Saint John of Madeira to Grijo

Leaving behind São João da Madeira's industrial core, the road enters a transitional phase towards Porto. The profile remains undulating, a constant challenge for the legs. The landscape is a mosaic of small agricultural plots, eucalyptus forests, and increasingly frequent population centers. Although the surroundings are urbanizing, the route seeks local paths and roads to avoid large highways as much as possible. It passes through the historic city of Santa Maria da Feira, dominated by a magnificent medieval castle that well deserves a detour. The end of this stage arrives in Grijó, a parish that hosts one of the most important monasteries in the region, the Mosteiro de São Salvador de Grijó. Founded in the 10th century, its church and dependencies are a testament to the rich monastic history of Portugal. It is a perfect cultural and spiritual stop for the last night before arriving at the capital of the north.