Bike Tour in the Portuguese Camino - by the Coast, from Porto
Cycling Portuguese Camino: A Scenic Pilgrimage from Porto to Santiago
Experience an unforgettable pilgrimage by bike, cycling the Portuguese Camino, following the historic coastal route from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. This cycling holiday in the Portuguese Camino takes you through medieval towns, breathtaking coastal landscapes, and centuries-old pilgrimage paths, offering a rewarding experience filled with culture, history, and adventure.
Unlike the more rugged Central Camino, the Portuguese Coastal Camino follows gentler trails along the Atlantic Ocean, passing through charming seaside towns like Vila do Conde, Póvoa de Varzim, Viana do Castelo, and Baiona. As you ride, you’ll experience the deep connection between Portugal and Galicia, where history and maritime traditions blend seamlessly. In Redondela, the coastal and central routes merge, leading you toward the final stretch to Santiago.
The Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgrimage that began in the 9th century with the discovery of St. James’ remains in Galicia. Over time, kings and commoners alike have traveled this sacred route—including Queen Isabel of Portugal, who made her pilgrimage in 1325, crossing the still-standing medieval Barcelos bridge. Now, it’s your turn to follow the iconic yellow arrows, tracing the footsteps of pilgrims through centuries-old villages and historic landmarks.
Your journey begins in Porto, a city founded during Roman times, where you can explore UNESCO-listed sites, iconic Port wine cellars, and historic architecture. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Minho and Galicia, cycling through lush woodlands, charming villages, and hidden medieval hamlets. Along the way, indulge in the region’s famous cuisine—fresh seafood, hearty stews, and traditional Green and Port wines.
Your journey culminates in the magnificent city of Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stand before the iconic Cathedral of Santiago, home to the revered shrine of Saint James, and reflect on the incredible adventure you’ve just completed.
Pick up from the airport and transfer to your chosen hotel for the night, always 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 of 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, you’ll start your adventure through the city of Porto cycling from your hotel, descending Sé Velha and Mouzinho da Silveira street, to Porto’s riverside, riding the cycle paths alongside the Douro river, until you get to Leça da Palmeira. From here on, you’ll start following the yellow arrows by Portugal’s coastline, towards the north. From Leça da Palmeira, the Camino will be a mix of cycle paths, paved roads and walkways until the historical city of “Vila do Conde” and a beach resort, the fishermen’s town of “Póvoa do Varzim” – both of which are good options for lunch. After “Póvoa do Varzim”, keep riding through the small fishermen’s villages until you reach Fão, where you’ll turn left, towards the ocean once more and the pine tree forested area of Ofir, staying for the night in Axis Ofir (room upgrade in premium option)
After breakfast at the hotel, start your day riding north, crossing the river to Esposende and alongside the Cávado river – then through the quaint villages of the north of Portugal. At km15 you’ll start climbing and entering a more technical trail until you cross a very narrow bridge across the Neiva river – another climb will follow until you reach Viana do Castelo, across the river, where you will be able to see te “Santa Luzia” church on top of the nearby mountain range. The historical city center is a good option to stop for lunch and visit. After Viana, keep riding north and inland, through the mountain range – some urban single tracks and ancient paved roads will follow, until you reach “Vila Praia de Âncora”, from where you’ll ride the Ecopista, by the shoreline, until you reach your hotel for the night – Porta do Sol or Palacete Villa Idalina (premium option)
Leave Caminha by ferry boat (there’s one every hour, except on Monday), towards “A Guarda”, entering Spain. This day offers no big climbs, just ups and downs until you reach Bayona, a beautiful coastal town. Meanwhile, enjoy the medieval villages across the Galician coastline, tasting wonderful tapas and seafood along the way. Stop in Bayona for lunch to admire this beautiful city and rest at the local "Parador", located by the Marina of this piscatory city. This is a short but sweet ride, to prepare you for your next day, which is the toughest ride of the week, so take your time to relax in Baiona! Hotel – Parador Baiona (room upgrade in premium option)
This might just be the toughest day of your Camino! After breakfast, resume your ride towards Vigo which is 25km away, tackling a short, but steep climb to reach Saigráns and to experience one of the most beautiful views in the region: Vigo’s “Ria”, where the seawater mixes with the river, and you’ll be able to see the “bateas” where mussels are produced (a local delicacy) and the Ciés islands in the background – a natural park in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. You will then descend into the busy city of Vigo and then back up, towards a mountain range that overlooks the Ria de Vigo – 12km of macadam trails overlooking the Ria, followed by a descent towards Redondela – from Redondela, the “central Camino” and the “coastal Camino” become one! Another climb near Cessantes and then a descent to cross the Verdugo river over the romanic bridge of “Ponte Sampaio”. One final push after and then, from km28 on, it’s a long descent until you reach Pontevedra and its beautiful Parador right in the middle of its historical center. Take your time to explore Pontevedra’s center on a walk at nighttime by the Galician plazas of Ourense and Ferraria, where you’ll find the city’s Basilica and Chapel. Hotel – Parador de Pontevedra (room upgrade 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. Hotel – Pazo de Lestrove or Os Lambráns (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. Check-in at your hotel and then dedicate the rest of your afternoon to visiting the pilgrim's office and discovering this medieval city's traditions, culture and heritage. Hotel – San Francisco Hotel Monumento or Parador de Santiago de Compostela / Quinta da Auga (premium options)
Breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. At the scheduled time, transfer from Santiago de Compostela back to Porto airport.
This tour features a mix of coastal and inland routes, offering gentle rolling hills, short climbs, and smooth descents. The initial stages follow scenic cycle paths and paved roads along Portugal's coastline, transitioning to more technical trails and ancient paths as you enter Spain. Riders will navigate a variety of surfaces, including macadam trails, forested tracks, and Roman bridges, with highlights like the climbs overlooking the Vigo Ria and the lush inland trails of Galicia. The terrain balances moderate challenges with breathtaking views, ideal for cyclists seeking a dynamic and culturally rich experience on the Camino.
We use Garmin GPS’s for our self-guided and guided experiences, so that you never let lost and are able to fully enjoy the 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.
Born and raised in Porto, Daniel's horizons have led him to explore several places across the globe. He frequently boards on adventures in Sri Lanka and is passionate about hiking and biking alike. Based in Porto, he is the go-to guide on the best spots to experience the North of Portugal and Spain in depth.
