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Cycling the Portuguese Way

Cycling the Portuguese Way, from Porto to Santiago

If you want to live the Portuguese Way in an alternative way, why not do it by bicycle?

If you do not consider yourself a “normal” pilgrim, but rather a “bicigrino“, this is the route for you.

We remind you that if you are thinking about cycling the Portuguese Way, and obtaining the Compostela, you must ride a minimum of 200 km. However, this route will allow you to enjoy some unique landscapes, so the effort will have be worth it.

The Queen Isabel of Portugal traversed this route in the thirteenth century. Since then, many pilgrims have followed her steps.

Departing from Oporto you will discover one of Portugal’s most famous cities, which historic centre has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

Here you can taste its wine, go for a walk along the Douro river, and enjoy delicious Portuguese food…

On your bicycle route, you will pass through the villages of Northern Portugal, such as Barcelos or Ponte de Lima. Moreover, you will enjoy its landscapes, and the friendliness of its people.

Once you have crossed the border in Valença do Minho (through the bridge that connects Spain and Portugal), you will reach Tui, in Galician land, and you will be able to follow your route towards Santiago.

The beautiful road is awaiting for you, crowned by forests and secondary trails in the Galician countryside.

Here you will be able to taste the typical and delicious products, such as the seafood from the Rías Baixas, or the Albariño, one of the most renowned wines in the area. You will also have the opportunity to ride your bike and get to villages such as Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis, and Padrón.

If you already have some cycling experience and basic mechanical knowledge, we highly recommend you to take the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago on wheels. Be ready to have an unforgettable experience!

With our help, you will find a little easier way to complete the last 200 km of the Portuguese Camino by bicycle.

Are you ready to ride your bike?

Included Services

Lodging in private room with private bathroom
Luggage transfer between stages
Breakfast included
Travel insurance
Walking notes
Pilgrim passport
24/7 telephone assistance

Optional Services

Trip cancellation insurance
Upgrade to superior room
Extra night at the beginning of the tour
Extra night at the end of the tour
Bike rental
Private transfer airport-starting location
Private transfer Santiago-Airport
Organized visits and excursions
Pilgrim massage

Our Costumer Reviews

Stages of The Portuguese Way by bike

Arrival in Porto, a UNESCO heritage city of great artistic and cultural interest.

The stage starts in Porto and ends in Arcos. A route that will take you inland away from the coast. Passed by the wonderful Dom Zameirote bridge, you will discover the typical vegetation of the north of Portugal with its pines and eucalyptus trees, a good opportunity to take advantage of the shadow of the forest while you cycle along your route.

Today a longer stage awaits you and raise the level of difficulty a bit. You will reach the beautiful village of Ponte de Lima, one of the oldest and most beautiful in Portugal. You will be able to see the two sectors of the bridge, which crosses the river Lima and which gives its name to the city. One sector dates from the Roman period and the other from the Middle Ages.

This stage will take you to Galicia, crossing the bridge over the river Miño which has always represented the natural border between Spain and Portugal. Undoubtedly the city of Tui deserves a visit to its Cathedral. Here you can rest strolling by its streets in the historical center.

A medium level stage will take you from Tui to Redondela where you will be able to admire the beautiful views of the Vigo estuary.

Today’s stage is quite easy and will take you to one of the most beautiful villages in Galicia, Pontevedra. You will cross the river Verdugo in Ponte Sampaio where Napoleon’s navy suffered one of the worst defeats in Galicia. From Ponte Sampaio, your route will take you to Pontevedra. Here you can stroll through the historic centre with its squares and stone buildings, visit the Cathedral of Santa María and taste some of the typical products of the Rías Baixas.

Today’s stage will make you discover Barro, and the beauty of the Barosa River Natural Park, with its waterfalls and mills. In today’s stage you will also pass through Caldas de Reis, emblematic point of the Way of Saint James. After passing through wooded paths and villages with some scattered houses, you will arrive at your final destination today, Padrón. This city known for being the cradle of great writers of Galician literature such as Rosalía de Castro and Camilo José Cela was, according to tradition, the first point seen by the ship carrying the remains of the Apostle Santiago. And who does not know the saying with reference to the peppers of Padrón que “uns pican e outros non” (some are hot and some not) ?

Final stage of your bicycle ride, don’t forget to go to the Pilgrim’s Office to ask for your Compostela certificate. Passing initially through rural areas, the landscapes towards Santiago become more and more urban. The magnificent city of Santiago, a UNESCO Heritage Site, is worth a visit. Enjoy its streets in the historic centre and have a look at the Abastos market in order to get to know the local products of this region.

Check out at Santiago.

Standard Category Accommodations on El Camino Portugués

1* and 2* hotels

These hotels offer private rooms with private bathrooms as well as other additional services that may vary depending on the type of category: restaurant service, television, room service, dry cleaning, ironing service, etc. It is common to stay in this type of hotels in the cities along the Camino.

Hostels and pensions

These accommodations have the necessary services to cover the basic needs of cleanliness and rest at a more moderate price than the hotels . Officially, hostels and guesthouses are 1-star accommodations. However, this rating should not be taken into account when evaluating the level of comfort and quality of their services.

