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Cycle the Coastal Portion of Camino Portugues

Walking over a month isn’t the only way to do the Camino. If you’d like to pack more kilometers in just 8 days and go along a far less popular route, this coastal portion of Camino Portugues is as good as it gets! We’ve done all variations of the Camino countless times, and this route promises a scenic pilgrimage like no other—we’ll pedal along the coastline of northern Portugal and Spain, visiting sandy beaches, historic towns, and charming coastal villages along the way. The majestic Atlantic Ocean will follow us along almost the whole way through, and for the grand finale, we’ll cycle into Santiago de Compostela (and get our pilgrim certificate!), taking in our journey and our accomplishments in front of the iconic cathedral. This part of Portugal and Spain is steeped in history, and we’ll make sure to showcase you its best-ofs: the food, the culture, and the unmatched atmosphere!

Silvia Santos
Silvia Santos

Adventure highlights

  • Cycle a 170-mile (275-km) section
    By cycling instead of walking the Camino, we’ll cover more ground and see much more in less time
  • Unique cultural experience
    Not only will you feel the unparalleled spirit of the Camino, but you’ll also learn about the area, its culture, and its cuisine
  • Worry-free adventure
    Just cycle and enjoy the week—we handle luggage transfers, bike rentals, lodgings, and more

Itinerary

The coastal portion of Camino Portugues is such a magical route, and to get the most of it in the shortest period of time, there’s nothing better than cycling along it! Over 8 days, we’ll cover 170 miles (275 km) from Portugal’s vibrant Porto to the historical Santiago de Compostela—and get our official pilgrim certificate. We take care of breakfasts, lodgings, luggage transfers, bike rentals, routes, and more, so all that’s left to do is take in the views, enjoy the atmosphere of the Camino pilgrimage, and soak up the immaculate atmosphere!

  • Today is all about arriving in Porto, strolling through the city, and resting for tomorrow. Set on the bank of the Douro River near the Atlantic Ocean, the city is perhaps best known internationally for its famous Port wine. The entire city of Porto has also become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Spend the evening exploring the town or enjoying a glass of their famous wine. We’ll all meet up in the afternoon, settle into our accommodation for the night, and get some rest for tomorrow.

    Accommodation: 2 or 3-star hotel or guesthouse

    Vedute of Porto, Portugal.
  • After breakfast, it’s time to start pedaling! From the city center of Porto, we will head out along the Douro River to the Atlantic coastline which we will follow north. Passing by beach resorts, we may be tempted more than once to dip our toes in the sea today! To shorten the day, we can take the metro to the coast to start from there. We’ll end the day in the linked coastal villages of Vila do Conde and Póvoa de Varzim, where our accommodation is located.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Distance: 23.6 miles / 38 km
    Accommodation: 2 or 3-star hotel or guesthouse

    Sunset on a beach in the Portuguese town of Póvoa de Varzim.
  • After another delicious breakfast, we will make our way to the market town of Barcelos for our last night in Portugal. We’ll enjoy the change of scenery from beach to quiet country lanes, screened by eucalyptus and pine woods. Once there, we can have a picnic or even a swim in the Rio Este and visit a parish church dedicated to St Peter and reputedly ordered by St James himself on his evangelisation of the peninsula.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Distance: 27.9 miles / 44.9km
    Accommodation: 2 or 3-star hotel or guesthouse

    Bridge in Viana do Castelo.
  • After breakfast, we’ll continue along the coast of Portugal, following a boardwalk for a while before cycling parallel to the coast road on a very safe cycling path. We can stop along the way to have lunch and admire charming villages we’ll be crossing as well as the viewpoints. We will cross the border to Spain on a ferry and arrive in Baiona via a cycling path. Baiona is a jewel of a town—small enough to be quiet yet big enough to have plenty to do and see.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Distance: 39 miles / 63 km
    Accommodation: 2 or 3-star hotel or guesthouse

