Cycle the Coastal Portuguese Camino
Cycle the Coastal Portuguese Camino
Cycle the Coastal Portuguese Camino
8 Days Starting in Porto and ending in Santiago de Compostela
Visiting: Portugal, Spain
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MES
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishActivities:
Tour Overview
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
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start 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
Day 2 : Leave Porto, Cycle Along The Atlantic To Esposende
Meals Included: Breakfast
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)
Day 3 : Continue Along The Coast; Lunch In Viana Do Castelo; End In Praia De Ancora
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 17th-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)
Day 4 : Coastal Route And Quick Boat Ride To Spain; Lunch In Oia; End In Baiona
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 12th-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)
Day 5 : Cycle To Vigo, Lunch In Redondela; Arrive In Pontevedra
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)
Day 6 : Pedal Through Rural Galicia; Visit Caldas De Reis; Finish In Padron
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)
Day 7 : Cycle To Santiago De Compostela; Walking Along The Historic Town Centre And Farewell Dinner
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
Day 8 : End Santiago De Compostela
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.
What's Included
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All breakfasts
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All accommodation
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Airport transfers
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Local bike hire
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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E-bike hire
Food
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.
Accommodation
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)
Check out our Q&As
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.