Camino Portuguese from Lisbon to Coimbra

Come to Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital, sitting where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic Ocean, offering a chance to relax by the water and enjoy the charm of the "City of Light." The city features beautiful buildings, cobbled streets, and lively squares, perfect for exploring on foot or by tram. Visit São Jorge Castle for stunning city views and head to Belém to see the UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, highlighting Portugal’s maritime history.

On the second day, leave Lisbon and join the famous Camino de Fátima route. The trail is easy to walk as it follows the River Tagus through the Park of Nations. Continue walking until reaching the small town of Santa Iria de Azoia. From there, begin a gentle ascent over a small hill before descending into Povoa de Santa Iria. Following the river’s edge, continue on the path until reaching Vila Franca de Xira.

Leave Vila Franca de Xira and continue towards Azambuja, passing through a region known for its bull runs and horse breeding. Follow the path along the River Tagus, which will accompany the journey until reaching Azambuja. Azambuja is famous for its annual running of the bulls, held through the town's streets.

Leave Azambuja and continue towards Santarem. Situated 360 feet above sea level, Santarem offers scenic views as the journey takes you through vineyards, orchards, groves, and farmlands, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting before reaching the small town.

Leave Santarem and walk along the banks of the River Tagus, heading in a north-westerly direction. The route passes through small villages and farmlands, where the sight of horses and bulls is common, as this region is known for their breeding. While the walk is long, it is relatively easy and completely flat, offering a smooth and enjoyable journey through the countryside, eventually reaching the town of Golega.

Leave the beautiful city of Golega, heading towards "Quinta da Cardiga," one of the most stunning manor houses in Portugal. From there, continue through peaceful villages on the way to the historic city of Tomar. In Tomar, visit the Praça da República square, a central landmark with rich history and charm.

The route continues through beautiful forests, crossing ancient Roman roads and agricultural paths. This section from Tomar to Alvaiazere is one of the most challenging of the entire Camino Portugues, but it is also incredibly rewarding, offering stunning views and a deep connection with the history and nature of the region.

A peaceful rural stage awaits today through central Portugal, winding along quiet country lanes, forest tracks, and rolling farmland dotted with olive groves and small villages. It’s a moderately undulating day with a few steady climbs and descents, but the open views and tranquil countryside make it a rewarding stage.

Along this route, cross the historic 17th-century “Ponte da Cal” bridge. The path is lined with eucalyptus, pine, and olive trees, offering welcome shade from the sun throughout the journey. Continue walking through this beautiful landscape until reaching the town of Condeixa-a-Nova.

Continue through the picturesque countryside, dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and forests. Ascend to Alto de Cruz de Mourocos before descending into Coimbra, a lively city home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Coimbra’s University, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, adds a rich historical and cultural layer to this vibrant destination.

Coimbra is a vibrant city that was once the capital of Portugal. It is home to a well-preserved Gothic cathedral and offers a wide array of cultural events, making it a lively destination to explore. This marks the end of the journey and the conclusion of services.