Do you like gravel or MTB bike riding? Then this is the trip for you. Do you only like road bike riding? This isn’t the trip for you.
While there are sections on smooth backroads and bike paths, there are many sections on cobblestones, single track, forest trails, lumpy, bumpy and rocky paths. Some of these trails will be too steep or too rocky to ride and you will need to push your bike up these sections. There will also be times (mostly on day 1), where you will need to carry your bike up and down the stairs of flyovers of railway line crossings. There will also be times where the gps/Camino trail takes you down one way streets. There will also be a few times when the gps track differs from the Camino trail markers - we defaulted to following the Camino trail markers.
The challenge is worth it. Experiencing different scenery, visiting interesting towns, meeting walkers (we didn’t meet any other riders).
A comprehensive ride along the full length of the Portuguese Camino from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The Portuguese Road, or Caminho Portugués, is considered by many as the most spiritually connected pilgrimage route. Following the path St James' body took to its resting place at the site of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, the quieter Portuguese path offers a wealth of history and delightful landscapes to discover. While the Caminho Portugués is traditionally walked by pilgrims, it is now possible to enjoy the route by bike. Starting in the historic capital city of Lisbon you will cycle through countryside towns to the university town of Coimbra. Continue on to the lively city of Porto, set on the banks of the Douro River and famous for its port wine production, the cycle through small hamlets, past eucalyptus and pine woods, over ancient bridges and through larger market towns dating back to Roman times. You will cross the border in to Spain and finally cycle into the fabled town of Santiago de Compostela.
Lisbon, Santiago De Compostela, Arcos, Ponte De Lima, Tui, Pontevedra, Padrón, Vila Franca De Xira, Tomar, Alvorge, Coimbra, Agueda, Olveira De Azemeis, Porto