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Bike Tour from Porto to Santiago de Compostela - The Central Camino
Cycle the Central Portuguese Camino: An Unforgettable Journey to Santiago de Compostela
Embark on an extraordinary adventure cycling the Central Portuguese Camino, one of the most historic and scenic pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. This cycling Portuguese Camino de Santiago experience takes you through Portugal’s heartland and into the lush landscapes of northern Spain, combining cultural exploration with the thrill of a rewarding cycling journey.
Starting from vibrant Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its rich history and world-famous wines, you’ll follow ancient pilgrimage paths through charming villages, fertile vineyards, and centuries-old Roman roads. Pedal past scenic river valleys, cross medieval bridges, and soak in the tranquility of the countryside as you journey north towards Spain.
Along the way, discover the cultural richness of towns like Barcelos, known for its traditional ceramics and lively markets, and Ponte de Lima, Portugal’s oldest village, where cobbled streets and stone architecture transport you back in time. Crossing into Spain, the route guides you through the serene Galician landscape, where eucalyptus forests and rolling hills accompany you on your approach to Santiago.
Each day’s ride offers a unique combination of challenging climbs, gentle stretches, and breathtaking scenery, suitable for both seasoned cyclists and those seeking a more relaxed pace with e-bike options. The well-marked trails and dedicated support ensure a safe and enjoyable journey throughout.
Rest each night in charming local accommodations, from quaint rural inns to boutique hotels, where you can enjoy hearty regional cuisine and recharge for the next day’s ride. As you reach the majestic Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the culmination of your pilgrimage by bike delivers a profound sense of achievement and connection to a tradition followed by pilgrims for centuries.
Whether you seek spiritual reflection, cultural immersion, or the sheer joy of cycling the Portuguese Camino de Santiago, this journey along the Central Route promises an unforgettable blend of history, natural beauty, and personal fulfillment.
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Pick up from the airport and transfer to your hotel located by the Douro river, the city’s iconic living postcard. You have a free afternoon to visit the beautiful and cozy city of Porto, rich with history and monuments like the Clérigos Tower and the D. Luis Bridge. The old quarters of Baixa with its local shops, restaurants and pastry shops, Ribeira a quarter by the river Douro, facing the wine cellars of the Port wine, full with the city’s traditions and historical connection to the wine and the wine country of the Douro. Shopping areas such as Santa Catarina and Aliados Avenue. Not to miss are the great restaurants around town with some of the tastiest food in the country.
Hotel – Vincci Porto or Vincci Ponte de Ferro (premium option)
After breakfast, start cycling directly after leaving your hotel in Porto, by the Douro river, until you reach the ocean. Your first day in the Way of St James is mostly composed of urban roads, until you reach Leça da Palmeira. From Leça, you'll mostly follow cycle paths by the beach, with no difficulty at all, until you reach Vila do Conde, a beautiful city by the Ave river with great historical interest. From Vila do Conde we'll ride inland, towards Rates, where we'll reach the central Camino, and after which you'll start following rural roads and roman bridges until you reach the centennial city of Barcelos, the city where your hotel is located. Barcelos is a city worth visiting, it has a 14th century bridge and the old historic center still has the ancient cobble stone pavement and plenty of churches, houses and buildings from the 14th century onwards. The architectural styles vary from the Manueline to the neoclassic. Learn about the “rooster legend” and why the rooster became almost a symbol of the Portuguese. Check in at Hotel Bagoeira in Barcelos or the amazing Quinta do Convento da Franqueira, a 16th century Franciscan monastery now turned into a charming guest house. Suggested restaurant for dinner is Pedra Furada.
Hotel – Hotel Bagoeira or Art 'Otel Barcelos (included in “premium” option)
After breakfast you’ll start cycling the Camino to Ponte de Lima, where you’ll have the opportunity to see the changing landscape to a more rural setting, going through woodland areas, small villages and churches in the Minho region till you get to Ponte de Lima, the oldest village in Portugal, sitting by the beautiful Lima River. This village has recently submitted its candidacy to UNESCO world heritage site due to its rich cultural, environmental and historic traditions. Don’t miss out the handcraft works, the pastries and the food. Check in at your hotel in Ponte de Lima, at INLIMA Hotel or Carmo’s House, elected a Small Luxury Hotel of the World. You shouldn’t miss a wine tasting of the local “vinho verde” or green wine at our suggested restaurant for dinner, Encanada in Ponte de Lima. Check in at your hotel in Ponte de Lima, at INLIMA Hotel or Carmo’s Boutique Hotel, elected a Small Luxury Hotel of the World.
