7-Day The Way of St James Bike Tour- The Coast Path - Camino to Santiago

The estimated distance traveled in this tour is 278 km and 4121m (1.30%) of cumulative gap climbs.

Itinerary

Day 1:

Porto: Before starting this Cycling tour towards Santiago de Compostela, it’s almost mandatory to explore Porto. Follow us in a city tour (bike or walk) and discover a huge miscellany of heritage, from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 20th Century.

Day 2:

Porto - Esposende (60 km), You will be overwhelmed with seaside landscapes and small “Portuguese rivieras” until you reach Esposende, a city from the Middle Ages. During the journey you’ll know why these Portuguese coastal cities were so important during the “el dorado” of the Portuguese Discoveries.

Day 3:

Esposende – Caminha (50 km). We’re reaching to Viana do Castelo, that hold a huge importance during the Discoveries. During the 14-15th Centuries it was in this precise city that the ships were developed to be departed to Brazil, India, Africa and other colonies. Our destination will be Caminha.

Day 4:

Caminha – Baiona (40 km): Bayona is a city where you can get lost in the old city center. Curiously, during the XVI Century, Bayona was raided by British ships led by the great corsair and explorer Francis Drake who saw an opportunity to establish a commercial and merchant point in this territory.

Day 5:

Baiona – Pontevedra (57 km): The fifth day will end in San Simon’s.

This day will be dedicated to Arcade and its famous oysters. Apart from this delightful cuisine, you will see monuments and sights dedicated to the Santiago’s culture.

Day 6:

Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis (26 km)

Heading to a pre-Roman city, Caldas de Reis! The first inhabitants were a pre-Roman community that lived from the hot springs. The name “Caldas de Reis” is connected to the birthplace of Afonso VII.

Day 7:

Caldas de Reis – Santiago de Compostela (40 km)

Our last day, the city of Santiago de Compostela present us a unique religious beacon an act of faith. Reach to the Square of Obradoiro, where you will witness the majestic baroque cathedral where the remains of the apostle are located.

• The estimated distance traveled in this tour is 278 km and 4121m (1.30%) of cumulative gap climbs. Itinerary Day 1: Porto: Before starting this Cycling tour towards Santiago de Compostela, it’s almost mandatory to explore Porto. Follow us in a city tour (bike or walk) and discover a huge miscellany of heritage, from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 20th Century. Day 2: Porto - Esposende (60 km), You will be overwhelmed with seaside landscapes and small “Portuguese rivieras” until you reach Esposende, a city from the Middle Ages. During the journey you’ll know why these Portuguese coastal cities were so important during the “el dorado” of the Portuguese Discoveries. Day 3: Esposende – Caminha (50 km). We’re reaching to Viana do Castelo, that hold a huge importance during the Discoveries. During the 14-15th Centuries it was in this precise city that the ships were developed to be departed to Brazil, India, Africa and other colonies. Our destination will be Caminha. Day 4: Caminha – Baiona (40 km): Bayona is a city where you can get lost in the old city center. Curiously, during the XVI Century, Bayona was raided by British ships led by the great corsair and explorer Francis Drake who saw an opportunity to establish a commercial and merchant point in this territory. Day 5: Baiona – Pontevedra (57 km): The fifth day will end in San Simon’s. This day will be dedicated to Arcade and its famous oysters. Apart from this delightful cuisine, you will see monuments and sights dedicated to the Santiago’s culture. Day 6: Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis (26 km) Heading to a pre-Roman city, Caldas de Reis! The first inhabitants were a pre-Roman community that lived from the hot springs. The name “Caldas de Reis” is connected to the birthplace of Afonso VII. Day 7: Caldas de Reis – Santiago de Compostela (40 km) Our last day, the city of Santiago de Compostela present us a unique religious beacon an act of faith. Reach to the Square of Obradoiro, where you will witness the majestic baroque cathedral where the remains of the apostle are located.

This cycling tour presents itself as an easy route to reach Santiago de Compostela, the ultimate pilgrimage beacon in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the most important spots for religious tourism in Western Europe.

Enjoy a city tour with us in Porto, to get to know a little bit of its architecture, heritage and local traditions. After this, ride towards Santiago, passing by sunny and seaside areas such as Esposende, Caminha and Bayona. Have a delight with the famous Arcade's oysters. Know why Caldas de Reis holds such a royalty importance and end this tour in the Square of Obradoiro, where you can see the colossal baroque cathedral where the remains of the apostle Santiago lies.

Route description:

Flat for the first 3 days, with a few smooth and short climbs. Hilly in the last 3 days, up and down in secondary roads.

30 % bike lanes and wood walkways, 30% smooth dirt roads. Some coubblestone roads and rough dirt roads, 20 % paved secondary roads with low traffic.

Bikes provided are Trek mountain bicycles
During July, August and September it is recommendable to cycle early due to the hot weather.
Easy to moderate dificulty
Please carry enough water at all times
The route uses bike paths when available. Tarmac and rural streets will be on your way also.
This is an easy to moderate tour along the coast, a good alternative to the much more difficult pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela. Please note that there are some hills to contend with
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 2 travelers