Stage of the Camino
Stage Description
The first stage from Porto combines urban segments of the city with the start of Portuguese rural trails. A journey that invites pilgrims to acclimate themselves, passing through areas of orchards and small settlements until Rates, offering an authentic and tranquil experience. The departure from the big city is long and requires patience, but once in the countryside, the pilgrim starts to feel the essence of the Portuguese Way. The arrival at Rates, with its important Romanesque church, marks the first historical milestone of the route.
The Central Portuguese Way begins in the majestic Porto Cathedral. The first stage is a long journey that serves to leave the vibrant metropolis and venture into rural Portugal. The departure from Porto is a long urban and suburban stretch, requiring attention to follow the yellow arrows. As one advances, the landscape changes. Asphalt gives way to dirt tracks and cobblestone roads that wind through fields, vineyards, and small forests. Several localities are crossed, such as Araújo and Vilarinho, which offer the first services to pilgrims. This stage has a mainly flat profile with little difficulty, making it ideal for an introductory contact. The arrival at Rates (São Pedro de Rates) is the end of the journey. This small town has immense historical importance on the Way, as tradition holds that here Saint Peter of Rates preached and was bishop, one of the first disciples of the Apostle James in the peninsula. His Romanesque church is one of the most beautiful and ancient along the route, an indispensable visit to understand the origins of pilgrimage in Portugal.
Last updated: 14/08/2025
Where to Sleep
Accommodations in this Stage
Find the perfect place for your rest in Oporto o Rates.
Casa da Companhia Hotel & Spa, Vignette Collection by IHG
Eurostars Aliados
Hilton Porto Gaia
Infante Sagres - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World
InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas by IHG
Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel & World Heritage Site
Porto Palácio Hotel by The Editory
PortoBay Flores
Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa
The One Monumental Palace
Torel Avantgarde
Torel Palace Porto
BessaHotel Baixa
chic&basic Gravity
Eurostars Porto Centro
Eurostars Porto Douro
Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira
ICON Duplo Ribeira
Mercure Porto Centro Aliados
Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina
NEYA Porto Hotel
Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel
PortoBay Teatro
Se Catedral Hotel Porto, Tapestry Collection By Hilton
Vincci Ponte de Ferro
Vincci Porto
YOTEL Porto
Casa Monte do Cervo
Hotel Spot Family Suites
Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments
Zero Box Lodge Porto
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