As you leave the city of Barcelos, take the opportunity to visit Avenida da Liberdade one last time. Although you'll soon reach the most rural part of the route, you'll find important points for the Camino de Santiago and the town. If you want to have breakfast, the Arantes café has a selection of papo-secos to give you the energy you need all the way to Ponte de Lima.  

At the intersection between one of the most popular hostels for pilgrims: "Casa da Recoleta" and the town of São Pedro de Fins. Also home to a stone cross symbolizing the Camino de Santiago, this 17th-century space is the ideal place to make your first stop of the day.

Nearby, in Ponte de Tábuas, is a small river beach. It welcomes locals, pilgrims and tourists from all over the world looking to cool off in the waters of the River Neiva. So don't forget to pack a bathing suit in your suitcase. And don't worry, time is never wasted. From here to Casa Fernanda it's only 5 kilometers. If you're tired, you can ask if there's room to stay the night. However, if you want to rest and have a snack, there's a wooden table at the entrance to the house with some snacks to satisfy your hunger. In August there are even peaches, but it's best to ask. 

Just before this monument, on the way out of the village of Facha, is the "pilgrim's corner". A place where you can sit and replenish your energy and, most importantly, water. These two so close together represent the affection that the people of these places have for those who walk the Camino de Santiago.

The entrance to Ponte de Lima. Nine kilometers from the last stop we are greeted by the image of the river water falling, creating a cascade of emotions. This is the second longest stage of the Portuguese central route, so arriving at your destination is rewarding. As it's been a long stage, you'll want to rest. Right at the entrance to the town, the "River View" restaurant has a pilgrim menu. You can eat a full meal with a view of the water flow. To spend the night, the Residêncial Retiro Sra. da Luz is a welcoming place, with people ready to help with any pilgrim's aches and pains. There's even a piano in the living area in case anyone knows how to play.