PORTUGUESE COASTAL CAMIMO 2026. MATOSINHOS TO VILA DO CONDE

16 Jan
A flat mixture of boardwalk, paved path, and cobblestones. 22 KM The day is a mixture of beautiful beaches,lovely rugged coastline, nice little hamlets, and a conclusion at one of the coolest towns on the Camino – Vila do Conde.
Boa Nova Lighthouse North of Matosinhos. It was built to alleviate the shipwrecks along this notorious stretch of sea known as the Black Coast – Costa Negra.

Boa Nova Chapel near Matosinhos with a good cafe nearby. We continue along the boardwalks – paseos de madera – there will be information panels all along the coast to Vila do Conde.
Obelisco da Memoria in memory of the surprise landing of liberal troops commanded by Dom Pedro IV in 1832 who took on the absolutist army in Porto.
WALKING ON SUNSHINE

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=HmR2IZjuMVc&si=v_vhfAmT6uYa3fk7 Katrina & The Waves

Tanques Romanos
Spread along 600 meters along the Angeiras Beach, there are six clusters of tanks, amounting to 32 pieces, excavated in the rocks during the Roman period (3rd to 4th centuries AD). These rectangular cavities of different depths would be used for fish salting and the production of other types of canned fish, including the famous “garum”. Close to some tanks, several structures were also detected, formed by pebbles and clay floors and enclosed by small stone walls. The area is used to harvest seaweed – Sargaco – to fertilize the sterile sandy soil..
Using the wooden bridge,we then cross over the River Onda and onwards towards Labruge using the boardwalks,winding our way around the San Paio headland.
Capela San Paio –

Erected probably in the Middle Ages to Christianize a site that had been sacred since antiquity, it takes the name of S. Paio from the young martyr S. Pelayo (Paio is an abbreviation of Pelayo). Pelayo was the nephew of the Bishop of Porto, Hermógio, and was taken prisoner with him at the battle of Vale de Junquera, Navarre, on July 26, 920, and taken to Córdoba by Caliph Abd-Al-Rahman III. There he was martyred three years later. Being a saint from Porto, his cult spread throughout the area of nascent Portugal, with a particular incidence in the coastal regions, where legend says that parts of his body washed ashore. His feast day is celebrated on the first Sunday of July.
The Taskuinha Bar just before Vila Cha
The fishing village of Vila Cha
An amazingly decorated house in Vila Cha.

7 KMs to Vila do Conde, entering the town after crossing the Rio Ave.


Vila do Conde is a charming coastal municipality and one of the oldest settlements in Northern Portugal, located on the Atlantic coast 20 km north of Porto. It is known for its rich maritime history, beautiful beaches, and historic landmarks. 
The Centro – Praca da Republica at the heart of the town.

There are a lot of interesting places to see here :-


Mosteiro de Santa Clara: A striking 14th-century monastery complex that dominates the skyline and offers beautiful views of the Ave River.
A notable 16th-century church with impressive architecture, built after King Manuel I’s visit in 1502.
Santa Clara Aqueduct – the impressive 18th-century aqueduct that stretches for several kilometers inland.
Nau Quinhentista – a replica of a 16th-century Portuguese caravel ship near the waterfront to learn about the town’s shipbuilding heritage.

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=AdiuqQ7xm30&si=4hExSfFp0q40tiOp “ Wooden Ships on the Water” by Crosby,Stills and Nash.


Forte de São João – A 15 minute walk from the town centre – (St. John the Baptist of Foz Fort): Explore the medieval fortress located at the river mouth with panoramic views.
This evening’s accommodation at Naval Guest House. “ Close to Camino. Clean, comfortable and quiet. Hosts are responsive and kind. Bonus – stamp available for pilgrim passport” RECENT REVIEW

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