Stage 2 · Camino Portugués Central
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Add a photoMealhada to Águeda · 25 km · up 330 m, down 350 m
A stage through the heart of the Bairrada wine region, passing through a landscape of vine-covered slopes, fruit orchards, and cultivated farmland between the rivers Vouga and Mondego. The route follows quiet rural roads through Sernadelo, Alpalhao, and Aguim before reaching Anadia, passing the old Church of Arcos.
From Anadia, the path continues to Avelas de Caminho, a town whose very name ('of the Way') recalls its centuries-old connection to the Jacobean pilgrimage route. Near Povoa do Castelo, the Caves de Sao Joao wine cellars are open for visits and offer tastings of the Bairrada's celebrated sparkling and red wines. The route continues through Sao Joao de Azenha, Aguada de Baixo, Borralha, and Sardao before crossing the river into Agueda.
Agueda is a lively town known as the most colourful town in Portugal, famous for the AgitAgueda Art Festival and its Umbrella Sky Project, which suspends thousands of multicoloured umbrellas over the streets each summer. The Pateira de Fermentelos, the largest natural lake on the Iberian Peninsula, lies nearby. Try the local Pastel de Agueda pastry.
Terrain: Rolling rural roads, forest paths, some paved sections through villages
A town famous throughout Portugal for its roast suckling pig (leitao assado), with numerous restaurants specialising in this Beira Litoral delicacy. A rewarding food stop after walking from Coimbra.
View town guideA small town in the Bairrada wine region, known for its sparkling wines and proximity to the famous roast suckling pig restaurants of Mealhada.
View town guideA town on the Agueda River known worldwide for its annual Umbrella Sky Festival in July, when the streets are covered with colourful hanging umbrellas. Has a private albergue and full services.
View town guideKoala Picks first, then each town in walking order. Where a place does not book online, walk in, call or message them.
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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 Mealhada. Choosing is never booking.