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The Portuguese Coastal Way is a stunning alternative to the main route of the Portuguese Camino. The first half of this tour will have you cycling along the Atlantic coast, enjoying the view of the wild coastline and passing charming seaside towns en route. A ferry crossing will bring you from Portugal into Spain, where you will then join the traditional Portuguese Camino route and pedal into the famed city of Santiago de Compostela.
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32kg of CO2-e PP per day
(224kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Porto
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.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle to Esposende (52-62km/32.5-39mi)
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 There are options to transfer from Porto to Esposende if you prefer to avoid the largely urban cycle. An additional cost will apply and this needs to be pre-booked (speak to our staff for details and prices). option 1 - transfer to the bike shop as usual after breakfast to collect the bike then transfer to Esposende option 2 - collect the bike independently from the bike shop and transfer to Esposende from your hotel at your preferred time (eg later in the day, allowing you to spend more time in Porto) option 3 - transfer directly to the Esposende hotel, with bikes available at the accommodation there. In this case you do not meet the bike technician. With the transfer, you will still qualify for the Compostela Certificate as you will have ridden just over 200km from Esposende to Santiago which is the minimum requirement for cyclists.
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Continue along the coast to Praia de Ancora (40km/25mi)
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 (48km/30mi)
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)
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)
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)
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
Meals: B
Day 8
Trip concludes Santiago de Compostela
Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.
What's included
What's not included
The accommodations on this trip provide a comfortable and welcoming experience, with en-suite rooms and a cozy atmosphere that reflects the character of the region. Located conveniently to the cycling route, they provide an authentic taste of local hospitality.
During the trip you will be provided with a quality mountain bike (MTB), the usual model is Univega Summit (aluminium frame, 29” rims, 20speed - sizes XS, S, M, L). You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a handlebar bag, lock, repair kit and water bottle. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a puncture repair kit, to fix the issue.
Mountain bikes generally have a higher cross bar and are more robust than standard trekking bikes. Standard trekking bikes are available on request - see below.
Supplement applies. Usual models: Trek X-Caliber (sizes XS, S, L, XL) - Cannondale Trail (M) - Corratex X-vert (M)
Supplement applies. The usual model: Corratect All Road A2
Supplement applies. The usual model: BEEQ M500 Wild (size S, M, L)
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 16 years, minimum height requirement is 150cm / 5ft, maximum height is 185-190cm / 6ft25. Note: handlebar bags are not supplied with e-bikes.
Supplement applies. The usual model: BEEQ C800 Trekking (size S, M, L, XL).
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for a rental e-bike is 16 years, minimum height requirement is 150cm / 5ft25, maximum height requirement 185-190cm/6ft23. Note: handlebar bags are not supplied with e-bikes. High and low bar frames available.
Supplement applies. The usual model: Kalkoff Durban Pro - high and low bar (step through) frames available (sizes S, M, L)
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.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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