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Day Fourteen on the Camino Portugués
~ São João de Madeira to Porto, 33.6 Km (20.09 Miles)
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Our day fourteen on the Camino Portugués was a very, very long day, filled with enchanting walks on Roman roads, an antique Monastery in Grijó and azulejo-tiled churches.
We were both excited and sad for this day. While we wanted to place the milestone of 400 kilometers under our belt, and while we looked forward to the city of Porto, we were sad that the face of the Camino would change afterward.
We walked day fourteen in two sections. The first from São João de Madeira to Vila Nova de Gaia, a southern suburb of Porto. We walked the last two kilometers into the center of Porto the following day. The reason for this is that we had hotel points saved up from the Holiday Inn, that we used in Vila Nova de Gaia, a southern suburb of Porto. It was such a treat to stay here, midway in our pilgrimage! However, I present the article as if we had walked the entire way in one day.
If you desire to have advance reservations in Porto, click here. It may not be a bad idea in high season or on the weekends.
"Blessed are you pilgrim, when you don't have words to give thanks for everything that surprises you at every twist and turn of the way." ~ From the Beatitudes of the Pilgrim, slide show in the Pilgrim's Office Chapel in Santiago
Map and Stats of Day Fourteen on the Camino Portugués
Here is my usual Google map of the day's route, uploaded from my GPS files. The map below is totally interactive, as you would expect from any Google map. I placed albergues, hotels, grocery stores and cafés on the map. There are plenty of services along this route, so you shouldn't have any difficulty finding anything.
Early in the day there is some climbing, then mostly downhill for the rest of the day. Even if the day is long, it is easy, elevation-wise.
It is known that if you walk to the River Douro, no matter which way you turn, it is uphill in every direction! You can see the drop to the river, and the walk back up, on the right side in this map!
Photo-Rich Travelogue of Day Fourteen on the Camino Portugués
Arising early, we made ourselves breakfast in the fantastic kitchen at the Central Suites in São João de Madeira. They even had coffee and a Keurig machine available for guests in the kitchen, that we didn't have to buy. Cooking here enabled us to get the early start we wanted.
We had a long way to go on day fourteen of the Portuguese Camino, so we wanted to get an 0-dark-30 start! I was pumped for the day, knowing that I could do the distance needed. It made it easier for me, to know that the next day would be a tourist day.
The waymarks are easy to follow out of the city and I have no photos due to the darkness and ugliness of the industrial area when we left our hotel at 06:30. You will encounter cafés that open early in the city, if you need breakfast. Keep your eyes open for them.
We left the northwest side of the main square in São João, walking along the narrow, pedestrian-friendly Rua António José de Oliveira Júnior, for about 600 meters, then the Camino takes a left onto the Rua da Fundição. The climb begins here. Stay on this street, bending to the right, and reach the next large intersection, where you need to cross the road and find a small cobblestone street leading north. This small street brings you to the Rua Dr. Antonio Gomes Rebelo, as it climbs. You will see a church farther up the hill ahead of you.
As we climbed up and out of São João, the sun greeted us with a clarity of purpose! It was uplifting and fitting for our long, yet wonderful day to come.
Along the Rua Dr. Antonio Gomes Rebelo, you arrive at the lovely church, the Igreja de Arrifana, framed in the brightening sky. We paused for a moment to admire it's blue tiles and its silhouhette in the morning light. A nice wonder for our Camino.
Just past the front of the church, take a right turn, around it and pick up the Rua Prof Vicente Reis as the Way continues up the hill photo below.
Left Here on Rua Prof. Vicente ReisThe Way takes a left turn, after ½ kilometer, at a T-intersection and onto the Rua Banda de Música, at 2 kilometers. This is the top of the first hill. The street becomes the Rua Outeiro farther along, and the view to the west, below, continued to surprise and thrill us. Was that the Atlantic Ocean we were seeing??
