Cycle the Coastal Portuguese Camino

Name: Cycle the Coastal Portuguese Camino
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.7 (3 reviews)

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8 Days Excluding Flights

8 Days from

£ 2399

4.7/5 from

Cycling

Activity Level

Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Cycling

Group Size :

6 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

MES

Carbon Footprint :

13.9kg CO2e per person per day

Pilgrims and adventurers unite on a two-wheel journey to the holy town of Santiago de Compostela

Following the Atlantic shoreline, the Portuguese Camino coastal route is perhaps the most scenic of the numerous pilgrimage trails that comprise the Camino de Santiago. See it for yourself on this culture-crammed cycling adventure. Starting in Porto, we follow the coast north, before crossing into Spain and biking to our goal: Santiago de Compostela, reputed burial site of the Apostle, Saint James. Along the way, we stop in a string of atmospheric coastal towns, while also collecting our stamps to receive our Compostela certificate in Santiago – proof you have completed this historic pilgrimage.

Highlights

Enjoy stretching views of the Atlantic as you cycle north
Cross the idyllic Galician countryside, where local people tend their vines
Collect stamps for your pilgrim's passport along the way
Receive your much sought-after Compostela certificate

Key Information

Six days of cycling with partial vehicle support
80 percent paved roads and cycle paths, 20 percent gravel roads and tracks
Some climbs
Group normally 6 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (6 hotel, 1 guesthouse)
E-bikes available for an additional cost
Option to travel by train to your adventure

Countries visited: Portugal, Spain

What's Included

All breakfasts
All accommodation
Airport transfers
Local bike hire

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
E-bike hire

6 Days of Cycling

Pace:

Moderate: 8mph-10mph (13kph-16kph)

Terrain:

Low altitude; 80 percent paved, 20 percent unpaved (mix of gravel, tracks and off road sections)

Day 2

57 km / 35.4 miles

Day 3

44 km / 27.3 miles

Day 4

50 km / 31.1 miles

Day 5

60 km / 37.3 miles

Day 6

43 km / 26.7 miles

Day 7

27 km / 16.8 miles

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.

TRIP

MES - Cycle the Coastal Portuguese Camino

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Itinerary

Porto Santiago de Compostela Porto Porto

Depending on the time of your arrival in Porto, your leader will arrange a short orientation tour in the historic centre. There is plenty to see and we recommend travelling a day earlier if you are interested in exploring the city more.

Accommodation: Legendary Porto Hotel (or similar)

*Hotel Sao Jose 22 September departure

Our cycling begins today, tracking the Atlantic north to the coastal town of Esposende; the day has the least climbs, which makes for a nice warm up. The first stage from Porto to the seaside town of Vila de Conde is particularly lovely, following the Douro river first and then the Atlantic coastline via a series of esplanades and boardwalks known as the Senda Litoral.

We likely pause for lunch at Vila do Conde, a one-time shipbuilding town with a historic centre and standout gothic monastery. This will be a great opportunity to taste some of the local fish dishes. We then continue to our base for the night, Esposende.

Accommodation: Hotel Save Mar (or similar)

Distance covered: 36mi (58km)

Ascent: 820ft (250m)

Meals included: Breakfast

Our second day of cycling continues along the Atlantic coastline. We cycle inland to enjoy the lush green countryside as we pass many villages to arrive a the Lima River and then cross the Ponte Eiffel, an iron bridge built in 1878 by Gustave Eiffel and his then partner Theophile Seyrig.

Our goal is Viana do Castelo, an attractive medieval town with a long maritime history. We will stop for lunch, before cycling up the coast to Praia de Ancora, a one-time fishing village and now a popular seaside resort with a 17^th-century fort (Forte da Lagarteira) and beautiful sandy beaches. We may have a chance to swim in the sea, though the water can be a little cold and choppy.

Accommodation: Hotel Meira (or similar)

Distance covered: 27mi (44km)

Ascent: 1,312ft (400m)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, we cycle along the coast (taking in more lovely views of the Atlantic as we go) and bid Portugal a fond farewell, taking a five-minute boat ride across the Miño river from the medieval town of Caminha. We will stop for lunch in the quaint seaside village of Oia, home to the 12^th-century Santa Maria monastery.

Our final destination of the day is the lovely Galician town of Baiona, a favourite vacation destination for the Spanish though little-known by the rest of the world. Upon arrival, we may be able to take a dip in the Atlantic. The bay-sheltered waters here are likely to be a little warmer and calmer than yesterday.

Accommodation: Hotel Bahia Baiona (or similar)

Distance covered: 31mi (50km)

Ascent: 1,280ft (390m)

Meals included: Breakfast

We continue along the coast today with views of the Cies Islands until we reach the outskirts of Vigo. We follow the river through the city, allowing us to avoid the urban sprawl, before we head to lunch in Redondela.

After food, we cycle inland to join the interior Portuguese Camino route and join many other Pilgrims. We will cross the 10-arch medieval bridge of Puente Sampayo before climbing the steep pass of Alto da Canicouva. We then descend into our destination for the day, Pontevedra, once a thriving port city and now home to one of the oldest historic quarters in Galicia.

Accommodation: Hotel Galicia Palace (or similar)

Distance covered: 37mi (60km)

Ascent: 2,461ft (750m)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today we cross the Galician countryside, an idyllic rural landscape dotted with traditional villages. Many of the local people here produce their own white wine and we see their vines as we go. About halfway, we visit Caldas de Reis, where ancient Romans would make use of the hot thermal waters. There is now a fountain here where spring water pours out at a very pleasant temperature. We then continue cycling to Padron, a traditional town and our last stop before Santiago de Compostela.

