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Stage of the Camino

Porto at Rates

From Oporto To Rates

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Origin

Oporto

Destination

Rates

Distance

31.00 km

Duration

5.17 h

Difficulty

Baja

Ascent

10 m

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

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