbra to Oporto. The first of them has to do with that on this route, temperatures are much milder than on other routes, such as for example that of the Camino Primitivo. In fact, by being close to the Atlantic Ocean contributes to milder temperatures.
On the other hand, the Christmas break means that many pilgrims are encouraged to enjoy an idyllic setting adorned with the beautiful lighting of these festivities. So, considering that this route can be done in 8 days, there are many reasons to enjoy its magic during the winter. And of course it must be added that during this period the level of occupation descends.
Guide to the places you cannot miss on the Camino Portugues from Coimbra to Porto
We want to talk to you now about what are the most interesting places along the route of the Camino Portugues from Coimbra to Porto. These places include not only those that have a special interest in heritage and art, but also we also wanted to include the best restaurants that you can find during the route as well as the accommodation where you can stay with Santiago Ways.
Places of interest
First, we will start talking about what are the most interesting points for those who want to visit sites of special charm. We Include some natural and also areas of historical heritage.
Mealhada and its vineyards
One of the most important attractions of the Camino de Santiago Portugues from Coimbra is in its green surroundings. In the case of the town of Mealhada, this is clearly seen: it is a locality where we can enjoy its spectacular vineyards and a bucolic and beautiful environment in its old quarter. You cannot miss it and in fact, if you take a while, we recommend you visit some of its wineries.
The Arrifana coast
This beautiful town has one of the most beautiful coasts that can be visited throughout the Iberian Peninsula. It’s worth it, after the tour or even during it, spending some time for ourselves on it. We will be able to enjoy all the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean, and a refuge where we can enjoy all its splendour.
Vila Nova de Gaia
By far, this location is one of the most beautiful in Portugal. Regardless of if you have some gems among your heritage that we cannot miss, its streets and its architecture are by themselves a reason to enjoy it with a simple walk. The Don Luis I Bridge or the Clerics Tower (a magnificent building that perfectly mixes several of the most influential architectural styles in Portugal) are two indispensable stops on your route.
Where to sleep – The best hotels
We want to show you now some of the accommodation where you can stay with Santiago Ways. This accommodation has been selected with the utmost care so you can enjoy all the attention you deserve.
Where to eat – The best restaurants
We also give you some suggestions for the best places to eat during your route of the Camino de Santiago Portugues from Coimbra to Porto .
Rodrigues do Bacalhau
In Cioga Do Monte, one of the rural villas that which we pass through on our route, we can find this magnificent establishment specializing in fish and of course in cod, one of the Portuguese specialities. If you want an affordable place to enjoy it in the midst of a nice and cosy family atmosphere, don’t miss this place.
Taberna dos Mercadores
This cosy Establishment offers us some of the best gastronomic specialities in Vila Nova de Gaia (in the Porto region) with an informal atmosphere and a warm and very careful guest service. It is a good place to enjoy the specialities found in Portuguese cuisine.
All in Porto
This restaurant has an international vocation and is, in fact, one of those responsible for having made Porto one of the most outstanding gastronomic cities in Europe. We recommend that you to visit it and let yourself be surprised by its fresh, surprising menu.
Origin of the Camino Portugues from Coimbra to Porto
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Europe went through, in general, a period of great instability. In the case of the Iberian Peninsula, it was also necessary to suffer the invasion of the so-called barbarous peoples (Swabians, Alans and Vandals) that left practically nothing standing of what was the Roman legacy. However, something that did survive was their roads. They were the starting point for the route of the Camino Portugues from Coimbra to Porto.
During the Middle Ages, the pilgrimage began to Santiago and Coimbra was a compulsory place to pass by being one of the most vibrant and safe cities of that time. It must be thought that the Camino de Santiago in general and especially the Camino de Santiago Portugues was not just a religious route: it was above all a commercial route that, to a large part, connected Portugal with its neighbours, Spain.
The Camino Portugues from Coimbra with Santiago Ways
Ideal footwear for the Camino Portugues from Coimbra
Other sections of the Camino Portugues to Santiago
Other sections of the Camino Portugues Coastal Route
Other users’ opinions about the Camino de Coimbra to Porto
We also want to offer you the opinion of other users who have made with us the Camino Portugues from Coimbra to Porto. You may end up convincing yourself of everything that awaits you if you make your pilgrimage with the help of Santiago Ways.
Photos and videos of the Camino de Santiago from Coimbra to Porto
Finally, we enclose some pictures and videos of the Camino de Santiago de Coimbra to Porto to give you an idea of everything that awaits you with Santiago Ways.
The Camino de Santiago with Santiago Ways
Other Caminos de Santiago
- Camino Frances
- Camino Portugues
- Camino Portugues coastal route
- Camino del Norte
- Camino de Finisterre
- Camino Ingles
- Camino Primitivo
- Camino Lebaniego
- The Way of Lighthouses
- The Via de la Plata
Here you can see all the stages of the Camino de Santiago.
In Santiago Ways, we will advise you on which route of the Camino de Santiago is the best fit for you.
Other ways to complete The Camino de Santiago
- The Camino de Santiago in an organized group
- The Camino de Santiago with a dog
- The Camino de Santiago on bike
- The Camino de Santiago as a couple
- The Camino de Santiago at Easter
The quietest Caminos de Santiago
