Portuguese Coastal Camino Cycle - Porto to Santiago
Portuguese Coastal Camino Cycle - Porto to Santiago
8 Days Starting in Porto, Portugal and ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Visiting: Porto, Esposende, Viana do Castelo, Praia de Ancora, Caminha, Baiona, O Porriño, Arcade, Pontevedra, Padron, Santiago de Compostela
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PWS
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure from Porto to Santiago on the Portuguese Coastal Camino. This self-guided tour takes you through the stunning landscapes of Portugal and Spain, offering a unique blend of cultural exploration and physical challenge. Cycle along the Atlantic coast, through charming fishing villages, and across scenic estuaries, all while following the historic Camino route. Enjoy the tranquility of a quieter pilgrimage path, culminating in the awe-inspiring arrival at Santiago de Compostela, home to its iconic cathedral. With mountain bike rental, luggage transfer, and comfortable accommodations in 3-4 star hotels and farmhouse B&Bs, this tour ensures a seamless experience. Delight in local cuisine with included breakfasts and dinners, and navigate with ease using a digital information pack. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or seeking a new adventure, this journey promises breathtaking views and enriching experiences.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Porto
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: hotel
Set on the banks of the Douro River, Porto’s historical centre was declared a World Heritage site in 1996 and in the 12th Century it was in Porto that the country took its name and became an independent nation. Its maritime legacies and importance as a New World trading port have shaped its rich heritage. After checking in to your hotel, take the time to explore the city with its many cultural sites including the impressive cathedral and port wine lodges. Overnight in Porto.
Day 2 : Cycle to Esposende (52km/40.6mi)
Location: Porto, Esposende
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning you go to the bike shop to collect your bike.There are two Coastal Camino routes from Porto, la Costa (original route, approx 3km inland) and Senda Litoral (which follows the coast). On the original route, after leaving Porto you will cycle along quiet country roads, passing a mixture of churches and historic sites. You will continue to head north along the coast crossing the Coastal Natural Park and the Cavado river in the direction to Esposende, an old fishing village located on the estuary of the River Cavado. On the Senda Litoral, you'll cycle through fishing villages and towns, and alongside promenades lined with bars and forests, with great views of the Atlantic Ocean.Ascent/descent: +438m/-520m If you prefer to spend more time in Porto today and/or avoid the largely urban cycle to Esposende, it is possible to have an afternoon transfer from Porto to Esposende. An additional cost applies and needs to be pre-booked (speak to our staff for details, including price). In this case the bikes (of similar models to those shown) will be available at the accommodation in Esposende and you do not meet the bike technician. You will still qualify for a Compostela Certificate on arrival into Santiago as you will have ridden just over 200km from Esposende to Santiago, which is the minimum requirement for cyclists.
Day 3 : Continue along the coast to Praia de Ancora (35km/21.8mi)
Location: Viana do Castelo, Praia de Ancora
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue cycling along the Atlantic coastline today passing through the villages of Marinhas, Belinho, Neiva and Darque until you reach the historic town of Viana do Castelo. Later you will pass farms before continuing to the fishing village of Praia de Ancora.Ascent/descent: +477m/-509m
Day 4 : Short cycle, then ferry at Caminha in Spain, continue by bike to Baiona (46km / 28.5mi)
Location: Caminha, Baiona
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning a short 10km cycle along the coast will bring you to the ferry terminal. From here you take the ferry at Caminha in Spain, across the river Miño. The cost of the ferry is not included (around EUR6 + bike extra). Continue by bike to Baiona.Ascent/descent: +477m/-509m
Day 5 : Join the traditional Camino and cycle to Pontevedra (66km/41.3mi)
Location: O Porriño, Arcade, Pontevedra
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you will join the traditional Camino. It is the toughest day of the trip. You cycle towards O Porriño, and then later in the day a short climb leads up to the chapel of Santiaguiño de Antas. Continue through pine forests en route to the fishing village of Arcade. Enjoy stunning views over the Bay of Vigo as you pedal towards the historic city of Pontevedra, where you stay tonight. In Pontevedra there are some interesting sites to be explored including the Santuario da Peregrin chapel and the Convento de San Francisco. Its medieval town centre is a maze of cobbled laneways with tapas bars and cafes.Ascent/descent: +1018m/-1009m
Day 6 : To Padron (40km/25mi)
Location: Padron
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you will pedal through chestnut groves, pine and eucalyptus forest. You will pass through the hamlet of Tivo and the village of Caldas de Reis, before crossing the River Umia and gradually climbing to the village of Santa Marina. Your destination for today is Padron, where the body of Saint James is said to have first landed, when it was brought to Santiago.Ascent/descent: +463m/-487m
Day 7 : On to Santiago (26km/16mi)
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The final day takes you again through pine, oak and eucalyptus wood before climbing up to reach Santiago. You will pass a number of small villages en route, before spotting the spires of Santiago’s Cathedral in the distance. If you time your arrival well you will be able to attend the midday Pilgrim’s Mass in Santiago, a very special experience. This afternoon you are free to discover the many interesting sites of Santiago’s charming old town at leisure.Ascent/descent: +436m/-193m
Day 8 : Trip concludes Santiago de Compostela
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in hotels and guesthouses -
Mountain Bike Rental
Travel includes mountain bike rental with helmet, handlebar bag, panniers, water bottle, repair kit, lock, and pump.
