The Atlantic coast from Porto to Santiago de Compostela
From Portugal to Spain on a western variant of the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela
© RR - TdP
© Restaurante Fialho Evora
Highlights
A cyclo-tourist pilgrimage on a variant of the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela
The beautiful city of Porto and its old quarters
Portugal's beaches and coastal villages
Crossing the River Minho
The fortified village of Santa Tegra
The waterfalls of the Barosa River
Santiago de Compostela and its cathedral
Cycling pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela
From Porto to Santiago, pedal from the Portuguese coast to Spain through breathtaking scenery and discover remarkable historic towns.
Embark on a unique adventure that takes you from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, through spectacular landscapes and towns steeped in history. This cycling trip allows you to discover natural, cultural and gastronomic treasures, while skirting the Atlantic coast and the charming border regions of Portugal and Spain.
The route starts in Porto, famous for its wine and lively districts, before following the golden beaches and historic coastal villages, such as Vila do Conde. You’ll enjoy landscapes that are both wild and cultivated, where sea and land meet to form unique contours. Further on, you reach Viana do Castelo and Caminha, where the views over the River Minho, which marks the border with Spain, are breathtaking.
Entering Galicia, a region steeped in tradition, you explore fascinating sites such as the fortified settlement of Santa Tegra and the medieval monastery of Oia. In Vigo, one of Europe’s largest fishing ports, you can wander through a city that is both modern and historic. Then the road takes you to Pontevedra, a lively town with picturesque squares and inviting cafés.
On the way, you can admire the waterfalls of the Barosa river. Next stop is Caldas de Reis, famous for its thermal springs since Roman times. Still in the saddle, you pedal on to Padrón, famous for its green chillies. Finally, the journey takes you to Santiago de Compostela, where the majestic cathedral and historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, mark the finish line of this adventure. Well done for your efforts!
This trip combines the beauty of wild landscapes, between land and sea, the richness of history and the discovery of local flavours, for an unforgettable experience along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula.
Fit From PORTO to ESPOSENDE 64km 300m 
Leave Porto behind and encounter Portugal’s stunning coastline for the first time. Watch the cold Atlantic waves crash onto the beautiful beaches along the route, and take a moment to pause, breathe in the fresh sea air, and soak in the beauty around you. Along the way, discover many charming ancient villages, with Vila do Conde standing out as a true gem. Its historic center, the shimmering river mouth, inviting beaches, and landmarks such as the Mosteiro de Santa Clara and the remaining stretches of a long-legged medieval aqueduct make this village truly special.
From ESPOSENDE to CAMINHA 55km 300m
Today, you head for Portugal’s border with Spain.
In the middle of the day, have the privilege of discovering a real gem. Crossing the charming River Lima on a bridge, enjoy a breathtaking view of Viana do Castelo. This blessed town has a captivating medieval centre, filled with churches, monasteries, palaces adorned with coats of arms and monumental fountains with fascinating water features. At the end of the day, arrive in Caminha, a pretty town situated at the mouth of the River Minho, which marks the natural northern border with Spain.
From CAMINHA to BAIONA 48km 900m
You enter Galicia by crossing the magnificent River Minho on board a ferry.
Once on the other side, head for the town of A Guarda. Once there, climb to the top of its hill to visit the archaeological site of the fortified settlement of Santa Tegra, an experience that’s well worth the diversions! Along the way, you can also explore the medieval monastery of Oia, located right on the coast. Finally, arrive in Vigo, a historic city and one of Europe’s largest fishing ports. Welcome to Spain!
From BAIONA to PONTEVEDRA 61km 700m
Head for the Celtic ruins of the magnificent city of Vigo. Leaving Vigo, take the more traditional routes to Santiago de Compostela along the Ria de Vigo. A typical Spanish town guides you towards Pontevedra, a city which, although smaller than Santiago, is nonetheless charming, with a warm atmosphere around its squares and cafés.
