8 Days & 7 Nights

Camino Portugues By Bike

Cycle the traditional Camino Portugues Central Way from Porto to Santiago
Discover rural villages, medieval towns and historic cities
Savor a quieter Camino experience
Cross the international bridge of the Minho River into Spain
Opt for the included standard bike, or upgrade to an E bike for a bit of assist

Cycle the traditional Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, taking the central route to see the best of Portugal's Minho region before reaching Spain, where the central and coastal routes merge. Start inland, and uncover the historical and cultural depth of the Minho region, one of Portugal's most famous wine regions, sampling its finest vinho verdes. Ride rolling terrain through lush valleys, pretty woodland, small hamlets and historic towns and cities and along the Camino's ancient pilgrim trails, visiting the beautifully preserved historical centers of Ponte de Lima, Tui, Pontevedra and Padrón. To refuel along the way, enjoy regional dishes throughout your journey and sense the change as you move from one country to another, before finishing at the wonderful cathedral in the city of Santiago de Compostela, where pilgrims from all around the world congregate.

From $1,470.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Porto, Portugal

Porto city center is easily reachable from Porto Airport, with a metro line taking you to the city centre every 20-30 minutes. Porto is also reachable from Lisbon by high-speed train, taking just 2 hrs 45 mins. A private transfer to your first hotel can be arranged at extra cost from Porto Airport. Upon arrival at the hotel, you'll receive an in-person welcome briefing along with a bike fitting and some documents for your trip, including your Pigrim's Passport and shell.

Depending on your arrival time, you should allow time to explore this wonderful city, full of history and charm. It's well worth adding an extra night here in Porto. Porto is packed with places worth visiting, from the historic city center to the most fashionable shops of Rua de Santa Catarina, or the unique Port wine lodges. Exploring the Porto Mercado do Bolhão (Bolhão Market), a big open-air food & goods market and considered a city historical monument, is certainly worth a visit to take care of last-minute provisions.

Overnight Porto

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Vila Galé Porto Ribeira

The hotel is located near the main tourist attractions and the fishermen's area of Lordelo do Ouro. It stands in front of the Douro River, and boasts beautiful views of the river. The rooms at Vila Gale offer air conditioning, LED TV's, private bathrooms, free toiletries and a safe. The hotel also has a lounge and bar and has services such as electric car charging stations, laundry service, 24 hour reception and mobility access.

room Select Porto

Room Select is located in the heart of Porto, just a few minutes from the cathedral and adjacent to park Jardim Teófilo Braga. Guests can enjoy a fitness center, bar, and terrace. Additional amenities include a paid shuttle service, elevator, and 24-hour front desk. Rooms offer air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, mini-bar and desk.

Day 2 Cycle from Porto to Barcelos 33.5 miles / 54 km

Set off from Porto Cathedral to begin your epic journey. By the time you reach the village of Mosteiro, the sprawl of Porto and Maia will be behind you, allowing you to enjoy rural scenery. This stage passes through several peaceful villages, lots of agricultural land, some small patches of forest and over two splendid Romanesque bridges. Allow yourself time to enjoy the attractive historical town of Barcelos. You will cycle past some of its most significant monuments as you enter the centre, which are worth visiting after your ride. Highlights include the Archaeological Museum with the cross of St. James, the Romanesque parish church, the medieval keep which now hosts the ceramic figurines that Barcelos is renowned for, the Pottery Museum and the Baroque Gardens. Other points of interest in the town include the old Jewish quarter and the various streets lined with medieval and baroque houses. If you happen to be there on a Thursday morning, you will see the massive market as you leave town.

Total ascent/descent: 582m/610m or 1909ft/2001ft

Overnight Barcelos

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Art'otel Barcelos | 3 Star | Hotel

The Art'Otel is an expressive boutique hotel in the center of Barcelos, a few minutes walk from the city's main monuments. It features a sun terrace, bar, year-round outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, and an outdoor seating area providing ample opportunities for relaxation. The on-site coffee shop offers a variety of beverages and snacks. Guests can expect comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and soundproofing.

