The stage, step by step
Leaving via Mealhada
Starting in Sernadelo, you pass through the Mealhada area, where you can have breakfast at Tentações, Cote D'Azur, Café Aquário or Esplanada Jardim. You can also buy supplies at Pingo Doce, Minimercado, tutti promo, Super China or Mini Mercado Capela.
Towards Anadia
The profile descends between km 6.3 and km 7.7, losing 35 m. Anadia comes shortly afterwards and is a very convenient stopping point: you will find Alves Bandeira & Ca Anadia, Rodoviaria and Domus Caffé there, as well as Farmacia Central.
Aguada de Baixo and the long climb
Further on, you pass through Aguada de Baixo, where São Roque is located. From around km 16.7, a gradual 50 m climb begins and continues until km 21.3.
Descending into Águeda
The final kilometres descend 54 m between km 21.3 and km 22.8. As you enter Águeda, you will find Talábriga, Ducati, Palhota Bar, O Bardo, Taberna 145, Café da Estação and Terminal Bar, along with the services at your destination.
What to see on stage 11
Mealhada
Mealhada is the first important town on the stage and the best place to set off well supplied. From here, the route passes through a succession of towns with services fairly evenly spread out.
Anadia
Anadia lies in the first half of the route and is a convenient place to have a coffee or sort out a purchase. Rodoviaria and Domus Caffé are specific reference points as you pass through the town.
Pateira de Fermentelos
Pateira de Fermentelos provides the most distinctive landscape of the day: it is considered the largest natural lake in the Iberian Peninsula.
Águeda
Águeda is the destination, with everything you need to eat, shop and sleep. You arrive after the final descent, with bars and hostels concentrated around the entrance and centre.
Where to sleep in Águeda
If you split the stage early, Mealhada has Albergue de Peregrinos. To complete the route, Águeda offers Hostel XPT, Hostel and Friends and Albergue de Peregrinos Santo António de Águeda/Celeste. The destination is more convenient for those who want to finish here, but booking is advisable as these are the main pilgrim options.
Where to eat and refuel
Mealhada has the widest choice at the start: O Forno da Mealhada, Restaurante Celso dos Leitões, Restaurante O Típico dos Leitões, Nelson dos Leitões, Cantinho, Churrasqueira Rocha and Esplanada Jardim. In the middle section, you can stop at Rodoviaria, Domus Caffé, Café Celeste or Café Rossio. On arrival in Águeda, you will find Talábriga, Ducati, Palhota Bar, O Bardo, Taberna 145, Café da Estação and Terminal Bar.
Practical tips for this stage
Use the springs carefully
Just after setting off, you have a natural spring and, after halfway, Fonte da D. Lia. Shortly afterwards comes the Coito washhouse, marked as water not suitable for drinking: however inviting it may look, do not fill your bottles there.
The last spring is close to the finish
Fonte do Atalho is in the final section, almost as you enter Águeda. Even so, leave Mealhada with enough water and do not make one particular spring your only hydration plan.
Make the most of Anadia
Anadia comes at a convenient point for a break and to replenish your supplies. If you need a pharmacy, Farmacia Central is in this area; do not wait until the final kilometres to deal with it.
Book in Águeda
Hostel XPT, Hostel and Friends and Albergue de Peregrinos Santo António de Águeda/Celeste are at the end of the stage. If you expect to arrive late, secure your bed before leaving Sernadelo.
Frequently asked questions about stage 11
How many kilometres is the stage?
It is 23.5 km, with an average walking time of 5.2 hours. The total elevation gain is 158 m uphill and 176 m downhill.
Where can I buy water and food?
Mealhada is the best place to stock up at the start. You can replenish in Anadia and, at the end, in Águeda; on the route, you also have Fonte da D. Lia and, almost at the finish, Fonte do Atalho.
Which spring should I avoid?
The Coito washhouse, shortly after Fonte da D. Lia, is marked as water not suitable for drinking. Do not fill your bottles there.
Where can I sleep if I complete the stage?
In Águeda, you have Hostel XPT, Hostel and Friends and Albergue de Peregrinos Santo António de Águeda/Celeste. Albergue de Peregrinos is in Mealhada if you split the stage.