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Porto to Matosinhos and Labruge : Step By Step Guide To Stage 1 Of The Camino Portuguese Coastal

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I’ve walked in Portugal many times over the last decade, and one of my favourite walks remains the Camino Portuguese Coastal from Porto; particularly the walk along the Douro River to the Atlantic.

However, as glorious as it is, the first stage of the Portuguese Coastal route from Porto can be a little tricky. The official route takes you from the steps of Porto Cathedral to the small town of Labruge. I’ve walked this stage, and it’s a long day; made worse because Stage 2 is a tad shorter.

Additionally, finding your way out of Porto can be confusing, as the Camino arrows initially point you in a different direction (following the Central route).

In this guide, I’ll show you how to shorten this stage to balance your first two days. I’ll also share tips to help you make the most of your walk from Porto to Matosinhos, onwards to Labruge, and beyond to Povoa de Varzim.

Route Overview : Porto to Matosinhos and Labruge Stage

Start your Camino at the Cathedral. I know Porto has its fair share of hills, and depending on where your accommodation is, this might add a bit more elevation to your day, but trust me, it just feels right to begin this glorious Camino on the steps of the Sé do Porto, especially considering you’ll end at the steps of the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.

Once you reach the riverside, there’s very little elevation. You’ll follow the Douro River out of the city, as it turns to estuary, and eventually meets the sea. The route is paved and while there are few Camino arrows to guide you, navigation is easy; just keep the water on your left all day.

Services are plentiful along this stage, but not so much early on. Be sure to find breakfast in Porto before you leave, as your next coffee may not come until Foz do Douro.

Although today’s walk is straightforward, it’s also glorious and not to be rushed. If you’d like to take your time and explore every little corner along the way, consider the suggestions below to break this stage into smaller more manageable days.

Useful Posts

Porto – Matosinhos – Perafita – Labruge : Where to End Day One

When I first walked the Coastal Camino, I followed the recommended stages and walked from Porto to Labruge on day one. Short on time, I focused more on getting to the end.  Instead of soaking up this incredible stretch of coastline, it felt rushed and we spent much of the day worrying about finding a bed (and I picked up a blister).

The second time I walked, I took my time; partly because I was walking with Gerry, who loves to meander. But the slower pace opened my eyes to just how much I had missed on my first walk.

I’ve walked this route many times since and when guiding my groups, I know better now where to end the first day. I’m a strong believer in taking it slow. The first stage out of Porto is such a wonderful walk; it deserves to be savoured, like one of Porto’s fine wines!

By breaking this stage into a shorter walk, you’ll not only have the chance to enjoy the scenery and more than the occasional coffee stop, you’ll also create a more balanced walk into Póvoa de Varzim on day two.

If you’re walking the Portuguese Camino Coastal, here are my five options to consider for your first day:

The option you choose will depend on :

I’ve walked each of these variations, and while they all have their merits, the most natural break is Perafita and Praia do Paraiso. It’s the perfect halfway point.

However, there’s no albergue and very little accommodation or services, and you’ll need to act quickly to secure a bed. My second recommendation would be Boa Nova but heep reading, and I’ll explain how to plan for each of these options in detail.

Option 1. Porto to Foz do Douro & Back to Porto (6.1 kms)

If you’re planning to spend more than a day or two in Porto, consider making a day trip to Foz do Douro. It’s a wonderful walk, and would give you more time to soak up the sights and explore all the nooks and crannies along the way.

Take your time: stop for a coffee, wander through the historic streets of the Ribeira district, watch the birds in the estuary and enjoy the little parks dotted along the route.

Once you reach Foz, there’s plenty to see and do. Walk out to the lighthouse and take in the views from the breakwater; most pilgrims just walk by. Visit the ancient Forte de São João Baptista, and lunch beside the sea.

These first kilometres of the Coastal offer plenty of opportunities to slow down and take in the beauty of the riverside and coastline. When you’re done, you can take the metro, bus, tram, or an Uber back into Porto; If you’re feeling energetic, you could even walk as the views are always different on the way back!

When it’s time to begin your Camino, simply take the metro back to Foz do Douro and start your walk towards Labruge from there.

Option 2. Porto to Matosinhos (11 kms)

Spend the night in Matosinhos. This option gives you all the benefits of Option 1 while allowing you to take your time and enjoy the journey beyond Porto. And you get to spend time in Matosinhos, which is great as there is a lot to see.

