Self-guided Cycling the Camino Portuguese
Northern Spain on Cycling the Portuguese Way Tour

Self-guided Cycling the Camino Portuguese

9 days

Route signage on Camino de Santiago routeClouds covering the valley below on self guided Cycling the Portuguese Way TourBeautiful countryside and a trail of Cycling the Portuguese Way TourNorthern Spain on Cycling the Portuguese Way TourResting near the Cycling the Portuguese Way routeResting stop on Cycling the Portuguese Way TourTwo bilkers cycling in the forest on Cycling the Portuguese Way TourBeautiful wineyards on Cycling the Portuguese Way Tour

Challenge yourself on this wonderful cycling pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

One of the great ways to complete the pilgrimage to Compostela is cycling the Camino Portugues. Cycling enthusiasts unite to join fellow “bicigrinos”—pilgrims who choose to cycle rather than walk—make their way on this Cycling the Portuguese Way tour from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.

In 9 days, challenge yourself with an inspiring bike ride from the UNESCO-protected streets of Porto through the idyllic landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula’s northwest. Cover serious ground as you ride over secondary trails fringed by forest to reach historic villages, like Ponte de Lima, Tui, and, Padrón.

Meet friendly locals, cross mighty rivers, dine on delicious local fare, and collect your much-deserved Compostela certificate at the end of your pilgrimage. This Cycling the Portuguese Way tour is suitable for moderate to experienced cyclists, so grab your bike (or rent one on the tour) and make some unforgettable memories!

Highlights Of Self-guided Cycling the Portuguese Camino Tour

Follow in the “footsteps” of 13th-century Queen Isabel of Portugal as you pedal along the Portuguese Way to Santiago.
Stroll the network of cobblestoned streets of some of Portugal and Spain’s most historic centers, like Porto and Pontevedra.
Indulge the senses as you eat and drink your way across Galicia, starting with Rías Baixas’ clams and cockles and Albariño wine.
Uncover the natural beauty of the Iberian Peninsula, from Atlantic Ocean views to thick forests of pine and eucalyptus.

Prices

From $1,250USD
9 days
Difficulty
Self-Guided
Hotels
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Self-guided Cycling the Camino Portuguese

Self-guided Cycling the Camino Portuguese Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Porto

Welcome to northern Portugal! Finding your way from the airport to the heart of Porto, a UNESCO Heritage city, you’ll want to spend a little time acclimating to your surroundings and there’s no better way to do that than sampling the local wine and food. Follow that with an evening stroll along the Douro River and you’re all set.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Porto
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Cycle to Arcos

After a hearty breakfast, you’re ready to hop on your bike and begin the Camino Portugues, ending the first stage in Arcos. This route sees you travelling up the coast before leading you inland and away from the Atlantic, over the Dom Zameiro bridge and through the typical vegetation of northern Portugal. Take cover from the day’s sun in the shade of the pines and eucalyptus trees as you pedal along to Arcos.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Arcos
Distance: 38 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 3 Cycle to Ponte de Lima

Get an earlier start on the Camino today as it’s the tours longest ride. Leaving Arcos, you’ll reach the beautiful village of Ponte de Lima, one of the oldest and most beautiful in the country. As you make your way into the village, you’ll have the pleasure of discovering two sections of the historic ponte (“bridge”), which crosses the river Lima and lends its name to the city. One section dates to the Romans while the other is from the Middle Ages.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ponte de Lima
Distance: 54 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 4 Cycle to Tui

This stage take you into Spain and to Galicia, crossing the bridge over the river Miño (or Minho in Portuguese) which has always represented the natural border between Spain and Portugal. Undoubtedly the city of Tui deserves a visit to its cathedral in San Fernando square. Here you can rest the legs as you wander the streets of Tui’s historical center.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tui
Distance: 38 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 5

Today’s ride on the Camino Portugues is a great stage, as you’ll ride from Tui to Redondela. Along the way you’ll have plenty of opportunity to admire the beautiful views of the Vigo estuary.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Redondela
Distance: 34 km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Cycle to Pontevedra

Today’s stage is quite easy and will take you to one of the most beautiful villages in Galicia,
Pontevedra. You’ll cross the Verdugo River in Ponte Sampaio where Napoleon’s navy suffered one of the worst defeats in Galicia, then you’ll continue to Pontevedra.

You’ll want to spend some time exploring Pontevedra. Amble the narrow, cobblestoned streets of the historic centre, with its charming squares and stone buildings. Visit the Cathedral of Santa María and be sure to taste some of the typical products of the Rías Baixas (“lower estuaries”), like clams, cockles, and oysters.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pontevedra
Distance: 20km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 7 Cycle to Padrón

Discover Barro and the beauty of the Barosa River Natural Park this morning where you’ll take in the picturesque views of the many waterfalls and mills strewn throughout. Your Camino will also pass through Caldas de Reis, an emblematic point along the Way of Saint James. From here, you’ll ride along wooded paths amid scattered villages until you reach Padrón.

