Day 1: Barcelos to Ponte de Lima
Approx. 31 km – 450 m climbing
Meet your guide in Porto for a private transfer north to Barcelos, where your Portuguese Camino adventure begins. After a professional bike fitting and tour briefing, set off along the Portuguese Central Camino towards Ponte de Lima. Leaving Barcelos behind, you'll quickly find yourself immersed in the peaceful landscapes of northern Portugal, riding along quiet country roads, forest paths and cycling-friendly sections of the historic Camino. Small villages, vineyards and traditional farming communities accompany you as the familiar yellow arrows and scallop shells begin pointing the way north towards Santiago. The route gradually enters the beautiful Lima Valley before reaching Ponte de Lima, one of Portugal's oldest and most charming towns. Cross its iconic medieval bridge over the Lima River and ride into the historic centre, with its cobbled streets, traditional manor houses and lively cafés. After checking in, enjoy the rest of the afternoon relaxing at your hotel or exploring the town and its beautiful riverside setting.
Hotel for the night: Paço de Vitorino Premium option: Carmo's Boutique Hotel
Day 2: Ponte de Lima to Valença
Approx. 45 km – 850 m climbing
After breakfast, continue north along one of the most memorable sections of the Portuguese Central Camino. Leaving Ponte de Lima, ride through peaceful villages, vineyards and dense woodland as you make your way towards the hills separating the Lima and Minho valleys. Today's stage includes one of the most challenging climbs on the Portuguese section of the Camino, as you ascend through the beautiful landscapes around Labruja. Our cycling-optimised route uses alternatives around some of the roughest sections of the traditional pilgrim trail, allowing you to experience the character of the Camino without tackling unnecessarily technical terrain. Once the main climbing is behind you, enjoy a rewarding ride north through the green Minho countryside towards Valença, dramatically positioned above the River Minho and the Spanish border. Finish your ride inside the magnificent Fortaleza de Valença, a historic walled town of narrow streets, traditional shops and spectacular views across the river towards Tui and Galicia. Tonight, you'll sleep within the fortress walls, with Spain and the next chapter of your Camino waiting just across the river.
Hotel for the night: Pousada de Valença Premium option: Room upgrade at Pousada de Valença
Day 3: Valença to Pontevedra
Approx. 56 km – 850 m climbing
Today your Camino crosses its first border. Ride through the historic fortifications of Valença before crossing the International Bridge over the River Minho into Tui, leaving Portugal behind and entering Galicia. Take some time to admire Tui's impressive medieval cathedral and historic centre before continuing north through the lush Galician countryside. Forest tracks, quiet roads and traditional villages lead you deeper into Spain as you follow the historic Portuguese Way towards Santiago. Continue through O Porriño and onwards to Redondela, where the Central and Coastal routes of the Portuguese Camino come together. From here, the landscape opens towards the beautiful Ría de Vigo before climbing again around Cesantes. One of the highlights of the day comes at Ponte Sampaio, where you'll cross the Verdugo River over its historic stone bridge before tackling a final climb and enjoying the rewarding descent towards Pontevedra. Arrive in the heart of Pontevedra, one of Galicia's most attractive cities. Its largely pedestrianised historic centre is perfect for exploring on foot after the ride, with elegant stone streets, lively plazas and plenty of places to enjoy the local Galician atmosphere.
Hotel for the night: Parador de Pontevedra Premium option: Room upgrade at Parador de Pontevedra
Day 4: Pontevedra to Padrón
Approx. 41 km – 550 m climbing
After breakfast, continue your pilgrimage north towards Santiago. By now, the Camino signs, fellow pilgrims and changing landscapes create the unmistakable feeling that your final destination is getting closer. Leaving Pontevedra, ride once again into rural Galicia, surrounded by lush woodland, vineyards, small villages and peaceful country landscapes. The rolling terrain makes for a beautifully varied day on the bike, combining sections of the historic Camino with quiet rural roads and tracks. Along the way, pass through Caldas de Reis, an attractive thermal town and traditional stopping point for pilgrims, before continuing through the Galician countryside towards Padrón. Your destination has a particularly important place in the story of St. James and is also famous throughout Spain for its small green Pimientos de Padrón. After checking in, explore the town, visit its botanical gardens or climb to the Santiaguiño do Monte viewpoint. And, of course, make sure you try the famous peppers. Most are mild, but every now and then you'll find the one that isn't.
Hotel for the night: Pazo de Lestrove Premium option: Pazo de Arretén
Day 5: Padrón to Santiago de Compostela
Approx. 26 km – 475 m climbing
Today, you ride to Santiago. After breakfast, begin the final stage of your Portuguese Camino. The Cathedral is now close, but the route still has a few final climbs in store as you make your way through the rolling landscapes south of the city. Ride through small Galician villages, woodland and historic churches as the signs for Santiago become increasingly frequent. The excitement builds with every kilometre as walkers and cyclists from different Camino routes begin to converge on the same destination. Finally, enter Santiago de Compostela and ride through its historic streets towards the Cathedral and Praza do Obradoiro, the symbolic finishing point of the Camino de Santiago. Arriving beneath the towers of Santiago Cathedral by bicycle is a moment to remember. Take time to celebrate your journey from Portugal into Spain and five days of riding along one of Europe's great pilgrimage routes. After checking in at your hotel, the rest of the afternoon is yours. Visit the Cathedral and Pilgrim's Office, wander Santiago's medieval streets and traditional markets, or simply find a terrace and enjoy the atmosphere of the city. Tonight is your final evening together and the perfect opportunity to celebrate completing your Camino over some outstanding Galician food and wine.
Hotel for the night: San Francisco Hotel Monumento Premium options: Parador de Santiago de Compostela or Quinta da Auga
Day 6: Santiago de Compostela to Porto
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel and one final morning in Santiago de Compostela. At the scheduled time, meet your driver for your private transfer back to Porto Airport or your hotel in Porto. After five days on the bike, your journey has taken you from the historic landscapes of northern Portugal, across the River Minho into Galicia and all the way to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Your Portuguese Camino may have come to an end, but the memories of the ride, and perhaps the desire to return for another Camino, will stay with you long after you leave. For guests wishing to continue their travels, additional nights in Santiago, Porto or elsewhere in Portugal and Spain can also be arranged.
