After yesterday’s relaxed afternoon, today we have another quiet day and a very short stage. Excellent for those who began the Camino Portugues in Oporto and are still acclimatising.
Let’s go on the Camino Portugues!
Today’s stage is simple. Of this day it could be said that it is still part of the exit of Oporto or that it is only a manoeuvre of approximation towards Barcelos. Urban environments will continue to accompany us today, although we can enjoy small stretches of land and some forested areas, as well as beautiful bridges that will cross our path.
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Itinerary stage Fajozes – Arcos
Less than 15 kilometres away from our destination today. An easy stage to complete and with few climbs.
Fajozes (Km. 0). Beginning of stage
Practical advice for this section: In the past, the route of the Camino Portugues followed the national road, but in 2012 a new section was completed considering it as a highly dangerous section. The modification that was made implies that the current route is almost two kilometres longer, but it is worth it. Buen Camino!
We leave Fajozes and set a course for Vairão, accompanied by cobbled streets. At the Chapel of São João (km. 3.8), we make a left turn of more than 90 degrees, to go to Vilarinho, advancing at the end along a short stretch of land surrounded by a wooded area.
At the entrance to the town of Vilarinho (km. 6.4), we turn right to exit the road, which we continue on the left-hand side. After just over a kilometre, we then turn right to descend to the beautiful bridge of Zameiro on the River Ave (km. 8.1).
Puente de Zameiro (Km. 8,1)
Practical tips for this section: Watch out! When crossing the bridge of Zameiro you will be putting your feet on a historic road. Buen Camino!
After crossing the bridge, we return immediately to the N306 road, followed by a few metres and leave on the left. Shortly after, we return to it, but soon we abandon it along a paved road that starts on the right-hand side, by which we reach São Mamede (km. 11.3).
We continue down a street, continuing straight ahead, to an underpass of the A7 motorway. In front of us is the Church of Arcos. We cross the beautiful medieval bridge of São Miguel de Arcos and reach the church (km. 13.9).
Arcos (Km. 26). End of stage
Practical tips for this section: We expect another quiet afternoon in a small town, this type of afternoon is ideal to meet other pilgrims and share experiences. See you tomorrow!
There are not too many things to do in Arcos, it is a quiet town without much historical or tourist interest. However, you will find all the services you need.
Comments stage Fajozes – Arcos
Here are some suggestions for today:
Precautions stage Fajozes – Arcos
Today’s stage is not a difficult one. It is a short stage with easy terrain. The continuous presence of asphalt and paving stones make it an easy stage to complete for people who make the Camino Portugues by bicycle or who have mobility problems.
The only precaution the pilgrim should have is to pay attention to those stretches that run along the roadside. Although given the danger of the previous section, in 2012 a new route was designed to reduce the risk, even though certain sections run along the road.
Gastronomy stage Fajozes – Arcos
The short stage of today allows you to enjoy the gastronomy calmly. Here are some suggestions.
- Sarrabulho Potatoes (Potato Stew)
- Octopus and Cod
- Pica Arroz Chao (Rice Stew)
- Green soup and Eclairs
- Milk Cream
Services stage Fajozes – Arcos
Meet the main health care services, cafes, ATMs, restaurants and are in this stage of the Portuguese Way of St. James.
Map stage Fajozes – Arcos
Consult the map with the route, points and towns along the stage.
Profile stage Fajozes – Arcos
Consult the profile of the stage: altitude and degree of difficulty of each section.
What to do stage Fajozes – Arcos
Although we are facing a short stage, various places of interest will come across our path today. Below we give you the details about each one of them.
Capilla de São João
The São João Chapel is located in the town of Vairão, at the foot of the Camino Portugués. It is located within the installations of the Monastery of San Salvador, which dates back to the Middle Ages (year 974).
The original construction is in Romanesque-Gothic style, although the 18th century its structure was altered. The chapel has two giant townhouses on its exterior. Of its interior, the finishes in tiles and a magnificently carved altarpiece stand out.
Vilarinho
Vilarinho is a Parish in the Council of Santo Tirso, from the district of Porto. The town has a population of almost 4,000 people and is known for its architecture and heritage.
On its streets, you can visit the Church of São Miguel, which belongs to a monastery of the 11th century. The temple is located in the easternmost part of the municipality. It is a Romanesque-style building.
Inside it stands out a half-point arch portico that separates the nave from the headboard. The portico is made up of three archivolts, subject to capitals decorated with animal and vegetable motifs. In the upper part of the body that separates the nave, is located a niche carved in stone that houses the image of the San Miguel.
Puente de Zameiro
The Zameiro Bridge establishes the connection between Bagunte and Macieira da Maia, connecting with the Roman road, so it is also known as Via Veteriz, which was directed from Oporto to Barcelos.
Its construction dates from the 12th century and has an irregular plant structure and is slightly inclined. The bridge is supported by eight half-point arches of varying dimensions.
According to the existing documents, the name of the bridge refers to the local lord who promoted his construction, d. Zenário or D. Zameiro.