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer is provided for one piece with a maximum weight of 20kg.
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Ferry Ride
A ferry ride on day 3 is included.
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Digital Information Pack
A digital information pack with route notes and GPX
avigational app is provided. -
Pilgrim's Passport
A Pilgrim's Passport is included.
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Emergency Hotline
An emergency hotline is available.
What's Not Included
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Travel to Porto and from Santiago de Compostela
Travel to Porto and from Santiago de Compostela is not included.
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Meals Not Listed
Meals not listed as included and drinks are not provided.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
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Bike Upgrades
Advanced model MTB, electric touring e-bike, and e-MTB are available for a supplement.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees are not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday; a guide is not included.
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Single Room Supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Transfers Not Listed
Transfers not listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers by Taxi or Public Transport
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
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Ferry on Day 3
The ferry on day 3 is not included.
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Excess Luggage
Excess luggage is not included.
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Handlebar Phone Holder
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using GPX files.
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Items of a Personal Nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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Lunch and Drinks
Lunch and drinks throughout the trip and 3 dinners are not included.
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Helmet Rental
Helmet rental is not included. Helmets are available for purchase or you can bring your own.
Grading
GRADE 3 - with daily cycling distances from 24 to 66km / 15 to 41mi over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to hilly. There will be some dirt roads as well as the occasional rocky path used during this tour. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good to high level of fitness and some technical skills (for the Baiona-Pontevedra stage). Minor roads with reduced traffic are customary on this trip and we recommend that you familiarise yourself with road cycling in light traffic in order to participate. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
CYCLING THE CAMINO - All Camino cycling routes have some demanding parts requiring some technical skills and physical preparation. Some have signposted detours for cyclists but in the main cyclists continue along the Camino, having to get off bikes to avoid obstacles and walkers. The Portuguese 'Central' route is more demanding than the Portuguese Coastal route and in Spain - mainly due to signposting (it's not as well prepared for cyclists as in Spain) and the terrain is more marked.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes mountain bike rental with helmet, handlebar bag, panniers, water bottle, repair kit, lock, and pump. Luggage transfer is provided, and a ferry ride on day 3 is included.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in a combination of 3-4 star hotels and farmhouse B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in a combination of 3-4 star hotels and farmhouse B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners. Breakfasts are usually continental, including breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee, and juices. Dinners consist of 3 courses, typically starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish, or pasta dish, and finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the cycling tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided with a maximum of 1 piece weighing up to 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What cycling equipment is included in the tour?
The tour includes mountain bike rental with a helmet, handlebar bag, panniers, water bottle, repair kit, lock, and pump. Bike options such as trekking bikes, premium MTB, electric MTB, or e-trekking bikes are available on request for a supplement.
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Is there a guide provided during the cycling tour?
No, this is a self-guided cycling holiday, so a guide is not included.
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What should I carry during the cycling day?
During the cycling day, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling tour?
The tour is graded as level 3, with daily cycling distances ranging from 24 to 66km over diverse terrain, including relatively flat to hilly areas. It is suitable for cyclists with a good to high level of fitness and some technical skills, especially for the Baiona-Pontevedra stage.
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Are there any specific recommendations for cycling the Camino route?
All Camino cycling routes have some demanding parts requiring technical skills and physical preparation. Some routes have signposted detours for cyclists, but cyclists mainly continue along the Camino, sometimes needing to get off bikes to avoid obstacles and walkers. The Portuguese 'Central' route is more demanding than the Portuguese Coastal route, particularly in Spain, due to signposting and terrain.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
