Following the Atlantic shoreline, the Portuguese Camino coastal route is perhaps the most scenic of the numerous pilgrimage trails that comprise the Camino de Santiago. See it for yourself on this culture-crammed cycling adventure. Starting in Porto, we follow the coast north, before crossing into Spain and biking to our goal: Santiago de Compostela, reputed burial site of the Apostle, Saint James. Along the way, we stop in a string of atmospheric coastal towns, while also collecting our stamps to receive our Compostela certificate in Santiago – proof you have completed this historic pilgrimage.
Activity Areas
Cycling
E-Bike
Road Cycling
Region & Country & City
Europe: Portugal, Spain
Included in the Price
— All breakfasts
— All accommodation
— All transport and listed activities
— Tour leader throughout
— Group arrival and departure transfers available
— Local bike hire
Not Included In The Price
— Travel insurance
— Single accommodation (available on request)
— Visas or vaccinations
— E-bike hire (available for an additional cost)
Accommodation Information
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (6 hotel, 1 guesthouse)
— Six days of cycling with partial vehicle support
— Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Start Porto
Depending on the time of your arrival in Porto, your leader will arrange a short orientation tour in the historic centre. There is plenty to see and we recommend travelling a day earlier if you are interested in exploring the city more.
Accommodation: Legendary Porto Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Leave Porto, cycle along the Atlantic to Esposende
Our cycling begins today, tracking the Atlantic north to the coastal town of Esposende; the day has the least climbs, which makes for a nice warm up. The first stage from Porto to the seaside town of Vila de Conde is particularly lovely, following the Douro river first and then the Atlantic coastline via a series of esplanades and boardwalks known as the Senda Litoral.
We likely pause for lunch at Vila do Conde, a one-time shipbuilding town with a historic centre and standout gothic monastery. This will be a great opportunity to taste some of the local fish dishes. We then continue to our base for the night, Esposende.
Accommodation: Hotel Save Mar (or similar)
Day 3 Continue along the coast; lunch in Viana do Castelo; end in Praia de Ancora
Our second day of cycling continues along the Atlantic coastline. We cycle inland to enjoy the lush green countryside as we pass many villages to arrive a the Lima River and then cross the Ponte Eiffel, an iron bridge built in 1878 by Gustave Eiffel and his then partner Theophile Seyrig.
Our goal is Viana do Castelo, an attractive medieval town with a long maritime history. We will stop for lunch, before cycling up the coast to Praia de Ancora, a one-time fishing village and now a popular seaside resort with a 17th-century fort (Forte da Lagarteira) and beautiful sandy beaches. We may have a chance to swim in the sea, though the water can be a little cold and choppy.
Accommodation: Hotel Meira (or similar)
Day 4 Coastal route and quick boat ride to Spain; lunch in Oia; end in Baiona
Today, we cycle along the coast (taking in more lovely views of the Atlantic as we go) and bid Portugal a fond farewell, taking a five-minute boat ride across the Miño river from the medieval town of Caminha. We will stop for lunch in the quaint seaside village of Oia, home to the 12th-century Santa Maria monastery.
Our final destination of the day is the lovely Galician town of Baiona, a favourite vacation destination for the Spanish though little-known by the rest of the world. Upon arrival, we may be able to take a dip in the Atlantic. The bay-sheltered waters here are likely to be a little warmer and calmer than yesterday.
Accommodation: Hotel Bahia Baiona (or similar)
Day 5 Cycle to Vigo, lunch in Redondela; arrive in Pontevedra
We continue along the coast today with views of the Cies Islands until we reach the outskirts of Vigo. We follow the river through the city, allowing us to avoid the urban sprawl, before we head to lunch in Redondela.
After food, we cycle inland to join the interior Portuguese Camino route and join many other Pilgrims. We will cross the 10-arch medieval bridge of Puente Sampayo before climbing the steep pass of Alto da Canicouva. We then descend into our destination for the day, Pontevedra, once a thriving port city and now home to one of the oldest historic quarters in Galicia.
Accommodation: Hotel Galicia Palace (or similar)
Day 6 Pedal through rural Galicia; visit Caldas de Reis; finish in Padron
Today we cross the Galician countryside, an idyllic rural landscape dotted with traditional villages. Many of the local people here produce their own white wine and we see their vines as we go. About halfway, we visit Caldas de Reis, where ancient Romans would make use of the hot thermal waters. There is now a fountain here where spring water pours out at a very pleasant temperature. We then continue cycling to Padron, a traditional town and our last stop before Santiago de Compostela.
Accommodation: A Casa Antigua do Monte (or similar)
Day 7 Cycle to Santiago de Compostela; walking along the historic town centre and farewell dinner
It’s our final day of cycling and we only have 15.5mi (25km) to cover, allowing us plenty of time in the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. In the afternoon, we enjoy walking along the city centre with an optional visit to the cathedral where Saint James is said to have been buried. If you’d like, the guide can take your passport to the Pilgrim’s Office to collect your Compostela certificate, allowing you to avoid the queues and enjoy more of this beautiful holy town.
In the evening, we have our farewell group dinner in a nice restaurant in Santiago centre, an excellent chance to relive our adventures together.
Accommodation: Hotel Gelmirez (or similar)
Upgrade to a room with a terrace today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 8 End Santiago de Compostela
The trip ends after breakfast. Say goodbye to the group and start your return journey home. If you’ve still got the appetite for more exploration, speak to your sales representative to book further nights in our Santiago de Compostela or Porto hotels.
