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Highlights
Challenge yourself on this wonderful cycling pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
Follow in the “footsteps” of 13th-century Queen Isabel of Portugal as you pedal along the Portuguese Way to Santiago.
Stroll the network of cobblestoned streets of some of Portugal and Spain’s most historic centers, like Porto and Pontevedra.
Indulge the senses as you eat and drink your way across Galicia, starting with Rías Baixas’ clams and cockles and Albariño wine.
Uncover the natural beauty of the Iberian Peninsula, from Atlantic Ocean views to thick forests of pine and eucalyptus.
One of the great ways to complete the pilgrimage to Compostela is cycling the Camino Portugues. Cycling enthusiasts unite to join fellow “bicigrinos”—pilgrims who choose to cycle rather than walk—make their way on this Cycling the Portuguese Way tour from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.
In 9 days, challenge yourself with an inspiring bike ride from the UNESCO-protected streets of Porto through the idyllic landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula’s northwest. Cover serious ground as you ride over secondary trails fringed by forest to reach historic villages, like Ponte de Lima, Tui, and, Padrón.
Meet friendly locals, cross mighty rivers, dine on delicious local fare, and collect your much-deserved Compostela certificate at the end of your pilgrimage. This Cycling the Portuguese Way tour is suitable for moderate to experienced cyclists, so grab your bike (or rent one on the tour) and make some unforgettable memories!
One of the great ways to complete the pilgrimage to Compostela is cycling the Camino Portugues. Cycling enthusiasts unite to join fellow “bicigrinos”—pilgrims who choose to cycle rather than walk—make their way on this Cycling the Portuguese Way tour from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.
In 9 days, challenge yourself with an inspiring bike ride from the UNESCO-protected streets of Porto through the idyllic landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula’s northwest. Cover serious ground as you ride over secondary trails fringed by forest to reach historic villages, like Ponte de Lima, Tui, and, Padrón.
Meet friendly locals, cross mighty rivers, dine on delicious local fare, and collect your much-deserved Compostela certificate at the end of your pilgrimage. This Cycling the Portuguese Way tour is suitable for moderate to experienced cyclists, so grab your bike (or rent one on the tour) and make some unforgettable memories!
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Self-guided Cycling the Camino Portuguese Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Porto
Welcome to northern Portugal! Finding your way from the airport to the heart of Porto, a UNESCO Heritage city, you’ll want to spend a little time acclimating to your surroundings and there’s no better way to do that than sampling the local wine and food. Follow that with an evening stroll along the Douro River and you’re all set.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Porto
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle to Arcos
After a hearty breakfast, you’re ready to hop on your bike and begin the Camino Portugues, ending the first stage in Arcos. This route sees you travelling up the coast before leading you inland and away from the Atlantic, over the Dom Zameiro bridge and through the typical vegetation of northern Portugal. Take cover from the day’s sun in the shade of the pines and eucalyptus trees as you pedal along to Arcos.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Arcos
Distance: 38 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle to Ponte de Lima
Get an earlier start on the Camino today as it’s the tours longest ride. Leaving Arcos, you’ll reach the beautiful village of Ponte de Lima, one of the oldest and most beautiful in the country. As you make your way into the village, you’ll have the pleasure of discovering two sections of the historic ponte (“bridge”), which crosses the river Lima and lends its name to the city. One section dates to the Romans while the other is from the Middle Ages.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ponte de Lima
Distance: 54 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle to Tui
This stage take you into Spain and to Galicia, crossing the bridge over the river Miño (or Minho in Portuguese) which has always represented the natural border between Spain and Portugal. Undoubtedly the city of Tui deserves a visit to its cathedral in San Fernando square. Here you can rest the legs as you wander the streets of Tui’s historical center.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tui
Distance: 38 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5
Today’s ride on the Camino Portugues is a great stage, as you’ll ride from Tui to Redondela. Along the way you’ll have plenty of opportunity to admire the beautiful views of the Vigo estuary.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Redondela
Distance: 34 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle to Pontevedra
Today’s stage is quite easy and will take you to one of the most beautiful villages in Galicia,
Pontevedra. You’ll cross the Verdugo River in Ponte Sampaio where Napoleon’s navy suffered one of the worst defeats in Galicia, then you’ll continue to Pontevedra.