    Aerial view of Baiona.
  • Leaving Baiona, the first part of the day is again marvelous, with some wild coast cycling. We will be passing through Vigo, the largest town of the region, and the busy roads will be a contrast to the previous days. It will take us around 1.5 hours to cross the city and head back to the classic Camino Portugues. Day 5 ends in the lovely town of Pontevedra. There is a great historical center and a vibrant atmosphere waiting for you.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Distance: 38.6 miles / 62.2 km
    Accommodation: 2 or 3-star hotel or guesthouse

    The old town of Pontevedra in Spain, one of the stops during the Camino Portugues.
  • Our final day of cycling will take us through chestnut groves and pine and eucalyptus woods. A statue of Saint James in Ponte Cabras will show you the way. We’ll stop in Caldas de Reis for a dip in its hot springs and visit the ruins of the Castro Lupario fort. We’ll even see some of the oldest wayside crosses of Galicia. And as we make our way towards Agro des Monteiros, we will be able to see the famous spires of the cathedral in Compostela. In the afternoon, we’ll finally arrive in the City of the Apostle! This is where we complete our cycling journey with a visit to the Cathedral, a stroll around the old town, and tapas in one of its bustling bars.

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Distance: 40 miles / 65 km
    Accommodation: 2 or 3-star hotel or guesthouse

    Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela
  • Today is all about spending time in the magical Santiago de Compostela. Visit the stunning Cathedral of Santiago, wander through the charming old town, and enjoy the lively Praza do Obradoiro. Savor Galician cuisine at local tapas bars, stroll through Alameda Park, and discover the city’s rich history and culture at your leisure. The day is yours to enjoy!

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: 2 or 3-star hotel or guesthouse

    Bike in front of the St James cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
  • After breakfast, our Camino Portugues adventure comes to an end! If you wish to stay in the area, we recommend that you take your time and visit the magnificent historic center or explore some other nearby locations.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Santiago de Compostela at sunset
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Meet your guides

Follow the Camino
5.00
Follow the Camino
Follow the Camino has been leading the way since 2007 and was the first-ever tour operator to lead along Camino de Santiago. They’ve been making the Camino more accessible, enjoyable, and achievable for thousands of pilgrims and travelers from all around the world. Their focus is on respecting this ancestral pilgrimage, its spirit, and its values.
Silvia Santos
5.00
Silvia Santos
Born and raised in Bilbao, before starting to work on the Camino as a tour guide, Silvia was a mountain guide in places like the Himalayas, Aconcagua, and many other places. It was not until she had the opportunity to walk the Camino for the first time that she understood the reason why so many people are attracted to it. Having walked the full Camino Frances, Silvia became enamored with the legends and stories of Camino. She currently lives in Galicia, working as a Camino guide and sharing her passion for it with people coming from all around the globe.

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5.00 (3 reviews)
Joseph R (source: Tripadvisor)

A memorable trip cycling the camino. Everything was perfect- hotels were great, bikes were of good standard and luggage was collected and delivered on time. We only had to focus on the cycling. I would give ten stars if this was an option.

Brian K (source: Tripadvisor)

Unique cycling trip along the Portuguese Coastal Camino. Barbara did a great job organising our six day cycle from Porto to Santiago di Compostela. Not for the faint hearted nor faint legged but stunning scenery and interesting routes. Trouble free accommodation and bag transfer.

Heather M (source: Tripadvisor)

Just returned from cycling the Portuguese Camino from Porto to Santiago del Compostelo. Wonderful experience and made easier by Follow the Camino who organised the whole thing including hotels, carriage of luggage and cycle hire. They were easy to contact and responsive to any queries both before the event and during the holiday. Would highly recommend.

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced cycling guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 8-day cycling adventure along Camino Portugues with a guide (with 5 days of cycling along the last 170-mile section of Camino Portugues)
      • Accommodation during the tour (carefully chosen 2-3-star hotels or equivalent)
      • Breakfasts
      • Luggage transfers
      • Mountain bike (or e-bike at an additional cost)
      • Bike insurance
      • Repair kit
      • Holiday or Pilgrim Pack — pilgrim passport, luggage tag, route notes

    Not included:

      • Transportation to the starting point and from the endpoint
      • Lunches, dinners, and drinks
      • Premium accommodation — available upon request
      • Airport pick-up — available upon request
      • Additional nights — available upon request
      • Day tours to local sites — available upon request
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Travel and medical insurance — recommended
  • If you’d like to join this cycling tour along Camino Portugues with a guide, make sure you’re fit enough to cover 172 miles (276.3 km) over the course of 5 consecutive days. Check out the itinerary for day-by-day distances, but in general, you’ll be cycling between 23.6 and 41 miles (38-66 km) per day.

