The Camino de Santiago from Santarem
The Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James) from Santarem to Coimbra is part of the Camino Portugues (The Portuguese Way): The second section of the Camino Portugues, from Santarem to Coimbra, begins in the beautiful city of Santarem and heads through the interior region of Portugal to the city of Coimbra.
This region of Portugal has wonderful history and traditions. We will walk over quiet farmlands and cross beautiful historic places such as Santarem, Tomar or Coimbra.
In Coimbra we will be able to visit the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in the world, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2013.
Santarem
In Santarem we can enjoy the feeling of an ancient Arab city with its narrow cobbled streets. Here we recommend visiting the Portas de Sol gardens, a beautiful viewpoint from where we can watch the sunset and take in some incredible views.
Overnight: Santarem
From Santarem to Golega
Once we leave Santarem, we will walk along the banks of the River Tagus in a north-westerly direction. We will cross small villages and farmlands where we will see many horses and bulls, as this region is famous for their breeding.
Although the walk is quite long, it’s relatively easy and completely flat.
Length: 29 km
Overnight: Golega
From Golega to Tomar
We will leave the beautiful city of Golega in the direction of “Quinta da Cardiga”, one of the most beautiful manor homes in the country.
From Quinta da Cardiga we will continue to walk through quiet villages until we reach the historical city of Tomar, where we should visit the Praza da Republica square.
Length: 13 km
Overnight: Tomar
From Tomar to Alvaiazere
Our route will continue through beautiful forests crossing ancient Roman roads and agricultural paths. This route from Tomar to Alvaiazere is one of the most difficult of the entire Camino Portugues, however it is extremely rewarding.
Length: 31 km
Overnight: Alvaiazere
From Alvaiázere to Ansião
After leaving Alvaiazere, the trail begins with a steep climb which then proceeds to gradually head downhill. The rest of the day’s walk will take place over hills and through olive groves and farmlands until arriving at Ansiao.
Length: 32 km
Overnight: Ansiao
From Ansiao to Condeixa A Nova
Along this route we will have the opportunity to cross the “Ponte da Cal” bridge that dates back to the 17th century.
Our route will be surrounded by many trees, in particular eucalyptus, pine and olive trees. These trees will give us a break from the sun throughout the day’s travels. We will walk along this route until we reach Condeixa-a-Nova.
Length: 32 km
Overnight: Condeixa A Nova
From Condeixa A Nova to Coimbra
We will continue our route through the beautiful countryside dotted with vineyards, olive groves and forests. We will make our ascent to Alto de Cruz de Mourocos before continuing downhill to Coimbra. Coimbra is a beautiful city, full of energy and with one of the oldest universities in Europe.
The University of Coimbra was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2013.
Length: 16 km
Overnight: Coimbra
Coimbra
Coimbra is a vibrant city and was formerly the capital of Portugal. It has a 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. We can enjoy a multitude of cultural events in Coimbra.
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:
Santarém
Golegã
Tomar
Alvaiázere
Ansião
Condeixa A Nova
Coímbra
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: €160 per person.
Extra night in Coimbra: €55 per person.
Transfer from Coimbra to Santarem: please consult.
Travel assistance insurance: €24 per person.
Cancellation insurance: €18 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.
The Camino de Santiago from Santarem to Coimbra is part of the Camino Portugues de Santiago. This is the second section after starting in Lisbon. It finishes its tour in the emblematic city of Coimbra, having started in Santarem, no less beautiful.
We want to talk about what are the main reasons to do the route as well as all the information necessary to complete it. Remember that with Santiago Ways everything is easier on the Camino.
Why do the Camino de Santiago Portugues from Santarem to Coimbra?
1.- Little overcrowding: One of the biggest advantages of the Camino Portugues ahead of other possible routes is that it does not have so many pilgrims. This allows us to enjoy all its beauty with calm and without agglomerations. With this and with the help of Santiago Ways we will have no problem in enjoying the best accommodation along the route.
