Portuguese Camino Cycle - Porto to Santiago
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure along the Portuguese Camino from Porto to Santiago. This self-guided tour takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Portugal and Spain, offering a unique blend of cultural exploration and physical challenge. Pedal through charming villages, lush forests, and historic towns like Ponte de Lima and Padron, while enjoying the region's culinary delights and renowned port wines. Cross the Spanish border to Tui and relish the stunning views over the Bay of Vigo en route to Pontevedra. Conclude your journey in the legendary town of Santiago de Compostela, where you can attend the Pilgrim's Mass and explore the city's rich heritage. With mountain bike rental, luggage transfer, and a digital information pack included, this tour provides everything you need for an exhilarating and enriching experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Porto
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: hotel
Set on the banks of the Douro River, Porto's historical centre was declared a World Heritage site in 1996 and in the 12th Century it was in Porto that the country took its name and became an independent nation. Its maritime legacies and importance as a New World trading port have shaped it into the proud city it has become, with its impressive cathedral and port wine lodges. After checking in to your hotel, take the time to explore the city with its many cultural sites. There is much to see here, we can assist with booking pre-tour nights on request. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Cycle the Coastal Camino to Vila do Conde then to Arcos (45km/28mi)
Location: Porto, Matosinhos, Vila do Conde, Arcos
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you go to the bike shop to collect your bike.Three Caminos depart from Porto - the Central (inland), the Coastal (original coastal) and the Coastal Path (Senda Litoral). Recommended for cycling is the Senda Litoral.Setting out from Porto's Se (cathedral) you head to the coast and Matosinhos (or you can take the Metro with your bike) and follow the coastal path to Vila do Conde. From here you will cycle inland and through eucalyptus and pine forests to arrive in Arcos this afternoon.Option: If you prefer to spend more time in Porto today, we can arrange your afternoon transfer from Porto to Arcos. An additional cost will apply and this needs to be pre-booked (speak to our staff for details and prices). In this case the bikes (of similar models to those shown) will be available at the accommodation in Arcos, you do not meet the bike technician. You will still qualify for the Compostela Certificate as you will have ridden just over 200km from Arcos to Santiago which is the minimum requirement for cyclists.
Day 3 : On to Ponte de Lima, the oldest town in Portugal (54km/33.5mi)
Location: Barcelos, Ponte de Lima
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you will cycle across rolling hills and through woodlands and little villages. You will pass through the market town of Barcelos. With its impressive medieval bridge, Barcelos is treasured for its history and legends (eg. the Barcelos cockerel) and is a fantastic place to stop for lunch. You will continue on to Ponte de Lima, the oldest town in Portugal. Once you have checked in to your hotel, the cobble stoned streets of Ponte de Lima are a delight to walk through and there are many points of interest including museums, historic houses, a prision tower (now a library) and the main square, Largo de Camoes. The medieval bridge spanning the Lima River has Roman foundations but was rebuilt in 1368. Many festivals also take place here including Vaca das Cordas in June (the day before Corpus Christi), medieval markets in August, and Feiras Novas on the third weekend in September, a party which goes on for 3 days.Cumulative elevation +444m, -318m
Day 4 : Cross the Spanish border to Tui (39km/24mi)
Location: Valença do Minho, Tui
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today will be a harder day on the bike, with lots of hills to conquer. However the distance is quite short, so you will have time to soak in the scenery en route. You will pass small churches, cycle over green hills, and finally cross the bridge from Valença do Minho, in Portugal, to arrive in Tui in Spain.Cumulative elevation +780m, -752m
Day 5 : On to Pontevedra (52km/32mi)
Location: O Porriño, Arcade, Pontevedra
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Another challenging day on the trail. Today starts out following the Camino de Barca first before reaching the Túnel das Monxas. A sharp climb up to the San Telmo bridge will follow. After this, the terrain will become a little easier as you continue towards O Porriño. Later in the day a short climb leads up to the chapel of Santiaguiño de Antas, and you will then cycle through pine forests en route to the fishing village of Arcade. You will enjoy stunning views over the Bay of Vigo as you pedal towards the historic city of Pontevedra, where you will overnight. In Pontevedra there are some interesting sites to be explored including the Santuario da Peregrin chapel and the Convento de San Francisco. The medieval town centre is a maze of cobbled laneways with tapas bars and cafes.Cumulative elevation +948m, -952m
Day 6 : Cycle to Padron (40km/25mi)
Location: Caldas de Reis, Santa Marina, Padron
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you will pedal through chestnut groves, pine and eucalyptus forest. You will pass through the hamlet of Tivo and the village of Caldas de Reis, before crossing the River Umia and gradually climbing to the village of Santa Marina. Your destination for today is Padron, where the body of St James is said to have first landed when brought to Santiago.Cumulative elevation +463m, -487m
Day 7 : To Santiago (26km/16mi)
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The final day takes you again through pine, oak and eucalyptus wood before climbing up to reach Santiago. You will pass a number of small villages en route, before spotting the spires of Santiago's Cathedral in the distance. If you time your arrival well you will be able to attend the midday Pilgrim's Mass in Santiago. This afternoon you are free to discover the many interesting sites of Santiago's charming old town.Cumulative elevation +463m, -193m
Day 8 : Trip concludes
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip concludes after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in hotels -
Mountain Bike Rental
Mountain bike rental includes a helmet, repair kit, lock, panniers, water bottle, and pump.
