The stage, step by step
Azambuja: final preparations
Leave Azambuja with full bottles and some food. At the start you have My Auchan, Aldi, meu super and Farmácia Dias da Silva, so this is the easiest moment to deal with any last-minute needs.
Towards Valada and the Tagus
The route heads towards the fertile valleys and the riverbank. Near Valada, roughly halfway through the day, you can sit down at Churrasqueira Maioral Zé or Casa das Enguias.
A long, very gentle climb
Between km 0.5 and 32.7, the profile accumulates 104 m of ascent, with an average gradient of 0.3%. There is no single steep wall, but the height gain is noticeable at the end, after so many kilometres.
Arriving in Santarém
The final kilometres offer fountains and services, although several fountains are marked as untested water. Once in Santarém, you can replenish your energy at Meu Super, My Auchan, Burger King, Bom Garfo or Taberna do Quinzena I.
What to see on stage 3
Igreja de São João de Alporão
This single-nave church was built between the 12th and 13th centuries. Its architecture combines Romanesque and Gothic elements and makes for a memorable arrival in Santarém's historic centre.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Marvila
Known as the Cathedral of Tiles, it stands out for its Manueline style and its interior covered with 17th-century azulejo tiles. It is one of the essential visits at the end of the stage.
Igreja da Graça
This Portuguese Gothic monument contains the tomb of Pedro Álvares Cabral, associated with the discovery of Brazil. Visiting it helps explain Santarém's historical importance.
Convento de São Francisco
It was founded in 1242 by King Sancho II. It forms part of Santarém's historic heritage, in a city known as the Capital of Portuguese Gothic.
The Tagus valleys
The stage crosses fertile valleys with views of the Tagus before climbing towards Santarém. This landscape best captures the transition between Azambuja and the historic city.
Where to sleep in Santarém
In Azambuja, you can set off from Albergue de Peregrinos da Azambuja. If you want to split the stage or rest before Santarém, Valada has Albergue Dois Caminhos and Salão Paroquial de Valada. At the destination, there are Casa da Misericórdia and Santarem Hostel; book ahead if you plan to sleep in Santarém.
Where to eat and refuel
Azambuja offers a convenient start with Frango Asado, Dom Afonso, Real Sabor and Mamma Mia Pizza, as well as My Auchan, Aldi and meu super. In Valada, you can stop at Churrasqueira Maioral Zé or Casa das Enguias. Food and shopping options become plentiful again on arrival in Santarém, with Bom Garfo, Hamburgueria da Baixa, Taberna do Quinzena I, Meu Super and My Auchan.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off with water and food
It is 33 km and the stage does not offer a continuous chain of services. Shop in Azambuja and use Valada as an intermediate break, but do not delay your departure hoping to find a shop further on.
Do not drink from just any fountain
Several fountains on the approach to Santarém are marked as untested water, and the signs warn you not to treat them as potable. Carry enough water from Azambuja and do not count on refilling along the way.
Manage the long climb
The profile gains 104 m from km 0.5 to 32.7, with an average gradient of 0.3%. It is gentle but cumulative; maintain a steady pace and save some energy for the approach to Santarém.
Leave time for Santarém
If you arrive with daylight and energy to spare, visit Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Marvila, Igreja da Graça and Igreja de São João de Alporão. This stage deserves more than a shower and an immediate collapse into bed.
Frequently asked questions about stage 3
How long does it take to walk from Azambuja to Santarém?
It is 33 km, with an average duration of 7.3 hours. The climb is gentle and totals 102 m, but the distance makes it a demanding day.
Where can I stop between Azambuja and Santarém?
Valada is the main intermediate reference point. There you have Churrasqueira Maioral Zé and Casa das Enguias; outside that area, options are much more limited.
Can I rely on the fountains at the end?
It is better not to. Several are marked as untested water, so leave Azambuja with enough safe drinking water for the whole day.
What is worth visiting in Santarém?
The arrival gives you the chance to see Igreja de São João de Alporão, Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Marvila, Igreja da Graça and Convento de São Francisco.