Cycle the Coastal Portuguese Camino

8 Days
From CAD 4560
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating

Experience Overview

Following the Atlantic shoreline, the Portuguese Camino coastal route is perhaps the most scenic of the numerous pilgrimage trails that comprise the Camino de Santiago. See it for yourself on this culture-crammed cycling adventure. Starting in Porto, we follow the coast north, before crossing into Spain and biking to our goal: Santiago de Compostela, reputed burial site of the Apostle, Saint James. Along the way, we stop in a string of atmospheric coastal towns, while also collecting our stamps to receive our Compostela certificate in Santiago – proof you have completed this historic pilgrimage.
Profile
— Six days of cycling with partial vehicle support — 80 percent paved roads and cycle paths, 20 percent gravel roads and tracks — Some climbs — Group normally 6 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (6 hotel, 1 guesthouse) — E-bikes available for an additional cost — Option to travel by train to your adventure
At a Glance
— Six days of cycling with partial vehicle support — 80 percent paved roads and cycle paths, 20 percent gravel roads and tracks — Some climbs — Group normally 6 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (6 hotel, 1 guesthouse) — E-bikes available for an additional cost — Option to travel by train to your adventure
Trip For You
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us. Six days of cyclingAverage distance: 29mi (46km) per dayPartial vehicle supportTerrain and route: 80 percent on paved quiet minor roads/cycle paths and 20 percent on gravel roads and tracks with cobblestones. This can be quite bumpy at times, particularly during the first two stages in Portugal but gets smoother once you enter Spain. Our bikes have shock absorbers and suspensions, which improve riding comfort and give riders greater control on the rougher terrain.Wearing a cycling helmet is compulsory You can cycle with an e-bike (additional charge applies). Our guides are experienced in managing groups with both push bikes and e-bikes, and many of our clients enjoy the flexibility an e-bike offers. Please speak to us if you would like to add this option to your booking. As we are passing through rural communities the roads are quiet with very little traffic; however, you will be sharing the route with walkers and cyclists all on their way to Santiago de Compostela. There are a few cobbled sections where you should take care, particularly in wet conditions. This trip is ideal for confident cyclists who exercise regularly and have a strong level of fitness.
Group Description
There will be a local cycling leader and an assistant leader driving the support vehicle.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts are included. Breakfasts will be continental with cold cheese, meats and bread, plus pastries, tea and coffee. Vegetarians: A meat and fish diet is the norm in northern Portugal and Spain; however, many vegetarians have not experienced any problems. Most restaurants will offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives but there will not be as many options to choose from. Please note, mealtimes in Portugal and Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 9pm and 9.30pm.
Transportation
Transfers to and from the airport will be by private vehicle (normally minibus). While cycling, the vehicle will carry your baggage and be available with assistance or if you choose to sit out a section of the ride. A guide cycles with the group.
Joining Instructions
Key information Start hotel: Legendary Porto Hotel, Praça da Batalha 127 130, 4000-102 Porto, Portugal Phone: +351 22 339 2300 Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately Airport: Porto Airport (OPO) Getting to the start hotel The start hotel is approximately a 30 mins drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative. Catching your return flight There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Transfer Details
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if Exodus has booked it. If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
Weather Information
In April and October, expect temperatures of 5C-15C (41F-59F) with a high chance of rain showers. In the mornings, it is often cloudy and more temperate. Temperatures in May and September tend to be warmer. Expect a combination of sun, light showers, and clouds. July and August are typically sunny and warm with temperatures of 15C-30C (59F-86F).
Spending Money
There are restaurants all along the Portuguese Coastal Camino offering set lunches and dinners for approximately €12-€15 specifically aimed at those travelling the route. The exception would be the special group dinner in Santiago de Compostela for approximately €30. We recommend you allow about €200- €250 overall; however, this depends on which restaurants you choose.
Tipping
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline, we recommend a contribution between €20 and €25 per client per week. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver. This can be handed to your leader at the end of the trip. For your driver, we recommend approximately €15-€20 per person.

Highlights

  • — Enjoy stretching views of the Atlantic as you cycle north — Cross the idyllic Galician countryside, where local people tend their vines — Collect stamps for your pilgrim's passport along the way — Receive your much sought-after Compostela certificate

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 4081

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Moderate

TransportTransport: he group.

