Stage 18. Vilarinho – Barcelos (27.3 km)

The route leaves Vilarinho along Rúa da Ponte de Ave, until it meets the N-306, the road that connects this route by car to Barcelos. We cross the medieval bridge of Zameiro and continue to the chapel of São Mamede. From here the path continues to “Estalagem das Pulgas”, a former hospice for pilgrims.

In this area we are very close to the monastery of São Simão da Junqueira, founded in the 11th century before the formation of the Kingdom of Portugal. Our route continues crossing the bridge towards São Miguel de Arcos, after passing the village and arriving at the height of a factory, we turn right towards São Pedro de Rates.

The Romanesque church of São Pedro de Rates is one of the most important Benedictine Cluniac monasteries in Portugal.

After the stop at the church, we continue through the places of Lameiro, Reguengo, Vilar and Ferrado. After passing Real da Cima and Real de Abaixo the road comes out again to the N-306, continuing along its left side through the places of Chouzelas, Rúa Nove and Silgueiros. From Silgueiros we will take a detour to the left, passing in front of a parish church, to continue along the M-555. From here we will cross a consecutive road of small villages until we reach Barcelinhos. Once in Barcelinhos, the final stretch of the stage leads us along the street that descends towards the medieval bridge over the Cádavo River, which we will cross and finally arrive in Barcelos.

To consider

This stage is one without difficulties to highlight, since in the 27 kilometres that separate Vilarinho from Barcelos we will find plenty of services where we can stock up, and we can take the road calmly.

Places of interest

• Monastery of São Simão da Junqueira
• São Pedro de Rates Church
• Medieval Bridge – Barcelos
• Pazo dos Condes de Barcelos
• Matriz Church – Barcelos

Typical dishes

• Octopus and Bacalhau
• Milk cream
• Potatoes from Sarrabulho
• Green soup and Ecleres
• Pica rice floor
• Sweets and Vinho Verde