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8-Day Portuguese Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage Bike Tour

Follow this fantastic historical pilgrimage route from Portugal to Spain by bike ... ending at Santiago de Compostela. Much of your route is along the lovely coast on quiet roads and paths, with pristine beaches, seafood, wine and sweeping views.

Start - End: Porto - Santiago de Compostela

Total trip: 8 days

Average group size: 12 people

from USD 4,899/pp including taxes and fees

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Portuguese Camino de Santiago Bike Tour Porto waterfront
Portuguese Camino de Santiago Bike Tour  biking by a field
Portuguese Camino de Santiago Bike Tour Porto
Portuguese Camino de Santiago Bike Tour Wine
Portuguese Camino de Santiago Bike Tour Santa Luiza
Portuguese Camino de Santiago Bike Tour Porto waterfront
Portuguese Camino de Santiago Bike Tour  biking by a field
Portuguese Camino de Santiago Bike Tour Porto
Portuguese Camino de Santiago Bike Tour Wine
Portuguese Camino de Santiago Bike Tour Santa Luiza
Portuguese Camino de Santiago Bike Tour Marina
Portuguese Camino de Santiago Bike Tour Azulejos blue tiles
Portuguese Camino de Santiago Bike Tour Vigo shorleine
Portuguese Camino de Santiago Bike Tour Beach
Portuguese Camino de Santiago Bike Tour Octopus

Ride the Portuguese Camino from Porto to Santiago with ocean views and historic villages.

Follow this fantastic historical pilgrimage route from Portugal to Spain by bike ... ending at the famous city of Santiago de Compostela. Known as the “Way of Saint James” or “El Camino de Santiago,” treks to this city have been popular for centuries. Much of our bike route is along the lovely coast — mostly on quiet roads and paths, with pristine beaches and sweeping views. Visit small villages, cross many rivers, and tour the delightful town of Porto. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage cities and taste fresh seafood, wine and other local specialties. Stay in a range of hotels that warmly welcome visitors … on a route that’s been traveled by pilgrims for centuries. Join us to follow in the footsteps of those seeking a fun challenge — or spiritual renewal — that echoes through the ages.

Trip Highlights

From start to finish, check out the route.

This UNESCO World Heritage city is known for its port wine … but also for a rich heritage of ancient churches and monuments — such as the Porto Cathedral, the Church of São Francisco and the Bolsa Palace — and modern buildings, such as Casa da Música and the Serralves Museum. Start your trip with the group in the afternoon with a walking tour of the historic streets of this famous city and a tasting of Porto wines.
Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé Porto Ribeira, Porto
Meals: Dinner

After breakfast, begin your cycling right from the hotel with a spin through the city of Porto. Enjoy bike paths alongside the Douro River 7 miles all the way to the seaport town of Leça da Palmeira — famous for its ancient lighthouse and fort. From here, ride along the Portuguese coastline past beaches and on boardwalks that provide spectacular ocean views. Consider stopping in the interesting and ancient village of Vila do Conde and the small fishing town of Póvoa do Varzim before getting to the village of Ofir — which is surrounded by dunes and pine trees and the clear waters of the Cávado River on one side and an expanse of ocean with a golden sandy beach on the other side.
Accommodation: Axis Ofir Beach Resort Hotel, Ofir
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 35.9 miles (57.8 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,395 feet (425 meters) ascent, 1,383 feet (422 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

Ride north today crossing the Cávado River to Esposende. After a short uphill section, you reach Viana do Castelo, jewel of the Costa Verde — with a medieval center, where you find good options for lunch. From here, you can see the “Monte de Santa Luzia” with its 20th century neo-Byzantine church on top of a 750-foot eucalyptus-clad hill. After Viana, continue riding north and inland on paved roads to Vila Praia de Âncora, and then continue on the coastal Camino route towards Caminha. Spend the night here right by the Minho River estuary, where the river meets the Atlantic. The village of Caminha is an ancient fortified border town situated at the mouth of the Minho River.
Accommodation: Rinoterra Minho, Caminha
Meals: Breakfast

