Stage 8 of the Portuguese Way: Alvorge → Cernache

The stage, step by step

Leaving Alvorge

From Alvorge, you tackle a short climb between km 1.5 and km 3, gaining 50 m. The long descent then begins and continues for much of the stage.

Rabaçal and the gradual descent

You reach Rabaçal around the first third of the day. O Bonito, O Canthino de Clotilde, Queijeira do Rabaçal, Bar Bonito and SuperRabaçal are useful places to eat or buy something before continuing.

Zambujal and the open countryside

Further on, you pass through Zambujal, where Casa das Raposas is located. The route continues downhill until km 14, making this a comfortable section for covering ground, although do not relax too much: there are still several kilometres to go.

Condeixa-a-Velha and the arrival in Cernache

Condeixa-a-Velha appears in the final section, with Restaurante do Museu de Conímbriga and Quiosque Roque offering somewhere to sit for a while. After the descent between km 17.3 and km 18.5, the route continues towards Cernache, where the services of the town bring the stage to an end.

What to see on stage 8

Rabaçal

Rabaçal is the first place with a clear range of services after leaving Alvorge. You can rest here and decide whether to take a longer break before tackling the longest part of the route.

Zambujal

Zambujal comes during the quieter part of the day and acts as a link between Rabaçal and Condeixa-a-Velha. It is also where you will find Casa das Raposas, a useful reference if you split the stage.

Condeixa-a-Velha

The town lies in the final part of the stage, before Cernache. You can stop in the area around Conímbriga and have a drink before completing the last kilometres.

Cernache

Cernache is the destination and the place where supermarkets, a pharmacy, cafés and accommodation become available again. If you are continuing to Coimbra the following day, it is a good place to prepare for your departure.

Where to sleep in Cernache

Alvorge offers Restaurante Albergue O Lagareiro and Albergue de Pelegrinos de Alvorge for those who prefer to start with their logistics sorted. Along the route, you have Albergue o Bonito in Rabaçal, Casa das Raposas in Zambujal and Albergue privado de Conímbriga in Condeixa-a-Velha. If you complete the stage, the destination option is Albergue de Peregrinos Cernache; Casa Amazon is also close to the final section.

Where to eat and refuel

In Alvorge, you can set off after breakfast at O Lagareiro, O Barrocas and O Tira Peles. Rabaçal is the most reliable intermediate stop: O Bonito, O Canthino de Clotilde, Queijeira do Rabaçal and Bar Bonito are grouped in this area. Before Cernache, you can stop at Restaurante do Museu de Conímbriga, Quiosque Roque or TriploJota; on arrival, you will find Pastelaria Olpy, Café Hortense and O Moleirinho.

Practical tips for this stage

Do not mistake downhill for an easy day

Although the overall elevation favours descent, this is still a 26.1 km stage. The descent between km 3 and km 14 is gradual and may encourage you to move quickly at first; save some energy for the final section.

Buy supplies in Rabaçal

SuperRabaçal is a useful reference around the first third of the stage. Take advantage of the places in Rabaçal for food too, as from here onwards they are much more spread out.

Plan your water and food

Leave Alvorge with a sensible reserve and use Rabaçal as your first chance to replenish. Between Rabaçal, Zambujal and Condeixa-a-Velha, you will not find a continuous run of services.

Book ahead if you are splitting the stage

If you do not want to continue as far as Cernache, the alternatives are in Rabaçal, Zambujal and Condeixa-a-Velha. Casa das Raposas and Albergue privado de Conímbriga can significantly change how you organise the day.

Frequently asked questions about stage 8