The Camino Portugués
From Porto to Redondela on Central Route
The camino crosses through the hillside town along the least straight path possible.
At the far end of town, where there is a small fountain set in a wall, the camino indicates a left turn. Go that way to visit the Romanesque church, or turn right and save yourself the not-strictly-necessary climb and detour.
The camino follows along the paved road until the road turns...
Accommodation in Balugães
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Casa Rural Casas do Río Casa Rural
Lugar de Navió
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Booking.com |
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Quinta da Cancela Casa Rural
Batista de Sousa, 275
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Booking.com |
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The only accommodation in town, Casa da Fernanda, is highly recommended as a pilgrim friendly experience.
Keep on along the narrow road climbing up to Vitorino.
Accommodation in Lugar do Corgo
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Casa da Fernanda Private |
9 | Donativo€ |
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Turn left at the church, and then keep on straight through the next roundabout to follow the camino uphill.
If you want a rest, turn right at the roundabout and tuck into the nearby Cafe Viana.
The way to Portela is more uphill.
Accommodation in Vitorino dos Piães
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Casa Rural O Estábulo de Valinhas Casa Rural
Valinhas
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Booking.com |
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From Portela, the camino rejoins the national road for a short stretch. Be on the lookout for a turn to your left that takes you into the valley and through a string of hamlets. The Quinta da Portela listed below is in the first of them.
You will eventually pass the ...
Accommodation in Portela
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Quinta da Portela Casa Rural
Facha
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The village proper is just a short distance from the camino, with no need to retrace your steps if you choose to spend the night there.
Accommodation in Facha
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Casa Rural Casa das Torres Casa Rural
Facha
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Booking.com |
The camino joins the road not far past the Quinta do Sobreiro and only for a short while. It is along that stretch that you will find the bar & bakery.
When it leaves the road, it does so by turning to the left at a sign which indicates the way to the Rio Lima and the...
Accommodation in Sobreiro
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Albergue O Caminheiro Private |
4 | 15€ |
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Quinta do Sobreiro Casa Rural
Lugar do Sobreiro
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Booking.com |
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Residencial Pinheiro Manso Pension
Lugar de Nabais
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Booking.com |
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Just beyond Pedrosa, the camino turns left to follow a small river. This small river leads to a big river, the Rio Lima.
You will follow it straight into town, passing under a bridge, past several churches, and along the shaded Avenida 5 de Outubro.
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Ponte de Lima is a charming town with a small market center. The 30 arched bridge over the Rio Lima leads to the albergue and Santiago, but before you cross it be sure to have a walk around the town. The not to be missed bits are the Largo de Camões (the main plaza near the...
The bridge of the Rio Lima gives the town its name and has been around for quite some time. The oldest 7 arches are Roman and from the 1st Century, the most recent are Medieval and were finished in 1370. Your feet will not be able to tell the difference.
Ponte de Lima has played host to a very large festival known as ‘As Feiras Novas’ every second weekend in September since 1826. It is a massive party, and if you have not made a reservation long in advance, you may find yourself without a home for the night.
As Ferias Novas, the town festival, is celebrated without pause on the second weekend in September, a three-day feast.
Cross the bridge, passing the museum of toys and the albergue and turn right on the first street. The camino joins a small country lane, passes under the highway, and into Arcozelo.
Accommodation in Ponte de Lima
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Albergue de Peregrinos Ponte de Lima Municipal
Largo Alexandre Herculano
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60 | 5€ |
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Pousada de Juventude Ponte de Lima Private
Papa João Paulo II
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50 | 9/10*€ |
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Booking.com |
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Arc My Otel Casa Rural
Largo Dr. Alexandre Herculano, 9
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Booking.com |
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Pensão Residencial São João Pension
Rosario, 6
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Alojamiento Mercearia da Vila Pension
Cardeal Saraiva 34-36
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Booking.com |
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InLima Hotel & Spa ⭑⭑⭑⭑ Hotel
Agostinho José Taveira Lote, 6
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Booking.com |
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Hotel Império do Norte ⭑⭑⭑ Hotel
5 de Outubro, 97
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Booking.com |
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Camino Portugues Map 20
Casa Veiga advertises breakfast from 6am, just past the church and 100m on your left.
The camino makes a series of well-signed turns before arriving at the Ponte do Geira. Cross and keep to your left. You will pass under the highway once, over the river on a new bridge, and then back under the highway twice, all before arriving in Arco.
Accommodation in Arcozelo
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Oasis do Caminho Camping |
10 | 15€ |
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The camino parallels the road (minor) for a short stretch here, and only turns left when it gets to the colorful Capilla de Codeçal. Immediately opposite the Capilla is a handy and friendly bar. It is a steady uphill climb from here, past Labruja (2.3km) and Bandeira (600m...
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The alto is at 400m elevation, a healthy climb from Ponte de Lima (5m).
It is steadily downhill from here along parts of the old Roman road. You will pass through the small town of Agualonga (no services) shortly before São Roque.
All of the accommodation options in town can arrange for dinner from Restaurante Constantino, same owner but different location from Pension listed below.
The camino leaves the road for the forest and passes the Romanesque church of Rubiães and the albergue.
Accommodation in São Roque
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Repouso do Peregrino Private |
20 | 15*€ |
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Casa da Oliveirinha Casa Rural
Trulhe de Cima, 218
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Booking.com |
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Quinta das Leiras Casa Rural
São Roque
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Booking.com |
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Quinta da Gandra Casa Rural
Gandra
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Booking.com |
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Albergue Constantino Pension
S. Pedro de Rubiães
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Booking.com |
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From the municipal albergue, descend to the road and follow it downhill and on the left-hand side. You will pass Ninho – The Pilgrim Nest and then dogleg left.
Another Roman bridge is not far ahead. Beyond the bridge the camino returns to the road and crossed directly over it,...
Accommodation in Rubiães
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Albergue de Peregrinos Rubiães Municipal
Costa 4940-686
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34 | 6€ |
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Ninho – The Pilgrim Nest Private
Estrada de S. Pedro de Rubiães, 695
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17 | 12€ |
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Casa de São Sebastião Private
Estrada de S. Pedro de Rubiães, 282
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4 | 15€ |
Originally of Roman origin, the bridge you see now is closer to being a 13th century construction.
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The church is a bit off track; it dates from the 13th century and holds a roman milario, the original mile marker.
Straight through town, passing between the Capela and the Casa de Capela.
Accommodation in Pecene
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Casa da Capela Casa Rural
Pecene
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Booking.com |
A Romería, or local pilgrimage, is held at the Santuario here on the 11th of July.
The arrows in town are not the best. To get through head to the church and turn left after passing it... after taking a rest in the bosky park in front. The camino keeps to the forest trails through Gontumil to Fontoura.
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