Portuguese Camino - Coimbra to Porto

Coimbra is a lively university town situated on the Mondego River. Enjoy exploring this beautiful and historic city, its churches and museums and don’t miss the university itself, especially the library Biblioteca Joanina. Coimbra can be very busy in early May with its 'Ribbon Burning' festivities, the oldest in Portugal, which begin with the traditional fado serenade in the square of the Old (Se) Cathedral of Coimbra.

The trail today has gentle ascents and descents, following river valleys and irrigation channels along a mix of asphalt and Roman roads. Passing through the villages of Trouxemil, Sargento-Mor, Santa Luzia and Mala. arrive in Mealhada, once a major Roman crossroads. It is now best known for leitão da bairrada, suckling pig. Pigs from the surrounding Barraida region are acorn fed and considered the best in Portugal. Mealhada is also well known for its wine. Overnight in Mealhada. Distance 23km/14.4mi, ascent 450m/1476ft, descent 430m/1410ft

Today the path is gently undulating along the Certima river valley. It is mostly along roads with pockets of vineyards and woodland tracks. You'll pass through the town of Avelas de Caminho with its pretty Manueline featured Quinta de Grimpa. Continue to Agueda after crossing the river and the old bridge Ponte Velha. Overnight in Agueda. Distance 26km/16.2mi, ascent 510m/1673ft, descent 550m/1805ft

The path is quite flat except for a small ascent into Albergaria. Most of the stage is paved, passing through small villages such as Mourisca do Vouga, Pedaçães and Lamas do Vouga. Walk along the original Via Romana XVI and across the restored bridge Marnel towards Albergaria, founded in 1120 to provide refuge to pilgrims on the Camino. This afternoon (4pm) transfer back to Agueda for your overnight stay. Distance 16km/10mi, ascent 320m/1050ft, descent 220m/722ft

After breakfast, transfer (8.30am) to Albergaria to re-commence your walk. The terrain is undulating, taking you through through pine and eucalypt forests and local villages. Between Albergaria a Velha and Albergaria a Nova is on dirt paths passing through eucalyptus forests and later the Via Férrea do Vouga railway line is crossed on several occasions, requiring care. Oliveira has an old centre, the Matriz de Sao Miguel church and a row of fine houses dating from the 1800s, built by prosperous emigrants returning from Brazil. On the 2nd Sunday in August, festivities honouring Our Lady of La Salette are very popular. Overnight in Oliveira de Azemeis. Distance 20km/12.5mi, ascent 470m/1542ft, descent 370m/1214ft

Today’s walking is over rolling hills and through more urban areas including the town of Sao Joao da Madeira. The route is almost entirely on roads today as a result. Follow a section of the original Roman Via XVI via Arrifana to Malaposta. If you’d like to visit the historic town of Santa Maria de Feira, this can usually be arranged with the hotel staff (payable locally). It has an immaculately maintained castle and in early August hosts the Viagem medieval festival, with re-enactments, markets and entertainment. Overnight in Malaposta. Distance 16km/10mi, ascent 455m/1493ft, descent 370m/1214ft

Leaving Malaposta on the original cobbled Roman road, the path leads to Grijo. Its 13th century monastery Mosteiro San Salvador, first consecrated in 1235, has long been an important stop along the Camino. Continue to Porto, crossing the Puente del Rey Don Luís I bridge over the Douro River. Its maritime legacies and importance as a New World trading port shaped it into a proud city, with an impressive cathedral and port wine lodges. After checking in to your hotel, take the time to explore the city with its many cultural sites. Overnight in Porto. Distance 27km/16.8mi, ascent 530m/1738ft, descent 775m/2542ft