From Santarém to Golegã Viajes Camino de Santiago

Information

Today’s stage starts in Santarém and heads for Golegã, the birthplace of José Saramago, a Portuguese writer, journalist and playwright who was one of the best exponents of the country’s literary world. In fact, he received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1998. The route is simple and again a little long, although this time we will have more services along the way than in the previous stage.

We start the stage from the beautiful Santarém, passing through the gardens of Portas do Sol from where we cross the medieval wall through the gate of São Tiago and continue our way down a narrow path towards Golegã. Right now we are in the Ribeira de Santarém district and we will have to cross it crossing very carefully the train tracks and the medieval bridge of Alcôrse. From here we will continue between dirt tracks and asphalt, in a stretch that runs through landscapes of vineyards and fields until we reach Vale de Figueira.

After passing Vale de Figueira and crossing the river Alviela, we continue between corn fields towards Reguengo Alviela and Pombalinho. This section used to be the official path, but now the official route runs more to the east parallel to the river. You can go by any of the two routes, but in case of rain it is better to go by Pombalinho, as the other area will most likely be muddy.

From Pombalinho, both routes join in Azinhaga, where we can stop for a rest and a drink if we wish. After passing Azinhaga we will continue towards Golegã by a stretch of national road, so we will have to be extremely careful.

To consider

Be careful when leaving the Ribeira de Santarém: 800 metres after crossing the medieval bridge of Alcôrse you will come to an isolated house with a weeping willow, called Freixo Grande, turn left towards Golegã. It is easy to miss the arrow if we are distracted.

Golegã, besides being famous for being the birthplace of José Saramago, is famous for its great equine tradition and for hosting the National Horse Fair.