A hilly walk will see move from inland Portugal out to the Atlantic coastline and city of Porto.
Starting in Coimbra and continuing all the way up to Porto, this third section of the Camino Portugues stretches between inland Portugal and the Atlantic coast. Here, the Camino brings us through history still alive today with cities such as Coimbra, the former capital city, and Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Between these urban areas, vineyards, river valleys, and gently undulating woodlands are also part of the landscape. With walks of a reasonable length, this holiday is accessible to anybody with a regular level of fitness.
FREE This trip createstonne(s) of CO2, we offset it for free
Highlights
Coimbra University
Coimbra University is one of the oldest universities in Europe. Established in 1290 today it is not only an operating University but also a World Heritage Site. The University sits on the site where the first Kings of Portugal once lived when the city was the capital of Portugal from 1145 to 1255. Be sure to visit the library and chapel of the University. The students add a lively atmosphere to the city and are easily spotted in their long dark robes that are said to have inspired JK Rowling for the cloaks worn in Harry Potter.
Albergaria-a-Velha
Although this town may look like many other typical northern Portuguese towns it is in fact a town that was established with the sole purpose of providing hospitality to pilgrims. In the 12th Century it was by the royal command of Queen D. Teresa, Afonso Henriques’ mother,that the first hostel for pilgrims was founded and around this the town emerged. Pilgrims passing through the town is a major part of the identity of the town and one the current inhabitants are happy to continue.
Mosterio S. Salvador de Grijó
The original monastery was founded in 992 by two clergy but moved to its current location then in 1122 and was consecrated in 1235. The monastery went into decline and it was not until the 1500s that the monks returned to a ruined monastery. They rebuilt the monastery but it took over 60 years to fully complete the work. In 1770 the monastery was extinguished and the property became a part of the Convent of Mafra.
Coimbra to Porto
Camino Portugues
What are your plans so far?
From €932
Number of people
Preferred Month & Year
Not Sure
2025
2026
2027
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Not Sure
Let us know the time frame
Additional Information / Request
Services
Included in this package
Bed & Breakfast
Specially Hand-Picked Accommodation
Our Holiday or Pilgrim Pack
24/7 On-Call Support
Virtual Face-to-Face Pre-Departure Briefing
Add-On
Premium Accommodation
Airport Pick-Up
Additional Nights
Dinners
Luggage Transfers from Hotel to Hotel
Day Tours to Local Sites of Interest
Not included
Flights/trains
Insurance
Drinks/Lunch
Itinerary
Day 1
COIMBRA (Arrival)
Coimbra has always played an important role in the history of Portugal and relics of the ancient times can still be seen in this lively city today. Indeed, being the former capital, Coimbra is not only home to a 13th Century university, but its cathedral is one of the best preserved gothic buildings in Portugal. As a university city, Coimbra has everything to entertain visitors, and it is also a great place to taste local wines produced in the area!
Day 2 22.99km
COIMBRA
to
MEALHADA
Today is mainly a flat walk alternating between urban areas and river valleys. The only difficulty might be the gentle climb when leaving Coimbra and the Rio Mondego valley, up to Cioga do Monte. On this stage, the Camino mostly follows an ancient Roman road (even though very little of the original remains). We end the day in Mealhada, a famous wine-growing area.
Day 3 25.12km
MEALHADA
to
AGUEDA
Leaving Mealhada, we continue to walk through pleasant vineyards with no particular difficulty, with most of the day spent on asphalt. On the way, the route runs through Avelas de Caminho, a city historically linked to the Camino. We finally reach Agueda, a town built on the banks of the Certima River.
Day 4 16.05km
AGUEDA
to
ALBERGARIA A VELHA
This short stage presents no difficulty, the high point of the day being our final destination in Albergaria A Velha. Part of the day runs through peaceful pine and eucalyptus woods, a leg of the Camino that follows the original Via Romana XVI, with a beautiful stone bridge crossing over the Rio Marnel.
Day 5 28.96km
ALBERGARIA A VELHA
to
SAO JOAO DE MADEIRA
We start this day walking along a lovely forest road and then the area becomes more urbanised as the Camino progresses further towards the North of the Beira coast and Porto. We also cross the charming town of Oliveira de Azemeis with its pretty historical centre and Matriz de Sao Miguel Church. The terrain also becomes more undulating and there is a bit of up and down across small hills, the highest point of the day culminating at 220 metres atop Sao Joao da Madeira.
Day 6 34.16km
SAO JOAO DE MADEIRA
to
PORTO
Leaving Sao Joao da Madeira, we pass through Arrifana and its blue church. Soon we find ourselves walking on the well-preserved original cobbled Roman road. We then continue downhill towards the 13th Century monastery, Mosteiro de Grijo. Heading towards Porto, feel the fresh breeze of the Atlantic coast as we get closer to the famous Port wine capital city. We approach Vila Nova de Gaia, the city facing Porto, on the other side of Rio Duero before finally entering Porto via the majestic Puente D. Luiz I.
Day 7
PORTO
After breakfast, we bid you farewell. There is so much to see and do in Porto, where do you even begin? From marvelling at wondrous bridges that span the Douro river and the city’s notable monuments, to exploring the port cellars and many cafes that line the riverbanks, Porto is a World Heritage City for a good reason. While here, you can also do a number of exciting day trips to the surrounding regions in the north of Portugal.
How to Get There
Getting to Coimbra, Portugal
You can fly either to Porto or Lisbon, as several different companies fly to both airports, directly from the UK, Ireland, and main cities in Europe.
Fly into Porto
Ryanair flies direct to Porto from several cities in the UK and Dublin. Several other companies fly to Porto Airport.
From Porto to Lisbon Airport: by bus, take a bus to Lisbon bus station (3h30), regular departure all day long. There are also regular trains from Porto to Lisbon, all day long.
Share on