Stage Albergaria-a-Velha to São João da Madeira

The stage that links Albergaria-a-Velha to São João da Madeira is a long and demanding journey that brings the pilgrim into the metropolitan area of Porto. The profile is a continuous uphill climb, with numerous ups and downs adding up to considerable elevation loss. The route alternates between asphalt sections on local roads with dirt tracks, in a landscape losing its purely rural character. The pilgrim passes through the town of Oliveira de Azeméis, an important service center where a stop can be made. The route partly follows the path of an ancient Roman road, and the pilgrim can walk on some well-conserved paved sections. Arrival in São João da Madeira immerses the walker into an industrial environment. The city is known as "The Shoe Capital" of Portugal, and has an interesting Shoe Museum. It is a modern city with a great range of services, offering a contrast to the more rural stages of previous days.