2.-Good infrastructures: Although in the past the Camino Portugues to Santiago was not as well conditioned as the Camino Frances , over time, and especially with the investment of the Portuguese government, this has changed. Today it has good communications, roads and especially good signposting.
3.-It is ideal for those who do it for the first time: One of the advantages that puts the Camino Portugues to Santiago ahead of other routes is its ease.
It is a road that has hardly any climbs due, in large part, to pass in a stretch near the River Tagus and on the rest near the coast, near sea level, therefore. That makes it ideal for those who want to start progressively on the route.
4.- Gastronomy: this is a point that is gaining importance, especially on this route. When we make the effort of each one of the stages the quality of the gastronomy becomes an increasingly important factor. One of the attractions of the Camino Portugues is the great gastronomic richness it presents.
Along its route, we can taste Portuguese specialities and see them with our own eyes through a large part of the so-called “The Garden of Portugal”.
Information about the route of the Camino Portugues from Santarem to Coimbra
As we have said, the Camino de Santiago from Santarem to Coimbra makes up the second section of the Camino Portugues. It goes from Santarem to Coimbra, two cities of great beauty. Of course, from Coimbra it is possible to continue on our way to Santiago. This route is steeped in history and a very close attachment to tradition.
We find ourselves surrounded by the Portuguese interior, rich in wonderful villages like Tomar, that will make our pilgrimage an unforgettable experience. As a point of special interest, we must highlight the city of Coimbra, which we will talk about later, declared a World Heritage site in 2013.
The most reserved routes on the Camino Portugues from Santarem to Coimbra
We want to talk to you now about the most reserved routes within the options available on the Camino Portugues de Santiago . We will also explain the reasons why they are the most popular and the ones that most people choose.
Camino Portugues from Porto
The Camino Portugues from Oporto has a length of 120 kilometres divided into 8 stages. From this city, a World Heritage site , we cross a wide variety of landscapes that range from farmland and forests to beautiful viewpoints.
One of the reasons why it is so popular is that it is an excellent opportunity to get to know the city of Porto and enjoy the best aspects of the route. In addition, it connects the Camino Portugues with Spain, in the city of Tui, in the autonomous community of Galicia.
Camino Portugues from Tui
For those who want to continue the Camino de Santiago to reach their final destination, they must continue from Tui. This is a border town with Spain that has great beauty. It was once the only possible way to complete the Camino Portugues.
So, as we travel through it, it is inevitable not to live the whole history of the route itself. A great part of its journey is right beside the coast, so another of its attractions is the excellent climate that we encounter.
Route of the Camino Portugues from Santarem to Coimbra
Maps of the Camino Portugues from Santarem to Coimbra
Below, we attach the maps of the route of the Camino Portugues between Santarem and Coimbra. With this, we hope you have all the information you can to plan your route and get an idea of everything that awaits you.
Santarem – Golega
Stage map from Santarem to Golega
Golega – Tomar
Stage map from Golega to Tomar
Tomar – Alvaiazere
Stage map from Tomar to Alvaiazere
Alvaiazere – Ansiao
Stage map from Alvaiazere to Ansiao
Ansiao – Condeixa-a-nova
Stage map from Ansiao to Condeixa a nova
Condeixa-a-nova – Coimbra
Map stage from Condeixa a nova to Coimbra
Profile of the Camino Portugues from Santarem
Now, we will talk about the profile of the Camino Portugues de Santiago from Santarem to Coimbra. With this we want you to get an idea of how difficult it is. We anticipate, however, that the Camino Portugues is much simpler in this sense than most alternative routes such as the Camino del Norte or the Camino Primitivo.
Santarém – Golegã
Stage profile from Santarem to Golega
Golega – Tomar
Stage profile from Golega to Tomar
Tomar – Alvaiazere
Stage profile from Tomar to Alvaiazere
Alvaiazere – Ansiao
Stage profile from Alvaiazere to Ansiao
Ansiao – Condeixa-a-nova
Stage profile from Ansiao to Condeixa a nova
Condeixa-a-nova – Coimbra
Stage profile from Condeixa a nova to Coimbra
Stages on foot
We attach below what are the steps to take during this route so you can have all the necessary information about it.
