12.5 km | 2-3 hours | +54m / -39m
The route leaves Vila Franca de Xira and enters the agricultural heartland of the Ribatejo. This is flat, open walking through farmland, vineyards, and small hamlets with wide horizons in every direction. The landscape shifts decisively from urban to rural on this stage.
Long straight sections through cultivated fields characterize much of the day. Shade is minimal, and the terrain offers little elevation change. The walking is physically easy but can feel monotonous in the midday heat. Small villages along the way provide occasional rest stops.
Azambuja is a modest agricultural town with a train station, basic shops, restaurants, and pilgrim accommodation. It sits at the edge of the Tagus floodplain where the river landscape begins to change character.
Terrain: Flat agricultural paths, dirt tracks, paved rural roads
A Ribatejo town on the Tagus River known for its bullfighting traditions and the annual Colete Encarnado festival. Has hotels, restaurants, and a train station with connections to Lisbon.
Castanheira do Ribatejo is a small village in the Lisbon district where pilgrims cross the railway line before continuing their journey north along the route.
9 places to stay between Vila Franca de Xira and Vila Nova da Rainha
Accommodation at the start of this stage (useful for booking the night before)
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Accommodation at the end of this stage
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