Tamel - São Pedro de Rates

The fourth stage of the Northern Way passes through the municipalities of Barcelos and Póvoa de Varzim, often following ancient Roman roads and Medieval trails that served as a base for settling in this area and helped link it to the outside world. A large part of the route passes through local roads and rural trails that border the fields dotted with small villages, criss-crossing through historic urban centres.

We suggest that you organise your day into two phases: the first hike in the morning to the River Cávado and the second hike from here until the end of your day of pilgrimage.

The River Cávado was crucial to forming the natural and urban landscape and it is currently a highlight of this route. We recommend that you stop in Barcelos, the city on the river, offering you an extraordinary view.

Throughout this route you can experience the rich and varied cultural heritage consisting of churches, chapels, bridges, water fountains, crosses, chapels and pillories. You can also get to know local traditions that have remained a part of the daily lives of the communities and gain particular relevance during festivities. Don’t forget to savour the local food specialties.

This stage ends at Rates, next to S. Pedro Church.