Stage from Santarém to Golegã.
Stage from Tomar to Alvaiázere.
Stage from Alvaiázere to Ansião.
Stage from Ansião to Condeixa-a-nova.
Stage from Condeixa-a-nova to Coímbra.
Stages by bike
We also talk about what are the stages in case you want to complete the Camino de Santiago by bike.
How long does the Camino de Santiago Portugues from Santarem to Coímbra take?
The length of the Camino Portugues de Santiago from Santarem to Coimbra is 110 kilometres, which are distributed over 8 stages with 7 days. In the case of doing it with Santiago Ways during those nights, you will stay in the best hotels along the route.
This time can be halved in the case that you finally do it on by bicycle. The time it takes on this road is perfect not only for the summer, but also for the Christmas break and even for Easter. Due to the profile of the route of the Camino de Santiago from Santarem, the whole route is made that little bit easier.
Best time to do the Camino de Santiago Portugues from Santarem to Coimbra
We want to talk to you now about what are the best months to do this route of the Camino de Santiago . It is true that in the decision will depend much on the taste of each pilgrim because each month has some advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, we will explain them to you what they are.
January
In January the temperatures on the Camino Portugues to Santiago are mild due to the Atlantic area, which does not happen on other sections of the road. The last days of the Christmas break are a good time to complete the pilgrimage.
February
The month of February experiences an increase in temperatures, making the route more enjoyable. However, there is a higher risk of precipitation.
March
During the month of March, you can begin to feel the influence of spring. That makes temperatures more benign and at the same time brings an explosion of unmatched colours.
April
More and more pilgrims are doing their Camino in April taking advantage of the Easter break to make this route.
May
During the month of May, everything is colourful and the abundance of vegetation makes this route become especially fresh. There is, however, a risk of precipitation that we can reduce with good planning.
June
It is a month especially suitable for those who can start their summer holidays early to avoid overcrowding.
July
The month of July is perfect because it coincides with the festivities of Santiago de Compostela, in case you decide to continue your way to the Galician capital. The festivities are between the 15th and the 31st of this month.
August
It is the month preferred by many pilgrims because they have more time and the weather conditions are unbeatable. The problem of overcrowding does not exist on the Camino Portugues, and even less if we do it with the help of Santiago Ways.
September
The oceanic climate carries with it deciduous vegetation. This colours the landscape with rich greens, yellows and browns during this autumn month. Spectacular views that you should not miss.
October
In October the autumn persists and, with it, the beauty of the landscapes that we cross along this route of the Camino Portugues . However, there is an increased risk of precipitation.
November
Temperatures decrease, but winters are generally mild throughout the region. You have to make plans for the rains.
December
Many people make their pilgrimage in December taking advantage of the Christmas holidays. It is a good time to live an unforgettable experience during such important dates.
By season
Spring
Spring is a time when the risk of precipitation increases. In spite of this, temperatures are mild, so it is a season very often chosen by pilgrims. Accommodation is not a problem during this time, except at Easter, a perfect period, because the number of days available to us makes it feasible to complete practically any of the routes.
Summer
Summer is the most popular time due to the mildness of the temperatures in the north of Spain. For those who do not travel with Santiago Ways, the question of accommodation can be a problem. However, we offer you the best accommodation in the best hotels and with the best attention.
Autumn
Autumn is the second season of the year when the risk of precipitation increases, so we must be prepared . However going through deciduous forests, we will see how the environment is tinged with marvellous brown, yellow and green colours.
Winter
Winter is not advisable for some routes such as the Camino de Santiago Primitivo, precisely because it crosses through mountains through where precipitation falls in the form of snow. At the same time, those who do not travel with Santiago Ways, have the disadvantage of finding accommodation, because most lodgings close.
