Camino Portugues Coastal Way By Bike

You'll receive a welcome briefing, a bike fitting and all the documentation you’ll need at your hotel at 4pm - this includes your Pilgrim's Passport and shell! There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities in Porto, with over 1500 UNESCO-listed monuments, off-set by striking modern architecture and edgey street art. A gastronomic paradise, Porto is home to a myriad of Michelin Guide-listed restaurants. Stroll the winding streets in the old quarters of Ribeira, Miragaia and Massarelos and seek a rooftop bar with a view to kickstart your journey.

Start cycling the Portuguese Costal Way to Santiago along the Portuguese coast, using wooden boardwalks, cycle paths and backroads, passing several wide sandy beaches, nature reserves and fishing villages to the town of Vila do Conde. You'll follow the Douro River as you leave Porto, following the seafront to the former fishing village of Foz. You'll then pass a lighthouse and a couple of fortresses before reaching the town of Matosinhos, and then continue on to the attractive town of Vila do Conde. The ancient town is famous for its Roman Aqueduct and the Santa Clara Monastery, and it was also the main centre for Portuguese lace.

Total ascent/descent: 87m/181m (285ft/594ft)

Ride through residential areas to the resort town of Povoa de Varzim, then continue cycling alongside the ocean and beaches before heading inland past agricultural areas, forest and villages to Fão. Cross the River Cávado to reach the low-key resort town of Esposende. Much of the day is spent inland as you cycle through a series of villages, countryside and patches of woodland with rivers and mountain views. The approach to Viana do Castelo across the iron bridge over the River Lima will provide magnificent views along the valley and estuary. Viana do Castelo is surrounded by unspoilt coastline and was once one of Portugal's most important ports back in the 15th and 16th centuries, where Portuguese explorers would set off to discover far-flung lands.

Total ascent/descent: 345m/310m (1131ft/1017ft)

Start the day towards the beachside town of Vila Praia de Âncora, cycling through small villages and over a forested hill to get there. Continue with a coastal cycle path that connects you to Moledo, just before reaching the pretty town of Caminha as you head more inland. Here you have to take the ferry and cross the River Minho, the natural border with Spain. Cycle through the fishing town of A Guarda to follow the Camino along scenic coastal trails, forest tracks and tarmac roads to Oia, where a 12th century monastery dominates this small but attractive village. A small beach can also be found in front of this monastery. We recommend enjoying an evening meal of grilled fish with a glass of Vinho Verde as you take in the sea views, or perhaps view the prehistoric engravings at A Pedreira nearby. 

Total ascent/descent: 247m/240m (810ft/787ft)

Your journey continues along the coast, cycling past small fields and villages before reaching the pretty resort town of Baiona, following the coastal road to its marina. The historical centre is worth exploring, with many medieval buildings and several religious monuments. The view towards the ocean is dominated by the Monterreal Fortress, and you can also go onboard a replica of La Pinta Caravel, one of the ships used by Christopher Columbus. As you leave Baiona behind, you'll continue to follow the coast to the city of Vigo. 

Total ascent/descent: 256m/191m (840ft/627ft)

Cycle along Vigo’s city streets as you head northeast, leaving the urban area behind. Follow the line of the Ria de Vigo estuary for views of floating mussel farms, the Cíes islands and the city and port of Vigo as you ride between villages and through a forest. A descent then takes you to the town of Redondela, where your Portuguese Coastal Camino merges with the Portuguese Central Camino. There are plenty of coffee shops and restaurants here, as well as interesting medieval buildings. You'll cycle over a hill to pass through the  riverside town of Arcade, where you can pause for juicy fat oysters. Continuing on, you’ll soon reach the atmospheric square of Pontevedra after enjoying a downhill section. Here you can admire the medieval architecture as you sip a cold beer or wine with some tapas. This bustling city has a wonderful atmosphere and some great restaurants offering fine Galician cuisine.

Total ascent/descent: 435m/498m (1427ft/1634ft)

Cycle through the ancient streets of Pontevedra to start the journey to Padrón, which will be relatively hill-free and surrounded by pleasant countryside. After 15km, there's the opportunity to leave the Camino very briefly to visit a series of stone watermills at the Ria Barosa Natural Park, just 200m from the Camino. Continuing on, visit the hot spring in the center of Caldas de Reis if you wish, then continue on the bike to gradually climb through a series of hamlets and a beautiful stretch of woodland. Take some time to explore medieval Padrón, and discover its deep connection to St. James as well as its tasty green peppers. Padrón is also home to illustrious Galician writers, such as Camino Jose Cela and Rosalia de Castro.

Total ascent/descent: 304m/325m (997ft/1066ft)

The final stage of your Camino takes you through a series of Galician hamlets with traditional cottages and barns as well as the imposing sanctuary of Nossa Señora da Escravitute. Enjoy the forest trail then head up to Milladoiro for your first glimpse of Santiago and its cathedral towers. Drop down to the valley to cross the River Sar before one last ascent that brings you into the city centre, following the medieval streets to the cathedral, where all pilgrims converge. If you have collected stamps along the Coastal Way to prove that you have travelled the required distance and you arrive by early afternoon, head to the Pilgrims' Office to ask for your compostela certificate.  Enjoy sightseeing in the main square and maybe treat yourself and  head to one of the many restaurants on Rua do Franco serving delicious Galician seafood accompanied by local wines. Today has more ascent than descent, so you totally deserve it!

Total ascent/descent: 374m/123m (1227ft/404ft)

We strongly recommend departing mid afternoon, or adding an additional night in Santiago to allow you to attend the Pilgrims' Mass at the Cathedral, which takes place at noon each day. If you didn't collect your Compostela yesterday, stop by the Pilgrim's Office today. Otherwise, enjoy breakfast before checking out and making your way back to Porto or Santiago Airport. If you require a private transfer back to Porto or to Santiago Airport, please contact us for prices.