Scenic view of São Pedro de Rates on the Camino Portugués

São Pedro de Rates

Camino Portugués

Common overnight stop · 4 places to stay

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Getting here

The ground behind you: what the walk into São Pedro de Rates crosses, and where it could have been broken.

Tomorrow from São Pedro de Rates

Towns with beds within a day's walk of São Pedro de Rates

Nothing says you have to stop here, or there. These are simply the towns within a comfortable day's walk, so you can decide tonight.

Townkm from hereSharedPrivateThe walk
Pedra Furada6.5✓ Yes✓ Yes
Barcelinhos15.4✓ Yes✓ YesThe walk from São Pedro de Rates to Barcelinhos
Barcelos16.2✓ Yes✓ YesThe walk from São Pedro de Rates to Barcelos
Vila Boa19.0✓ Yes✓ YesThe walk from São Pedro de Rates to Vila Boa
Lijó21.4— No✓ YesThe walk from São Pedro de Rates to Lijó
Portela de Tamel25.6✓ Yes— NoThe walk from São Pedro de Rates to Portela de Tamel
Aborim26.9✓ Yes✓ YesThe walk from São Pedro de Rates to Aborim
Balugães31.1— No✓ YesThe walk from São Pedro de Rates to Balugães

Services

The Igreja Romanica de Sao Pedro de Rates sits at the entrance to town and is the finest Romanesque church in Portugal. The church is all that survives of the Benedictine monastery that once stood here — a solemn, heavy-set building whose carved capitals and corbels are worth a careful look. The adjacent museum provides context.

The fountain near the church is attributed to Sao Pedro de Rates himself. Local tradition claims it has miraculous properties — specifically, that it cures sterility in anyone who drinks from it. The water is drinkable regardless of your fertility concerns.

At the start of town the camino splits — keep right for the Central Way. The left fork leads west to the Coastal Way.

Notice:

At the start of town the camino splits. Keep to your right, following the arrows along The Central Way. The other variation will take you west to join The Coastal Way.

Fiesta:

Saint Peter of Rates is celebrated on his feast day, the 26th of April.

History:

Sao Pedro de Rates is the legendary first Bishop of Braga, said to have been ordained by Santiago himself. The two were contemporaries, and both met the same fate — decapitation. Like Santiago, Pedro's remains were lost for centuries before being rediscovered by means of a miraculous light in the sky, around 800 years later. A church was built to house his relics, which became a pilgrimage destination in their own right.

The historical truth is murkier — Pedro may be a composite figure — but the tradition is deeply embedded in the Camino Portugues and the identity of both Rates and Braga.

Accommodation in São Pedro de Rates

Municipal

Casa rural

Pension

Image of Casa Anabela, pilgrim accommodation in São Pedro de Rates
Casa Anabela
65-70€
75-85€

Questions about São Pedro de Rates

How far is São Pedro de Rates from São Miguel de Arcos?
São Pedro de Rates is 3.4 km on from São Miguel de Arcos, the previous town with beds. The next one, Pedra Furada, is 6.5 km further.
Where can I sleep in São Pedro de Rates?
São Pedro de Rates has 4 places to stay: 2 casa rural, 1 municipal, 1 pension.
Is there a municipal albergue in São Pedro de Rates?
Yes. São Pedro de Rates has 1 municipal or parish albergue, alongside 3 other places to stay.
Where can I walk to tomorrow from São Pedro de Rates?
Within a normal day's walk, 15 to 32 km, the towns with beds are Barcelinhos (15.4 km), Barcelos (16.2 km), Vila Boa (19 km), Lijó (21.4 km), Portela de Tamel (25.6 km), Aborim (26.9 km), Balugães (31.1 km).

... comments from pilgrims using the Wise Pilgrim app

24. September 2025 - 15:31

Signage from Arcos is better now

Thanks for the tip about the alternative route, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It has received some of the official poles, but you should still know that you need to turn left at the tree.

29. July 2025 - 17:46

Anabela and Antonio

We nearly didn’t get to San Pedro because of the lack of visible arrows from Porto, but CASA ANABELA was super clean and Anabela herself was very welcoming. We ate at SAN ANTONIO’S where we had the best cod we’d had so far in Portugal. Excellent.

16. November 2024 - 21:18

Phoenix Cafe Restaurant has gluten-free

We stopped here for lunch on Saturday, November 16, 2024. I asked for anything GLUTEN-FREE.. The lovely english speaking women said she had 1 gluten-free special of the day left. I had the BEST bean soup and spaghetti bulanese I have ever eaten.

