Viana do Castelo

Camino Portugues

To end of camino
187.4
Altitude
10

Ponte Eiffel

1.50

Viana do Castelo

4.90

Areosa

Services
ATM
Yes
Bar
Yes
Bus
Yes
Grocery
Yes
Hospital
Yes
Medical Center
Yes
Pharmacy
Yes
Train
Yes

The wealth of Viana do Castelo’s rich trading history has left us with several notable buildings and defensive structures. Among them are the Sé Cathedral, the Castelo de Santiago da Barra, the Church of Santa Luzia (take the funicular up the hill for 3€ round trip, and enjoy an incredible view of the city), and lastly the hidden gem of a church that is theEMisericórdia of Viana do Castelo whose mixture of gold and azulejos tiling are not to be missed.

Fiesta

In the end of August the citizens of Viana (and many more tourists) turn of for the Feasts of Nossa Senhora da Agonia. It is a romeria of sorts and takes place over 3 days in celebration of the Virgen of Agony, the Virgen of choice for fisherman going out to sea.

History

Viana do Castelo, until 1848 known as Viana da Foz do Lima, was an important shipping town and critical port of entry during the Age of Discovery. Later, in the age of cod, it became Portugal’s second largest center of commerce and trading.

The Road

Leave the centro historico of Viana do Castelo from the main square. Head north from the fountain (keep the length of the square to your left) and follow the pedestrianized and tree lined street (the Passeio das Mordomas da Romaria) to the first intersection. Turn left there to follow in the same direction as traffic along the Rua Candido Dos Reis/Luis do Rego. The road ends at the Park and Garden of Dom Fernando, turn right and at the next intersection keep as straight as possible to what looks like a dead end road. Arrows here will direct you down steps and underneath a busy avenida.

At the top of the stairs on the other end keep going straight (you will have turned right just before climbing the stairs). DO NOT follow this road all the way to the busy avenida. Instead, turn left uphill and against traffic along the first street. It is signed as a dead end road. Follow it to the underpass.

As you exit the underpass you will be in a more residential neighborhood. Turn left at the first street which is directly in front of you, the Rua Dom Moisés Alves de Pinho. From here you continue straight for several kilometers to leave town.

The way passes through several narrow streets and cobbled lanes but is well marked. The Quinta da Boa Viagem is the next obvious landmark in Areosa.

City Map

Comments

All Caminos App User (not verified)

We chose to stay at the Enjoy Viana Guest House the shared room for 3 was neat and clean with a spacious toilet and shower. The manager was lovely, kind and helpful - he went the extra mile and helped me access an emergency dentist appointment - I was so relieved. The property is central with lots of cafe/bars/restaurants to walk to. I felt safe walking by myself in Viana. 100% recommend this property (and the manager!)

All Caminos App User (not verified)

App says Anha to Viana is 1.5km. It is approx 5km.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

The elevator up the mountain currently has a malfunction. To find out if out when it is running, you can call ahead to the elevator (number below) or to tourist info, (or out of hours, you can call the 5* hotel at the top of the mountain!) This will help you plan ahead. You can also walk up but I did not, so cannot advise.

The most up to date open hours I could find say:

“The elevator operates with the following schedule:

January, February, November and December: Closed on Monday. Open from Tuesday to Friday, from 10 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 5 pm; Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm.

March, April, May and October: Open from Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 5 pm; Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm.

June, July, August and September: Open from Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm.

€3.00 round trip; €2.00 single trip

Tel: 258 809 333”

Opening hours: https://www.portugalallover.com/2022/05/elevador-de-santa-luzia.html?m=1

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

We were pleased with Macas de Eve for our overnight. Had a two person private room, and they offer bunk bed rooms as well. Community kitchen and living room. Two bathrooms. All clean and we were very comfortable. Convenient to Camino.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

힘든 몸을 이끌고 계단을 30분 정도 올라가는데, 올라가면 잘왔구나 싶은 생각이 절로 듬. 택시타고 가는게 나을 것 같긴 함.. 도시가 굉장히 아름답다고 생각합니다.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

The app says this section is 1.5 km. It’s more like 5 km!

Camino de Sant…

We stayed here an extra day to see sights. Wish we hadn’t. People were unfriendly and most sites (museums) were closed on Mondays. Stay on your path to a different town. We wish we had.

Camino de Sant…

Stayed two days spent the time at the delightful friendly Hotel A Ponte. Nestled at the side of a gurgling brook the Hotel A Ponte was the picture perfect place for my reflections on the pilgrimage so far and to plot my next few destinations. A walk through the streets of Viana do Castelo in the evening is magical. Bom Camino

Camino de Sant…

My sister and I stayed an extra day. Also a Monday. Although the museums were closed there was a lot to see. People were not only friendly but very helpful. Had a beautiful stay. I would love to go back to Viana Do Castelo when I have more time.

Camino de Sant…

Casa Margarita is not listed here but is bookable through booking.com and I needed to reserve a place to stay in Viana do Castelo. At 16 euros for one night and a four-person room it was reasonable. Facilities were clean, beds comfortable and a fully equipped kitchen, should you want to cook or heat something up. There was a hiccup getting checked in with the host since she was not at the site.