CAMINO KOALA
AccommodationGear
/
Log in
Build my Camino
/
CAMINO KOALA

Your trusted guide to walking the Camino de Santiago. Plan your stages, find accommodation, and prepare for the journey of a lifetime.

Explore

  • All Routes
  • Camino Francés
  • Camino del Norte
  • Camino Portugués
  • Le Chemin du Puy

Plan

  • Essential Info
  • Gear Guide
  • When to Go
  • Budget Planning
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Community

  • Pilgrim Stories
  • About Us
  • Contact
Built with by pilgrims, for pilgrims
Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceAffiliate DisclosureDelete Account
© 2026 Camino Koala
HomeCamino Portugués CentralAlbergaria-a-Velha → São João da Madeira
Stage 4🏭 Northern Portugal / Douro29 km · up 680 mHard

Albergaria-a-Velha to São João da Madeira

View accommodationView route guideAdd to my Camino

Stage 4 · Camino Portugués Central

Albergaria-a-Velha → São João da Madeira

Distance
29 km
Walking time
6-8 hours
Ascent
680 m
Descent
480 m
High point
241 m
Difficulty
Hard
AboutAlong the wayRoute explorerWhere to stayNext stageFind a bed

No photos from this stage yet

Walked it? Be the first to add one.

Add a photo

About this stage

Albergaria-a-Velha to São João da Madeira · 29 km · up 680 m, down 480 m

The route enters Northern Portugal and the landscape becomes noticeably hillier and greener. From Albergaria-a-Velha, the path follows the old medieval route through Albergaria-a-Nova and Pinheiro da Bemposta before reaching Bemposta. The terrain involves significant climbing through eucalyptus forests interspersed with small towns.

The transition into the Douro region brings more rainfall, lusher vegetation, and the distinctive granite architecture of northern Portugal. The path weaves between forest trails and paved roads, with the old pilgrim way still visible in sections of cobbled medieval road between modern surfaces.

Sao Joao da Madeira is an industrial town known for its shoe manufacturing heritage. While not the most picturesque stop on the route, it offers reliable services including accommodation, restaurants, supermarkets, and a pharmacy. The town's Museu da Chapelaria (hat museum) and shoe museum offer unexpected cultural stops for curious pilgrims.

Terrain: Hilly forest paths, industrial area roads, cobblestone village streets

Along the route9 towns and 0 highlights on 29 km

The day, stop by stop

  1. 0km

    Albergaria-a-Velha

    city

    A small town whose name literally means 'the old hostel', reflecting its centuries-old tradition of hosting travellers and pilgrims. Has a municipal albergue and basic services.

    View town guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
    Grocery
    Pharmacy
    ATM
    Bus
    Clinic
    Post Office
  2. 7.1km

    Albergaria-a-Nova

    village
    View town guide
  3. 8.5km

    Branca

    town
    View town guide
  4. 12.5km

    Pinheiro da Bemposta

    town

    A quiet village on the approach to the Porto metropolitan area, with basic services and a modest church.

    View town guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
    Grocery
    Water
    Pharmacy
    ATM
    Bus
    Clinic
    Post Office
  5. 16.6km

    Travanca

    village
    View town guide
  6. 19.6km

    Oliveira de Azeméis

    city

    An industrial town known for its shoe-making tradition, situated in the manufacturing heartland of northern Portugal.

    View town guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
    Grocery
    Water
    Pharmacy
    ATM
    Bus
    Train
    Pilgrim Office
    Clinic
    Post Office
  7. 22.1km

    Santiago de Riba-Ul

    village
    View town guide
  8. 24.7km

    Vila de Cucujães

    town
    View town guide
  9. 28.9km

    São João da Madeira

    city

    An industrial city known as Portugal's shoe-making capital. Has a municipal albergue and full services. The terrain approaching the city is mostly urban and industrial.

    View town guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
    Grocery
    Pharmacy
    ATM
    Bus
    Clinic
    Post Office
Quick info
Distance29 kmWalking time6-8 hoursAscent680 mDescent480 mHigh point241 mDifficultyHardRegion🏭 Northern Portugal / DouroTowns on the way9 townsAccommodation25 places
View accommodation
Where you are on the Camino
Stage 4of 16 · 264 km to Santiago de Compostela after today
Coimbra26% walked by tonightSantiago de Compostela
Previous stage · 16 kmÁgueda → Albergaria-a-VelhaNext stage · 19 kmSão João da Madeira → Grijó
Jump to a stage
Where to stay

Places to stay along this stage

Koala Picks first, then each town in walking order. Where a place does not book online, walk in, call or message them.

Loading places to stay…

Build my Camino

Planning the Camino Portugués Central?

Add this stage to your day by day plan and see how it fits with the stages around it. Day 0 is the night you arrive in Albergaria-a-Velha. Choosing is never booking.

Add to my CaminoFree, no account needed. Stage 4 of the full route.
Take this stage with youThe route file, a link to share and the full guide
Download GPXRoute guide
Continue the route

Keep walking

All stages
Previous stageÁgueda to Albergaria-a-Velha16 km · about 3-5 hours · Easy
You are hereAlbergaria-a-Velha to São João da Madeira
Next stageSão João da Madeira to Grijó19 km · about 4-6 hours · Moderate