Portuguese Coastal Camino Cycle - Porto to Santiago

Very enjoyable route up the coast and on the trail with really interesting towns and scenery.

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.

Cycling the Portuguese Camino was a grand adventure. We had two plus days of rain out of the six days but was still very enjoyable.

Great ride but not easy! Cobbles in Portugal quite hard going and weaving around walkers tricky on some trails. Lovely accommodation and great meals.

A great way to explore northern Portugal and Galicia.The journey passes through pretty fishing villages then in close proximity to the rugged Atlantic coast before arching across to the final destination of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The route is well-signposted and avoids the busier roads for the most part. Be prepared for some challenging hills and a few rain showers. There are lots of peregrinos doing the expedition on foot so be sure to shout “buen camino” as you pass!