The stage, step by step
Leaving Coimbra
Coimbra has everything you need to get started: you can buy supplies at Mercadinho Spirolino, My Auchan, Pingo Doce, Continente Bom Dia or Aldi. For breakfast, try Bubble Factory, O Croissant, Coisas da Lena or Universidade das Tostas.
Santa Cruz and the prolonged climb
After leaving the city, you pass through Santa Cruz, beside Academia do Choupal. The route gains 85 m between km 2.6 and km 9.5, with a gentle average gradient, as the landscape opens out into country lanes and areas of vegetation.
Fornos and Torre de Vilela
The route continues through Fornos and Torre de Vilela. Between km 9.8 and km 12.6, there is another 46 m climb, followed by a 60 m descent that leads into the easier part of the profile.
The final section towards Mealhada and Sernadelo
Between km 19.5 and km 24.2, the route descends another 48 m. This is where you encounter the fine sandy tracks and the Mealhada area; the Albergue de Peregrinos is close to the end, so be clear about exactly where your day finishes.
What to see on stage 10
Coimbra
The stage begins in this historic university city, but soon exchanges the urban setting for country lanes. It is the last place where you can find everything before entering the vineyards and eucalyptus woodland.
Santa Cruz
Passing beside Academia do Choupal marks the gradual departure from Coimbra. From here, the route gains height gently and starts to feel more rural.
Vineyards and eucalyptus woodland
The stage crosses the Coimbra-Mealhada region, with vineyards, eucalyptus woodland and fertile valleys. In some sections, the fine sand completely changes your walking pace.
Mealhada
Mealhada appears in the final section and is where you can genuinely find somewhere to sleep before Sernadelo. It also marks the transition into an area known for its winemaking tradition.
Where to sleep in Sernadelo
Pilgrim accommodation is concentrated around the start and the finish. In Coimbra, you can choose from O Convento, The Luggage, Residencial Aviz, Hostel Sé Velha, Serenata Hostel & Suites, Albergue de Peregrinos Rainha Santa Isabel, Change the World Hostel, Coimbra Portagem Hostel, NS Hostel & Suites and Pousada de Juventude. Near the end, you have Albergue de Peregrinos in Mealhada. If you plan to sleep in Sernadelo, work out the arrangements beforehand: the pilgrim bed is in Mealhada, not at the destination.
Where to eat and refuel
Coimbra is the place to eat and shop before setting off: you have Star Kebab & Pizza, Cervejaria Almedina, Taberna d'Almedina, Italianino, Maria Rio, O Casarão, Cordel and Chicken Lover, as well as cafés such as Bubble Factory and O Croissant. After leaving the city, do not expect a continuous choice of places; carry something for the route and do not expect the same level of services as you approach Sernadelo.
Practical tips for this stage
Load up on food and water in Coimbra
Most of the services are at the start of the stage. Buy supplies before setting off at My Auchan, Pingo Doce, Continente Bom Dia or Aldi, and avoid relying on finding a shop during the rural section.
The sand changes your pace
Fine sandy tracks can slow you down much more than a firm surface. Adjust your pace, especially in the final third, and do not estimate your arrival time based only on the pace you kept through Coimbra.
Do not confuse a gentle profile with a short day
Although the gradients are gradual, this is a 24.8 km stage. The climb between km 2.6 and km 9.5 takes up much of the morning, and several descents still follow.
Clarify the final accommodation
Albergue de Peregrinos is in Mealhada, close to the end of the route. If you plan to sleep in Sernadelo, do not assume that a place in Mealhada puts you exactly at your destination.
Frequently asked questions about stage 10
How long does it take to walk from Coimbra to Sernadelo?
The stage is 24.8 km and has an average walking time of 5.5 hours. The profile includes 158 m of ascent and 143 m of descent.
Is there sand throughout the route?
No. Fine sand appears in sections, especially in the vineyards and eucalyptus woodland. It can slow you down, although the overall profile has gentle gradients.
Where is it best to buy food?
In Coimbra, before setting off. Mercadinho Spirolino, My Auchan, Pingo Doce, Continente Bom Dia and Aldi are all at the start of the stage.