Camino de Santiago Bike Tour: Porto to Santiago de Compostela

Day 1: Porto (arrival)
You'll arrive at Porto airport, where a transfer will bring you to your hotel in the city centre. Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage City with a historic centre featuring over 150 listed monuments. Take some time to explore the Ribeira district along the Douro River, visit the monumental Clérigos church and tower, and admire the Bolsa Palace. The historic Lello Bookshop, a pearl of Art Nouveau neogothic architecture, is also not to be missed.

Day 2: Porto – Barcelos (70 km; +500m)
Your cycling adventure will begin with a briefing at 09:00 at Neya Porto Hotel. You'll then start on quiet cycle paths along the coast, through a sea bird reserve, along dunes and across fishing villages, before going inland and following the medieval Portuguese route to Santiago de Compostela. Barcelos, on the River Cavado, is known for its pottery industry and is also of religious importance. You'll visit the 13th-century Mother Church and hear the pealing of the church bells that ring every hour across the many parishes.

Day 3: Barcelos – Ponte de Lima (34 km; +458m)
You'll follow the medieval pilgrims' way that Queen Isabel of Portugal herself walked in the 13th century. On this stage, you'll arrive in Ponte de Lima, the oldest village in Portugal, famous for its beautiful 24-arch Roman bridge. In the morning, you might enjoy freshly baked bread with the finest local honey. Please note that this section follows the original Camino path, and there may be parts where you'll need to carry the bicycle by hand.

Day 4: Ponte de Lima – Valença (36 km; +688m)
Leaving Ponte de Lima, you'll enter a magical landscape of mountains, forest, and valleys — a land of flowers and silence. Valença, the fortified town where you'll spend the night, rises from the banks of the River Minho on the Spanish border. Its 17th-century double-moated fortifications offer breath-taking views over the river and the cathedral town of Tui in Spain.

Day 5: Valença – Pontevedra (55 km; +776m)
After crossing the border to Spain over the bridge built by Eiffel in 1885, you'll cycle northwards along the valley of the River Louro, through thick pine forests and the magical landscapes of the valleys of Galicia. At Redondela, you'll have captivating views of an Atlantic waterway where the ocean streams inland. Pontevedra, picturesquely located on the River Lerez, deserves time spent in its well-preserved ancient city centre with its farmers' market and delicious local cheese.

Day 6: Pontevedra – Padrón (40 km; +444m)
You'll leave the Atlantic Ocean, travelling inland through majestic forests and across the picturesque valley of the River Gandra to Caldas de Reis. The ride continues to Padrón, past the church of Santa Maria de Carracedo, through a fascinating landscape along the banks of the River Valga. Legend has it that Saint James often preached in the mountains above Padrón, and that he released a spring of fresh water that still flows to this day.

Day 7: Padrón – Santiago de Compostela (26 km; +448m)
The last stage will be a little exciting for most people, as today you'll reach Santiago de Compostela. You'll sense the thrill in the air that all pilgrims feel as they approach the medieval sanctuary to Saint James. This is one of Christianity's greatest holy cities, a beautiful destination for so many people throughout the ages. You'll visit the cathedral — a place of history, devotion, and hope — and enjoy a lovely evening in this remarkable town.

Day 8: Santiago de Compostela (departure)
At the end of your tour, a transfer will bring you to Porto airport or Porto city centre, departing at 09:30 (Spanish time) or according to the earliest departing flight. A surcharge applies for private transfers at the end of the tour.