Self-guided Cycling the Camino Portuguese

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Spend one final morning exploring historic Santiago de Compostela before it’s time to check out and carry on your return journey home.