4.5/5 (6)
7 nights | 28 miles/day
Guided from EUR € 2390
Self guided from EUR € 1950
Bike tour in Portugal and Spain
Rider Level: Active Electric bike tours
4.5/5 (6)

Rider Level: Active Electric bike tours

7 nights | 28 miles/day
Guided from EUR € 2390
Self guided from EUR € 1950
Bike tour in Portugal and Spain

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  • Camino de Santiago

    The coastal variation of the Portuguese Camino will take you from Porto to Santiago de Compostela on a bike tour by the medieval and romantic cities of the north of Portugal and Galiza.

    Always accompanied by the ocean, this is a less steep track than the Central Camino. The medieval Camino is an epic journey-turned-bike-tour that started in the 9th Century with the discovery, in Galiza, of the remains of St. James. In 1325, the Portuguese queen Isabel made a pilgrimage to Santiago following a route very similar to the one that today is marked with yellow arrows, crossing the then recently built Barcelos bridge.

    Now it's your time to trail the Way of St James.

    • Portuguese treats! Katie Luka, Unsplash
    • Porto, Portugal. Royaann Miller, Unsplash
    • Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage Route Bike Tour
    • Great Spanish cuisine. Michael Behrens, Flickr
    • Porto, Portugal. Daniel Sebler, Unsplash
    • Portuguese wine! Bruno Ferreira, Unsplash
    • Fresh fish in Portugal. Alex Teixeira, Unsplash
    • Porto, Portugal. Eugene Zhyvchik, Unsplash

    View more photos

    Highlights

    • Historic Camino de Santiago, the Way of St. James
    • Porto, settled in the 4th century during the Roman occupation Visit its UNESCO world heritage sites and its unique traditions, architecture, port wines, and cellars
    • Medieval villages like Ponte de Lima, Barcelos and Valença
    • Scenario of Minho and Galicia
    • Roads and trails of the woodland areas, small villages, and "pueblos" that still seem to be in the Middle Ages
    • Taste the Port and Green wines
    • Santiago de Compostela, designated UNESCO world heritage site and admire the shrine of Saint James The Great

    Learn More

    Not sure which type of tour to book? Learn about the differences between guided and self-guided tours.

  • Traveler photos

    • Photo 1 (photo by Petey)
    • Photo 2 (photo by Petey)
    • Photo 3 (photo by Petey)
    • Screen shot of phone app provided , works with gps. (photo by Petey)

    Camino de Santiago

     Tour Description Daily Program 

  • Daily program

    Day 1: Arrival and transfer from Porto airport
    Pick up from the airport and transfer to the Ipanema Park Hotel or riverside Pestana World Heritage hotel (included in the "premium" option), located in the Ribeira, the city's iconic living postcard. You have a free afternoon to visit the beautiful and cozy city of Porto, rich with history and monuments like the Clérigos Tower and the D. Luis Bridge. The old quarters of Baixa with its local shops, restaurants and pastry shops, Ribeira a quarter by the river Douro, facing the wine cellars of the Port wine, full with the city’s traditions and historical connection to the wine and the wine country of the Douro. Shopping areas such as Santa Catarina and Aliados Avenue. Not to miss are the great restaurants around town with some of the tastiest food in the country.

    Day 2: Porto – Ofir (40 miles/65km)
    After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the Porto Cathedral from where you’ll begin your pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, cycling the Camino. In Sé Cathedral, you can enter and pick-up your pilgrim passport, that you can ask to be stamped in several hotels and restaurants as you go through the Camino.

    From Sé, you’ll start your adventure through the city, descending Sé Velha and Mouzinho da Silveira street, to Porto’s riverside, cycling by the cycle paths alongside the Douro river, until you get to 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 until you reach the historical city of "Vila do Conde" and the beach resort and fishermen's town of "Póvoa do Varzim" – both of which offer good stops for lunch. After "Póvoa do Varzim," keep riding by small fishermen's villages until you reach Fão, where you'll turn left towards the ocean once more and the pine tree forested area of Ofir.

    Day 3: Ofir – Caminha (37 miles/59km)
    After breakfast at the hotel, start your day riding north, crossing the river to Esposende and alongside the Cávado river – then, start going inland, through the quaint villages of the north of Portugal.

    At the 15th km, you'll start climbing and enter a more technical trail until you cross a very narrow bridge across the Neiva river – another climb will follow until you reach Viana do Castelo, across the river, where you will be able to see the "Santa Luzia" church on top of the sierra nearby. The historical city center is a good option to stop for lunch and visit.

