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).
This trip combines a great variety of terrains, villages, towns and cities with fantastic accommodation, equipment and food in one of the unexplored gems of southern Europe.
Overall, a great adventure. Luggage transfer was flawless. Breakfast was good as well. Accommodation provided was fine with the only issue being wet gear and no service to clean or dry. Outside facilities were limited and often involved at least a few hours waiting to use the washer/dryer. Not the best when you have been soaked for days. Porto bike rental was outstanding. Took the time to show me the use of all aspects of the e-bike as I had never used one for my training for the Camino. Portuguese marking of the route needs to be upgraded; substandard and easy to get off track. I believe the Littoral route is easy for walkers to follow and wooden platforms and paths are well designed for walkers. I had to carry my bike up stairs. The Coastal route needs signage in a big way. Google maps is helpful, but often takes a route that is not marked or may take you in a meandering way. Washed out areas and a tree or two that fell on the route were minor obstacles. Galicia, Spain was much better marked by the famous clamshell. The ferry from Portugal to Spain is not working, so some travellers were somewhat panicked as booking online was going nowhere. This has nothing to do with them but the water taxi in a speedboat in the fog to a vacant beach with no one around is a memory I will always remember! Roads and paths into Santiago well laid out and marked. The directions to the office for certification were spot on. The Vigo to Pontevedra section is challenging; some sections you have to walk your bike up as the rocks are too big to navigate and washed out the gravel and dirt. Not a problem but requires significant effort. I am 69 and fit and enjoyed the social aspect of chatting with those along the way.
Excellent trip with fantastic guide. Itinerary was good and the hotels of a good standard. Some beautiful scenery and interesting places to visit. The picnics organised by the minibus driver were a highlight of the day. An excellent trip and highly recommended.
Bikes pick up was excellent. Biclas and Triclas made sure we had bikes that fitted us and all necessary equipment was provided. Did not have any issues with them.
Routes provided were spot on with no issues with navigation. Bear in mind that some parts of the route could not be traversed by bikes so some self made detours are required or bike pushing done. This added to the experience.
Luggage transportation was flawless with only a minor delay in one leg due to us being too quick.
Accommodations were very good with hot showers and comfortable beds. Only one hotel did not have adequate air conditioning but it was in an isolated country area and staff were fantastic in trying their best to make it better.
Breakfasts could have started a little earlier for Camiño travelers as we tried to beat the hottest part of the day.
Dinners were good and we never went to sleep hungry.
Overall an excellent experience.
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
Discover an unforgettable biking expedition along the Camino de Santiago, starting from Porto. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes of northern Spain and Portugal. This thrilling adventure offers picturesque routes, charming local villages, and historic landmarks. Experience the unique blend of physical challenge and spiritual journey as you pedal through enchanting terrains, savoring authentic cuisine and vibrant local traditions. Ideal for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts alike, this journey promises a rewarding and exhilarating experience.
The Minho and Porto biking holiday will give you an almost surrealistic “change of scenery” experience. Starting high in the mountains area, you will literally cycle down to the Atlantic Ocean stretching before you as far as you can see. This land is also blessed by the Minho, Lima and Douro rivers, each of which will accompany you at one stage or another of your ride.
This is a proud land, proud of its maritime history and of the remains of the fortifications that helped keep the Spanish well within their borders. It is the land of fine mountain cuisine and, along the cost, a wealth of fish and seafood dishes, best enjoyed with a glass of Vinho Verde. Best of all, it is a biking journey that will put you in touch with some of the nicest Europeans.
Do take every opportunity to meet the local inhabitants: fishermen and their wives, farmers, the kind lady at the local shop; listen to the stories of the owners of your accommodations. Cycle across the ancient Roman bridge at Ponte de Lima, famous for its beauty and its importance to medieval pilgrims as they made their way from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy biking through the North of Portugal at its most authentic.
The Atlantic Coast biking holiday route represents a week in the freshest, lightly salty air imaginable. A boost to both body and mind. As you cycle southwards from the Galician coastal region in the north, the beauty of continuously changing views over the vast Atlantic will impress itself on your mind and soul.
Taste both Galician and Portuguese seafood. Encounter latter-day pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, with whom you share a few kilometres. Meet the nicest fishermen and their wives who will welcome you and enjoy sharing their lifetime experiences and customs.
Stroll through the fish markets and watch them as they work. Visit Porto, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, classified as a Unesco World Heritage. Learn about Port Wine and the unique culinary dimension associated with it. Dance on saltpans and bring back some excellent salt crystals from there. Taste, smell, meet and bask in the sun as you cycle gently along this beautiful coast and allow yourself to daydream.
After a great day cycling, the night will cherish you with nothing less than the freshest air conceivable.
Immerse yourself in one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world with our Douro Valley Bike Tour. Savor the rich local gastronomy, featuring products and dishes that capture the essence of Europe. Cycle through the stunning landscapes of the International Douro Valley, along the border with Spain, where you can witness over 170 bird species nesting on cliffs that soar over 200 meters high.
Pedal along the serene Douro River, meandering through lush forests, almond groves, and terraced vineyards that offer breathtaking panoramic views. Enhance your bike tour with a relaxing cruise on a typical Rabelo boat or a scenic train journey, always accompanied by the majestic Douro. Stay in renowned accommodations tied to wine production, from charming hotels overlooking the river to traditional olive oil estates and elegant townhouses.
Each stay promises cozy comfort and a deep connection to the region’s heritage. Enjoy seamless transfers from the airport, making your adventure hassle-free. Choose between varying cycling stages to tailor your journey through this Unesco World Heritage Site.
Please see the itinerary below for more details.
You begin in UNESCO-recognised Porto, a beautiful mix of winding, medieval streets, impressive architecture and the serene Douro River, packed with brightly coloured rabelo sailing boats - it's also home to some world-famous wine cellars. From here you'll head south, past sandy bays and beaches, to your luxury hotel in Furadouro right on the beachfront, before heading via the Aveiro Lagoon, to 'Portugal's Venice', Aveiro. Here, the latticework canals are overlooked by grand buildings and inviting restaurants, while pretty moliceiro boats sail leisurely along the water. Returning to the ocean you'll pass high sand dunes and fragrant pine and acacia forest, on your way to Praia de Mira, before heading inland to the Spa town of Curia in the Bairrada wine region, the home of Portugal's best Champagne-style wine - be sure to stop for a tasting! From Curia your final stretch takes you to Coimbra, Portugal's former capital and now a cosmopolitan university city. Explore its charming cobbled alleyways, bustling markets and wonderful architecture such as the 16th century aqueduct and the university's sublime Baroque library, perhaps rounding off with a traditional fado evening in one of the local bars.
Your holiday starts in Porto, where shuttered townhouses tumble downhill to colourful rabelo sailing boats cruising the Douro River and passing world-famous wine cellars. From here, you'll beach and bay hop south to your luxury beachfront hotel in Furadouro, before heading via the Aveiro Lagoon, home to pink flamingo and colourful birdlife, to Aveiro for two nights in a waterside mansion. Known as 'Portugal's Venice', this is where colourful moliceiro boats cruise along canals beneath tall palm trees, while alleyways are filled with tempting restaurants. Your final cycling stretch takes you back to the ocean to high sand dunes, meandering through pine and acacia forest, to Praia de Mira.
Please note: Cycling helmets are a legal requirement in Portugal for anyone using an e-bike.
