Bike Tour in the Portuguese Camino - by the Coast, from Porto

The coastal variation of the Portuguese Camino will take you from Porto to Santiago de Compostela on a bike tour by the medieval and romanic cities of the north of Portugal and Galiza.

Always accompanied by the ocean, this is a less demanding ride than the Central Camino but an equally rewarding one as you’ll visit the coastal medieval towns and villages of Vila do Conde, Póvoa do Varzim, Viana do Castelo and Vigo, just before you join the central route in Redondela to continue the route to Santiago.

Cycling the camino is an epic journey turned bike tour, a pilgrimage that started in the 9th Century with the discovery, in Galiza, of the remains of St. James. In 1325, the Portuguese queen Isabel made a pilgrimage to Santiago following a route very similar to the one that today is marked with yellow arrows, crossing the then recently built Barcelos bridge; Now it’s your time to trail the Way of St James.

Start cycling the Camino in the city of Porto, settled in the 4th century during the roman occupation, visit its UNESCO world heritage sites and its unique traditions, architecture, port wines and cellars. Riding the Way of St James, you’ll feel like a citizen of the world, where several languages are spoken as one, passing through amazing medieval villages like Ponte de Lima, Barcelos and Valença, with typical traces from the northern Portuguese architecture and art.

The portuguese way of St James is made of trails and dirt tracks, ancient roman roads, municipal roads and even alongside modern roads. It’s of an enormous diversity and there’s always a surprise on every bend. Immerse in the scenario of Minho and Galicia, while cycling the Camino, the roads and trails of the woodland areas, small villages and “pueblos” that still seem to be in the Middle Ages. Enjoy this regions’ gastronomy, rich in variety and flavor, a true feast for your senses. Taste the Port and Green wines, so typical of the Minho region and stay in some of the best hotels in the Way of St James. Arrive in Santiago de Compostela, designated UNESCO world heritage site and admire the shrine of Saint James at the end of your pilgrimage.

Day 1: Arrival and transfer from Porto airport

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)

Day 2: Cycling the Camino: Porto – Vila do Conde  (35km, 280 meters climbing)

After breakfast, your Camino adventure begins as you leave the vibrant city of Porto by bike. Ride through the historic centre, descend towards the Douro River and follow the waterfront cycle paths to the Atlantic coast. From Leça da Palmeira, the scenery changes completely. The Portuguese Coastal Camino unfolds through a wonderful mix of seaside promenades, wooden boardwalks, quiet coastal roads and traditional fishing villages, always accompanied by the sound of the Atlantic. Pass through the lively seaside town of Póvoa de Varzim before arriving in the historic town of Vila do Conde, renowned for its beautiful waterfront, impressive monastery and rich maritime heritage. Spend the afternoon exploring the charming old town or simply relax by the river before enjoying your first evening on the Camino.

Hotel for the night: Villa C Boutique hotel or The Lince Santa Clara Historic Hotel (premium option)

Day 3: Cycling the Camino: Vila do Conde – Viana do Castelo (58km, 600 meters climbing)

Today's ride introduces some of the most varied landscapes of the Portuguese Coastal Camino. Leaving Vila do Conde, continue north along the Atlantic, passing through the traditional fishing town of Esposende before following the peaceful banks of the Cávado River. Quiet country lanes, forest tracks and sections of the original Camino lead you through authentic northern Portuguese villages. As you approach Viana do Castelo, the route becomes more adventurous, with rolling terrain and beautiful natural scenery before crossing the Lima River into one of Portugal's most elegant coastal cities. Dominating the skyline is the magnificent Santa Luzia Basilica, while the historic centre offers beautiful squares, Manueline architecture and excellent cafés—an ideal place to enjoy lunch and explore. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to discover Viana do Castelo, widely regarded as one of Portugal's most beautiful cities.8km, 600 meters of climbing)

Hotel for the night: Casa Melo Alvim or Pousada de Viana do Castelo (premium option)

Day 4: Cycling the Camino: Viana do Castelo Baiona (63km, 450 meters climbing)

Today's ride takes you towards the Spanish border, combining dramatic Atlantic scenery with some of the most memorable sections of the entire Coastal Camino. Leaving Viana do Castelo, you'll continue north through forests, peaceful villages and quiet secondary roads before reaching the charming seaside town of Vila Praia de Âncora. From here, join the spectacular coastal Ecopista that follows the shoreline all the way to Caminha, where the River Minho separates Portugal from Spain. Board the traditional ferry across the river to A Guarda, entering Galicia and continuing along the spectacular Galician coastline. The final kilometres feature gentle rolling roads with magnificent ocean views before arriving in the medieval seaside town of Baiona, famous for its historic fortress, lively marina and excellent seafood restaurants. After checking at your hotel, enjoy a relaxed evening exploring this remarkable coastal town while preparing for tomorrow's ride.

Hotel for the night: Talaso Atlântico or Parador de Baiona (premium option)

Day 5: Cycling the Camino: Baiona – Vigo – Pontevedra (65km, 1140 climbing)

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 for the night – Parador de Pontevedra (room upgrade in premium option).

Day 6: Cycling the Camino: Pontevedra – Padrón (41km , 550 meters climbing)

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.

Hotel for the night – Pazo de Lestrove or Pazo de Arretén (premium option)

Day 7: Cycling the Camino: Padrón – Santiago de Compostela (28km, 475 meters climbing)

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 for the night – San Francisco Hotel Monumento or Parador de Santiago de Compostela / Quinta da Auga (premium options)

Day 8: Cycling the Camino: Transfer to Porto

Breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. At the scheduled time, transfer from Santiago de Compostela back to Porto airport.