    After Viana, keep riding north by inland, by the Sierra – some urban single tracks and ancient paved roads will follow, until you reach "Vila Praia de Âncora," from where you'll ride by the Ecopista, by the shoreline, until you reach your hotel.

    Day 4: Caminha – Baiona (24 miles/39km)
    Leave Caminha by ferry boat (there's one every hour, except on Monday), towards "A Guarda," entering Spain. The initial part of the day offers no big climbs, just ups and downs, until you reach Bayona, a beautiful coastal town. Meanwhile, enjoy the medieval villages across the Galician coastline, tasting wonderful tapas and seafood along the way.

    Stop in Bayona for lunch to admire this beautiful city and restat the local "Parador", located by the Marina of this piscatory city. This is a short but sweet ride, toprepare you for your next day, which is the toughest ride of the wek, so take your time to relax in Baiona.

    Day 5: Baiona – Vigo – Pontevedra (39 miles/62km)
    This might just be the toughest day of your Camino! After breakfast, resume your ride towards Vigo which is 25km away, tackling a short, but steep climb to reach Saigráns and to experience one of the most beautiful views in the region: Vigo's "Ria," where the sea water mixes with the river, and you'll be able to see the "bateas" where mussels are produced (a local delicacy) and the Ciés islands in the background –a natural park in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

    You will then descend into the busy city of Vigo and then back up, towards a mountain range that overlooks the Ria de Vigo – 12km of macadam trails overlooking the Ria, followed by a descent towards Redondela – from Redondela, the "central camino" and the "coastal camino" become one! Another climb near Cessantes and then a descent to cross the Verdugo river over the romanic bridge of "Ponte Sampaio."

    One final push after and then, from km28 on, it's a long descent until you reach Pontevedra and its beautiful Parador right in the middle of its historical center. Take your time to explore Pontevedra's center on a walk at nighttime by the Galician plazas of Ourense and Ferraria, where you'll find the city's Basilica and Chapel.

    Day 6: Pontevedra – Padrón (25 miles/41km)
    After breakfast you'll continue your pilgrimage feeling you're already getting close to Santiago. You'll notice another change in the landscape since you'll be abandoning the coast and returning to inland Galicia, with its lush green woods and forested areas. Your hotel of the day is located in Padrón, a village known for being the cradle of Galicia and for its Green Peppers, the Padrón Peppers.

    Take some time to visit the village, climb to the Santiaguiño do Monte lookout point, visit the botanical gardens or Toxa waterfall and taste the food, If you're adventurous and it's in season try the Lamprea.

    Day 7: Padrón – Santiago de Compostela (16 miles/26km)
    After breakfast you'll begin the last stage of your Way of St. James. This will be a small test to your will and tenacity as the route starts going uphill almost from the start.

    You'll go through small villages and churches with clear signs that the end of the Way is near. When you arrive, visit the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the end point of your pilgrimage. Compostela is a millennial city with places and monuments that deserve a visit, such as its plazas in the central area of the old town, the narrow streets and traditional markets. Check in at your hotel, and then dedicate the rest of your afternoon to visit the pilgrims' office and discover this medieval city's traditions, culture, and heritage.

    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 hotel.

    Surface and terrain

    You'll face beautiful rolling, mountainous terrain on this tour.

    Rolling/mixed/mountain: Cycling the Camino, you'll experience some Roman stone pavement, macadam trails, and oceanside views. You'll experience forested areas in the central Minho and Galicia with small villages and pueblos, explore the Portuguese coastline, medieval cities of Spain like Baiona or Vigo, up to Santiago de Compostela.

    Mountain stages: Mountainous area from to Baiona to Pontevedra.

    Hilly stages: Most of the way of St James is hilly while crossing the Minho and Galicia.


    Hotels

    These are sample hotels and may vary by availability.

    Premium hotels: 5-star hotels (or best possible a each location)

    Pestana Heritage, Porto
    www.pestana.com

    Axis Ofir Hotel, Ofir
    www.axishoteis.com

    Design & Wine, Caminha

    Parador de Baiona, Baiona
    paradores.es/en

    Parador de Pontevedra, Pontevedra
    www.parador.es

    Os Lambrans, Padrón
    www.oslambrans.com

    Parador de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela


    Standard hotels: 4-star or charm hotels

    Ipanema Park Hotel, Porto
    www.hfhotels.com

    Hotel Suave Mar, Esposende

    Hotel Portas do Sol, Caminha
    hotelportadosol.com

    Parador de Baiona, Baiona

    Parador de Pontevedra, Pontevedra
    www.parador.es

    Hotel Pazo de Lestrove, Padrón
    www.pousadasdecompostela.com

    Virxe de La Cerca, Santiago de Compostela
    pousadasdecompostela.com

    Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.