View Westward on top of hill in São João de MadeiraKeeping straight on, the road becomes the Rua Ramalhal, here. The surprise for me in this photo was the drama of the pink flowering tree. I had no idea what it was, but it was eye-grabbing! I appreciated it so much.
Flash of Pink Along the Rua RamalhalThe Camino took a strong bend to the west, and the twist in the road presented the tidy gardens of this home as we entered the town of Escapães at about 3.5 kilometers. As you walk through this town, you will be climbing the entire time.
After two more right turns that bend through town, the Camino takes you past the town church and then another right turn onto the Rua Dr. Domingos da Silva Coelho. It is along this street that a very colorful wall appeared to us, at about 3.9 kilometers into the day, quite dramatically on our left side (See photo below). It looked like a kindergarten, and indeed it turned out to be so, when we read the sign announcing it was the Jardím de Infáncia de Sto. António (literal translation "Infant's Garden of St Anthony"). We smiled as we walked by.
Approaching the Kindergarten on Rua Dr Domingos da Silva CoelhoAfter walking through Escapães, we came upon the busy IC2 and one must turn left onto it. This is at about 4.6 kilometers for the day, and also coincides with the altitude top of the day.
We were delighted and surprised to see many Fátima pilgrims with their bright yellow/green vests, walking from Porto, where a lot of them begin their pilgrimage to Fátima. It was just so odd to see so many pilgrims walking in the opposite direction!
Fátima Pilgrims on the IC2The IC2 is wide and with a more than adequate sidewalk to keep pilgrims safe during this 2.5 kilometer stretch. Unfortunately, their beloved granite setts (cobblestone) make up the sidewalk!
Look for open cafés on the IC2 section, there are several if you need a break.
From the loftiest heights for the day, along this stretch, this charming view presented itself to us. I was absolutely sure I was now seeing the Atlantic Ocean off in the distance to the west.
First Glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean on day Fourteen of the Camino Portugués
Stay Straight on the IC2 for 2.5 Km
Shrine Along the IC2Remember, that about one kilometer after this shrine is the Hotel Feira Pedra Bela, at approximately 7 kilometers, if you had plans to stay here, as I suggested as an alternative to lengthen your day thirteen. The hotel is behind the restaurant, the Pedra Bela, that is right along the IC2 on your right, (not pictured).
After 2.5 long kilometers, we finally came to this spot, where the Camino turns to the right off the IC2. This turn may be easy to miss.
Turn Right on the Rua Estrada Romana AheadThe turn is at approximately 7.2 kilometers into the day.
The Rua Estrada Romana is a street name that should be intriguing to everyone, as it means the "Roman Road Street." Yes, this is where we will soon encounter the old Roman Road to Porto!
We first walked through this quaint portion of the road through the town of Airas.
Quiet Rua Estrada Romana on Day Fourteen of the Camino PortuguésAnd then, suddenly ahead, the original Roman Road appeared at about 7.7 kilometers into the day fourteen on the Portuguese Camino.
The Roman RoadIt was so nice that the planners of the Camino took we pilgrimage travelers down this old path!
At the end of the Roman road, we crossed the street below, the N223 at this lovely azulejo-tiled building which houses the Residencial Solar Albergue (+351 915 635 067).
After crossing the N223, the Roman road is a modern, paved road for a short way, then once again becomes this antique road, below.
And then the old Roman Road ends, after about 1.5 kilometers on it, and the Camino takes a turn to the right, at about 8.66 kilometers total, to walk onto the Rua Areiro into the town of Ferradal.
A garden at this home, below, with its lush, hanging wisteria caught me by surprise, as we rounded the bend. Just gorgeous and I breathed in the spring air and the beautiful blooms.
Continuing straight on and down the hill through town, the road becomes the Estrada Real Ferradal.
Estrada Real FerradalThe Portuguese Camino walks through the town of Vendas Novas next, on day fourteen, and the road becomes the Rua Vendas Novas, then changes to Rua Estrada Romana again!
