The stage, step by step
Grijó and Perosinho
You begin in Grijó, beside Monastério de São Salvador, and head towards Perosinho. Before leaving the starting area, you can stop at Café Ermo or buy something at O Mercadinho.
The climb at Canelas
The stage gains height between km 4 and km 6.3, with 118 m of ascent and an average gradient of 5.2%. You then cross Canelas and begin a prolonged descent towards the more urban parts of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Rechousa and Vila Nova de Gaia
From Rechousa onwards, the route is lined with shops and pavements. Continente Modelo in Rechousa and Auchan Supermercado in Vila Nova de Gaia are useful places to restock.
Entering Porto
Between km 11 and km 14.3, you descend 113 m towards Gaia. A final climb then takes you into Porto; the route enters the city through bridges, streets and busy urban areas, so save some energy for the last kilometres.
What to see on stage 15
Monastério de São Salvador (Grijó)
The monastery was founded in 922 and the community moved to Grijó in the 12th century. The present church was rebuilt between 1572 and 1629 and retains a single nave and a Renaissance cloister.
Douro waterfront
The descent towards Vila Nova de Gaia replaces the rural landscape with the Douro waterfront and its colourful houses. This is where the arrival in Porto really begins to feel close.
Ponte D. Luís I
The bridge crosses the Douro and links Vila Nova de Gaia with Porto. Its structure dominates the approach to the city and is one of the most recognisable moments of the stage.
Porto
The stage ends in a historic port city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you arrive with time to spare, port wine is an inseparable part of the city's identity.
Where to sleep in Porto
In Grijó, you can set off from Albergue de Peregrinos. Halfway along, you can stay at Porto Gaia Guest House in Mafamude e Vilar do Paraíso, or at Hostel Gaia Porto and Bridge It - Suites & Views in Vila Nova de Gaia. In Porto, options include Cats Hostel Porto, O2 Hostel and Urban Garden Porto Central Hostel. Book ahead: arriving in such a popular city is not the ideal time to improvise.
Where to eat and refuel
In Grijó, you can have breakfast at Café Ermo, followed by Perestroika café in Perosinho. Vila Nova de Gaia has a much wider choice, including Churrasqueira Cidade, O Belmonte and Terras d'Além - Restaurante Regional. Porto has plenty of bars and restaurants, but if you are walking late, do not leave your meal until the final stretch.
Practical tips for this stage
Save energy for the early climb
The climb between km 4 and km 6.3 has an average gradient of 5.2%, making it the hardest of the stage. Setting off too quickly from Grijó catches up with you just as the route starts to steepen.
Plan the urban approach
The final kilometres combine descents, a last climb and city streets. Take it calmly, watch the crossings and do not expect to keep the same pace as on rural paths.
Carry water to Gaia
There are fountains in Porto's urban section, such as Fontanário da Escada dos Guindais and Fontanário da Rua da Vitória, but you should not rely on them for the whole day. Leave Grijó with water.
Book before setting off
Porto has plenty of accommodation, but demand is high too. If you want to sleep in Gaia or central Porto, make your booking before leaving Grijó.
Frequently asked questions about stage 15
Is it a short and easy stage?
It is 17.7 km with an average walking time of 3.4 hours, but includes 230 m of ascent and 242 m of descent. The climb between km 4 and km 6.3 is more demanding than the total distance might suggest.
Where is the hardest section?
Between km 4 and km 6.3, you climb 118 m at an average gradient of 5.2%. Descents then predominate until Vila Nova de Gaia.
Where is it best to eat?
Grijó and Perosinho are good places to have something before setting off, while Vila Nova de Gaia offers more options for a proper meal, including Churrasqueira Cidade and O Belmonte.
Where exactly does the section finish?
The stage reaches Porto after passing through Vila Nova de Gaia and the area around Ponte D. Luís I. The final section is urban and includes a last climb.