Camino Portugués: Santarem to Coimbra
About this trip.
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Santarem to Coimbra
This is the second section of the Portuguese Way, running from Santarem to Coimbra through the province of Ribatejo. According to the operator, Ribatejo is the only province in Portugal that borders neither the Atlantic coast nor Spain, so this walk takes you through the heart of the country. It's a region known for its traditions, and towns such as Santarem, Tomar and Coimbra are full of history. The route starts out fairly flat but soon gets hilly as you climb to Alvaiazere, then drops back down to Coimbra.
Golega and Tomar
Golega sits between the Tagus River and one of its tributaries, the River Almonda, and it has always been a farming town. In the 12th century it was granted to the Order of the Templars for farming, and it has made efforts to welcome pilgrims since that century. Today it hosts the National Horse Fair every November. In the main square, the Igreja Matriz da Golegã has a fine Manueline door, a simple interior and lovely tiling.
Tomar's mediaeval centre is a pleasant place to rest after a day on the Camino. It's worth finding the energy to visit the Templar Castle, the Convento de Cristo. This World Heritage Site shows Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance architecture, and together they tell the history of Portugal from its founding to the Age of Discovery. Henry the Navigator was appointed a Grand Master of the Military Order of Christ, which was based in Tomar, and he held the post for the rest of his life.
On the trail
Facilities along the way are adequate but have some noticeable gaps. Carry two or three snacks, or a light lunch or sandwich, to cover the longer stretches, and keep well hydrated. Waymarking exists but isn't consistent along the whole route. Keep the provided notes and map with you, and use the operator's mobile app, which has a navigation feature.
What's included
The holiday includes bed and breakfast in hand-picked accommodation, a holiday or pilgrim pack, 24/7 on-call support and a virtual face-to-face briefing before you leave. Luggage transfers between hotels are an optional extra and are not included in the starting price.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard is it really?
The grading is set by the operator and usually reflects daily distance and total ascent. As a rule of thumb: if you can comfortably manage a 5-6 hour hillwalk at home on a weekend, a moderate-graded route will be fine. Read the day-by-day notes carefully, and train with a loaded pack in the months before.
Q2Can I do this solo?
Yes — self-guided walking holidays are well suited to solo travellers, and some operators waive the single-room supplement on certain departures. The route notes are written for confident independent walkers, and most operators run a 24/7 support line.
Q3Do I need to speak the language?
No. Hotels and restaurants on the route are used to English-speaking walkers. A phrasebook for menus and a few polite basics (hello, thank you, please) is all you really need. The operator's support line speaks English.
Q4Can I bring my dog?
Some routes are dog-friendly, others aren't — it depends on whether all the accommodation on the itinerary accepts dogs. Check with the operator before booking. If you do bring a dog, you'll need a pet passport, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a lead for villages.
Q5What if it rains?
The route is walkable in rain — your luggage travels ahead regardless, so you'll always arrive somewhere dry. Some trails get slippery in wet weather and the operator's support line can arrange a taxi for any stage if conditions are properly bad.
Q6How do I get there from the UK?
Most routes are reachable by a short flight to a nearby airport, followed by train or transfer. The operator will usually point you at the nearest airport and can advise on rail connections. Some will book train tickets on your behalf for a small fee.
Q7Can I shorten or extend it?
Usually yes. Many operators offer shorter versions of a route as a standalone, and most will add extra nights at the start or end at their own rates. Ask when you enquire — they'll tailor it before booking.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Three walking holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest walking holidays on Mooch, both on the Camino. Prices are the operators' own, per person.
