Camino de Santiago: From Porto to Santiago de Compostela

Day 1: Arrival and transfer from Porto Airport

You'll be picked up from Porto Airport and transferred to the Ipanema Park Hotel or riverside Pestana World Heritage Hotel ('Premium' option), located in the Ribeira. You'll have the afternoon free to explore the sensational city of Porto, brimming with fascinating history and staggering monuments like the Clérigos Tower and D. Luis Bridge. Venture into the old quarter of Baixa, with its local boutiques, restaurants, and pastry shops selling mouthwatering pasteis de nata.

Ribeira, the quarter in which you're staying, sits by the River Douro, facing the wine cellars famous for producing world-renowned port. For a spot of shopping, wander into Santa Catarina or along Aliados Avenue. The restaurants dotted around town serve up some of the most sumptuous food in the country.

Day 2: Porto – Ofir
40 miles/65km; elevation gain: 465m

After breakfast, board the transfer from your hotel to Porto Cathedral. From this incredible landmark, you'll begin your pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela via the world-famous Camino. Along the way, stop by Sé Cathedral to pick up your Pilgrim Passport - you can ask for this lovely momento to be stamped in several hotels and restaurants along the Camino!

From Sé, you’ll start your adventure through the city, descending Sé Velha and Mouzinho da Silveira Street to Porto’s riverside, biking on the cycle paths alongside the Douro river, then reaching Leça da Palmeira. From here on, you'll start following the yellow arrows north along Portugal's coastline.

From Leça da Palmeira, the Camino will be a mix of cycle paths, paved roads, and walkways all the way to the historical city of Vila do Conde and the beach resort of Póvoa do Varzim, both of which offer good stops for lunch, especially Póvoa do Varzim thanks to its heritage as a fishing town. You'll ride through a number of other small fishing villages on the way to Fão, where you'll turn left towards the ocean and the fragrant pine forests of Ofir.

Day 3: Ofir – Caminha
37 miles/59km; elevation gain: 562m

After breakfast at the hotel, start your day by riding north, crossing the river to Esposende, and riding alongside the Cávado river. From here, you'll turn inland, journeying through the charming villages of northern Portugal.

At the 15th km mark, you'll start climbing, entering a more technical trail (you can push your bike if you'd prefer) until you cross a very narrow bridge over the Neiva river. Another climb follows until you reach Viana do Castelo, watched over by the pretty 'Santa Luzia' church atop a nearby sierra. Viana do Castelo's historic center provides a scenic stop for lunch.

After Viana, you'll continue riding north and inland, passing by the Sierra following ancient paved roads until you reach Vila Praia de Âncora. From here, you'll ride by the Ecopista (the shoreline) until you reach your hotel.

Day 4: Caminha – Baiona
24 miles/38km; elevation gain: 468m

You'll leave Caminha by ferry boat (every hour, except on Mondays), journeying towards 'A Guarda' in Spain. The initial section of today's cycling promises no big climbs, just a few ups and downs until you reach Bayona, a beautiful coastal town. En route, enjoy the atmosphere of the medieval villages that nestle along the Galician coastline, tasting some wonderful tapas and seafood if you'd like. You'll stop in Bayona for lunch and to admire this stunning city.

Day 5: Baiona – Vigo – Pontevedra
40 miles/65km; elevation gain: 1140m

This might just be the toughest day of your Camino! After breakfast, resume your ride towards Vigo (25 km away), tackling a short but steep climb to reach Saigráns and experience one of the most spectacular views in the region - Vigo's 'Ria', where the sea water mixes with the river, 'bateas' (mussel preparing sites) dot the view, and the Ciés Islands grace the horizon. These islands form a natural park out in the Atlantic Ocean.

Descend into the busy city of Vigo before climbing back up towards a mountain range overlooking the Ria de Vigo - 12 km of macadam trails overlooking the Ria. This will be followed by a descent towards Redondela, where the Central Camino and Coastal Camino become one. There'll be another climb near Cessantes, followed by a descent to the crossing of the Verdugo river over the romantic bridge of Ponte Sampaio.

One final push today before the long descent into Pontevedra and its beautiful Parador standing proudly in the middle of the historic center. Take your time to explore Pontevedra's center on a nighttime stroll through the Galician plazas of Ourense and Ferraria, home to the city's basilica and chapel.

Day 6: Pontevedra – Padrón
25 miles/41km; elevation gain: 550m

After breakfast, you'll continue your pilgrimage with the exciting feeling that you're closing in on Santiago. You'll notice another change in the landscape as you leave the coast and return inland to Galicia, with its lush green fields and forested areas. Today's hotel is located in Padrón, a village regarded as the cradle of Galicia and well known for its green Padrón Peppers. Explore the village, climb to the Santiaguiño do Monte lookout point, visit the botanical gardens, gaze at the Toxa Waterfall, or taste some sumptuos local food. If you're feeling adventurous and it's in season, try the Lamprea!

Day 7: Padrón – Santiago de Compostela
17 miles/28km; elevation gain: 475m

Today you'll set out on the last stage of your journey along the Way of St. James. The route starts going uphill almost instantly, so fill up on the calories at breakfast! You'll venture through small villages home to quaint churches - signs that the end of the Way is approaching. When you arrive in spectacular Santiago, journey to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the end point of your pilgrimage.

Santiago de Compostela is a thriving, dynamic city with myriad monuments worthy of a visit, including the plazas in the central area of the old town, the narrow streets, and the traditional markets. Check in at your hotel, then dedicate the rest of your afternoon to visiting the Pilgrims' Office and discovering the traditions, culture, and heritage of this magical medieval city.

Day 8: Departure

Breakfast at your hotel, followed by check out. At the scheduled time, transfer from Santiago de Compostela back to Porto Airport or another hotel is available.

Don't want the adventure to end? Take a look at our cycling day tours in Porto.