Origin
Destination
Distance
17.40 km
Duration
4.35 h
Difficulty
Media
Ascent
130 m
Stage of the Camino
Stage Description
This is the queen stage of mountain in the Portuguese Way in Portugal. The journey is marked by a tough ascent to Alto da Labruja, the highest point on the route in Lusitanian lands. It's an demanding climb along a mountain trail that crosses a beautiful forest. Once crowned the high point, an equally technical descent takes the pilgrim to the valley. This is a short but intense stage, of great scenic beauty and a challenge for the legs. The destination, the small village of Rubiães, offers well-deserved rest in a rural and peaceful environment.
The Ponte de Lima to Rubiães stage is known for being the hardest part of the Portuguese Way in Portugal. Although it is not very long, it concentrates the most important climb on the entire route: Alto da Labruja. The path leaves off from the beautiful Ponte de Lima and, after a few kilometers of approach, begins the ascent. The climb is demanding, with mountain terrain that combines forest trails with paved stone sections. The surroundings are of great beauty, through a lush and solitary forest. The effort is considerable, but the feeling of being in full nature is very rewarding. At the top of the high point, at 400 meters above sea level, a stone cross marks the highest point. From there on, begins the descent, which also requires caution. The final stage ends in the small parish of Rubiães, a rural nucleus that has grown around the Way. Its hostel and rural houses offer a warm welcome and a restorative break after the great effort of the day. It is a final stage that feels like victory.
Last updated: 12/08/2025
Where to Sleep
Accommodations in this Stage
Find the perfect place for your rest in Ponte de Lima o Rubiaes.
Casa da Gaiba
Albergue Quinta Estrada Romana
Casa Da Cuca - Turismos de Animação Rural Lda
Casa de São Gonçalo
Casa dos Matos
Graciosa Guest House
Quinta da Agra
Casa da Roseira
Cerquido Village by NHôme
Azenha do Rei
Casa da Lage
Casa das Neves
Casa de Pomarchão
Casa rural Varinhoestá encerrada
Farm Pentieiros
Quartéis de Santa Justa
Arc'Otel
Carmo's Boutique Hotel - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Hotel Império do Norte
Parque Campismo, Caravanismo e Bungalow’s Quinta do Pentieiros
Quinta Casas da Antónia
QUINTA DO FORTUNATO
Quinta do Rei
Casa de Chandezil
Ponte de Lima House Golf
Trogalito
Albergue de Peregrinos de Ponte de Lima
Albergue de Peregrinos de S. Pedro de Rubiães
Casa Cardeal Saraiva
Casa do Tamanqueiro
Inlima Hotel & Spa
Quinta da Terra Feita
A Cavalo
Axis Ponte de Lima Golf Resort Hotel
Abrigo do Rio Estorãos
Pousada de Juventude de Ponte de Lima
Pensão Repouso do Peregrino
House´in Lima 2
Quarto das Lamparinas
Alojamento Fonte da Vila
Casa Santo Amaro
Castelos Aldeia
Lima Apartments
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