Day 3 Cycle from Barcelos to Ponte de Lima 20.5 miles / 33 km

Once you leave the small city of Barcelos behind, the scenery becomes even more peaceful and rural. You'll pass through hamlets and villages but no major settlements until you reach Ponte de Lima. Enjoy the scenes of country life and traditional small scale farming that you'll see on today's ride. The section between Balugães and Ponte de Lima is one of the most beautiful stages of the Camino. You'll catch a glimpse of the Padela hills on your left as you cycle through quiet countryside filled with vineyards and crops. As you descend into the gorgeous Lima Valley, the Nora hills appear on your right with Corno do Bico in the distance. The last few kilometres as you approach Ponte de Lima take you past orchards and through a series of small villages. Enjoy exploring Ponte de Lima, one of Portugal's oldest towns, with an iconic image of its bridge over the Lima River.

Total ascent/descent: 434m/458m or 1424ft/1502ft

Overnight Ponte de Lima

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Imperio do Norte | Bed and breakfast

Hotel Imperio do Norte is located in the historic center of Ponte de Lima, in the heart of Minho, the oldest village in Portugal. The hotel offers 46 standard rooms and 3 suites with some of the suites offering views over Avenida dos Platanos and the Lima River. The hotel is equipped with air conditioning, and the rooms offer cable TV and free wifi. There is free parking available and breakfast is offered at the hotel. There is also a restaurant within the hotel - the "Tasca Caribe" Restaurant which was opened in June 2022 and offers a variety of tapas, snacks, Paellas, and meant and fish dishes.

Day 4 Cycle from Ponte de Lima to Valenca 22 miles / 36 km

As you leave Ponte de Lima, you'll see that the surrounding beautiful countryside features Roman bridges, small hamlets, patches of forest with small waterfalls and impressive Romanesque churches. As you approach Valenca, you'll spot its fortress, which is worth visiting upon arrival. Or you may decide to dine on regional cuisine in this medieval fortification. It's considered to be one of the largest and most well-kept fortifications in the world.

Total ascent/descent: 526m/496m or 1725ft/1627ft

Overnight Valenca

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Lara | 3 Star | Hotel

A great place to stay when doing the Camino, located opposite the fort and not far from the bridge to cross over into Spain. Valenca's popular attractions like Marco Miliário Romano, Capela do Bom Jesus, and Igreja de Santo Estevão, are all within walking distance of the hotel.

Day 5 Cycle from Valenca to Pontevedra 34.7 miles / 56 km

Today you'll say goodbye to Portugal as you cross the international bridge over the River Minho. It's worth setting off early today to enjoy the town of Tui and its remarkable cathedral before reaching Pontevedra and its historic centre full of pretty squares. You have reached Spain, and now it's time to indulge on tapas alfresco style, watching the world go by. You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options in Pontevedra, which is known to have one of the best preserved historical centres in the country. It's now completely pedestrianised, which means you can go for leisurely strolls in the most famous squares, like Plaza de la Verdura, Plaza da Leña and Plaza de la Herreria, all filled with lively bars, restaurants and traditional shops.

Total ascent/descent: 656m/685m or 2152ft/2247ft

Overnight Pontevedra

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Virgen del Camino | 3 Star | Hotel

Located near the centre of Pontevedra, in the Rías Baixas, this hotel is the ideal place to stay for those doing the Camino. The hotel's restaurant opens daily for dinner and there is also an on-site tapas bar, where you can grab a drink before heading into the centre of Pontevedra.

Day 6 Cycle from Pontevedra to Padron 25.4 miles / 41 km

Today's ride is mostly through pleasant countryside, starting on Pontevedra's ancient streets before you reach beautiful woodland. You'll pass through the pretty riverside spa town of Caldas de Reis, renowned for its thermal springs. Bathe your feet in one of them before taking a stroll around the small but attractive medieval centre. From here, you'll cycle through a series of hamlets, passing attractive churches. The highlight today is your destination, Padrón, which is closely linked to the story of St. James with its Church of Santiago. Venture into the town’s medieval streets and discover several squares full of character and cafés, and make sure to try the local speciality - pimentos (green peppers).