    How to get there

    Tour start and end
    Nearest airport: Porto airport
    Nearest train station: Porto airport station

    Upon your arrival to Porto, you will be transported from the airport to tour start. At the end of the tour, you will be transported back to the Porto airport.

    Tips on getting to and from your tour


    Camino de Santiago

     Tour Photos Dates & Prices 

  • Dates

    Self-guided: Daily, upon request: Apr 1-Oct 31, 2023 (minimum of 2 participants)
    Guided: Daily, upon request: Apr 1-Oct 31, 2023 (minimum of 4 participants)
    Group Guided: Apr 09, Jul 02, Sep 03, 2023

    Low season: Apr 01, 2023 - Apr 06, 2023, Apr 11, 2023 - Apr 30, 2023

    High season: April 07, 2023 - April 10, 2023, May 01, 2023 - Oct 31, 2023

    Prices

    Self-guided package

    5-star hotel package

    Low season High season
    Per person, double occupancy €2600 €3000
    Single use room (1 person/1 room) €3150 €3550

    4-star hotel package

    Low season High season
    Per person, double occupancy €1950 €2350
    Single use room (1 person/1 room) €2500 €2900

    Guided package

    Premium package (5-star hotels plus additional services)

    Low season High season
    Per person, double occupancy €3990 €4540
    Single use room (1 person/1 room) €4790 €5340

    5-star hotel package

    Low season High season
    Per person, double occupancy €3040 €3440
    Single use room (1 person/1 room) €3590 €3990

    4-star hotel package

    Low season High season
    Per person, double occupancy €2390 €2790
    Single use room (1 person/1 room) €2940 €3340

    Bike Rentals

    Electrically assisted bike €350

    Additional Services

    Dinner package €350

    Discounts

    Child, ages 0-10 (on base package price) 35%
    Child, ages 11-14 (on base package price) 25%
    Child, ages 15-17 (on base package price) 20%

    Included services

    Self-guided package includes:

    • 7 nights accommodation in 4-star hotels (Premium upgrade includes 5-star accommodations)
    • Breakfast each day
    • Luggage transfer
    • Transfer from Porto airport to tour start and from tour end back to Porto airport
    • Access to App to navigate and explore restaurants, museums, and sightseeing
    • Garmin GPS, with preloaded daily tracks for your navigation and power bank
    • Detailed briefing and route book provided on the starting date of the tour
    • Rental of a Scott Touring or Mountain bike with helmet and spares
    • Accident insurance during the ride
    • If the dinner package is booked, these will be in your hotel

    Guided package includes:

    • 7 nights accommodation in 4-star hotels
    • Breakfast each day
    • Luggage transfer
    • Private guide accompanying your group, providing daily guided cyling tours, restaurant reservations, booking of local experiences and all passenger transfers throughout the tour
    • Support vehicle (SAG Wagon) and mechanical support throughout all the rides
    • Transfer from Porto airport to tour start and from tour end back to Porto airport and during the tour as needed
    • Access to App to navigate and explore restaurants, museums, and sightseeing
    • Garmin GPS, with preloaded daily tracks for your navigation and power bank
    • Rental of a Scott Touring or Mountain bike with helmet and spares
    • Detailed briefing and routebook provided on the starting date of the tou
    • Accident insurance during the ride
    • Nutrition and hydration during the rides
    • Jersey

      Guided Premium package includes (all of the above PLUS):
    • 5-star accommodations
    • 7 dinners and 6 lunches at selected restaurants
    • A second guide, cycling with your group, for upgraded service throughout the tour
    • Entrance in museums, wineries and other selected experiences
    • Bib shorts and cycling cap (in addition to the jersey)

    Bike rentals

    Bikes available on this tour and included in the tour cost (must be reserved in advance at the time of booking):

    • Mountain or touring bikes (Scott Aspect 29")

    Bikes available to rent for an additional fee (must be reserved in advance at the time of booking):

    • Electrically assisted bikes (available upon request)*

    *More about electrically-assisted bikes >

    Mountain bikes are the safest and most comfortable bike for this route.

