Stage 3 of the Camino Portugués covers 33.4 km from Barcelos to Ponte de Lima, with 551 m of ascent and 583 m of descent. The highest point is 194 m. Allow about 9.5 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
Municipal albergue in the Casa do Arnado, just across the old bridge, with 60 beds at 5 €. No bookings; check-in from 15:00. Bring a sleeping bag: there are no sheets or blankets.
Small guesthouse in the old town of Ponte de Lima with two private rooms, from about 48 € for a double.
Youth hostel on the route 1 km before the town centre, with 2- and 4-bed rooms from 18 € including breakfast. Bookable; closed from mid-January to mid-February.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "listed in pilgrim guides" are on a pilgrim guide listing (Gronze) but could not be confirmed on their own website or an official listing. Public albergues (municipal in Portugal, Xunta in Galicia) take no bookings: first come, first served. In Galicia they cost 10 € and open at 13:00 Spanish time, which is one hour ahead of Portugal. Private albergues, guesthouses and hotels can be booked.
Emergency: call 112 (Portugal and Spain); in Galicia also 061. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.