Villages to visit on the Portuguese Way by bike from Porto

Porto

The third most inhabited municipality in Portugal, declared a World Heritage Site for preserving one of the most beautiful old towns in Europe. Nowadays, it is one of the most popular starting points for pilgrims on the Portuguese Way.

Barcelos

One of the most important cities in the field of Minoan art and part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. One of its most emblematic elements stands out, the rooster of Barcelos, symbol of Portugal’s identity, linked to the Camino de Santiago by an ancient legend in which it saved the pilgrim from an injustice.

Tui

Tui on the Portuguese Way

Small town whose border location makes it considered as “the gateway to Galicia” from the Portuguese Way of St. James. It preserves its medieval historical-artistic ensemble and the Diosano Museum, formerly a hospital for pilgrims, which can be visited today.

Redondela

Charming village located in the province of Pontevedra located at the mouth of the river Verdugo, in a privileged natural environment. It has a rich historical and cultural heritage, which makes it a destination to discover the beauty and authenticity of Galicia.

Pontevedra

Pontevedra on the Portuguese Way

Also known as “Boa Vila” Pontevedra is a city with a long maritime and mercantile tradition that preserves one of the most important and elegant historical centers of Galicia, with a close relationship with the Camino de Santiago, Pontevedra is considered the capital of the Portuguese Way to Santiago.

Padrón

Located 22 km from Santiago de Compostela, this town is linked to the apostle Santiago, as his remains came from Jerusalem to this city. It is also known for being the home of two important writers: the poetess Rosalía de Castro and the Nobel Prize for Literature, Camilo José Cela.

Places of interest on the Portuguese Way by bike from Porto

San Simón Island

At the bottom of the Vigo estuary, lies the island of San Simón, with a past surrounded by enigmas and mysticism. It was a refuge for Templar knights and Benedictine monks during the Middle Ages and was attacked by pirates in the 16th century and a concentration camp during the Civil War. This island, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, although not directly on the Portuguese Way, many pilgrims choose to approach and visit this impressive place for its historical importance and cultural beauty on their way to Pontevedra.

Most important monuments on the Portuguese Way by bike from Porto

Oporto Cathedral

Porto Cathedral on the Portuguese Way by bike from Porto

Also known as “La Sé de Porto”, the cathedral is the episcopal see of Portugal and one of the most important monuments of the city, being an essential visit for pilgrims and visitors.

It dates back to the 12th century and as a result of its various restorations, it combines Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, which gives it an unparalleled historical richness.

Cathedral of Santa Maria de Tui

Built during the 12th century, the Cathedral of Santa Maria is one of the most important buildings of the Portuguese Way.

Despite being predominantly Romanesque in style, it has Gothic influences, highlighting its entrance, considered the first Gothic sculptural ensemble of the Iberian Peninsula. It also has a medieval cloister, the only one of its kind preserved in Galicia.

Sampaio Bridge

Sampaio Bridge

This bridge of Roman origin crosses the Verdugo River at its mouth and joins the towns of Soutomaior (Arcade) and Ponte Sampaio. Its architecture stands out, characterized by an elongated construction of 10 arches between which there are cutwaters.

In this town was fought the famous Battle of Ponte Sampaio, decisive in the Spanish War of Independence in 1809, ending 5 months of French occupation.

Church of the Pilgrim Virgin in Pontevedra

The church of the Pilgrim Virgin is one of the most symbolic and relevant buildings in the city of Pontevedra. Declared a Historic-Artistic Monument and of Cultural Interest, it combines elements of late baroque with neoclassical forms, such as its main altarpiece, erected in the eighteenth century. It is dedicated to the Pilgrim Virgin, patron saint of the province of Pontevedra and of the Portuguese Way, who guided the pilgrims from Baiona to Santiago; its peculiar plant in the shape of a scallop shell, symbol of excellence of the pilgrims of the Way of Santiago, in which a cross is inscribed, stands out.

What to do on the Portuguese Way from Oporto?

Taste the local gastronomy

Taste the delicious Portuguese and Galician gastronomy in the different towns and cities along the Way. You can taste traditional dishes such as cod, francesinhas and cream cakes; and octopus á feira and cocido in Galicia.

Explore the culture of the Camino

Along the Camino, you can visit a wide range of cultural and historical heritage such as churches, cathedrals and monasteries. Learn about the history, architecture and culture of each region.

Enjoy wine tastings

Especially in the wine regions of Portugal, such as Alentejo and Douro, you will find wineries and vineyards where you can taste a wide variety of red and white wines. A unique experience that will undoubtedly enrich your journey along the Portuguese Way.

From Aeropuerto de Oporto

•Coche: En coche son 15,4 km que se recorren en 12 minutos aproximadamente.
•Autobús: Hay varios operadores que cubren este trayecto, como STCP, TerraVision PT, Get Bus, etc. El trayecto tiene una duración de media hora aproximadamente y un coste de entre 1-4€.
•Metro: Tomaremos la línea E desde el aeropuerto hasta Oporto ciudad. El trayecto tiene una duración de 27 minutos y un coste de entre1-4€ aproximadamente.