You’ll want to spend some time exploring Pontevedra. Amble the narrow, cobblestoned streets of the historic centre, with its charming squares and stone buildings. Visit the Cathedral of Santa María and be sure to taste some of the typical products of the Rías Baixas (“lower estuaries”), like clams, cockles, and oysters.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pontevedra
Distance: 20km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 7 Cycle to Padrón
Discover Barro and the beauty of the Barosa River Natural Park this morning where you’ll take in the picturesque views of the many waterfalls and mills strewn throughout. Your Camino will also pass through Caldas de Reis, an emblematic point along the Way of Saint James. From here, you’ll ride along wooded paths amid scattered villages until you reach Padrón.
Known for being the cradle of great writers of Galician literature, including such writers as Rosalía de Castro and Camilo José Cela, Padrón is also considered to be the first point seen by the ship carrying the remains of the Apostle Santiago. What’s more, as you explore Padrón, you’ll likely pick up a popular phrase in reference to the green peppers the city is also known for, que uns pican e outros non (some are hot and some not).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Padrón
Distance: 39 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Cycle to Santiago de Compostela
Nearing Santiago de Compostela the pastoral landscapes transition into urban sprawl until you find yourself in the heart of this culturally significant city. Deemed a UNESCO Heritage Site (and for good reason), you’ll want to lose yourself in its network of streets in its historic center as you celebrate completing the Portuguese Way. After collecting your Compostela certificate from the Pilgrim’s Office, take the time to soak in the city. One great option is to head to the lively Abastos Market for Galicia’s best produce before.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santiago
Distance: 25 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Depart Santiago de Compostela
Spend one final morning exploring historic Santiago de Compostela before it’s time to check out and carry on your return journey home.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Self-guided Cycling the Camino Portuguese Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided walking tour to Santiago de Compostela is always run as a private tour for your group only. The price always depends on the number of people sharing a room.Prices below are per person:
- Price per person staying in double room: from EUR1120*
Accommodation on Self-guided Cycling the Camino Portuguese Tour
This tour is based in 2 and 3-star hotels and offer modern conveniences. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement. In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of EUR155 to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.
What’s included in the Self-guided Cycling the Camino Portuguese Tour?
Meals
8 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
The accommodation for 8 nights along the tour is included.
Transportation during the Cycling the Portuguese Way
This tour includes luggage transfers only.
Also Included
- Bike rental
- Saddlebags and helmet rental
- 24/7 phone assistance
- Pilgrim Passport
- Walking notes
Not included
- Guide services
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Transportation
- Anything not listed as ‘included’
- Extra accommodation charge for arriving to Santiago one night before St. James Day (July 25th)
Optional Extras
- Airport transfers
- Extra nights before or after the tour
- How hard is the Self-guided Cycling the Camino Portuguese Tour?
- Do I need a Visa to travel to Portugal?
- Are meals included on the Self-guided Cycling the Camino Portuguese Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Porto to start this tour?
- Where does the Self-guided Cycling the Camino Portuguese Tour end?
- Can I rent a bike?
- What type of bike is included?
- What happens if my bike has a mechanical issue on the Camino?
- Can I bring my own bike?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Portugal?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Portugal?
- When is the best time to travel to Spain for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. You will be cycling up to 54 km daily. You should have experience riding this distance. In summer the weather can be very challenging due to extreme heat.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
8 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
Porto is a popular holiday destination in Europe, so the city can be reached by direct flight from most major European cities.
The tour ends in Santiago de Compostela.
There’s no need as the bike rental is included in the price.
The bike model used for this tour is Expert 30v Disc 27.5.
You are provided a 24-hour technical support number.
Yes. Make sure that the bike is suitable to ride on rough terrain.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Northern Spain for this biking adventure is between May and September, though this tour can be completed year-round.
Customer Ratings
Galiwonders is a specialist tour operator, focusing on pilgrimages along the Camino de Santiago in Spain and Portugal as well as the Via Francigena in Italy. They offer adaptable tours to suit a variety of client needs and focus on truly taking care of their guests.
The tour guides are local experts, living and working right along the Camino. They have visited each hotel and restaurant they recommend, ensuring each is up to standard.
Galiwonders offers constant contact with their guests, ensuring all concerns or questions are addressed immediately so you can relax and enjoy your trip.