    You can occasionally expect long and steep climbs. Expect varying terrain, with some sections being uneven, unpaved, or on loose ground. This trip is ideal for those who cycle regularly, and it’s even better if you have experience of riding on uneven/unpaved terrain. If you’re joining this cycling tour, we expect you to be fit and healthy, ready to take on an achievable challenge!

    A great thing about this tour is that luggage transfers are included! This means that your main luggage will be transferred to your accommodation for the night every day, and all you have to carry with you is your daypack with things you’ll need throughout the day.

  • Luggage transfer is limited to 1 bag per person with a maximum weight of 15 kg / 33 lbs per bag, while the size of the bag does not matter. Additional bags can be transferred for an extra €10 per bag per transfer. Please note that boots or smaller bags attached to the main bag count as an extra bag and will be charged accordingly.

    For this cycling tour of Camino Portugues with a guide, we ask you to have the bag ready at reception by 8. That is to make sure your luggage is delivered as early as possible in the afternoon.

  • The terrain for the last 172 miles (277.3 km) of this cycling tour along Camino Portugues with a guide varies, offering a mix of flat sections, gentle slopes, and occasional challenging climbs. As you approach Santiago de Compostela, you’ll encounter a diverse landscape, including rural paths, paved roads, forest trails, and cobblestone streets through quaint villages and historic towns. While some parts may be relatively easy to cycle, others might require more effort, especially if there are steep ascents or rough terrain. Overall, you can expect a rewarding but occasionally demanding journey as you pedal your way to the final destination.

  • Here’s a list of clothing we recommend bringing:

      • Comfortable, season-appropriate riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material
      • Padded shorts
      • Peaked helmet
      • Sneakers or sport shoes
      • Leisure clothing and footwear for the evenings
      • Spare clothes for layering
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Fleece pullover or jacket
      • Quick-dry short-sleeved and long-sleeved tops
      • Quick–dry walking pants (consider the ones that zip off to make shorts)
      • Waterproof pants — optional (unless it’s very cold, it’s usually best to hike in shorts, but feel free to bring these pants if you’d feel more comfortable)
      • Hiking boots or shoes
      • Hiking socks
      • Sunhat
      • Gloves

    Here’s a list of other equipment we suggest you bring:

      • Daypack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day
      • Hydration bladder or a water bottle
      • Sunglasses
      • Hiking poles — optional
      • Earplugs — optional
      • Basic first aid essentials, such as blister protection
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, etc.)
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    Mountain bikes are included in the price of the tour, but you can bring your own if you prefer. E-bikes can be given instead at an additional cost, let us know if you’d like to ride an e-bike upon checkout.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this cycling tour of Camino Portugues with a guide, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 15:1.
      • It takes a minimum of 8 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 15 participants.
      • If the minimum number of participants for the date is not reached up to 30 days before the departure date, the tour will be conducted as a self-guided trip. If the trip becomes self-guided, a refund of 50 euros will be provided.
      • Pricing is based on double occupancy. Still, a solo traveler can certainly sign up, but please note there will be an additional single supplement fee.

    Cycling Camino Portugues with a guide can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join cycling Camino Portugues with a guide on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has cyclists under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • Cycling the Camino Portugues with a guide starts in Porto, the second largest city in Portugal. To get there, most people fly into Porto Airport (OPO). Alternatively, you can fly into Lisbon Airport (LIS) and take a train or a bus ride to Porto.

    Once there, you’ll meet your guides and check into your accommodation for the night.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Deposits
    You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

    Basic

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Super Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
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