From Aeropuerto de Lisboa

•Coche: Son 305,7 km y el trayecto tiene casi 3 horas de duración.
•Autobús: Tomaremos un autobús desde el aeropuerto (Av. De Berlím – Aeroporto) hasta la Estaçao Oriente. Hay un autobús cada 5 minutos (para más información www.carris.pt). El trayecto dura 5 minutos con un coste estimado de entre 1-2€.
Desde la Estaçao Oriente tomaremos un autobús a Oporto, Campo 24 de Agosto. Un viaje con una duración de 3h 30 minutos y 19,00€ de coste (más información en www.rede-expressos.pt).
•Tren: Tomaremos un autobús desde el aeropuerto (Av. De Berlím – Aeroporto) hasta la Estaçao Oriente. Hay un autobús cada 5 minutos (para más información www.carris.pt). El trayecto dura 5 minutos con un coste estimado de entre 1-2€.
Desde aquí, tomaremos un tren hasta Vila Nova de Gaia, con una duración de entre 2:30 – 3 horas y un coste de entre 37-43€.

From Aeropuerto de Vigo

•Coche: 142,4 km y 1h 25 minutos de trayecto.
•Autobús: Primero debemos tomar en el aeropuerto el bus urbano L9A y realizar la parada en Avda. Aeropuerto 565 – Carballal. Este tramo tiene una duración de unos 4 minutos y suele pasar cada 30 minutos.
Luego, desde la Avda. Aeropuerto 565 debemos caminar hasta la Avda. Aeropuerto 656 y tomar el bus L25 hasta Rúa Pateira – Bloque 9. Hay un bus cada hora y tiene una duración estimada de 21 minutos. Para más información www.vitrasa.es .
Después caminaremos 913 m durante 10 minutos hasta la Avenida de Antonio Palacios.
Por último, tomaremos un autobús a Oporto, con una duración de 2h 25 minutos aproximadamente y 13,99€ de coste (más información en www.flixbus.es).
•Tren: Si elegimos ir en tren, primero debemos tomar la línea de autobús L9A, que nos lleve a Tva de Vigo 7, con una duración estimada de 24 minutos y una frecuencia de un bus cada 30 minutos. Para más información, www.vitrasa.es .
Luego, tras caminar 13 minutos (1km aproximadamente), llegamos a Vigo-Guixar, desde donde tomaremos el tren a Oporto – Campanha, con un coste de 14,95€ y una duración de 2h 22 minutos aproximadamente.

FromAeropuerto de Santiago

•Coche: 242,5 km de trayecto y 2h 26 minutos de viaje en coche.
•Autobús: Primero debemos ir del aeropuerto de Lavacolla a Santiago de Compostela (Estación de autobuses): Esta ruta suele tener una duración de 20 minutos y un coste de 3,00€ aproximadamente. Suele salir un bus del aeropuerto cada 30 minutos. Para más información, la empresa encargada de la ruta (aunque hay otras que también operan este trayecto, pero no con tanta frecuencia) es www.empresafreire.com . Otra opción es tomar un taxi desde aquí hasta la estación de autobuses (Con un tiempo estimado de 14 minutos y un precio que puede oscilar entre los 25 y 32€).
Luego, debemos tomar un autobús a Oporto, con un coste de 37,99€ y una duración de 3h 35 minutos aproximadamente.
•Tren: Para tomar el tren primero deberás tomar o bien un taxi (con una duración de 15 minutos y un precio que puede oscilar entre 24 y 34€) que te lleve hasta la estación de tren, o bien un bus que te lleve hasta la misma. En cuanto al bus, la ruta suele tener una duración de 23 minutos aproximadamente, con un precio de 3€ y una frecuencia de buses cada 20 minutos (para más información, www.empresafreire.com).
Luego tomaremos un tren desde aquí hasta Vigo- Urzaiz, con un coste de 11,50 y una duración de 50 minutos aproximadamente.
A continuación, tomaremos un autobús urbano, el L24, a Miragalla, de duración 4 minutos y un coste aproximado de 1-2€.
Luego caminaremos hasta nuestra siguiente parada Vigo-Guixar, desde donde tomaremos el tren hasta Oporto – Campanha, con un coste de 14,95€ y una duración de 2h 22 minutos aproximadamente.

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TOUR SUMMARY

DISTANCE: 217 Km
STAGES: 7 Stages
LENGTH: 8 Nights
DIFFICULTY: 3/5
STARTING IN: Porto
PRICE: from 1123€
*Indicative price, subject to travel conditions and availability.

Why book with Galiwonders?

Taylor-made Camino

We will design an itinerary tailored to your needs, preferences and budget and book all services for you. You enjoy the road.

We are on the Camino

Galicia is our home. We have traveled all the routes of the Camino and we have direct contact with the service providers on the Camino.

We are also travellers

We speak several languages, have lived abroad and have years of experience organizing trips for people from all over the world.

An unforguettable experience

Hundreds of pilgrims repeat year after year the experience of traveling with us. We want you to be one of them. And that is why we will strive to make your trip unique and unforgettable.

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217 km

8 nights

from 1123 €

Per person in db room. Tax inc.

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