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: MES

StartStarts: Porto, Portugal

FinishFinishes: Porto, Portugal

DurationDuration: 8 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Average

Includes

  • — All breakfasts — All accommodation — Airport transfers — Local bike hire

Accommodation


We spend seven nights in three-to-four-star hotels and one night in a casa rural, each chosen for their comfort and location.  Some hotels have a swimming pool and/or a sea view. Examples of hotels used: Porto: Legendary Porto Hotel (Hotel Sao Jose for 22 September departure)Esposende: Hotel Suave MarPraia de Âncora: Hotel MeiraBaiona: Hotel Baia BaionaPontevedra: Hotel Galicia PalacePadron: A Casa Antigua do Monte (Casa Rural)Santiago: Hotel Gelmirez (Hotel Compostela for 9 June departure)

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 4560 (CAD 570 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Start Porto

Depending on the time of your arrival in Porto, your leader will arrange a short orientation tour in the historic centre. There is plenty to see and we recommend travelling a day earlier if you are interested in exploring the city more. Accommodation: Legendary Porto Hotel (or similar) *Hotel Sao Jose 22 September departure

2
Day 2: Leave Porto, cycle along the Atlantic to Esposende

Our cycling begins today, tracking the Atlantic north to the coastal town of Esposende; the day has the least climbs, which makes for a nice warm up. The first stage from Porto to the seaside town of Vila de Conde is particularly lovely, following the Douro river first and then the Atlantic coastline via a series of esplanades and boardwalks known as the Senda Litoral. We likely pause for lunch at Vila do Conde, a one-time shipbuilding town with a historic centre and standout gothic monastery. This will be a great opportunity to taste some of the local fish dishes.  We then continue to our base for the night, Esposende. Accommodation: Hotel Save Mar (or similar)

3
Day 3: Continue along the coast; lunch in Viana do Castelo; end in Praia de Ancora

Our second day of cycling continues along the Atlantic coastline. We cycle inland to enjoy the lush green countryside as we pass many villages to arrive a the Lima River and then cross the Ponte Eiffel, an iron bridge built in 1878 by Gustave Eiffel and his then partner Theophile Seyrig. Our goal is Viana do Castelo, an attractive medieval town with a long maritime history. We will stop for lunch, before cycling up the coast to Praia de Ancora, a one-time fishing village and now a popular seaside resort with a 17th-century fort (Forte da Lagarteira) and beautiful sandy beaches. We may have a chance to swim in the sea, though the water can be a little cold and choppy. Accommodation: Hotel Meira (or similar)

4
Day 4: Coastal route and quick boat ride to Spain; lunch in Oia; end in Baiona

Today, we cycle along the coast (taking in more lovely views of the Atlantic as we go) and bid Portugal a fond farewell, taking a five-minute boat ride across the Miño river from the medieval town of Caminha. We will stop for lunch in the quaint seaside village of Oia, home to the 12th-century Santa Maria monastery. Our final destination of the day is the lovely Galician town of Baiona, a favourite vacation destination for the Spanish though little-known by the rest of the world. Upon arrival, we may be able to take a dip in the Atlantic. The bay-sheltered waters here are likely to be a little warmer and calmer than yesterday. Accommodation: Hotel Bahia Baiona (or similar)

5
Day 5: Cycle to Vigo, lunch in Redondela; arrive in Pontevedra

We continue along the coast today with views of the Cies Islands until we reach the outskirts of Vigo. We follow the river through the city, allowing us to avoid the urban sprawl, before we head to lunch in Redondela. After food, we cycle inland to join the interior Portuguese Camino route and join many other Pilgrims. We will cross the 10-arch medieval bridge of Puente Sampayo before climbing the steep pass of Alto da Canicouva. We then descend into our destination for the day, Pontevedra, once a thriving port city and now home to one of the oldest historic quarters in Galicia. Accommodation: Hotel Galicia Palace (or similar)

6
Day 6: Pedal through rural Galicia; visit Caldas de Reis; finish in Padron

Today we cross the Galician countryside, an idyllic rural landscape dotted with traditional villages. Many of the local people here produce their own white wine and we see their vines as we go. About halfway, we visit Caldas de Reis, where ancient Romans would make use of the hot thermal waters. There is now a fountain here where spring water pours out at a very pleasant temperature. We then continue cycling to Padron, a traditional town and our last stop before Santiago de Compostela. Accommodation: A Casa Antigua do Monte (or similar)

7
Day 7: Cycle to Santiago de Compostela; walking along the historic town centre and farewell dinner

It’s our final day of cycling and we only have 15.5mi (25km) to cover, allowing us plenty of time in the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. In the afternoon, we enjoy walking along the city centre with an optional visit to the cathedral where Saint James is said to have been buried. If you’d like, the guide can take your passport to the Pilgrim’s Office to collect your Compostela certificate, allowing you to avoid the queues and enjoy more of this beautiful holy town. In the evening, we have our farewell group dinner in a nice restaurant in Santiago centre, an excellent chance to relive our adventures together. Accommodation: Hotel Gelmirez (or similar) *Hotel Compostela 9 June departure

8
Day 8: End Santiago de Compostela

The trip ends after breakfast. Say goodbye to the group and start your return journey home. If you’ve still got the appetite for more exploration, speak to your sales representative to book further nights in our Santiago de Compostela or Porto hotels.

Tour Operator

Exodus Travel

It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.

In Business Since 1974

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