Total ascent/descent: 317m/338m or 1040ft/1109ft

Overnight Padron

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Pazo de Lestrove | 4 Star | Hotel

What was once a recreational mansion that used to belong to Compostela's archbishops in the 16th century, is now a hotel with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, garden and terrace. Built in a walled area of 50,000 m2 of forests and gardens, the historic hotel has its own restaurant, serving both traditional and modern cuisine from the region. Rooms are located in either the historic 16th century building with traditional decor and furniture, or in the modern 20th century building with a contemporary decor.

Day 7 Cycle from Padron to Santiago de Compostela 15.5 miles / 25 km

Your final stage takes you through largely rural scenery, passing Galician churches, hamlets and grape vines to reach the famous cathedral of Santiago. You will soon spot its spires, relishing that moment of cycling into Santiago and completing your journey. If you decided to collect stamps in your pilgrim passport along the way, you might want to head to the Pilgrim's Office today if you arrive earlier in the day, or tomorrow morning when it's less busy, to collect your certificate. There are countless restaurants in Santiago de Compostela to celebrate the end of your journey, with plenty of delicious Galician food and wine.

Total ascent/descent: 386m/125m or 1266ft/410ft

Overnight Santiago de Compostela

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Lux Santiago | 3 Star | Hotel

Located in the centre of Santiago de Compostela, the modern Hotel Lux Santiago is just 900 yards from the cathedral, and the Santiago de Compostela Train Station is just 600 yards away. The on-site Studio Bar serves tapas accompanied by Galician wine. Featuring plenty of natural light, each air-conditioned room at Hotel Lux Santiago comes with a flat-screen smart TV, laptop safe and a telephone.

Pombal Rooms Santiago | 3 Star | Hotel

Just 350 yards from the cathedral, Pombal Rooms Santiago is opposite Alameda Park and boasts stylish rooms with views of the old town.

Day 8 Departure

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Is it for me?

The Camino Portugues combines the lush countryside of northern Portugal and northern Spain, starting in the charismatic UNESCO city of Porto and finishing at Santiago de Compostela's cathedral. The region is renowned for its excellent wines and cuisine, and you'll see the gradual change as you journey from Portugal into Spain. Stay in a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels along the way, used regularly by those completing the Camino. This trip is suitable for relatively fit regular cyclists seeking an active vacation and those interested in upgrading to an e-bike (for an additional fee).

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Foodie, Wine, Long-Distance Trails, E-Bike

The minimum age for this tour is: 16 Years

Activity Level & Terrain

This cycling tour is graded as moderate. The grade is determined on the basis of the entire trip. Individual days may vary in terms of difficulty, especially if you have chosen to upgrade to an e-bike (for an additonal fee), i.e. some rides may be slightly more difficult or easier than the overall grade. Pedal on a mix of woodland and farmland tracks (dirt or gravel and sometimes rocky), cobblestones and some roads (secondary and main) closer to the bigger cities and towns. You will encounter some steep climbs along the way, and during wetter weather, you must be prepared for some wet, muddy tracks. The trip follows the Portuguese Camino for 90% of the official pilgrim route, but the remaining sections of the Camino are not safe for bikes (since it was created for pedestrians), so you will be diverted via small roads for the remaining sections where rocky and muddy mountain trails are not suitable for bikes. The Camino is well-marked and easy to follow.