However, there is a drawback;  stopping in Matosinhos makes for a long second day walking to Póvoa de Varzim. And if you’re unlucky, you might also face delays at the Matosinhos/Leça Moving Bridge. One of my groups lost 30 precious minutes one morning waiting for a huge tanker to pass through!

While this is certainly an option, it is important to remember that Day Two will be long; so plan accordingly.

Option 3. Porto to Matosinhos with Boa Nova Extension (16 kms)

I’m really pleased with this option; it works very well even though it does involve taking a taxi or Uber. It offers all the benefits of Options 1 and 2 while also shortening your walk on Day Two.

Start by walking to Matosinhos and enjoy a gloriously fresh seafood lunch. Afterward, continue your journey along this glorious coastline.

Over the following few kilometres you’ll pass the market (check the opening times and consider visiting before lunch), cross the Leça Bascule Bridge, and stroll through a quiet residential area before rejoining the coast at Leça da Palmeira.

At Leça, take your time to explore. Visit the lido and have a swim, explore the lighthouse and the Capela de Boa Nova. When you’re done, there is a wonderful beachside café a few metres along the boardwalk; Xiringuito – Beach Club.  Stop here, take in the views, enjoy a glass of Vinho Verde and once you can drag yourselves away, grab an Uber back to your accommodation in Matosinhos.

Tomorrow, after breakfast, simply take an Uber back to the café to pick up where you left off and continue your Camino.

Option 4. Porto to Perafita / Praia de Paraiso (18.5 km)

Perafita is the perfect place to split your first two days, creating two very manageable stages. The location is great, perfect sunset views but the accommodation options are very limited, and few services available.

When we stayed here, we knew in advance that we’d be stopping in Perafita, so we planned accordingly. We enjoying a great seafood lunch in Matosinhos, and carried a few supplies with us to see us through. There is a small restaurant in Perafita, but it’s not always open, and when it is, it tends to open late for dinner; too late for pilgrims maybe?

Our accommodation was simple but practical. It had a kitchen and we could to do our laundry, which was a bonus. Most importantly, the location was perfect and just steps away from the beach at Praia de Paraiso.

If you’re considering this option, you must book your accommodation well in advance and be prepared with supplies.

Option 5. Porto to Labruge (26.1 km)

If you’re happy walking longer days then there is a nice albergue in Labruge along with a few good private accommodation options.  I had an excellent meal in the restaurant here too near the albergue but there is also a bar on the beach.

My biggest concern is that the guide books all put this day at around 25 or 26 kms but when we walked, it was closer to 28 kilometres from the Cathedral.

And whilst I’m usually fine walking 26 kilometres, this day felt rushed. Having walked the route again many times, I realised that I missed a lot on that first day, trying to reach the albergue to secure a bed.  And stopping here makes the walk to Povoa short at just 14 kilometres.

I can’t stress how lovely today is, so if you have the time to break the stage I’d recommend options 1-4.

Towns and Villages between Porto, Matosinhos and Labruge

Now that we’ve explored the options for breaking this stage, we’ll take a closer look at the route itself; step by step from Porto to Labruge.

As I mentioned earlier, I like to start from the steps of the Sé do Porto (the Cathedral of Porto). While the traditional Portuguese Camino begins in Lisbon, starting here gives this Coastal route a sense of completeness; a clear starting point in Porto and a glorious ending in Santiago de Compostela.

Porto : Finding the Arrows From The Cathedral

The arrows from the Cathedral can be confusing. In the historic centre of Porto, for the most part, the arrows direct you towards the Central Route, leading pilgrims out of town and onwards to Barcelos.

If you’re walking from Lisbon, there are arrows which direct you from the river and onwards behind the Cathedral. Do not follow these arrows.

For our journey along the coast, it’s safe to ignore them. Likewise, avoid the blue flashes; these are for pilgrims heading towards Fatima. Instead, from the Cathedral, walk downhill towards Ribeira, pass the tourist office and follow narrow streets to the colourful houses on the banks of the Douro River.

Once you reach the river, your path is simple; just keep walking with the river on your left. The Coastal Route isn’t well-marked but it is very easy to navigate. Just stick close to the riverbank and you can’t go wrong. You might need to veer away occasionally to go around buildings, but for the most part, the paths run directly beside the river..

Top Tip : As you walk out, don’t forget to look back. The morning views of Porto in the early light is glorious.

The Douro Estuary

As the river turns to estuary, pause at the Observatório das Aves, a bird observatory and conservation project. This area is focused on preserving the sandbanks and estuary habitats. There are information boards about the local flora and fauna, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a few of the region’s birdlife.