Accommodation: A Casa Antigua do Monte (or similar)

Distance covered: 27mi (43km)

Ascent: 1,509ft (460m)

Meals included: Breakfast

It’s our final day of cycling and we only have 15.5mi (25km) to cover, allowing us plenty of time in the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. In the afternoon, we enjoy walking along the city centre with an optional visit to the cathedral where Saint James is said to have been buried. If you’d like, the guide can take your passport to the Pilgrim’s Office to collect your Compostela certificate, allowing you to avoid the queues and enjoy more of this beautiful holy town.

In the evening, we have our farewell group dinner in a nice restaurant in Santiago centre, an excellent chance to relive our adventures together.

Accommodation: Hotel Gelmirez (or similar)

*Hotel Compostela 9 June departure

Distance covered: 17mi (27km)

Ascent: 1,476ft (450m)

Meals included: Breakfast

The trip ends after breakfast. Say goodbye to the group and start your return journey home. If you’ve still got the appetite for more exploration, speak to your sales representative to book further nights in our Santiago de Compostela or Porto hotels.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Six days of cycling
Average distance: 29mi (46km) per day
Partial vehicle support
Terrain and route: 80 percent on paved quiet minor roads/cycle paths and 20 percent on gravel roads and tracks with cobblestones. This can be quite bumpy at times, particularly during the first two stages in Portugal but gets smoother once you enter Spain. Our bikes have shock absorbers and suspensions, which improve riding comfort and give riders greater control on the rougher terrain.
Wearing a cycling helmet is compulsory

You can cycle with an e-bike (additional charge applies). Our guides are experienced in managing groups with both push bikes and e-bikes, and many of our clients enjoy the flexibility an e-bike offers. Please speak to us if you would like to add this option to your booking.

As we are passing through rural communities the roads are quiet with very little traffic; however, you will be sharing the route with walkers and cyclists all on their way to Santiago de Compostela. There are a few cobbled sections where you should take care, particularly in wet conditions. This trip is ideal for confident cyclists who exercise regularly and have a strong level of fitness.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Legendary Porto Hotel, Praça da Batalha 127 130, 4000-102 Porto, Portugal
Phone: +351 22 339 2300
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Porto Airport (OPO)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a 30 mins drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Porto
Location end: Santiago de Compostela

Transfer Details

Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if Exodus has booked it.

If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.

Vaccinations and Health

Portugal

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Spain

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Visa

Portugal

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Portugal. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/portugal
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/portugal
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Portugal.html

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Food & Drink

All breakfasts are included.

Breakfasts will be continental with cold cheese, meats and bread, plus pastries, tea and coffee.

Vegetarians: A meat and fish diet is the norm in northern Portugal and Spain; however, many vegetarians have not experienced any problems. Most restaurants will offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives but there will not be as many options to choose from. Please note, mealtimes in Portugal and Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 9pm and 9.30pm.

Weather

In April and October, expect temperatures of 5C-15C (41F-59F) with a high chance of rain showers. In the mornings, it is often cloudy and more temperate. Temperatures in May and September tend to be warmer. Expect a combination of sun, light showers, and clouds. July and August are typically sunny and warm with temperatures of 15C-30C (59F-86F).

TRIP

MES - Cycle the Coastal Portuguese Camino

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

MES - Hotels

We spend seven nights in three-to-four-star hotels and one night in a casa rural, each chosen for their comfort and location. Some hotels have a swimming pool and/or a sea view.

Examples of hotels used:

Porto: Legendary Porto Hotel (Hotel Sao Jose for 22 September departure)
Esposende: Hotel Suave Mar
Praia de Âncora: Hotel Meira
Baiona: Hotel Baia Baiona
Pontevedra: Hotel Galicia Palace
Padron: A Casa Antigua do Monte (Casa Rural)
Santiago: Hotel Gelmirez (Hotel Compostela for 9 June departure)

TRIP

MES - Cycle the Coastal Portuguese Camino

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

john latham

Reviewed June 2024

excellent trip

varied cycling in good company

Most Inspirational Moment

reaching the end with hundreds of other pilgrims

Thoughts on Group Leader

very personable,English could have been better

Advice for Potential Travellers

Portuguese camino surface not very comfortable for cycling

Owain Lister

Reviewed June 2024

A good trip with some concerns.

A good trip up to Exodus usual high standards but some concerns about cycling on what is essentially a path for walkers. Also the scenery is not as spectacular as other trips we have done.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving in the main square in Santiago

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are better trips in the Exodus cycling catalogue. Care needs to be taken when cycling on the footpath particularly at the narrow points or when it is crowded.

Brian Leigh-Bramwell

Reviewed May 2024

Portuguese Camino cycle

A really excellent and well-run cycle trip from Porto to Santiago de Compostela

Most Inspirational Moment

Quite a thrill to enter the noisy cathedral square at the end of the trip to join all the other travellers in celebrating successful Camino trips.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader was first class. He kept us cyclists moving, yet was conscious to warn us of hazards and generally took care of us. He was also good fun to be with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be patient with the Camino walkers. Also there are a lot of cobbled roads in Portugal, so have good padded shorts and be prepared to stand up a little on the pedals on bumpier sections.

Read All Reviews

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