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On this self-guided cycling tour, you will follow the wild Atlantic coasts of Portugal and Spain from the UNESCO World Heritage City of Porto, all the way to Santiago de Compostela!
Bike the millennial Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, and explore the unique history of this ancient journey. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the distinct cultures, landscapes and cuisines of two different countries, cycling across the border from Portugal to Spain.
Along the way, you’ll discover picturesque fishing villages, historic medieval monasteries and three separate Protected Denomination of Origin wine regions. You’ll stay in the region’s very best hotels, including a fortress originally constructed to defend against pirates!
Our route is designed to comply with the minimum cycling distance required to obtain the Compostela certificate, which confirms your official status as a pilgrim once you arrive into Santiago!
Day 1: Porto
Accommodation: Hotel Eurostars das Artes
Arrival at leisure in Porto, the second biggest and most populated city in Portugal, just after Lisbon.
In Porto, you can visit attractions such as the Cathedral, the Tower “de los Clérigos”, Church do Carmo, Plaza de la Libertad and, of course, take a walk along the Douro River. We also recommend a visit to the beautiful Lello Bookshop, said to have inspired JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series.
Don’t forget to drop by the Cathedral to pick up your credencial: the document that demonstrates your status as a pilgrim. You will need to get this stamped twice a day at hotels, restaurants and anywhere else you might visit in order to be awarded your certificate of pilgrimage once you arrive in Santiago!
Day 2: Porto – Vila do Conde
Route: 38.7 km/24.1 miles
Elevation: +309m/+1015 ft
Accommodation: Villa C Boutique Hotel
The Camino begins!
Your first cycle route takes you along the banks of the Douro River all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, to follow the coast northwards past long, sandy beaches. If all that cycling makes you peckish, you’ll find plenty of beachfront grills that will barbecue freshly-caught fish for you to give you energy for the next part of your ride!
You’ll spend the night in Vila do Conde, a pretty town built during the Portuguese Golden Age. The town’s skyline is dominated by the imposing Monastery of Santa Clara, as well as the aqueduct that was built in the 18th century to bring water to the monastery and of which nearly 1000 arches still remain.
Those wishing to add another day to their trip can spend a second night in Vila do Conde, and cycle to Ponte de Lima, one of the most beautiful towns on the Portuguese Camino and the capital of vinho verde, the slightly sparkling white wine produced in northern Portugal.
Day 3: Vila do Conde – Viana do Castelo
Route: 52.1 km/32.4 miles
Elevation: +330m/+1083 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Melo Alvim
Today’s route continues northwards along the coastline, passing by sand dunes and traditional windmills. At Fao, you’ll cross the bridge over the river Cádavo and into Esposende, where you’ll follow the estuary before turning slightly inland to explore ancient medieval town such as Castelo do Neiva, whose Benedictine monastery dates back to the 11th century, before crossing the Eiffel bridge over the River Lima into Viana do Castelo.
You’ll spend tonight in the picturesque town of Viana do Castelo, overlooked by the hilltop Basilica del Sagrado Corazón, which was inspired by the Sacre Coeur in Paris.
Day 4: Viana do Castelo – Baiona
Route: 60.4 km/37.5 miles
Elevation: +526m/1727 ft
Accommodation: Parador de Baiona
Today you’ll enjoy fabulous views as you continue to follow the coastline north, passing by ancient monasteries and small popular shrines, until we reach the medieval border town of Caminha. Don’t miss the rude gargoyle at the church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, a symbol of the historic enmity between Portugal and Spain!
In Caminha, you’ll take a boat across the River Miño to begin the Spanish portion of your journey in the charming fishing village of A Guarda, where you’ll cycle around the base of the Monte de Santa Tegra to follow a coastak cycle path along one of the wilder portions of Spain’s Atlantic coast towards Baiona. Along the way, you’ll pass by the beautiful beachfront Monastery de Santa María de Oia.
Once in Baiona, you can spend some time exploring the city’s atmospheric historic centre and quaint fishing port. The town’s most important historic building is the Castelo de Monterreal, a medieval fortress that still retains the cannons once used to defend the town from pirates, and which offers fabulous views over the bay from the parapet. Nowadays, it is a luxury hotel; your hotel for the night, in fact!
If you have an extra day to play with, we highly recommend a second night in the charming town of Baiona. You can spend the day taking a cruise to the Cíes Islands: a protected nature reserve known as “the Caribbean of Galicia” thanks to their pristine white sand beaches and crystalline waters.
Day 5: Baiona – Pontevedra
Route: 66.8 km/41.5 miles
Elevation: +905m/2968 ft
Accommodation: Parador de Pontevedra
Today, the Camino takes you around the bay of Baiona and over the Romanesque bridge into A Ramallosa and continues inland towards Vigo, Galicia’s largest city. It’s well worth stopping here to admire the many sculptures that decorate the city, including one dedicated to Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and to enjoy the tapas that many bars in Vigo give out for free to accompany drinks.
Leaving Vigo behind, we’ll follow a vía verde (disused railway line converted into a traffic-free cycle path) towards Redondela, before following the course of the River Tomenza into Pontevedra.
