Portuguese Coastal Camino Cycle - Porto to Santiago

Name: Portuguese Coastal Camino Cycle - Porto to Santiago
Brand: UTracks
SKU: PWS
Rating: 4.45 (33 reviews)

Cycling the Portuguese Way | Gus Cheung

Finishing the Portuguese Way | Gus Cheung

Visit Porto on a cycling or walking trip along the Portuguese Camino | Jaclyn Lofts

Marker on the Compostela Trail / Way of St James | Gabriella Dean

The famous cathedral in Santiago | Erin Williams

Cyclists entering a village on the Portuguese Camino

Cycling the Portuguese Way | Gus Cheung

Finishing the Portuguese Way | Gus Cheung

Visit Porto on a cycling or walking trip along the Portuguese Camino | Jaclyn Lofts

Marker on the Compostela Trail / Way of St James | Gabriella Dean

The famous cathedral in Santiago | Erin Williams

Cyclists entering a village on the Portuguese Camino

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Duration

8 days

Activities

self guided cycle

Accommodation

7 nights in hotels and guesthouses

Meals

5 Dinners
7 Breakfasts

Price

$1960USD

Overview

Trip Code: PWS

Trip highlights

Cycling from Portugal into Spain
Exploring towns and villages on the ocean's and estuaries' shores and along the traditional Camino route to Santiago
Arriving into Santiago with its historic cathedral and impressive architecture
Enjoying a quieter pilgrimage route

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.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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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 (52km/40.6mi)

This morning you go to the bike shop to collect your bike. Today 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. 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.

Meals: B,D

Day 3
Continue along the coast to Praia de Ancora (35km/21.8mi)

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

Meals: B,D

Day 4
Short cycle, then ferry at Caminha in Spain, continue by bike to Baiona (46km / 28.5mi)

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

Meals: B,D

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

Meals: B,D

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

Meals: B,D

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.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts, 5 dinners - Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
7 nights in a combination of 3-4 star hotels & farmhouse B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Mountain bike (MTB) rental (standard model) with helmet, repair kit, lock, panniers, water bottle & pump. Bike options available on request: Trekking (non-MTB) bike, or with supplement: Premium MTB or electric MTB or e-Trekking bike. Equipment available: gel saddle, toe clips, SPD pedals, helmet purchase - supplement applies
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Digital information pack with route notes & GPX
Pilgrim's Passport
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Porto and from Santiago de Compostela
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Bike upgrade models, helmet purchase (if you prefer not to use the rental helmet provided) - supplement applies
Toe clips, gel saddle, SPD pedals - please ask for our rates
Entrance fees not listed as included
Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Ferry on day 3
Excess luggage
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder – to follow the route more easily using GPX files
Hotel taxes - if applicable are payable directly to the hotel
Items of a personal nature

Bike information

Mountain Bike - Standard

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 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.

Mountain Bike - Premium Model

Supplement applies. Usual models:- Trek X-Caliber (sizes XS, S, L, XL) - Cannondale Trail (M) - Corratex X-vert (M)

Electric Mountain Bike

Upgrade to an electric Mountain Bike (E-MTB): the usual model is BEEQ M500 Wild (size S, M, L). A supplement applies.

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.

Electric Trekking Bike

Upgrade to an electric trekking bike, the usual model is BEEQ C8000 Trekking (size M, L). A supplement applies.

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.

Hybrid Trekking Bike - standard (on request)

The usual model is Kalkoff Durban Pro - these come in mens and ladies/low bar styles, sizes S, M,L. Available on request.

Grading

moderate

GRADE 3 The cycling is moderate (3) grade 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.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 15 Oct

Notes

High Season

DN1

High season is from 7 to 21 Apr and 15 Jul to 15 Sep. Supplement applies to high season departures.

Note:

It is possible to book a transfer on day 2 to Esposende to avoid cycling this day through urban centres - supplement applies - must be requested at time of booking. Delivery of bike will be on the evening of day 2 if taking the transfer option.

Note:

Other dates are available on request. Supplements may apply outside of the main season due to additional charges for luggage transfers and hotel closures (some transfers may be required to confirm your booking).

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1960USD

Options & Supplements*

Helmet purchaseUSD$50
Bike upgrade supplement - MTB premium modelUSD$60
Fisterra Day Trip ex Santiago - daily departures 15 April to 31 OctoberUSD$80
Electric bike supplement: e-MTB or e-trekkingUSD$200
Excess luggage (max extra 1 piece pp, max 20kg in weight) -additional pieces on requestUSD$240
Single SupplementUSD$560
Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$580

*Prices listed are per person

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