Portuguese Coastal Camino Cycle - Porto to Santiago

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 its rich heritage. After checking in to your hotel, take the time to explore the city with its many cultural sites including the impressive cathedral and port wine lodges. Overnight in Porto.

This morning you go to the bike shop to collect your bike. There are two Coastal Camino routes from Porto, la Costa (original route, approx 3km inland) and Senda Litoral (which follows the coast). On the original route, after leaving Porto you will cycle along quiet country roads, passing a mixture of churches and historic sites. You will continue to head north along the coast crossing the Coastal Natural Park and the Cavado river in the direction to Esposende, an old fishing village located on the estuary of the River Cavado. On the Senda Litoral, you'll cycle through fishing villages and towns, and alongside promenades lined with bars and forests, with great views of the Atlantic Ocean. Ascent/descent: +438m/-520m There are options to transfer from Porto to Esposende if you prefer to avoid the largely urban cycle. An additional cost will apply and this needs to be pre-booked (speak to our staff for details and prices). option 1 - transfer to the bike shop as usual after breakfast to collect the bike then transfer to Esposende option 2 - collect the bike independently from the bike shop and transfer to Esposende from your hotel at your preferred time (eg later in the day, allowing you to spend more time in Porto) option 3 - transfer directly to the Esposende hotel, with bikes available at the accommodation there. In this case you do not meet the bike technician. With the transfer, you will still qualify for the Compostela Certificate as you will have ridden just over 200km from Esposende to Santiago which is the minimum requirement for cyclists.

Continue cycling along the Atlantic coastline today passing through the villages of Marinhas, Belinho, Neiva and Darque until you reach the historic town of Viana do Castelo. Later you will pass farms before continuing to the fishing village of Praia de Ancora. Ascent/descent: +477m/-509m

This morning a short 10km cycle along the coast will bring you to the ferry terminal. From here you take the ferry at Caminha in Spain, across the river Miño. The cost of the ferry is not included (around EUR6 + bike extra). Continue by bike to Baiona. Ascent/descent: +477m/-509m

Today you will join the traditional Camino. It is the toughest day of the trip. You cycle towards O Porriño, and then later in the day a short climb leads up to the chapel of Santiaguiño de Antas. Continue through pine forests en route to the fishing village of Arcade. Enjoy stunning views over the Bay of Vigo as you pedal towards the historic city of Pontevedra, where you stay tonight. In Pontevedra there are some interesting sites to be explored including the Santuario da Peregrin chapel and the Convento de San Francisco. Its medieval town centre is a maze of cobbled laneways with tapas bars and cafes. Ascent/descent: +1018m/-1009m

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 Saint James is said to have first landed, when it was brought to Santiago. Ascent/descent: +463m/-487m

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, a very special experience. This afternoon you are free to discover the many interesting sites of Santiago’s charming old town at leisure. Ascent/descent: +436m/-193m