23 km | 5-8 hours | +310m / -290m
A shorter, more manageable stage after the demanding hill country of the previous days. The route leaves Coimbra heading north through a mix of suburban outskirts and increasingly rural terrain. The walking is relatively gentle with modest elevation changes.
The path passes through agricultural areas and small villages, with the landscape flattening out as you move into the Bairrada wine region. The terrain is a welcome relief after the steep hills between Tomar and Coimbra, and the easier walking allows tired legs to recover.
Mealhada is famous throughout Portugal for one thing: leitao assado (roast suckling pig). The town's main street is lined with restaurants competing to serve the best version of this regional specialty. Beyond the food, Mealhada has good services including accommodation, supermarkets, and pharmacies.
Terrain: Urban exit roads, flat to gently rolling rural paths, some paved sections
A historic university city on the Mondego River, home to the UNESCO World Heritage University of Coimbra, one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world.
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.
4 places to stay between Coimbra and Mealhada
Accommodation at the start of this stage (useful for booking the night before)
No accommodation options available
Accommodation at the end of this stage
No accommodation options available
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