Stage 432 km · up 220 mHard

Santarém to Golegã

Distance
32 km
Walking time
6-8 hours
Ascent
220 m
Descent
250 m
High point
115 m
Difficulty
Hard
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About this stage

Santarém to Golegã · 32 km · up 220 m, down 250 m

Another long day leaving Santarem and heading north through rolling agricultural country towards Golega. The descent from Santarem's hilltop is steep and the route then crosses a transitional landscape of olive groves, vineyards, and horse pastures as the Ribatejo gives way to more undulating terrain.

The route passes through several small villages where cafes and water sources can be found, though services are more spread out than on previous stages. The walking is varied, mixing quiet country roads with farm tracks and occasional woodland sections.

Golega is known throughout Portugal as the "Capital do Cavalo" (Horse Capital), famous for its annual horse fair in November. The town has a charming centre with good restaurants, a few accommodation options, and a relaxed atmosphere that rewards an evening stroll.

Terrain: Undulating rural roads, dirt tracks through farmland, some paved sections

Along the route4 towns and 1 highlight on 32 km

The day, stop by stop

  1. 0km

    The historic capital of the Ribatejo region, set on a high bluff above the Tagus River. Known as the 'Gothic Capital' of Portugal for its wealth of medieval churches and the well-preserved Castle of Santarem.

    View town guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
    Grocery
    Water
    Pharmacy
    ATM
    Bus
    Train
    Clinic
    Post Office
  2. 1.3km

    Porta de Santiago

    Worth stopping for

    The Porta de Santiago is the sole surviving gate of the seven that once punctuated the medieval walls encircling the ancient city of Santarém.

  3. 12.3km
    View town guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
    Grocery
    Train
  4. 24.9km

    Azinhaga

    village

    The birthplace of Nobel Prize-winning author Jose Saramago, with a municipal albergue and a small museum dedicated to the writer. A useful mid-route stop between Santarem and Golega.

    View town guide
    Restaurant
    Cafe
    Grocery
    Water
    Pharmacy
    Clinic
  5. 32km

    A charming Ribatejo town famous throughout Portugal for its annual National Horse Fair (Feira Nacional do Cavalo) in November. Has a private albergue and a pleasant town centre with cafes and restaurants.

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

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