After about 12 kilometers into the day and along the Rua Estrada Romana, we stopped at a pastry shop, for my usual pastel de nata, and of course, café con leite. Sadly, this delightful shop has not survived, but there are many more places in this area, so keep your eyes open.
After approximately 12.1 kilometers in the next town of Regato, this Albergue sign for Grijó appeared. Someone had a sense of humor when they posted 6700 meters instead of 6.7 kilometers to the next albergue! Zoom in on the yellow arrow in the photo to see it! We got a hearty laugh out of the sign, another fun Camino surprise.
6700 Meter Signpost to Albergue in Grijó on the Rua RomanaContinuing along the Rua Romana, after the town of Regato, the Camino intersects with the IC2 at a large roundabout and turns right onto it once again for only about 1/2 kilometer, then veers right onto the Rua Central da Vergada. Vergada is the next town.
Signpost to Vergada on day fourteen of the Camino PortuguésThe town of Vergada is easy on the eyes...
Walking Through Vergada on day fourteen of the Camino Portugués...and also has a café, below, in addition to a grocery store. The Café Belita is at about 14.1 kilometers into the day.
Café Belita in VergadaAbout 300 meters after the Café Belita, you take a left onto the Rua Porto, meeting the IC2 one block later at this intersection, below. Here the Camino goes straight on and crosses the busy street.
Cross the IC2 HereWe meandered left and right, following the signs until reaching the next town of Goda.
The Rua Joaquim Domingues Maia in GodaAfter walking through Goda, the Camino bends to the north, walks under the highway, the A41, on the Avenida Alminhos, then bends right on this quiet street, below.
Rich on the Urbanização Flavio AvelarAbout ½ kilometer after crossing under the A41, and soon after the photo above, if you look for the Av. São Cristóvão and turn left, in about 400 meters you will encounter the Motel Emção, another alternative to shorten your day.
Next a right turn and within a half kilometer or so, we walked through the small town of Chamusca, and its lovely chapel in the center. We paused to admire the Capela de Santa Rita before continuing on. We were about 17.6 kilometers at this chapel.
The day was getting much hotter by now, at 11:00 and most of the scenery was not too thrilling since the Roman Road!
Forward onto the Rua Ermo from the town center, we walked under the second highway, the A1 on this lovely road, as we approached Grijó.
Approaching Grijó in Padrão on the Rua ErmoAnother 2/3 kilometer or so, from the chapel, we reached the intersection here, in the background, where we turned left onto the Rua Cardosl Pinto, with its high walls, containing the grounds of the monastery ahead, to walk into Grijó proper.
A Look Back on the Rua Cardoso PintoIt is important to note this street with its high walls, if you are planning on staying at the albergue in Grijó after 18.6 kilometers total. After you see the high walls, the albergue is a mere 200 meters to your left. Remember if you do not stay here, it is another 15 or so kilometers to Porto!
We walked another several hundred meters to see the most famous site in Grijó, the Monastery of St. Salvador, below.
The long walk into the monastery from the entrance, with gardens at each perimeter, was shady and very inviting. We stopped on a bench, had our picnic lunch here, took off our shoes and socks and propped our feet up. I was so grateful for this, as my feet were starting to burn on the hot pavement.
The silence here was a perfectly refreshing place to take our second break at 18.9 kilometers into our day fourteen. Almost 2/3rds of the way done.
We poked around the monastery, but unfortunately, the buildings were all closed. I would have loved to have a look inside at this historic place, built in 1640, that has fallen out of use. If you wish to see more information on the monastery, click here.
There are open restrooms just to the left of the church, if you need this comfort as well!
As we left the Mosteiro, just outside the gate is this cemetery, in the photo below. A group of Fátima pilgrims were resting on the steps, and of course, my ever-social husband sat down with them to have a chat.
It turns out that lots of Fátima pilgrims were setting off from Porto on this Saturday, as part of a large group. They were a jovial bunch, and I just had to snap a photo.
