The stage, step by step
Albergaria-a-Velha → Branca
Leave Albergaria-a-Velha with your shopping sorted: on the way out you will find Intermarché, Café do Mercado and several restaurants. The first marked descent runs from km 3.8 to 6.3, with 39 m of descent. Around km 7, you can restock at Mini Mercado Manuela Batista and, as you approach Branca, you will find Casa Católico and a natural spring.
Branca → Pinheiro da Bemposta
After Branca, the profile changes and a gradual climb begins between km 11.5 and 13.8, gaining 72 m at an average gradient of 3.2%. Along this stretch, Supervilla and Farmácia Pinheirense can cover any shopping needs or minor essentials before you continue towards Pinheiro da Bemposta.
Oliveira de Azeméis and the central climb
Between km 13.8 and 17.5, the route loses 114 m; afterwards, you have to regain much of that height on the 110 m climb up to km 20.3. As you approach Oliveira de Azeméis, you will find Bombeiros Voluntários de Oliveira de Azeméis and, nearby, the bars Varanda de Azeméis, Sal e Pimenta, Jukebox and Doce Sonho. Another descent follows, between km 20.3 and 23.5.
Vila de Cucujães → São João da Madeira
The final section strings together a climb between km 23.5 and 25.5, followed by another, longer one that continues right to the entrance to São João da Madeira. In Vila de Cucujães, Albergue do Apeadeiro is a useful option if you need to stop before completing the day. If you carry on, save some energy for the approach to São João da Madeira.
What to see on stage 13
Albergaria-a-Velha
This is the starting point and the best place to get everything sorted before setting off. You can buy water and food at Intermarché or have something at Café do Mercado before leaving the town.
Branca
Branca comes in the first part of the route, while you still have plenty of energy to settle into your rhythm. Casa Católico and a natural spring are located here, making it a good place to sit for a while and refill your bottle.
Oliveira de Azeméis
This is one of the most important points of the day. You reach it around the central climb, with several options for a break, including Varanda de Azeméis, Sal e Pimenta, Jukebox and Doce Sonho.
Vila de Cucujães
The town comes in the final part of the stage, after the descent that begins at km 20.3. Albergue do Apeadeiro is its main reference for anyone who needs to split the day or sleep before reaching the destination.
São João da Madeira
This is where the stage ends, after a final succession of climbs and descents that can feel long. If you arrive with a blister or any other discomfort, you will find Farmácia Lamar at the entrance and Farmácia da Estação in the town centre.
Where to sleep in São João da Madeira
At the start in Albergaria-a-Velha, you have Albergue de Peregrinos Rainha Dona Teresa. Further on, options include Albergue Albergaria-a-Nova, Casa Católico in Branca and Albergue/Hostel Moinho Garcia. If you complete the day, there is also Bombeiros Voluntários de Oliveira de Azeméis in Oliveira de Azeméis and Albergue do Apeadeiro in Vila de Cucujães. Accommodation is spread along the route and most options are private, so book the one you want before setting off.
Where to eat and refuel
Albergaria-a-Velha has the most convenient choice at the start: YoYo, Papaduxo, Café do Mercado and Intermarché, along with other places on the way out. During the first half, you can restock at Mini Mercado Manuela Batista, Mercado da Luz and Descontão; further on, Parati is on the route. Around Oliveira de Azeméis, you will find the bars Varanda de Azeméis, Sal e Pimenta, Jukebox and Doce Sonho. For a 28.8 km stage, set off with some food even if you plan to stop along the way.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off early
The day covers 28.8 km and an average walking time of 6.4 hours, with 378 m of ascent. Set off early if you want to walk comfortably, stop in Oliveira de Azeméis and reach São João da Madeira with time to spare.
Do not rely on a single spring
Leave Albergaria-a-Velha with a full bottle. Around km 10, you pass a natural spring, but it is the only clear water point on this stretch, and building your entire hydration plan around one spring is not a good idea.
Save energy for the central climb
The climb between km 17.5 and 20.3 gains 110 m at an average gradient of 4%. Reach it at a steady, conservative pace: afterwards, you still have the descent to km 23.5 and two uphill sections before the finish.
Buy supplies before leaving the start
Although there are places to refuel along the way, set off with enough food. Intermarché, YoYo and Papaduxo are in Albergaria-a-Velha; further on, you can use Mini Mercado Manuela Batista, Mercado da Luz or Descontão.
Secure your bed
The hostels are well spaced out: Albergue de Peregrinos Rainha Dona Teresa at the start, Casa Católico in Branca, Bombeiros Voluntários de Oliveira de Azeméis after the halfway point and Albergue do Apeadeiro in Vila de Cucujães. If you already know where you want to sleep, confirm your place before setting off.
Frequently asked questions about stage 13
How many kilometres is the stage between Albergaria-a-Velha and São João da Madeira?
It is 28.8 km, with an average walking time of 6.4 hours. The terrain rises and falls throughout, so do not treat it as a flat stage.
Where is the most demanding climb?
The longest sustained climb runs from km 17.5 to 20.3, gaining 110 m at an average gradient of 4%. There is also an earlier climb between km 11.5 and 13.8.
Where can I sleep during the stage?
You can sleep at Albergue de Peregrinos Rainha Dona Teresa, Casa Católico, Bombeiros Voluntários de Oliveira de Azeméis or Albergue do Apeadeiro, among other private options along the route.
Is there a marked water point?
There is a natural spring around km 10. Set off well supplied from Albergaria-a-Velha and treat it as a useful top-up, not as your day's entire water plan.