Guided 24/25: Cycle the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route

The entire old city of Porto became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 and there’s plenty going on here to warrant that title. Set on the bank of the Douro River near the Atlantic Ocean, the city is perhaps best known globally for its famous Port wine, wine that goes down very well on the countless terraces and restaurants in Porto!

From the city centre of Porto you will head out along the Douro River to the Atlantic coastline, which you will follow north. To shorten the day you can take the metro from the city centre to the coast to start from there. Passing by tranquil beach resorts, you may be tempted more than once to dip your toes in the sea. By the end of the day you will reach the coastal villages of Vila do Conde and Povoa de Varzim.

As you make your way to the market town of Barcelos for your last night in Portugal, enjoy the change of scenery from beach to quiet country lanes screened by eucalyptus and pine woods. Have a picnic or even a swim in the Rio Este and visit a parish church dedicated to St Peter and reputedly ordered by St James himself on his evangelisation of the peninsula.

Today we continue along the coast of Portugal. You are following a boardwalk for a while before cycling parallel to the coast road on a very safe cycling path. Take advantage of the small villages you are crossing as well as the seaside viewpoints to use your camera, have a bite to eat, or simply relax. You will cross the border to Spain on a ferry and arrive in Baiona via the cycle path again. Baiona is a jewel of a town, small enough to be quiet yet big enough to have plenty to do and see.

The first part of the day coming out of Baiona is again marvellous, with wild coast cycling along the cycle path. You will be passing through Vigo, the largest town of the region and while the busy roads will provide a contrast to the previous days, you will be in and out in 1 hour 30 minutes, then heading to the classic Camino Portugues inland at Redondela. You finish today in the lovely town of Pontevedra. There is a great historical centre and a vibrant atmosphere.

Your final day of cycling on this section of the Camino will see you pass through chestnut groves, and pine and eucalyptus woods. A statue of James in Ponte Cabras with his staff will show you the way. Stop in Caldas do Rei for a dip in its hot springs and visit the ruins of the Castro Lupario Fort. Along your journey you will see some of the oldest wayside crosses of Galicia. And as you make your way towards Agro des Monteiros you will be able to see the spires of the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. In the afternoon, you will arrive in the City of the Apostle itself, where you can complete your journey with a visit to the Cathedral, a stroll around the old town, and tapas in one of the city’s many charming bars.

After breakfast, we bid you farewell.
If you wish to stay in the area, we recommend that you:
– Take your time and visit the magnificent historic centre of Santiago.
– Continue with us along the wild Camino Fisterra (Finisterre Way), and stay overnight at the hotel in the lighthouse!
– Or take a bus to Fisterra to visit the unspoilt sandy coves and beaches of the west coast. With very few tourists, you are guaranteed a very special experience. Buses depart from Santiago Bus Station at 9am and 10am. Buses return to Santiago at 4:45pm and 7pm. The journey takes 3 hours.