Known for being the cradle of great writers of Galician literature, including such writers as Rosalía de Castro and Camilo José Cela, Padrón is also considered to be the first point seen by the ship carrying the remains of the Apostle Santiago. What’s more, as you explore Padrón, you’ll likely pick up a popular phrase in reference to the green peppers the city is also known for, que uns pican e outros non (some are hot and some not).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Padrón
Distance: 39 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 8 Cycle to Santiago de Compostela

Nearing Santiago de Compostela the pastoral landscapes transition into urban sprawl until you find yourself in the heart of this culturally significant city. Deemed a UNESCO Heritage Site (and for good reason), you’ll want to lose yourself in its network of streets in its historic center as you celebrate completing the Portuguese Way. After collecting your Compostela certificate from the Pilgrim’s Office, take the time to soak in the city. One great option is to head to the lively Abastos Market for Galicia’s best produce before.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santiago
Distance: 25 km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 Depart Santiago de Compostela

Spend one final morning exploring historic Santiago de Compostela before it’s time to check out and carry on your return journey home.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast

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Self-guided Cycling the Camino Portuguese Tour Price and Dates

This self-guided walking tour to Santiago de Compostela is always run as a private tour for your group only. The price always depends on the number of people sharing a room.

Prices below are per person:

  • Price per person staying in double room: from $1,250 USD*

* Pricing for this tour depends on your travelling dates. Please click the Book Now button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.

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Accommodation on Self-guided Cycling the Camino Portuguese Tour

This tour is based in 2 and 3-star hotels and offer modern conveniences. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement. In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $175 USD to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.

Hotels on Standard Tour

Hotel da Bolsa in Porto

Close to some of Porto’s popular landmarks and restaurants, Hotel da Bolsa also provides modern amenities (flat screen TV and air conditioning).

Hotel Quinta Sao Miguel in Arcos

Artistically furnished rooms overlooking manicured gardens and an inviting pool, bordering the Camino.

Hotel Imperio do Norte in Ponte de Lima

Indulge in river views from your modern room in this hotel conveniently located in the historical and cultural center of the village.

Hotel Ideas Peregrinas in Tui

Located in the heart of historic Tui and within walking distance to sights and restaurants, Hotel Ideas Peregrinas is family run and operated.

Hotel O Refuxio de la Jerezana in Redondela

Single, double, and dormitory style-rooms characterize Hotel O Refuxio right off the Camino. Enjoy hearty meals on the terrace.

Hotel Boa Vila in Pontevedra

A quiet hotel conveniently located right off the Camino and close to the heart of Old Town as well as restaurants with mouth-watering menus.

Hotel Scala in Padrón

Quiet hotel on the outskirts of Padrón provides visitors with modern and convenient amenities and includes an onsite restaurant and pool.

Hospedería San Martín Pinario in Santiago de Compostela

Perfectly located near Praza do Obradoiro and other notable attractions, as well as a host of restaurants, enjoy your stay in this historic building.

What’s included in the Self-guided Cycling the Camino Portuguese Tour?

Meals

8 breakfasts and 3 dinners are included.

Accommodations

The accommodation for 8 nights along the tour is included.

Transportation during the Cycling the Portuguese Way

This tour includes luggage transfers only.

Also Included

  • Bike rental
  • Saddlebags and helmet rental
  • 24/7 phone assistance
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Walking notes

Not included

  • Guide services
  • Insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation
  • Anything not listed as ‘included’
  • Extra accommodation charge for arriving to Santiago one night before St. James Day (July 25th)

Optional Extras

  • Airport transfers
  • Extra nights before or after the tour

Frequently Asked Questions about Self-guided Cycling the Camino Portuguese

Galiwonders is a specialist tour operator, focusing on pilgrimages along the Camino de Santiago in Spain and Portugal as well as the Via Francigena in Italy. They offer adaptable tours to suit a variety of client needs and focus on truly taking care of their guests.

The tour guides are local experts, living and working right along the Camino. They have visited each hotel and restaurant they recommend, ensuring each is up to standard.

Galiwonders offers constant contact with their guests, ensuring all concerns or questions are addressed immediately so you can relax and enjoy your trip.

Learn More

Map of Self-guided Cycling the Camino Portuguese

Click map for a larger version

Is this tour for me?

We rate this tour as a 3/5. You will be cycling up to 54 km daily. You should have experience riding this distance. In summer the weather can be very challenging due to extreme heat.

Local Guide

Margot, Galiwonders
Margot
Santiago de Compostela, Spain

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