Cycling the Portuguese Camino Coastal Route

Welcome to Portugal! Transfer from the Francisco Sá Carneiro airport to your accommodation in downtown Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Stroll its historic streets and taste its gastronomy before getting a good night’s rest for the cycling journey that awaits you in the coming days.

Set out from Porto to cycle the Camion Portugues along the Coastal Way. You’ll follow the Atlantic Ocean north toward Esposende, breaking up the route with a stop in the medieval town and picturesque port of Póvoa de Varzim. It’s an excellent idea to make your way to the top of the Convent of Santa Clara for the best views of the city and the beach-lined coast.

From here, you’ll then continue to ride through the Parque Natural do Litoral Norte before you cross the Cávado River to Esposende.

Enjoy the stunning scenery of the seaside villages from today’s quiet route along the coast as you make your way to Vila Praia de Ancora.

Today you’ll cross into Spain. Following the Portuguese coastline, the picture-perfect views continue to spur you forward toward the Spanish border where you’ll cross the Miño River (Minho in Portuguese), the natural border between Spain and Portugal. Here you’ll enter and ride through Galician territory to Baiona.

Once in Baiona, be sure to visit the Museo de la Carabela Pinta to see the first ship to arrive to the European continent that brought the news of the discovery of the Americas.

Today is another great ride on the Camino Portugues. Take pleasure in another coastal ride to Vigo by way of Nigrán where the views of the magnificent Cíes Islands in the distance will not leave you disappointed. Before arriving in Vigo, it’s an idea to take advantage of the shorter route today to indulge in a swim at Playa América in Nigrán.

Today’s 35 km will not be too difficult, allowing time for you to discover a historically important site of the area: the Battle of Puente Sanpayo. Crossing the river Verdugo at Ponte Sampaio, you will discover where the French navy was defeated in the 1809 Peninsular War.

Arriving in Pontevedra, tucked alongside the Lérez River, take a late afternoon stroll to discover the city’s charm, a perfect way to end the day.

Leaving Pontevedra behind, you’ll pedal past the wonderful Natural Park of the Barosa River where you can pull over to check out the mills and waterfalls set amid the lush Galician nature. Restore the senses here before continuing the pilgrimage to your hotel in Padrón, known as the birthplace of great writers of Galician literature and for its green peppers.

Today’s final segment of the Coastal Way is known to be the longest stage for traditional pilgrims (those who choose to walk), but it won’t be so difficult for cyclists!

Leaving the village of Padrón, you’ll complete your cycling pilgrimage in Santiago de Compostela where you’ll enjoy the city at your leisure. Don’t forget to collect your Compostelana (certificate of completing the pilgrimage) from the Pilgrim’s Office!

Take the morning to see the sights you may have missed the night before and complete any last-minute souvenir and gift shopping before it’s time to check out and begin your homeward journey.