29 km | 7-10 hours | +622m / -769m
A rewarding stage that descends from the hills into Coimbra, one of Portugal's most important and beautiful cities. The route drops steadily through forested hills and farming villages before reaching the Mondego River valley and following it into the city.
The final approach into Coimbra follows the riverbank, with the university and old town rising dramatically on the hillside above. Coimbra was Portugal's medieval capital and is home to one of Europe's oldest universities (founded 1290), whose Baroque library (Biblioteca Joanina) is a major attraction. The old town's steep lanes, fado music tradition, and student culture give the city a unique atmosphere.
Coimbra has every service a pilgrim could need, including a major hospital, extensive shopping, and accommodation at every price point. Many pilgrims take a rest day here, and the city fully deserves it.
Terrain: Descending forest trails, riverside paths, urban cobblestones approaching Coimbra
A small village in central Portugal known for its traditional Rabacal cheese. Has a private albergue and is near the important Roman ruins of Conimbriga.
Conimbriga is one of the best-preserved Roman settlements in Portugal, featuring extensive ruins, mosaic floors, bathhouses, and defensive walls, with a visitor center explaining the site's history from pre-Roman occupation through abandonment
A small town near the Roman ruins of Conimbriga, one of the best-preserved Roman sites on the Iberian Peninsula.
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.
4 places to stay between Rabaçal and Coimbra
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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