I highly recommend this place on your Camino.

Although we were continuing on, there was an albergue directly across the street from the restaurant.

12. July 2024 - 17:16

Albergue de peregrinos - Rates

Wonderful albergue with great welcome from the volunteer (who took care of my blisters!). In an ancient farm, really clean with everything you need : WIFI, music, librairy, some extra food let from pilgrims (and Coffee in the morning). If none, then a little foot Shop just near really really cheap. Restaurant in front of albergue. Music, great conversation with JPierre, the volunteer of the moment !

8. June 2024 - 8:43

Phoenix Cafe

Great cafe, right on the Camino and open early on Saturdays.

1. June 2024 - 15:30

Casa Anabela

Casa Anabela was amazing. She greeted us with fresh lemonade when we arrived. Very kind and hospitable. Room was very clean. Price was good. Breakfast included. Highly recommend!

26. May 2024 - 9:30

Da Villa Breakfast is wonderful!

Found Da Villa Restaurant opened on an early Sunday morning! Great breakfast and coffee. Nice restaurant!

5. May 2024 - 16:09

Casa Mattos

Very nice host, we had a nice conversation between her Portuguese, google translate, my English and Spanish :). Nice room with private bath and good breakfast. The house is old and lovely but very clean and had everything we needed.

30. April 2024 - 7:31

Da Villa cafe Burgers are the Best!

There's a small cafe next to the church which sells great burgers at a good price.
Da Villa cafe, also sells Pizzas and sandwiches.

30. April 2024 - 7:29

Casa Mattos, Traditional Portuguese home

Casa Mattos has large rooms in a traditional Portuguese style.
A friendly welcome from the hosts, WiFi and breakfast is included. The rooms are cool and en suite.

30. August 2023 - 20:22

Casa Anabela

I stayed here based on these reviews and it didn’t disappoint. Bed is so comfortable and house is sparkling clean. My room had an air conditioner. Close to restaurant, cafe and Mini market.

10. June 2023 - 10:36

Ritual Restaurante: Great!

Great!!

5. May 2023 - 14:25

Lovely place to stay

Just got into Casa Anabela and it’s in a perfect location, right on the Camino. My private room is beautifully presented and has its own entrance. Anabela was very welcoming and everything is spotless. Highly recommend it for those walking between Vila do conte and Barcelos :)

11. April 2023 - 17:05

Casa Anabela. Very comfortable, private and worth it

Private en-suite and very modern, clean and inviting environment.
I enjoy the community feel and meeting other pilgrims at hostels but this was a much needed break, luxury and some alone time. Worth every penny.

12. January 2023 - 13:26

D' Volta

Very nice stop in the middle of the day. Nice lady running it.

20. October 2022 - 16:27

Casa Anabela is nice

I stayed at Casa Anabela a few days ago.
The place was nice, and the hostess really service minded.

8. June 2022 - 16:45

True Camino Albergue

Experience a welcoming and friendly albergue run by volunteers. Very helpful and we would definitely stay here again! Nice courtyard.

3. June 2022 - 2:09

Ritual Restaurant very good

5 mins walk from the municipal albergue, the Ritual Restaurant pilgrim menu for €9 provides bread, soup, main course, fruit, and coffee. Nicely cooked and a friendly welcome. Recommend you try it. Address is R. Tomé Sousa 149

27. September 2021 - 19:56

Anabel

I also am staying in a private room at Casa Anabel and it’s lovely. I have a private balcony and en suite, and it feels luxurious after a day of walking

15. July 2021 - 18:26

On the previous

On the previous recommendation, I too booked this and am not disappointed. Beautiful modern renovation, even a room with a balcony - great for drying the washing. Bathroom has separate bath and shower. Spotlessly clean. Worth every euro.

Programa MOVES IIIMinisterio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico — IDAEXunta de GaliciaInstituto Enerxético de Galicia (INEGA)Financiado por la Unión Europea — NextGenerationEUPlan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia

Esta entidad ha sido beneficiaria de una ayuda del Programa de incentivos a la movilidad eficiente y sostenible (MOVES III), gestionado por la Xunta de Galicia a través del Instituto Enerxético de Galicia (INEGA) en el marco del Real Decreto 266/2021, y cofinanciada por la Unión Europea — NextGenerationEU, dentro del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia.

Más información sobre la financiación recibida →