CAMINO KOALA
City

Vila Franca de Xira

18m
38.9543°N, 8.9897°W

Coordinates

38.9543°N, 8.9897°W

Elevation

18m

Accommodation

Available

Services Available

Accommodation
Restaurant
Cafe
Grocery
Pharmacy
ATM
Train
Post Office
Airport
Bus
Pilgrim Office
Clinic
Water
Tobacconist

About Vila Franca de Xira

Vila Franca de Xira is a Ribatejo town on the banks of the Tagus River, about 40 km north of Lisbon. The town is known for its deep-rooted bullfighting traditions and the annual Colete Encarnado (Red Waistcoat) festival, which celebrates the region's equestrian and taurine culture.

Pilgrims will find hotels, restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, ATMs, and a pharmacy. The town has a train station with regular services to Lisbon, making it a possible alternative starting point for those who prefer to skip the urban walk out of the capital.

The riverfront promenade along the Tagus is pleasant, and the town has a more authentic, non-touristy Portuguese character compared to Lisbon. From here, the route heads north through increasingly flat agricultural countryside towards Azambuja.

Explore Vila Franca de Xira

Things to Do in Vila Franca de Xira

Relaxation

Walk the Tagus Waterfront

After 32 km of walking on your first day, the riverside promenade in Vila Franca de Xira is the perfect place to unwind. The Tagus is wide here, almost estuarine, and the evening light on the water is beautiful. Find a bench, take off your boots, and reflect on the fact that you walked out of a capital city today.

History

Learn About the Campino Tradition

Vila Franca de Xira sits in the heart of Portugal's bull-breeding country. The campinos (herdsmen in distinctive red waistcoats and green caps) have worked these riverside pastures for centuries. The Museu Municipal has exhibits on this tradition. If you are walking in July, the Festa do Colete Encarnado (Red Waistcoat Festival) features bull runs through the streets, equestrian displays, and lively celebrations.

Food & Drink

Eat Your First Pilgrim Dinner

The restaurants in Vila Franca de Xira serve honest Portuguese food at fair prices. Try the arroz de marisco (seafood rice) or grilled fish, both excellent this close to the Tagus. A cold Super Bock beer and a plate of petiscos (Portuguese tapas) at a riverside cafe is a fine way to end your first day. You have 12 more days of walking to Porto. Pace yourself.

Accommodation in Vila Franca de Xira

Where You Are on the Camino

You are here

Vila Franca de Xira

574 km to Santiago de Compostela

Part of

Alverca do Ribatejo → Alverca do Ribatejo(This Stage)
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Vila Franca de Xira → Azambuja(Next Stage)
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