Continue along beside the water and you’ll arrive in Foz do Douro, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. If you have time, walk out along the breakwater and take in the views.  Service directly at the Foz might be limited early in the morning, but plenty of cafés are coming!

Foz de Douro (6.1 km)

As you arrive at Foz do Douro and walk towards the lighthouse, you’ll first meet the picturesque Jardim do Passeio Alegre. This popular spot with locals and it also has public toilets!

You’ve reached the Atlantic Ocean and for the rest of today, you’ll pretty much follow the shoreline. Beaches on your left, and seaside towns on your right. One town seems to merge into another and you’ll find plenty of services.

Shortly after leaving Foz, you’ll be back on a wide promenade; you’ll be following this into Matoshinhos (although you can opt to walk beside the sand).

Top Tip : As you walk, watch out for a turning off to your left towards the beach; not so much a turning as a fork in the path through some greenery.  It feels like you’re going to a restaurant, and you are, but you are also going to the lower beach path. Take this turn and you’ll walk beside the sand to all the way to Matosinhos.

Don’t worry if you miss the first entrance, as there are opportunities to join later but do head down, it’s a more scenic route, right on the beach with plenty of bars and cafés along the way.

As you near Matosinhos, you’ll notice a fort on the beach; Forte de São Francisco Xavier, also known as the Castle of Cheese (Castelo do Queijo). This is the first of several coastal forts you’ll encounter along the route, all part of Portugal’s historic defences.

There’s a café inside the fort, but you’ll need to pay an entrance fee if you want to explore.

Matosinhos (5.3 km)

As you enter Matosinhos, you’ll notice the enormous Anemone Sculpture, perhaps one of the most striking roundabouts you’ll encounter. Created by American artist Janet Echelman, the sculpture, nicknamed She Changes, is dedicated to the fishermen of Matosinhos; it changes colour at night!

From here, you’ll return to wide promenades which will eventually lead you to the Tourist Information Office and a very lovely beachfront café.  Stop by the Tourist Information Office for a Sello (pilgrim stamp) and take a break at the café, the food is surprisingly good but it gets very busy.  

You’ll also find here the Monumento Tragédia do Mar, a sculpture dedicated to the memory of 152 fishermen lost at sea in a terrible storm in 1947.

Top Tip: Matosinhos is famous for its seafood and fish restaurants. If you’re craving fresh BBQ fish, venture further into town. The Camino takes you by the fish market, and you’ll find a row of hot braziers grilling the day’s catch.

Where to Stay in Matosinhos

Matosinhos offers plenty of accommodation options, but as always, I’ll only recommend places I’ve stayed or know well. Here are my top picks:

Leça and Boa Nova Capela and Lighthouse (4.6 km)

Leaving the beach in Matosinhos, the arrows will guide you into town. You’ll pass the Mercado Municipal de Matosinhos, a striking white market building that’s well worth a visit; just make sure to check the opening hours before planning your stop.

Next, you’ll cross the famous Leça Bascule Bridge over the River Leça. This section is well-marked, so keep following the arrows through the suburbs of Leça until you return to the coast.

The Boa Nova Lighthouse and Piscina das Marés

As you approach the coast, you’ll see the Boa Nova Lighthouse ahead. But before reaching it, you’ll pass a wonderful stretch of beach that includes the Piscina das Marés, a protected lido. If you have the time, I highly recommend stopping  and taking a look; and it’s a perfect spot for a swim. There are changing rooms, showers and a small café.

Continuing on, you’ll reach the lighthouse itself. Visitors can climb the steps to the top, but many prefer to head towards the Boa Nova Capela, the ancient chapel on the headland.

I see so many pilgrims head down and walking on here; don’t rush!  Stop and take a look as the views are amazing!

Boa Nova Capela

The chapel is dedicated to St. John and has a fascinating history. It was associated with Franciscan hermits, who established a small monastery here as early as 1369. Take some time to wander around and explore. Climb the steps behind the chapel for excellent views of the surrounding coastline; it’s worth the effort.

Onwards to the Famous Boardwalks

After visiting the chapel, retrace your steps back to the Camino and continue on. You’ll quickly find yourself on the boardwalks for the first time. The boardwalks will lead you to the Xiringuito Beach Club, a fantastic little café right beside the beach and a perfect place to pause.

If you’ve chosen my option 3; the taxi option back to Matosinhos, this is an place to end your first day. Enjoy the views, treat yourself to a drink, and take a well-earned rest; the best way to end this stage.

