Atlantic Way Porto to Santiago de Compostela (8 days)
This route takes you along the beautiful Atlantic coastline of both northern Portugal and Galicia (Spain). Cross through several small towns rich in culture and full of the Camino spirit. Churches, monuments, and old crosses tell the history of this less trodden pilgrimage. On this superior self-guided tour arriving each day to superb and often historical accommodation is the icing on the cake!
• Self-Guided
• Standard ensuite accommodation, breakfast included
• Grade – moderate to challenging
• Profile - flat and moderately hilly at the beginning; hilly at the end.
50% paved road, 25% bike lanes and boardwalks, 20% dirt roads, some cobblestone and rough dirt roads.
• Complete documentation and Travel Notebook
• Luggage transfers
• Local support contact whilst on the tour 24/7
• GPX Tracks
• Pilgrims Passport
• 24-hour emergency telephone assistance
TOP TIPS: We can add extra nights at any stop along the way
• 8 days/7 nights
• Distance 246kms
2024 COST (in Euro per person)
High Season: 15 July - 15 September
€940 share twin
Add €335 single supplement and €375 solo traveller supplement, €165 - 6 Dinners
Low Season: 01 January - 14 July and 16 September - 31 December
€878 share twin
Add €335 single supplement and €370 solo traveller supplement, €165 - 6 Dinners
BIKE HIRE
Inclusive of delivery and pick up, welcome briefing, handlebar bag, pannier and rear bags an, tyre repair kit, pump, lock and charger for e-bikes, water bottle
Standard Mountain Bike €280
E-Mountain Bike €430
Add:
Helmet hire €1.00 per day(compulsory on all roads)
Gel Saddle €0.50 per day
Toe clips €1.00 per day
SPD Pedals €1.00 per day
Day 1
Porto
Arrive in Porto and transfer to your accommodation. Explore this beautiful UNESCO World
Heritage city, with its granite buildings and cobbled narrow streets. Dine riverside on the
mighty Douro. See Gaia, the centre of the port wine industry.
Day 2
Porto to Esposende, 47kms, +200m
Leave the city streets behind and cycle Portugal's amazing coastline for the first time. Today’s route is punctuated with many ancient villages, the stand out being Vila do Conde. Its historic heart, glassy river mouth, lovely beaches, Monastery de Santa Clara and the surviving segments of a medieval aqueduct makes this village the highlight of the day.
Day 3
Esposende to Praia de Ancora, 43kms, +400m
Halfway on today’s ride, when you cross the Lima River bridge, feast your eyes on the jewel of the Costa Verde, Viana do Castelo. This beautiful town boasts a wonderful medieval centre filled with churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains, a delightful riverfront and lovely beaches. The perfect lunch stop! Crossing the Neiva River is one of the highlights of the day and be sure to visit the Church of Sao Tigao in Castelo de Neiva. This evening ensure you seek out a traditional Portuguese restaurant as tomorrow you enter Spain.
Day 4
Praia de Ancora to Baiona, 43kms, +600m
Today’s adventure begins after a short cycle with a ferry ride (cost not included - pay direct) across the Minho River into Galicia. Make your way to the city of A Guarda – it’s worth the ride to the top of the hill to visit the Iron Age villages of Santa Tegra. Before arriving in the historical city of Baiona visit the medieval Cistercian monastery of Oia, located right on the coast. See the Monterreal fortress and its famous Princes Tower, with its 3kms of walls. Also worth a visit is the Church of Santa Maria from the 13th century.
Day 5
Baiona to Pontevedra, 61kms, +1000m
Leave Baiona and follow the road through a string of quiet hillside villages with some uphill cycling. Before long enjoy the magnificent views of Vigo Bay. Don't miss the historic centre of Vigo. Cycle on through old Roman rural villages and enjoy the friendly and hospitable locals. Pass through the village of Arcade as you head for Pontevedra and its historical city centre with its maze of squares and plazas full of cafes and tapas bars.
Day 6
Pontevedra to Padron, 40kms, +800m
Today cycle through wetlands with hundreds of species of plants and birds, chestnut groves, pine and eucalyptus forests. Cross small rivers highlighted by the waterfalls of the Barosa River – your most difficult decision today will be deciding on the most idyllic spot for a picnic lunch. Continue on through Caldas de Reis, a renowned Roman spa town, to the medieval city of Padron famous for its small green tasty peppers!
Day 7
Padron to Santiago de Compostela, 25kms, +600m
An easy route to finish the tour! Your target will soon be in sight, the spires of the Cathedral of Santiago. On arrival factor in time to get your ‘Compostela’ (Pilgrim Passport) certified and to really enjoy this iconic old town. The squares and narrow streets contain Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-classicist buildings and monuments. It
is not only a very well preserved historical city but also a place that is deeply imbued with faith.