Biking: 35 miles (56.3 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,350 feet (411 meters) ascent, 1,377 feet (420 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier to Intermediate

From Caminha, take the ferry across the Minho River to enter one of the most beautiful regions of Spain, Galicia. Continue straight to A Guarda where you visit its famous hilltop “castro” — the name for a Celtic settlement (Castro de Santa Tegra). From the fishing village of A Guarda, the route continues northward with breathtaking views of the ocean on your left. Tonight, you reach the seaside town of Baiona with its gorgeous marina. While in Baiona, visit the towns attractions, and chose somewhere for dinner on your on tonight.
Meals: Breakfast

Biking: 25.6 miles (41.2 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,259 feet (384 meters) ascent, 1,202 feet (366 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

After breakfast, head toward Vigo to enjoy one of the most beautiful views in the region … the Ría de Vigo, where seawater mixes with the river. The mouth of the river is protected by the Cies Islands, which are part of the National Park of the Atlantic Islands. The Ría de Vigo features the picturesque islands of Toralla and San Simón. To the north is the Morrazo Peninsula. Descend into the busy city of Vigo, the largest Galician city. Then head toward Redondela, where the central Camino and the coastal Camino join. Pedal north to reach Pontevedra, your home for the night. Explore the well-preserved old town and Gothic Santa María la Mayor Basilica here. The Ruínas de San Domingos are the remains of a 14th-century convent.
Accommodation: Hotel Galicia Palace, Pontevedra
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 38.7 miles (62.3 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,405 feet (733 meters) ascent, 2,441 feet (744 meters) descent
Terrain: Intermediate

Today, you leave the water behind, and you notice another change in the landscape … since you return to inland Galicia with mountains and great views as a reward. Your destination today is Padrón, a village known for its green peppers, the Padrón peppers (pementos de Padrón). These were brought from South America 400 years ago by monks and then grown in the garden of a convent. Padrón peppers became a favorite on local dinner tables and are now known all over Spain. Take some time to visit the village, la Iglesia de Santiago, the Jardin Botanico or climb to the Santiaguiño do Monte — an archaeological site dating back to the Iron Age (3rd century BCE), commonly known as the place the apostle chose to preach the gospel. The town of Padrón is believed to be the place where the ship landed carrying the body of Saint James on the way to Santiago de Compostela.
Accommodation: Hotel Scala, Lestrobe
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 23.9 miles (38.5 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,540 feet (469 meters) ascent, 1,521 feet (464 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier to Intermediate

A short ride through the countryside completes the last stage of the “Way of St. James” to reach Santiago de Compostela — one of the world’s most important religious and spiritual sites. It’s been popular since the Middle Ages as a religious pilgrimage to visit the remains of Saint James. In modern times, it’s been a social, physical and spiritual journey for many. Meet this afternoon for a guided walk to explore the Cathedral of Saint James and the historical center of Santiago … and celebrate your achievement on the Camino. Wander the cobbled streets of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stay in lodgings that once hosted royalty. Tonight, celebrate the end of your Camino tour with a farewell dinner.
Accommodation:  Parador de Santiago "Hostal dos Reis Católicos", Santiago de Compostela
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 16.4 miles (26.4 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,565 feet (477 meters) ascent, 781 feet (238 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier to Intermediate

After breakfast, your tour comes to an end. A shuttle is offered after breakfast to the Santiago Airport for your travels home. Or stay on for more travels in Spain!
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast

Inns

Hotel Vila Gale on our Portugal bike tour

Hotel Vila Galé Porto Ribeira

Just a few minutes from the historic center and the main tourist attractions, but also close to Lordelo do Ouro, in a picturesque fishing area, Vila Galé Porto Ribeira is a charming hotel resulting from the renovation of four buildings in the Cais das Pedras area, close to Alfândega do Porto and approximately 15 kilometres from Sá Carneiro airport. With a painting theme, this hotel stands right in front of the Douro, with a privileged view of the river. It also takes advantage of its proximity to the riverside area of ​​Porto and offers paper-free check in and service.