From PONTEVEDRA to LESTROBE 49km 800m
After leaving Pontevedra, admire the vast wetlands teeming with hundreds of plant and bird species. Along the route, encounter picturesque river crossings, with the highlight being the stunning waterfalls of the Barosa River—a perfect spot to pause and enjoy lunch. Continuing onward, pass through Caldas de Reis, a natural spa town with roots dating back to Roman times. Rivers and lush vegetation guide you to your destination, the medieval town of Padrón, famous for its small, green, and delicious peppers.
From LESTROBE to SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA 30km 600m
In the distance, you start to see the top of the cathedral, a sight that gives you the strength you need to make the last few kilometres. You’ve finally arrived! You’re in Compostela. The old town of Santiago, together with the Santa Maria de Conxo monastery on the outskirts, forms an extraordinary ensemble of monuments of great distinction. The squares and alleyways of the historic centre are home to Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical buildings. As well as being a harmonious and remarkably well-preserved historic city, this town is deeply imbued with faith. Make the most of it!
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
End of stay after breakfast. Have a safe journey home!
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1560€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Quote on request | Contact us
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a Double room
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Application fee
- The routes described on the following media :
- An app to follow the routes step by step
- A practical, descriptive route book in English with all our recommended addresses.
- Day 1 : Private shuttle - PORTO (AIRPORT) - PORTO
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting in english with our team at the beginning of the trip to do a bikefitting and receive your travel documents.
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks with dinner (unless otherwise stated), visits not mentioned in ‘Price includes’ and other personal expenses.
- Local tax
- Ferry crossing to Caminha
A “homemade” stay made by a local partner, specialist in cycling holidays in Portugal:
- Routes picked with the Abicyclette team for their tourist & cyclilng interests, fully marked, removed from traffic
- Accommodation offered for the quality of their welcome, atmosphere, services and gastronomy
- A great flexibility of organization which adapts to your needs and desires: you leave on the date of your choice! We check accommodation availability to ensure your departure.
Local support :
- A personalized reception on the first day of your trip by a local guide that will provide you the travel documents (reception in English or Portuguese)
- Luggage transfer service
- Local telephone assistance from 9am to 8pm (English or Portuguese)
- 7/7 telephone assistance from 8.30am to 8pm from the ABICYCLETTE VOYAGES team
A simplified route tracking:
- A digital road book to find all useful addresses, recommended restaurants and tourist information, maps and a description of the circuit.
- An application to follow the route without ever having to look for directions (bike mount provided)
- (for an optional fee): rental of a GPS to ease tracking without using your smartphone.
And also:
- Rental of technical and comfortable bikes, ideal for this varied route combining roads and paths.
- The possibility of taking out a cancellation & multi-risk insurance covering you in the event of a problem or unforeseen event
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Touring bikeFrame: rigid aluminium Drivetrain: high-quality Shimano Saddle: soft Suspension: SR Suntour Tyres: Schwalbe Brakes: Shimano hydraulic Supplied equipment per bike
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EbikeFrame: rigid aluminum Drivetrain: high-quality Shimano Saddle: soft Suspensions: SR Suntour Tires: Schwalbe Brakes: Shimano hydraulic Battery: Yamaha or Bosch Power Tube 500 Wh Supplied equipment per bike
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Gravel BikeBrand : 3T Model : Exploro Ultra Frame : carbon Drivetrain : Groupe Shimano GRX 1×12 Pannier rack Supplied equipment per bike
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Getting here
Departure city : PORTO
Coming by car
- at 15h from PARIS
- at 9h from BORDEAUX
- at 14h from LYON
Coming by train
- Porto Campanha train station - More than 12h from Paris
- Porto Sao bento train station - More than 12h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Porto airport
Arrival city : SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Coming by car
- at 14h from PARIS
- at 5h15 from LISBON
- at 6h from MADRID
Coming by train
- Santiago de Compostela train station - More than 12h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Santiago de Compostela airport
- Porto airport
- Corogne Airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
How to get back to the starting point
- By train from Santiago de Compostela to Porto Campanha in 4h (hotline)
- Return by car in 2h30 to your starting point
- Private shuttle: see detailed fares or contact us
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
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| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Duration 8 days and 7 nights
Level Fit
Departure date From January 4th to December 15th
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
Easy , 
Expert
PORTO
Arrival at Porto.
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.