Day 8
Arrangements end after breakfast.
We recommend you extend your stay for a night or 2 to explore Santiago. We can also arrange a day trip to Fisterre – the “end of the world”.
• Self-Guided
• Standard ensuite accommodation, breakfast included
• Grade – moderate to challenging
• Profile - flat and moderately hilly at the beginning; hilly at the end.
50% paved road, 25% bike lanes and boardwalks, 20% dirt roads, some cobblestone and rough dirt roads.
• Complete documentation and Travel Notebook
• Luggage transfers
• Local support contact whilst on the tour 24/7
• GPX Tracks
• Pilgrims Passport
• 24-hour emergency telephone assistance
TOP TIPS: We can add extra nights at any stop along the way
• 8 days/7 nights
• Distance 246kms
2024 COST (in Euro per person)
High Season: 15 July - 15 September
€940 share twin
Add €335 single supplement and €375 solo traveller supplement, €165 - 6 Dinners
Low Season: 01 January - 14 July and 16 September - 31 December
€878 share twin
Add €335 single supplement and €370 solo traveller supplement, €165 - 6 Dinners
BIKE HIRE
Inclusive of delivery and pick up, welcome briefing, handlebar bag, pannier and rear bags an, tyre repair kit, pump, lock and charger for e-bikes, water bottle
Standard Mountain Bike €280
E-Mountain Bike €430
Add:
Helmet hire €1.00 per day(compulsory on all roads)
Gel Saddle €0.50 per day
Toe clips €1.00 per day
SPD Pedals €1.00 per day
Day 1
Porto
Arrive in Porto and transfer to your accommodation. Explore this beautiful UNESCO World
Heritage city, with its granite buildings and cobbled narrow streets. Dine riverside on the
mighty Douro. See Gaia, the centre of the port wine industry.
Day 2
Porto to Esposende, 47kms, +200m
Leave the city streets behind and cycle Portugal's amazing coastline for the first time. Today’s route is punctuated with many ancient villages, the stand out being Vila do Conde. Its historic heart, glassy river mouth, lovely beaches, Monastery de Santa Clara and the surviving segments of a medieval aqueduct makes this village the highlight of the day.
Day 3
Esposende to Praia de Ancora, 43kms, +400m
Halfway on today’s ride, when you cross the Lima River bridge, feast your eyes on the jewel of the Costa Verde, Viana do Castelo. This beautiful town boasts a wonderful medieval centre filled with churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains, a delightful riverfront and lovely beaches. The perfect lunch stop! Crossing the Neiva River is one of the highlights of the day and be sure to visit the Church of Sao Tigao in Castelo de Neiva. This evening ensure you seek out a traditional Portuguese restaurant as tomorrow you enter Spain.
Day 4
Praia de Ancora to Baiona, 43kms, +600m
Today’s adventure begins after a short cycle with a ferry ride (cost not included - pay direct) across the Minho River into Galicia. Make your way to the city of A Guarda – it’s worth the ride to the top of the hill to visit the Iron Age villages of Santa Tegra. Before arriving in the historical city of Baiona visit the medieval Cistercian monastery of Oia, located right on the coast. See the Monterreal fortress and its famous Princes Tower, with its 3kms of walls. Also worth a visit is the Church of Santa Maria from the 13th century.
Day 5
Baiona to Pontevedra, 61kms, +1000m
Leave Baiona and follow the road through a string of quiet hillside villages with some uphill cycling. Before long enjoy the magnificent views of Vigo Bay. Don't miss the historic centre of Vigo. Cycle on through old Roman rural villages and enjoy the friendly and hospitable locals. Pass through the village of Arcade as you head for Pontevedra and its historical city centre with its maze of squares and plazas full of cafes and tapas bars.
Day 6
Pontevedra to Padron, 40kms, +800m
Today cycle through wetlands with hundreds of species of plants and birds, chestnut groves, pine and eucalyptus forests. Cross small rivers highlighted by the waterfalls of the Barosa River – your most difficult decision today will be deciding on the most idyllic spot for a picnic lunch. Continue on through Caldas de Reis, a renowned Roman spa town, to the medieval city of Padron famous for its small green tasty peppers!
Day 7
Padron to Santiago de Compostela, 25kms, +600m
An easy route to finish the tour! Your target will soon be in sight, the spires of the Cathedral of Santiago. On arrival factor in time to get your ‘Compostela’ (Pilgrim Passport) certified and to really enjoy this iconic old town. The squares and narrow streets contain Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-classicist buildings and monuments. It
is not only a very well preserved historical city but also a place that is deeply imbued with faith.
Day 8
Arrangements end after breakfast.
We recommend you extend your stay for a night or 2 to explore Santiago. We can also arrange a day trip to Fisterre – the “end of the world”.