In the Heart of the Bairrada Region

The tenth day of the Route begins in Águeda at the Parish Church (Largo Dr. António de Mello), and ends in Mealhada at the Parish Church (Avenida Comendador Messias Batista). This stage is 26 km long, and it can be completed in around 6hrs. There are barely any difficulties along the way and the altitudes range from 5 to 76 metres. It is an easy level of difficulty, and makes its way through a diverse landscape of rural spaces and urban areas, which provide the ideal conditions for a pleasant day’s walking.

Making its way across Central Portugal, between the Rivers Vouga and Mondego, the Route passes through the Municipalities of Águeda, Anadia and Mealhada. The landscape is defined by plains and gentle slopes covered with vines and fruit trees, as well as other crops. Amidst this rural setting there are important villages, towns and historic cities. 

You will cross the Bairrada wine region, where the diversity and richness of the soil (clay, sand) and the mild climate are ideal for the cultivation of the various grape varieties used to produce the excellent (red, white and sparking) wines. It is a classified wine producing region and its name “bairrada” alludes to the specific characteristics of the clay soils, which are particularly favourable to vine growing.