Hotel – INLIMA Hotel & Spa or Carmo’s Boutique Hotel (included in “premium” option)
After breakfast, you’ll restart cycling the Camino guided by the yellow arrows of the pilgrims, the road marks of the Way of St James, and our GPS. Today you’ll have to tackle the "Labruja" climb, although there’s the possibility to go around it, this is the biggest challenge of your Way. We’re still in the middle of the Minho region, a place of lush green, woodlands and forests, great restaurants and wine. You’ll pass by Valença do Minho a fortified city on the banks of the Minho River and facing Spain. From the top of the gothic and baroque architecture fortress you can admire the scenery of this Minho area. Cycling th camino, you'll cross to Spain using the old Eiffel inspired international bridge and enjoy the old medieval quarters of Tui, the Spanish city just across the river from Valença, where your hotel is located, the Parador de Tui.
Hotel – Parador de Tui (upgrade to a superior room, in "premium" option)
After breakfast and your first night in Spain, you’ll probably notice that beyond the language, all the costumes, traditions and landscape are very similar to Portugal, at least till Redondela, where the Way approaches the beautiful coastal area of Galicia, all the way till Pontevedra. This is the city where your hotel for the night is located and is also an important maritime city in Galicia, with an elegant historic center that boasts two major monuments, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maior and the church of La Peregrina. Walk in the old town plazas and narrow streets and enjoy the great seafood from the estuary and Atlantic Ocean. Check in at our hotel, Parador de Pontevedra.
Hotel – Parador de Pontevedra (upgrade to a superior room, in "premium" option)
After breakfast, you’ll continue your pilgrimage feeling you’re already getting close to Santiago. You’ll notice another change in the landscape since you’ll be abandoning the coast and returning to inland Galicia, with its lush green woods and forested areas. Your hotel of the day is located in Padrón a village known for being the cradle of Galicia and for its Green Peppers, the Padrón Peppers. Take some time to visit the village, climb to the Santiaguiño do Monte lookout point, visit the botanical gardens or Toxa waterfall and taste the food, If you’re adventurous and it’s in season try the Lamprea. Check in at our Hotel Pazo de Lestrove or Os Lambráns.
Hotel – Pazo de Lestrove or Os Lambráns (included in "premium" option)
After breakfast you’ll begin the last stage of your Way of St. James. This will be a small test to your will and tenacity as the route starts going uphill almost from the start. You’ll go through small villages and churches with clear signs that the end of the Way is near. When you arrive visit the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, end point of your pilgrimage. Compostela is a millennial city with places and monuments that deserve a visit, such as its plazas in the central area of the old town, the narrow streets and traditional markets. At the scheduled time we’ll pick you up for the transfer to Porto airport. Optionally you can stay in Santiago de Compostela for the night, enjoying the city, resting and relaxing from the pilgrimage, and transfer to Porto the following day.
OPTIONAL night at Hotel – San Francisco Hotel Monumento or Parador de Santiago de Compostela / Quinta da Auga (premium options)
Extend your stay in Santiago de Compostela or Porto for an extra day before or after this trip.
This tour combines diverse terrain with scenic beauty, offering a mix of coastal pathways, rolling hills, and challenging climbs, all steeped in historical and cultural significance. Starting in Porto, the terrain transitions from urban roads to coastal cycle paths along the Atlantic Ocean. As you move inland, expect rural roads, Roman bridges, and woodland trails leading to historic towns like Barcelos and Ponte de Lima.
The highlight is the climb over "Labruja," a demanding section for adventurous riders, set amidst lush green forests. Crossing into Spain, the route shifts to rolling terrain with occasional climbs, weaving through Galicia’s charming countryside and vibrant towns like Tui and Pontevedra.
The final stages offer moderate ascents and descents through lush inland landscapes before culminating in Santiago de Compostela. With a mix of manageable climbs, picturesque scenery, and cultural landmarks, this tour is perfect for riders seeking both adventure and the spiritual allure of the Camino de Santiago.
On the trails, you'll be riding a Scott Aspect 910. These all-rounder, 29 inch wheel size bikes, equipped with disc brakes. They have a recreational geometry, perfect for riding during a full week or more, and come equipped with Shimano components for the best cycling experience.
/ I ride my bike on a regular basis, for fitness, commuting or out with friends. I prefer rolling terrain but enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy an active lifestyle. I like to overcome some challenges on my bike, but mostly enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere during group rides.
You will get to ride at your own pace, in moderate distances and hop on our premium van if you so desire or, you can challenge yourself when you feel comfortable! You’ll get to ride in a peloton with like-minded people and always accompanied by our guides. If you want an extra "help" on your rides, you can also request an e-bike.
Luís is our resident mountain biker. Whenever he is not guiding groups, he's out riding or building new trails in Portugal. Luís has designed this tour, making sure it includes some of his favorite trails, adding just a touch of adrenaline to the best of this region.