Parador Baiona hotel on our Portugal bike tour

Parador Baiona

To the south of the Rías Baixas, protected by the sea and overlooking the beautiful Bay of Baiona, lies the Monterreal peninsula. Here you will find the Parador de Baiona, a historic fortress with spectacular views of the ocean. Halfway between a medieval castle and a stately Galician palace, the Parador has regal and elegant rooms, whose careful decoration will transport you to another era. The majestic stone staircase in the hall is stunning, and its immense garden is equipped with a large swimming pool, from where you can contemplate the entire bay.

Hostal dos Reis Catolicos hotel on our Portugal bike tour

Parador de Santiago "Hostal dos Reis Católicos

The Parador de Santiago de Compostela is considered the oldest hotel in Spain. It is located in the Plaza del Obradoiro next to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, one of the most visited in the world, and has witnessed the movement of pilgrims throughout the centuries. It was founded as a Royal Hospital for the Catholic Monarchs to provide them with shelter and is now known as Hostal dos Reis Católicos. The historic building preserves the Plateresque façade on the outside, four cloisters, elegant corridors and hallways and spectacular rooms. It has an excellent collection of art work as well.

Poolside view of Rinoterra Minho – Portugal

Rinoterra Minho

Tucked into the rolling vineyards of northern Portugal, this beautifully restored wine estate invites you to slow down and savor the moment. Expect peaceful surroundings, thoughtful design, and warm hospitality for an authentic countryside retreat that pairs perfectly with a day of riding.

Exterior view of Hotel Galicia Palace – Pontevedra, Spain

Hotel Galicia Palace

This contemporary hotel offers comfort and convenience in the heart of Pontevedra. You’ll appreciate spacious rooms, attentive service, and an easygoing atmosphere. Enjoy a welcoming place to relax, recharge, and reflect on another memorable day exploring Galicia by bike.

Pool view of Hotel Scala – Padrón, Spain

Hotel Scala

Beautiful, friendly, and ideally located, Hotel Scala is a comfortable pause along Galicia’s historic routes. You’ll relax in inviting rooms, enjoy genuine hospitality, and appreciate the easygoing atmosphere. It's a restful place to recharge after a rewarding day of cycling and exploration.

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FAQs

On the first day of the tour please meet at Hotel Vila Galé Porto Ribeira at 3pm. You are welcome to book your pre-tour stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Porto, though you must make your own way to the Hotel Vila Galé Porto Ribeira at the pre-designated time.

Your tour ends at Parador de Santiago at 9am.

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Porto before 2pm. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your tour start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the tour, you can depart from Santiago de Compostela after 1pm.

You’ll need a solid level of fitness for this tour. By far the best way to get in shape for riding a bicycle is by riding a bicycle! Build up gradually by riding more each time and be regular in your schedule. Practice using the low (easiest pedalling) gears on your bicycle and keep your legs moving quickly (a pace of 70-90 rpm is recommended). This is called “spinning,” and it takes much of the pressure off your knees, while still being the best exercise for conditioning and strengthening. Stationary bikes, rowing machines, NordicTrack-type exercisers, aerobics, and jogging are all excellent ways to get in condition as well. And don’t forget to stretch before and after your workouts.

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your tour, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You may also like to bring along a small camelbak to carry your water in and a layer of clothing for when you're on the bike trail.

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What's included

  • 7 nights’ accommodation
  • 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners
  • You’re supported from start to finish by our highly experienced guides and leaders
  • Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • Delicious snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to keep you fueled
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • Branded t-shirt and bag
  • Gravel bikes with drop handlebars, Hybrid with flat-bar handlebars, or E-Bikes - equipped with a front handlebar bag or rear carrier, branded water bottle, mirror, and flat pedals
  • Ride with GPS for navigation along with the detailed maps and itineraries
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!
  • Your queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team - only a call, chat, or email away
  • You’re “trip ready” with our Customer Care Team’s calls prior to your trip
  • “My Account” - your own online space with everything required for your adventure

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