Tomar → Alvaiázere

This is widely regarded as the toughest stage on the entire Central route. The route leaves Tomar via the Ponte Velha (Old Bridge) over the Nabao, then crosses the Peniche Bridge with its pronounced Gothic arches over the Tripeiro Stream. The path continues through forested areas and the town of Casais before reaching Ponte de Ceras, where a variant through Areias visits the Pego Templar Dam and the parish church of Nossa Senhora da Graca, designed by the renowned architect Joao de Castilho.

The climbing is relentless through much of the day, with over 1,000 metres of accumulated ascent across 32 kilometres. At the Cortica farm and tower, a cobbled path leads through Outeirinho and Feteiras in what the Caminhos da Fe guide describes as one of the most beautiful stretches of the entire Central Portuguese Way. The 16th-century Italian pilgrim Confalonieri described this stage as 'eight leagues of bad road, stony and sterile terrain' with 'truly tiny villages.'

Alvaiazere is a small hillside town with basic services including a few restaurants, a small supermarket, and pilgrim accommodation. The Chafariz da Carranca fountain near the main church marks the end of the stage. Note that you will see blue arrows of the Caminho de Fatima running in the opposite direction through this section.