    Pedals:
    The bikes will have flat pedals, but mountain bike pedals are also available (SPD, SPD-SL, Look, etc). If you want to bring your own shoes that require a specific pedal, please reserve them in advance at the time of booking and make sure you bring the correct shoes and cleats for those pedals.

    Helmets:
    Helmets are available on this tour; however, we recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.


    Tour Company


    Camino de Santiago

     Daily program Route Map 

  • Route Map

    Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.


    Camino de Santiago

     Dates & Prices Tour Reviews 

    • Chris Moolman 8 months ago

      Fabulous trip!

      We really enjoyed the entire trip. Everything was arranged and organized just as it was promised: we were picked up and dropped off at airports - just as we had hoped for, the equipment was in good condition, our luggage was on time every time and in good condition - all in all just a fabulous experience. Some hotels were fabulous (and some nearly). Thank you so much, Biketours, for a fabulous experience - great memories that will remain with us.

    • Petey September 23, 2019

      Can’t wait to do it again

      We did the coastal route self guided. We stayed in the “moderate price” lodging option without dinner plan.

      The bike were in very good condition. We went in September when it was dry and did well with hybrid tires. We were outfitted with 2 new Garmin gps’s loaded with the daily routes. They were helpful especially when I got up to speed on using them.

      We also had the smart phone app that the tour operator provides. That was super helpful.

      I thought the accommodations were terrific. Breakfasts were good and included daily. Our baggage was transferred without any problems.

      This is a combination ride of trail and mountain biking. The single track mountain portion is not extensive and detours for them could probably be worked out if you wanted to. We noticed that some of the guided tours do that. We train on road bikes and are in our late 60’s, so it was a great feeling of accomplishment though challenging.

      The orientation we got from Pedro was complete and detailed. He kept up with us along the way via email and had some good suggestions.

      What was the date of your tour?
      September 3 - 9, 2019
      How many tours have you completed?
      5
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat harder
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • Photo 1 (photo by Petey)
      • Photo 2 (photo by Petey)
      • Photo 3 (photo by Petey)
      • Screen shot of phone app provided , works with gps. (photo by Petey)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
    • Lorenepyt June 20, 2018

      The Portuguese Coastal Route of the Camino

      This self guided tour was perfect. We loved every minute of it from the actual routes to the hotels to the food to the amazing pilgrimage experience. Our guides were very attentive and always answered us promptly. Our luggage was always on time at the correct hotel. It was the trip of a lifetime! And a perfect way to bond with our young daughter after her graduation from college!

      What was the date of your tour?
      june 2, 2018
      How many tours have you completed?
      many
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat harder
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Cathy62 October 27, 2017

      Hardest bike trip I've ever done. Proud to have finished.

      I think this trip is a level 4 rather than a level 3 ride. It had some very difficult terrain that resulted in several in our group doing a fair amount of walking with their bikes. An electrical bike would have made the trip even more difficult.

      Because of the difficulty of the terrain I missed seeing a lot of scenery. Keeping my eyes on the off-road trails to navigate the loose rocks meant I couldn't look around.

      The Live, Love, Ride contact was great and responded in a timely manner to our needs. We did have one flat tire for which the incorrect sized tube was loaded on that bike. We did find the correct size on another bike in the group.

      What was the date of your tour?
      10/7 to 10/13
      How many tours have you completed?
      7
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat harder
      Do you recommend this tour?
      No
      • 4/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 4/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
    • Cari October 21, 2017

      What was the date of your tour?
      October 7, 2016 - October 13, 2017
      How many tours have you completed?
      6
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Much harder
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 3/5 Value
      • 3/5 Included meals
      • 2/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 3/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
    • Silvia September 24, 2017

      Very good overall experience

      We enjoyed the bike rides. It was a great idea to upgrade to e-bikes! The terrain was challenging at times. Pedro the tour coordinator was very helpful, he was easy to reach and pleasant !
      Overall the hotels were good, but the ones in Spain were much nicer and had better meals . We don't recommend to include the dinners in the package, we had some very poor dinners , particularly in Portugal.
      The length of the biking trips were perfect, for most part good scenery although there was a day with too many roads through industrial areas.

      What was the date of your tour?
      September 16 to 22,2017
      How many tours have you completed?
      4
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat harder
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 4/5 Value
      • 2/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 4/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 3/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)

    Camino de Santiago

     Route Map Book This Tour 

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