Porto to Vilarinho
The first stage of the Camino Portugués, the most urban of the entire route, leaves Porto behind to gradually enter rural Portugal.
Best season: Year-round; since it's a practically flat and very urban stage, the weather matters less than on other stages
Map
- Porto
- Vilarinho
FEAACS track published by IGN. Follow current trail signs.
Source: IGN/CNIG · FEAACS · CC BY 4.0 · Accessed:
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
From Porto to Vilarinho is 27 km along the Portuguese Way. It's stage 1, with 292 m of ascent and 302 m of descent, completed in about 6 h 30 min. Difficulty: Moderate.
From the big city to rural Portugal
The Camino Portugués starts right in the heart of Porto, Portugal's second city, beside the Cathedral (Sé). This is, without a doubt, the most urban stage of the entire route: the path runs almost entirely on asphalt, crossing urban and peri-urban areas, including an industrial park, with a practically flat profile.
It's not a particularly scenic stage — in fact, it's considered one of the least attractive of the entire Camino Portugués Central — which is why many pilgrims choose to skip this first stretch using Porto's public transportation and start walking a bit further north instead.
For those who choose to walk it in full, the reward lies in the symbolism of setting off on foot from a city as monumental as Porto, and in watching how, little by little, the urban landscape gives way to the first signs of the rural Portugal that will dominate the rest of the route.
What the terrain is like, section by section
Terrain
Practically flat throughout the stage, with no significant elevation change.
Landscape
Almost entirely urban and peri-urban, including stretches alongside industrial parks.
Path type
Paved for nearly the entire route, well marked with the yellow arrows.
Villages
Mostly the Porto metropolitan area, with a gradual transition toward more rural settings near Vilarinho.
Water points
Plentiful, given this is a mainly urban stage.
Shade
Scarce, typical of the urban environment through which most of the route runs.
Traffic
Moderate to high on the urban stretches, typical of a large city and its metropolitan area.
Key fact
The least scenic stage of the route: many pilgrims choose to shorten it using Porto's public transport.
Staying in Vilarinho
Vilarinho is a small rural parish with no public hostel, but two private options.
Acogida Casa Família Vidal
12 beds. At the entrance, 100 m from the Camino. Open year-round. Direct booking.
Albergue Casa da Laura
53 beds. At the exit, 50 m from the Camino. Open year-round, booking highly recommended in high season. Direct contact: casadalaura@gmail.com.
Eating in Vilarinho
Food options are simple, typical of a small rural parish.
Local restaurant
Simple traditional Portuguese cooking.
Make the most of the big city
Porto offers a huge dining scene before you leave: a good time to enjoy Portuguese cuisine in a big city.
Historic stops on this stage
Porto Cathedral (Sé)
The official starting point of the Camino Portugués, with the scallop shell emblem marked on the square's pavement.
The Ribeira and the Douro
Porto's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Douro river, deserve at least an afternoon's visit before setting off on the Camino.
Douro river cruise
Boats leave from the Vila Nova de Gaia quay, opposite the Ribeira, and sail the stretch of the Porto bridges. A good way to say goodbye to the city from the water the day before you start walking.
If you have the time, dedicate the day before to visiting Porto at leisure: the Ribeira, the bridges over the Douro, and the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia are must-sees.
How to get there and back
If you're starting here: Porto has an international airport (Francisco Sá Carneiro) and a central train station (São Bento), with connections across Europe.
If you need to return from Vilarinho: the most practical option is to take local transport to Barcelos or back to Porto, with all connections available.
What you should know before this stage
Consider using Porto's public transport
Many experienced pilgrims recommend skipping this stage by metro or bus and starting to walk further north, given its limited scenic interest.
Look after your feet on the asphalt
So many kilometers on hard pavement can take a toll on your feet; well-cushioned footwear helps.
Don't leave Porto without getting to know it
Even if you decide to shorten the walking stage, spend time in the city before setting off: it's one of the most beautiful in Portugal.
Don't ruin this stage
Leaving Porto without having visited it
It's a city that deserves at least a full day before you set off.
Expecting a spectacular landscape
This is the most urban stage of the route; manage your expectations to avoid disappointment.
Not protecting your feet properly
Continuous asphalt is harder on the joints than the dirt paths typical of the rest of the route.
What to pack, travel insurance and getting around
One single guide with the recommended gear, useful services (insurance, eSIM) and transport options for the whole Camino.
Work out how much it will cost you
Set the days, route and type of trip, and we give you an estimate of the total cost with a full breakdown.
Everything you want to know before this stage
How many kilometers are there from Porto to Vilarinho?
Is it worth walking this stage?
Is this stage difficult?
Is there a public hostel in Vilarinho?
What should you see before leaving Porto?
Browse the stages
Ideas for after you finish the Camino
A café waiting for you in Santiago
You still have many kilometres ahead, but once you finish the Camino in Santiago, Bonsai Café is a great spot for breakfast: right in the city centre, with Berraco by Bou specialty coffee and weekend brunch.
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