Rich with Fátima Pilgrims on the Avenida Mosteiro de GrijóHeading back on the Camino, we came to this intersection in town, and turned right at the small chapel. We saw plenty of open cafés here in Grijó if needed, as well as food stores. You are at 19.5 kilometers total at the small chapel.
In the Center of Grijó Turn Right at Capela on the Rua da GuardaThis way on the Rua da Guarda kept us out of the center of town, and on a quiet road that circumnavigated the Monastery grounds, again delineated by the high walls.
After about 800 meters, we left the Rua da Guarda and turned left onto the street below...
Leaving Grijo ~ Left Turn Here on the Rua Casal de Baixo...wound through the countryside to eventually walk into the next town of Casal after approximately two more kilometers and 22.5 total for the day. It was a very warm afternoon, with not much shade on the open road, so we took it where we could.
Taking a Break in the Shade in Town Square of CasalOnward we walked, coming to the next town of Perosinho in another kilometer (23.5 kilometers for the day)...
Along the Rua Pereira Azevedo in Perosinho...turning left here at this signposted intersection. I grabbed a coke here at one of several open cafés here, but we essentially kept rolling.
After walking northward through Perosinho, we headed onto a path around kilometer 24.3, that led us into a forest and onto the second section of the old Roman Road, below. This was a steady uphill climb in this section, but the fun of being on the Calzada Romana took out the sting.
Ancient Roman Road Towards Porto
Rich on Ancient Roman RoadThese old Roman roads enchanted me so! I was so grateful to get a chance to walk a portion of my pilgrimage on these roads through time. It always sparks my imagination to envision past travelers and to wonder if actual pilgrims to Santiago walked in my very steps!
I was very grateful also, that these antique portions of road were in the countryside instead of through a city or town. It made it feel all that much more authentic to me.
The Roman Road continues, below, but the paved stones are now gone. The uphill climb continues!
Continue on the Rua Bela VistaIt was amazing to me that we were so close to a major highway, and buildings when we walked along this antique Roman Road section, immediately south of Porto. Occasionally we could catch a glimpse of civilization, on our right shoulder, as in the photo. below.
View of Porto Suburbs on the Rua do Alto da SerraWe climbed, finally, to the "Alto" or the top of the second highest elevation for the day, here in this photo, below. It was a nice climb in the heat of the day!
You will arrive here at the top at approximately 25.2 kilometers into the day.
Turn off the Rua do Alto da Serra to this PathAnd then the path turns into a goat track along the way, and descends quite steeply, but only for a short distance!
After 200 meters from the top, the path comes to a cobblestone road, the Rua Alto da Serra, and leads the pilgrimage traveler along a cluster of houses for another 400 meters. The Way leaves the road, when it bends strongly to the west and left, taking a dirt lane straight north by a high concrete wall.
This dirt lane/path carries on through a forest for another 700 meters, before ending at a T-intersection with a paved road at about 26.6 kilometers. The Camino goes left at this road, followed shortly by a right turn onto this street, below left, in the suburb of Canelas. The city is just ahead! It is almost all downhill from here to the River Douro!
Rua Mirante in Canelas, First Glimpse of PortoThe road brought us to the outskirts of town and this welcoming archway. You have now completed about 27.2 kilometers at this archway.
Then on to the Rua Rechousa to walk over the busy A29 and through the suburb of the same name.
Walking on the Rua Rechousa, Day Fourteen, Camino PortuguésThe Rua Rechousa becomes the "High Street of Towers:"
Along the Rua Alto das TorresYou can see several towers in this photo, farther along the street in the photo below. At the intersection ahead, stay to the right and walk under the IC2 (A1). This underpass is at about 29 kilometers into the day.
Continuing on the Rua Alto das TorresAfter the underpass, the street is now named the Rua Fonte dos Arrependidos and you are now entering the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. Walk up the long hill in front of you for 1.3 kilometers. Along this long climb you will pass by many shops and cafes.