Experience & Fitness

This cycling tour is suitable for relatively fit regular cyclists seeking an active vacation, spending much of the day in the saddle to discover a region and its variety over longer daily distances. Distances of the stages vary between 25km to 56km (15.5mi to 35mi), with total daily elevations ranging from 317m to 656m (1,040ft to 2,152ft). Due to some of this route being off-road, you must be comfortable with riding a mountain bike and handling off-road terrain, and please note that e-bikes typically weigh more than 60lbs and are not suitable for those under 5ft tall or less than 16 years old.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

7 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels
All breakfasts
Standard bike hire (Trek Mountain Bike Marlin 6)
Luggage transfers (1 bag at 15kg/33lbs per person)
Pilgrim kit (passport and shell)
In-person welcome briefing upon arrival
GPX tracks and access to our Macs smartphone app
24/7 Emergency Support

Excluded

Dinners, lunches, drinks and snacks
E-bike hire (upgrade available)
Travel insurance
Personal equipment
Admissions or entrances
Arrival and departure transfers

Extras

Upgrade to an E-bike
Additional nights before, after or during the tour
Extra bag for daily luggage transfers
Private arrival transfer from Porto Airport to your first hotel
Private departure transfer from your last hotel to Santiago de Compostela Airport
Private departure transfer from your last hotel back to Porto

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

Porto Airport (OPO) is easily accessible from North American, however you will likley need to connect through one of the major European airports. Upon arrival, take the metro from the Porto airport (the purple Line E) to the city center; it runs every 20 or 30 minutes. Alternatively, there's an airport shuttle bus you can take. Or if you'd prefer, the Taxi rank (stand) is located near the exit of the arrivals hall and costs approx. 25 EUR with a journey time of 20-35 mins (depending on traffic). We can also arrange a private transfer from Porto Airport to your first hotel (for an additional fee).

Alternatively, you can fly to Lisbon Airport (LIS) and make your way to Porto from there. Porto is one of the main railway hubs in northern Portugal, and is easily reachable by high-speed train. It takes approx. 2 hrs 45 mins by train from Lisbon to Porto.

Getting from the End

You can fly from Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ) to Lisbon and other European airports outside of Portugal. Bus Line 6A takes you from Santiago's city center to itsairport in approx. 20 mins.

Alternatively, if you need to fly out of Porto, you can return by train (via Vigo, taking approx. 4.5hrs) or catch a bus direct to Porto which runs daily (journey time approx. 3hrs). Please note these options will take you to Porto city center and then you'll need to either take the metro or a taxi to the Porto airport (OPO). If you'd prefer, we can arrange a private transfer back to Porto Airport (for an additional fee) should you wish to book return flights out of Porto.

It is also possible to take the train from Santiago to Madrid (approx 7hrs), then either take the metro or a taxi from Madrid's city center to the airport (MAD).

Train timetables and fares can be viewed at RENFE.

Luggage Transfer

Luggage transfers between overnight locations are included in the tour. One piece of luggage per person is allowed, weighing no more than 20kg/44lbs. An extra bag can be added for an additional cost before final payment.

Info & FAQ

Equipment

Bike & E-Bike Hire

Hire of a Mountain Bike is included as standard (Mountain Bike TREK Marlin 6 with either 27.5” or 29” wheels). Sizes range from XS to XL.

Included with bike hire is a pannier rack, panniers, phone holder, bottle cage, toolkit, puncture repair kit, and use of a helmet.

For some battery-powered assistance on longer days, and to ease ascents, we recommend hiring an e-bike. We can arrange hire of high quality E-bikes at an extra cost (TREK Powerfly 4-625 Gen 3). The rechargeable battery on your bike will be your reliable riding partner, getting you to the top of hills or to your final destination with more energy in the tank for an afternoon swim or simply for exploring. E-bikes are growing rapidly in popularity so please make sure to request one at the time of booking so we can secure availability for your trip and avoid disappointment.

Minimum age for e-bike hire is 16yrs.

Travel Insurance

It is strongly recommended that you secure adequate travel insurance.

How fit do I need to be? How far in advance do I need to book? What equipment do I need? Can I extend my trip? How do I get my pilgrim passport and certificate at the end? Can I bike this camino route as a solo cyclist?

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Camino Portugues By Bike

Camino Portugues By Bike

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Itinerary

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Why Macs

The Biggest Choice

Founded in 2003

23,000+ Customer Reviews

B Corp Certified