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HomeCamino Portugués CentralSão João da Madeira → Grijó
Stage 519 km · up 330 mModerate

São João da Madeira to Grijó

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Stage 5 · Camino Portugués Central

São João da Madeira → Grijó

Distance
19 km
Walking time
4-6 hours
Ascent
330 m
Descent
430 m
High point
308 m
Difficulty
Moderate
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About this stage

São João da Madeira to Grijó · 19 km · up 330 m, down 430 m

A moderate stage descending through the southern outskirts of the Porto metropolitan area. The route passes through Santiago de Riba-Ul and Cucujaes, where the Monastery of Sao Martinho de Cucujaes is worth a brief detour. The path mixes suburban walking with forest sections through towns absorbed into the greater Porto urban sprawl.

The walking is not particularly scenic through this peri-urban landscape, but the stage is physically manageable and serves as a practical stepping stone towards Porto. Granite churches and manor houses appear more frequently, signalling the distinctive architecture of the north.

Grijo is a small town with the notable Mosteiro de Grijo (Grijo Monastery), a 12th-century Augustinian foundation worth visiting. Note that accommodation in Grijo itself is very limited; many pilgrims continue to Vila Nova de Gaia for more options.

Terrain: Suburban roads, forest paths, cobblestone streets, some steep descents

Along the route9 towns and 0 highlights on 19 km

The day, stop by stop

  1. 0km

    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.

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    Restaurant
    Cafe
    Grocery
    Pharmacy
    ATM
    Bus
    Clinic
    Post Office
  2. 1.5km

    Arrifana

    town
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  3. 3.7km

    Escapães

    village
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  4. 6.8km

    Malaposta

    village
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    Restaurant
    Cafe
  5. 7.8km

    Airas

    hamlet
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  6. 8.8km

    Caldas de São Jorge

    village
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  7. 11.6km

    Lourosa

    city
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  8. 15.4km

    Mozelos

    town
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  9. 19km

    Grijó

    town

    A parish on the southern outskirts of Porto with a parish albergue and the historic Monastery of Grijo. The last overnight stop before reaching Porto.

    View town guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
    Grocery
    Bus
Quick info
Distance19 kmWalking time4-6 hoursAscent330 mDescent430 mHigh point308 mDifficultyModerateTowns on the way9 townsAccommodation18 places
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Where you are on the Camino
Stage 5of 16 · 245 km to Santiago de Compostela after today
Coimbra31% walked by tonightSantiago de Compostela
Previous stage · 29 kmAlbergaria-a-Velha → São João da MadeiraNext stage · 15 kmGrijó → Porto
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All stages
Previous stageAlbergaria-a-Velha to São João da Madeira29 km · about 6-8 hours · Hard
You are hereSão João da Madeira to Grijó
Next stageGrijó to Porto15 km · about 3-5 hours · Easy