Stage 4: Ponte de Lima-Rubiães

The Ponte de Lima - Rubiães stage divides pilgrims' opinions, thanks to the immense climb up the Serra da Labruja. However, to compensate, it's only 19 kilometers to our destination for the day.

We started off close to the Arnado theme park, until we reached a trail that seems to have been untouched by humans for centuries.

From there, we go slowly, meeting faces that seem familiar and a friendliness worthy of people we know.

At the start of the climb, there is a bathing area reserved for the brave and a small chapel that is worth a visit. It's the perfect place to rest before the great effort ahead.
The Serra da Labruja is the highlight of our journey here. Full of inspiring beauty, it is the scene of one of the battles of the Napoleonic wars in which the Portuguese ambushed the imperial troops. At every step of this steep climb we are graced with a tranquillity that only the deepest woods can offer.

The arrival in Rubiães brings us back to tarmac. Walkers should bear this in mind: the road rarely takes us to dangerous places. So if you find yourself going along the road without a sidewalk, you're going to the wrong place.

Exit:

Arrival:

Where to eat

Where to sleep

Ponte de Lima-Rubiães: Photos

Ponte de Lima-Rubiães: Itinerary

A: Ponte de Lima

We leave Ponte de Lima between the town and the woods. The route soon becomes rural, on stone paths after the municipal park, and we leave the River Lima behind. Right at the most rural entrance to the route, the first café on the left is run by Nicoletta. An Italian lady who has made the road her home and treats her customers like her own children. Order breakfast and you might be lucky enough to try the establishment's homemade honey.

B: Rio Toca

The first stop on the route to cool off. In this area there is a river beach ready to welcome any pilgrim who wants to take a dip. Just before the ascent to the Serra da Labruja, you'd better cool off now before it's too late.

C: Our Lady of the Snows Chapel

Last stop before the big climb up the mountain. This chapelin the heart of the village, has a café next door which is also a grocery store where you can stock up before the climb up the Serra da Labruja. With a spacious terrace, everyone is welcome to order a cimbalino.

D: French Cross

Near the top of the Serra da Labruja is a monument from the time of the Napoleonic invasions. This was the place where the local population ambushed the French military. Today it is seen more as the conquest of the Serra. The top is just a few meters away. Take the opportunity to observe what you've already walked. If you walk a few meters to the left, you'll find a tank with drinking water available to any pilgrim. If you prefer, you'll find "A roulote" just off the mountain. A well-equipped space with an excellent view of the slope you've conquered.

E: Rubiães

Rubiães is a small village in Paredes de Coura with just over 500 inhabitants just outside the mountains. It is well equipped to receive any pilgrim doing the Camino de Santiago. To spend the night, consider staying at the albergue, "O Ninho". Marlene makes pilgrims feel at home and is always attentive to their comfort. You'll also have the pleasure of meeting Carlota.