With us, however, you will be able to stay in the best hotels and not to have to worry if you have a place to sleep after each stage.
Guide to the places you cannot miss on the Camino Portugues from Santarem to Coimbra
Now, we will give you some of the most important places of interest on this Camino de Santiago from Santarem. There are some places of special artistic, monumental and cultural interest, as well as some of the most recommended restaurants on the route.
By the way, we will tell you about the best hotels: you will enjoy doing the Camino Portugues to Santiago with Santiago Ways.
Places of interest
Santarem
The urban complex in the city of Santarem, as well as the nature that surrounds it, is of great interest. Among this nature that surrounds it, we must highlight the Pegadas da Serra de Aire, a magnificent natural environment in the enclave of a protected park.
It is a great way to relax and live the deep connection with nature that the Camino de Santiago includes on all its routes.
Tomar
It is one of the stops on the Camino Portugues from Santarem to Coimbra . It is a municipality that has a great architectural heritage where we must highlight several buildings. For example, the Convento de Cristo, which mixes several styles including the unmistakable Portuguese Baroque.
We also include the Castillo de Bode Dam, in a small isthmus in the city. Likewise, the Los Pegoes aquaduct should not be missed.
Coimbra
This city has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It’s no surprise as that it possesses an enormous wealth of historical heritage. To begin with, we recommend you to visit the Monastery of Santa Cruz , a unique jewel of its kind in a different artistic style that merges into a colossal facade.
The old Coimbra Cathedral is another point of interest that cannot be missed. It is of the few Romanesque cathedrals still present in Europe and is very well preserved.
Coimbra also has Roman ruins in good condition that today are called Conimbriga, the remains of the original city. Finally, we suggest that you let yourself be carried away by this spectacular city and that you dedicate an improvised walk around its streets to take in all its beauty.
Where to sleep – The best hotels
With Santiago Ways, you can have the peace of mind that you will be staying in the best hotels available along all the routes of the Camino de Santiago. We make sure that you have the rest you deserve and so you can enjoy the most of your experience.
Where to eat – The best restaurants
Ze Manel dos Ossos
This restaurant has a cuisine very well-connected to the land that shows up in its best speciality dishes. It is a great place in the city of Coimbra to end up and to recover your energy.
Taberna Antiqua
Located in the village of Tomar, this tavern can offer us the best of local gastronomy: a special place to treat yourself after a hard stage. The best reward for the pilgrim.
Origin of the Camino de Santiago Portugues from Santarem to Coímbra
The Camino Portugues de Santiago from Santarem to Coimbra shares its origin with the Camino Portugues. It is a pilgrimage route inaugurated in the Middle Ages and undertaken by the Queen of Portugal, now declared Santa Isabel de Aragon. Her faith led her to travel all the way to Santiago to visit the tomb of the Apostle.
Later, there would be many nobles who would imitate the route until it became popular among all the Portuguese. It is a form of connection of Iberian culture in general and also became, over time, one of the main trade routes among the neighbouring peoples.
Today it is gaining popularity ahead of other alternatives like the Camino Frances de Santiago. This has been possible in large part because of the great investment in the infrastructure by the Portuguese government as well as the excellent planning that has been carried out to make the most of the route.
The touring part of the Portuguses interior and part of the coast in this country help to give the pilgrim a green experience. With Santiago Ways , you can have an unforgettable experience in your life with all the comfort and all the guarantees that we always give to take care of our pilgrims.
The Camino Portugues from Santarem with Santiago Ways
Ideal footwear for the Camino Portuguese from Santarem
Other sections on the Camino Portugues
Other sections of the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route
Other users’ opinions about the Camino Portugues from Santarem to Coimbra
To know firsthand what other pilgrims think who have completed the Camino Portugues de Santiago from Santarem to Coimbra we leave some of their comments here. We hope they help you decide.
Photos and videos of the Camino Portugues from Santarem to Coimbra
Finally, we want to show you some pictures and videos of the Camino Portugues from Santarem to Coimbra to see everything that awaits you.
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