Halfway along this 1.3 km climbing section, the street changes its name to the Rua de Soares dos Reis. Stay on this street until you join the main north/south artery into downtown Porto, the Avenida da República at a large traffic circle with a nice gateway sculpture and the Santo Ovidio Metro station. Turn right, or northward. Porto is a straight shot from here.
At the Santo Ovidio metro station, 30.3 km into the day, it is still over three kilometers and about a 45 minute walk to the Porto cathedral!
We continued down the hill along the Avenida da República, toward Porto.
Along the Avenida da República in Vila Nova de GaiaWe left the Avenida about one kilometer later and walked westward to the Holiday Inn. I was so happy to be finished after a longer than 32 km day! If you feel the same when you arrive, there are many places to stay in Vila Nova de Gaia to finish your own day fourteen on the Portuguese Camino.
The following photos were taken the next day, when we were fresh and without backpacks, to walk the final two kilometers to the Cathedral and spend a sight-seeing day in Porto.
Just before the River Douro, there is a turn off, below, if you wanted to see the monastery, called the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar. We actually included a visit here during our early morning walk, and I highly recommend it!
The views over the river and of Porto are spectacular from the Monastery terrace, but I did not include any photos here. See my article on Porto to view them.
Below the monastery terrace on the right, we caught one of our first glimpses of the Cathedral of Porto ahead.
Continuing on the Avenida da República ~ First Glimpse of the Cathedral of PortoThere is this look-out area, below, where you can take in the views. I snapped so many photos! Here are a few:
Come to a Look Out Over the Rio Douro on day fourteen of the Portuguese Way
Looking East to the Famous Port Houses Along the Southern Shore of the River DouroThen, you walk on this bridge, the Ponte Luis I:
The few remaining rampart walls of the city can be viewed from the bridge, called the Muralha Fernandina, and were built in the 11th and 12 centuries, according to a placard nearby.
Looking Back at Rampart Walls, Muralha Fernandina and the Mosteiro da Serra do PilarAfter crossing the bridge, a pedestrian ramp takes you up to the cathedral, on the promontory on a high hill. Here is the cathedral, walking past the street leading to it, to view it on the north side:
The mounted effigy of Vimara Peres, the first ruler of Portugal in the 9th century, greets you!
The northern portico of the Sé de Porto is lined with lovely murals. Here I am, posing like a turista for the photo!
Walking around to the west side, the glory that is the cathedral comes into focus! It almost felt like arriving in Santiago!
We had finally arrived in the center of Porto after 14 long days walking from Lisbon. We were almost 400 kilometers into our journey of almost 700! Only 300 left to go!
If you are looking for accommodations in Porto, there are so very many of them, including economical hostels. Click here to begin your search and to see the current deals of the day. We have stayed in the lovely, economical and close to the cathedral apartments of the Chateau Flores, and definitely recommend it. However it may have a 2-night minimum stay, which was fine with us.
I did also include on the map above, some economical hostels that are worth looking into. The Albergue de Peregrinos de Porto is another 2.25 kilometers to the north of town, along the Central Route and you can see its location as well.
Lessons Learned on Day Fourteen, Camino Portugués
We knew that this day fourteen, our last day before Porto was special, as the flavor of the journey was about to change. We were thrilled to be walking into the exciting and vibrant city of Porto, yet we were sad, knowing that the many more pilgrims who start from Porto would drastically change the face of our Camino.
We had appreciated day fourteen more than most, as our energy was high to meet the length of the day. We marveled at the wonders along the way, and if our eyes stayed open, there were so many moments to take in the marvels that indeed, words could never adequately express.
Salutation
May your own day fourteen on the Camino Portugués be filled with wonders at every turn, that you have no words to describe! May your eyes be open to seeing all these wonders with new eyes, and may your heart be filled with gratitude for all that is before you!
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And the Journey Continues:
~ Lisbon to Porto
~ Porto to Santiago Via the Coastal Route and/or the Sendal Litoral
Skip to Central Route Below, for Final Days 22-25 to Santiago
~ Porto to Santiago Via the Central Route
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