Top Tip : There’s an apartment called Casa da Sofia available for rent near the Boa Nova Lighthouse. While we’ve never managed to reserve it, it looks like a great place to spend the night.

Perafita (2.5 km )

Not every part of the Camino can be beautiful, and leaving Boa Nova  you’ll pass by a large petrochemical plant. While the plant’s skyline can make for interesting photos, be prepared for some occasional unpleasant whiffs. 

The path is well-marked, and you’ll stay on boardwalks that follow the beach.

You’ll very quickly arrive at Perafita, a great point to end the stage.  Interestingly, I’ve seen it called a few differnt names; you might see:

Either way, if you can secure accommodation here close to the beach, it’s an ideal place to end this stage. Just remember to carry some provisions, as services in the area are limited.

Where to Stay in Perafita (Praia de Paraiso)

While options are limited, staying in Perafita is worth it for it for it’s position halfway between stage one and stage two. Here are a few accommodation to consider:

Praia de Angeiras / Lavra  (6 km)

Leaving Perafita, the route takes you past a few beach cafés. Whether they’re open depends on the season; you’re more likely to find coffee in September than in April.  But, having said that I’ve always found somewhere to pause.

From here, you’ll follow a mix of pavements and boardwalks all the way to the Obelisco da Praia da Memória. The Obelisco da Praia da Memória, commemorates an event that changed the course of Portugal’s history. Liberal forces. led by Pedro IV, landed here on 8 July 1832 and 7,500 soldiers fought to end absolutist rule in Portugal.

Continuing onward, the path remains much the same as before, with boardwalks, occasional cafés, and some cobbled sections. You’ll pass through Praia de Angeiras, with the colourful fishermen’s huts and continue on to Praia de Labruge.

Labruge (1.6 km)

As you walk along Praia de Labruge, you’ll first reach Novo Rumo, a great little spot for a coffee or cold drinks and a photo of their pirate statue!

From here, if you’re staying in Labruge, turn right away from the beach. The pilgrim albergue is located at the top of the hill (don’t worry, it’s not steep!). Between the albergue and the beach, there’s a great little restaurant where we enjoyed a Pilgrim Menu a few years ago.

If you’re not spending the night here, the arrows lead you onwards to more boardwalks.

Where to Stay in Labruge

If you’re comfortable tackling the longer stage from Porto, Labruge offers a few good accommodation options and some excellent restaurants for hungry pilgrims.

Note that both the accommodations and the pilgrim albergue are set back from the boardwalk, so an extra 800 metres to the albergue.  And it’s a good idea to call ahead and reserve your bed to avoid disappointment; it’s a long way to the next bed!

Top Tip : If Labruge is your planned stop, do make sure you book your bed in advance. The first time I walked we didn’t, and all we focused on all day was getting the bed.  Reserving ahead allows you to relax and fully enjoy this beautiful coastal stage without worrying about accommodation.

Potential Challenges Between Porto, Matosinhos and Labruge

Are there challenges on this stretch? Not too many, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

Recommended Apps, Books And Websites for the Coastal Camino

If you’re walking any stage of the Camino Portuguese Coastal, these apps, guidebooks, and websites are invaluable. Be sure to download or purchase them before leaving home:

My Final Thoughts on the Porto to Matosinhos and Labruge Stage

The first two days on the Camino Portuguese Coastal route feel a little unbalanced. The traditional stage take you to Labruge on Day 1, which can feel slightly long, followed by a shorter Day 2 to Póvoa de Varzim.

Take a moment to consider your options. There’s no need to rush today; 26 kilometres isn’t overly long but the walk from Porto is simply glorious. This is a stage to savour and not one to power through.

This stretch of coast is truly wonderful, with easy paths that make walking a joy. In fact, I love this area so much that we stayed for a couple of weeks, walking every day along the beach at Matosinhos,

Make the most of this stage.  Soak up the views, stop for coffee, have seafood for lunch, take a swim, or just enjoy some people-watching. There’s no right or wrong way to walk the first couple of days out of Porto, so if you have the time, take it easy and fully embrace this fabulous Atlantic coast.

Are You Walking The Portuguese Coastal Camino?

I’ve walked this glorious trail many times and I know I’ll walk again. If you’re walking from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, I’ve created detailed daily walking guides packed with route tips, accommodation recommendations, and insights to help you along the way.

Here are some posts that may inspire and help you to plan your journey:

If you’re planning your Camino or are already on the trail, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Join my Camino community on Facebook, share your stories, find inspiration and ideas for the road ahead.