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer is included for one piece with a maximum weight of 20kg.
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Digital Information Pack
A digital information pack with route notes and a GPX
avigational app is provided. -
Pilgrim's Passport
A pilgrim's passport is included for the journey.
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Emergency Hotline
An emergency hotline is available for assistance during the tour.
What's Not Included
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Travel to Porto and from Santiago
Travel to Porto and from Santiago is not included.
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Meals Not Listed
Meals not listed as included, drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
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Bike Upgrades
Advanced model MTB, electric touring e-bike, e-MTB - supplement applies.
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Tour Guide
This is a self-guided cycling trip; no tour guide is included.
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Single Room Supplement
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees not listed as included.
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Transfers
Transfers not listed as included. There is an optional transfer between Porto to Arcos available at an additional cost (must be pre-booked). Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are also not included.
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Excess Luggage
Excess luggage is not included.
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Handlebar Phone Holder
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using GPX files.
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Items of a Personal Nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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Helmet Rental
Helmet rental is not included. Helmets are available for purchase or you can bring your own.
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Excess Baggage Charges
Excess baggage charges apply if you have more than one bag weighing a maximum of 20kg.
Grading
GRADE 4 - with daily cycling distances from 26 to 54 km / 16 to 33.5mi over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to hilly and at times there are steep slopes. There will be some dirt roads as well as the occasional rocky path used during this tour. Parts of the Camino have poor tread, stones and gravel which require greater skill with the bike. At times you may need to walk your bike to get around obstacles.
It is important to be in good physical shape to fully enjoy this trip. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good to high level of fitness and who have a strong cycling technique. Minor roads with reduced traffic are customary on this trip and we recommend that you familiarise yourself with road cycling in light traffic in order to participate. *For safety & legal* reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list or provided with bike on request. *Helmets are mandatory in Portugal & Spain on all roads and paths.
CYCLING THE CAMINO - All Camino cycling routes have some demanding parts requiring some technical skills and physical preparation. Some have signposted detours for cyclists but in the main cyclists continue along the Camino, having to get off bikes to avoid obstacles and walkers. The Portuguese 'Central' route is more demanding than the Portuguese Coastal route and in Spain - mainly due to signposting (it's not as well prepared for cyclists as in Spain) and the terrain is more marked.
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What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel by mountain bike, with rental including helmet, handlebar bag, panniers, water bottle, repair kit, lock, and pump. Optional transfers are available at an additional cost.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in a combination of 3-4 star hotels and charming farmhouse B&Bs, all on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of bike is provided for the tour?
The tour provides a mountain bike rental which includes a helmet, repair kit, lock, panniers, water bottle, and pump.
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Is luggage transfer included during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is included for one piece with a maximum weight of 20kg.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will enjoy 7 nights in a combination of 3-4 star hotels and charming farmhouse B&Bs, all on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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Is there any support available during the tour in case of emergencies?
Yes, an emergency hotline is available for assistance during the tour.
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Do I need to bring my own helmet for the cycling tour?
Helmet rental is not included, but helmets are available for purchase or you can bring your own.
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What should I carry with me during the cycling day?
During the cycle day, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling tour?
The tour is graded as GRADE 4, with daily cycling distances from 26 to 54 km over diverse terrain, including relatively flat to hilly areas and at times steep slopes. It is suitable for cyclists with a good to high level of fitness and strong cycling technique.
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Are there any specific requirements for cycling in Portugal and Spain?
Yes, helmets are mandatory in Portugal and Spain on all roads and paths. It is important to be in good physical shape and familiar with road cycling in light traffic to fully enjoy this trip.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Portuguese Camino Cycle - Porto to Santiago
8 Days Starting in Porto, Portugal and ending in Santiago, Spain
Visiting: Porto, Matosinhos, Vila do Conde, Arcos, Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, Valença do Minho, Tui, O Porriño, Arcade, Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis, Santa Marina, Padron, Santiago de Compostela ...more ...less
