From Barcelos to Ponte de Lima - Viajes Camino de Santiago

Information

This is a long and interesting stage, in which we go through places with a great wine tradition. The slopes are generally moderate, although we will have a considerable climb when we head towards Portela de Tamel. As the route of this stage is longer than usual, it is possible to divide the section into two, staying overnight in Vitorino dos Piães, 22 kilometres from Barcelos, although the official stage ends in Ponte de Lima, the capital par excellence of Portuguese vinho verde.

Ponte de Lima was considered the first Portuguese town, after being granted the status of a charter by Teresa de León in the 12th century. It stands out for the excellent preservation of its historic centre.

From the Matriz de Barcelos church we walk along São Francisco street, which takes us through the city of Barcelos towards Ponte de Lima. We go along Avenida da Liberdade in the direction of Rua Dr. Manuel Pais, and then arrive at a roundabout where we turn left to cross the Circular de Barcelos over a bridge, after which the road continues straight on along Avenida Paulo Felisberto. We will arrive at a second roundabout, where we will have to take the exit on the right hand side towards Rúa de São Mamede.

After walking a kilometre and a half we arrive at the church of Vila Boas. From here the road alternates between cobblestone streets and asphalted stretches, passing through small rural villages. When you reach the church of Tamel, turn right to reach the village of Portela de Tamel. Once here, the path heads towards the N-204 road, until it reaches the Quintiães turnoff.

Now we go down a dirt road to the church of Aborim and then we cross the bridge of Tábuas over the river Neiva.

Once we cross the bridge, we turn right towards the N-308, towards the parish of Balugães, where we can visit the church of São Martinho. Immediately after, we reach Vitorino dos Piães, the end of the stage for those who have decided to divide the route in two.

The pilgrims who continue on from here, start their journey along an ascending road from the main church. After 300 metres of walking we turn left to take a path parallel to some houses that will take us to the national road at Portela da Facha. Later we will take a detour to a local road, passing by the villages of Borgonha and Sobreiro.

From here we take the N-203 and then the Lima river street. Once we reach the Lima River and cross its beautiful medieval bridge, we will have reached the end of our stage.

To consider

This is a longer stage than usual, so many pilgrims departing from Barcelos decide to spend the night in Vitorino de Piães, instead of finishing the stage with the official route in Ponte de Lima.