The stage, step by step
Leaving Alvaiázere
Leave Alvaiázere behind and prepare for the first serious climb: between km 1.3 and km 4, you gain 146 m at an average gradient of 5.3%. Take it steadily here and you will have more in reserve for the rest of this fairly undulating stage.
Descending towards Ansião
After the initial climb, the route descends between km 4 and km 7.3. As you approach Ansião, you will find the easiest place to take a break: My Auchan, Café Tarouca, Bar Alquemia, Avenida de Sabores, Canto da Vila, O Marujo and Loja do Frango are all in this area.
The long descent in the middle section
Between km 9.3 and km 13, there is another 146 m descent. Try not to get carried away by the downhill here: your legs are already accumulating kilometres, and the second half still includes several short climbs.
The final kilometres to Alvorge
From around km 15.3, you start gaining height again for several kilometres, although the average gradient is gentle. The final rise, between km 20.8 and km 21.8, brings you into Alvorge, where the stage ends.
What to see on stage 7
Alvaiázere
This is your starting point and the last place with shops and bars before you enter the woodland. Take advantage of it before setting off: have breakfast and carry enough water and food.
Mid-mountain woodland
The stage crosses a mid-mountain landscape of woodland, one of its defining features. The climbs and descents follow one another rather than being concentrated on a single pass.
Ansião
Ansião comes roughly halfway through the route and is the natural stopping point of the day. It is also the best place on this stage to buy provisions or take a break with services close at hand.
Alvorge
Alvorge is the destination and has the main pilgrim accommodation at the end of the stage. You arrive after the final rise, so it is worth saving some energy for the last few kilometres.
Where to sleep in Alvorge
In Alvaiázere, you can set off with a bed already arranged at Bombeiros Voluntários de Alvaiázere. Ansião offers another option, Bombeiros Voluntários de Ansião, but if you complete the stage, the most logical choices are in Alvorge: Restaurante Albergue O Lagareiro and Albergue de Pelegrinos de Alvorge. Accommodation is spread between the start, halfway point and destination, so decide before setting off where you want to finish.
Where to eat and refuel
Alvaiázere has several places to start the day, including Cafe-Restorante Casa Benfica, Loja dos Frangos, Cafe Cantinho, Central and Flor da Serra. In Ansião, you can stop at Avenida de Sabores, Canto da Vila, O Marujo, Loja do Frango, Café Tarouca or Bar Alquemia. Alvorge offers another clear stopping point with O Lagareiro, O Barrocas and O Tira Peles; between Ansião and the destination, do not expect a continuous choice of places.
Practical tips for this stage
Be ready for the first climb
The climb between km 1.3 and km 4 is the most substantial one at the start. Do not attack it too quickly: you still have a 22.7 km day ahead and several more undulations.
Make the most of Ansião
Ansião is the most useful halfway point for buying food, having a drink or dealing with a basic need. If you pass through without stopping, there is no other obvious break until the end at Alvorge.
Carry water from the start
Leave Alvaiázere with enough water and refill in Ansião. Do not plan this stage around finding a particular spring during the woodland sections.
Plan for the finish
If you want to sleep in Alvorge, secure a place at Restaurante Albergue O Lagareiro or Albergue de Pelegrinos de Alvorge before setting off. It is the natural destination for a stage with few alternatives nearby.
Frequently asked questions about stage 7
How long does it take to walk from Alvaiázere to Alvorge?
The distance is 22.7 km and the stated average walking time is 5 hours. The terrain includes climbs and descents, with 295 m of ascent and 310 m of descent.
Where is the toughest climb?
The most significant climb is between km 1.3 and km 4: it gains 146 m at an average gradient of 5.3%. There is also a final rise between km 20.8 and km 21.8.
Can I buy food during the stage?
Yes. Ansião is the most practical stopping point, with supermarkets such as My Auchan and places including Avenida de Sabores, Canto da Vila, O Marujo and Loja do Frango.