You’ll spend the night in the interesting Camino city of Pontevedra, where we highly recommend a visit to the Santuario de la Virgen Peregrina, dedicated to the patron of the Portuguese Camino and featuring a unique scallop shell floor. Pontevedra is the first city of the albariño wine region, so we highly recommend trying some of this light Galicial white wine.
Day 6: Pontevedra – Santiago de Compostela
Route: 65.3 km/40.6 miles
Elecation: +986m/+3234 ft
Accommodation: Hostal Reyes Católicos
The Camino today takes you out of Pontevedra and towards the spa town of Caldas de Reis, situated at the confluence of the rivers Bermaña and Umia, and well-known for its geothermal hot springs.
From here, you’ll continue north along quiet forest paths towards the town of Padrón, famous for the small green peppers of the same name. We highly recommend that you make a quick stop here to try a tapa of freshly fried and salted peppers, but remember the saying: “Padrón peppers, some are hot, and others are not!”
Leaving Padrón behind, you’ll face one last climb up to Santiago de Compostela and the end of your journey! Your pilgrimage finishes in front of Santiago Cathedral, where you can celebrate along with the hundreds of pilgrims who arrive into Santiago every day, just as they have been doing for centuries. You can collect your Compostela certificate, which certifies your status as a pilgrim, at the Pilgrim’s Office beside the Cathedral. Congratulations – you’ve earned it!
Day 7: Departure
Whether your plan is to return home or continue your travels in Europe, Santiago is a great stepping off point. Its small but new international airport is very well connected to Spanish destinations and to nearby European cities like London and Paris. Flights out are generally very well priced for those who plan in advance.
OPTIONAL: One extra day to the Galician coast. Finesterre was thought to be where the world ended when the sunset on the horizon over the Atlantic. It has remained significant over the centuries for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Surrounded by brilliant blue waters and an authentic fishing village, Finesterre and its lighthouse is the km 0 of Camino. It is a valuable reward to end your trip by including an extra night in the Parador Santiago. Ask for a price quote.
Eurostars das Artes
The Eurostars Das Artes Hotel comprises two buildings, one historical and the other modern, and has a sky-blue tiled facade to welcome guests.
This hotel is located in the center of Porto. It is surrounded by art and culture and it’s the perfect place for someone looking to enjoy a good port wine. Elegance and good taste invade all corners of the hotel.
Villa C Boutique Hotel
Villa C Boutique Hotel is located on the south bank of the River Ave, in Azurara. This 4-star property features a luxury spa and rooms with a balcony.
This boutique hotel features a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a gym and conference rooms making it the perfect spot for business and leisure. In addition, the hotel features a lobby market, a grocery store and an outdoor lounge.
Hotel Casa Melo Alvim
Casa Melo Alvim hotel is located in the historic centre of Viana do Castelo.
It is the oldest urban manor house in the town, having been built in 1509 in the Manueline style. This manor house has been carefully restored, and transformed into a comfortable and welcoming 4 star hotel.
Guests can enjoy a luxury breakfast in the cozy bar with live piano music. A Baroque-style staircase leads to the upper floors and the library.
Parador de Baiona
To the south of the Rías Baixas, protected by the sea and with views over the beautiful Bay of Baiona, is the peninsula of Monterreal. There, we find the Parador de Baiona: a historical castle with spectacular views of the ocean.
A mix between a medieval castle and a Galician stately home, the Parador offers regal and elegant rooms, carefully decorated to will take you back in time to another age. Outstanding features include the majestic stone stairway in the reception area and a huge garden, equipped with a large swimming pool, from where you can view the entire bay.
Parador de Pontevedra
You will be welcomed by a stately carved stone staircase.The building is decorated with beautiful antiques and classic furniture.
The Parador, once the residence of the counts of Maceda, is located in the old quarter of the magnificent city of Pontevedra. It combines regal, noble and stately styles with charming rural elements. The surrounding area invites you to visit coves and beaches, and to enjoy fine seafood and excellent wine.
Parador de Santiago – Hostal Reis Catolicos
The Parador de Santiago is a blend of history, art and tradition. It is the dream stay for pilgrims and the emblem of Santiago.
The hotel is located in Obradoiro Square near the cathedral, creating an area of spectacular beauty in one of the most visited provincial capitals in the world. A stay at this Parador means a visit to a truly unique and exclusive location.
1.660,00€
Our self-guided tour along the Portuguese Way takes pilgrims across the border from Portugal to Spain, discovering the unique history and culture of the millennial route of the Camino de Santiago.
| Dates | Any date up to Oct 31 2024 |
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We had a wonderful trip. Caminha( I think) is the most beautiful town. We were blown away. It was so much fun to arrive at Parador de Baiona. It’s so impressive. We love the paradise.
And the Santiago and Finisterre. What more do we need to say. They are amazing.
The whole trip was great. We loved it!!
Previously had a great experience doing the El Camino -Spanish route in 2015 with Bike Spain. It was also important to have our
same guide, Catherine Knight, again on this Portuguese Camino.
I would change Nothing-well Done !
The most spectacular day of the entire tour was our sail boat day out to the Islands ! That gorgeous day and experience will be imprinted on my mind forever !
