Portuguese Way by bike from Oporto – Coast

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many kilometres are cycled per day on the Camino de Santiago?

  Doing the Camino by bike allows the ‘bicigrino’ to cover more kilometres per day than a pilgrim on foot, easily double. The number of kilometres cycled per day depends on several factors:

  • physical capabilities of each person;
  • time available;
  • route and section chosen (technical difficulty of the terrain);
  • availability of accommodation.

  A priori, a pilgrim can cycle between 50 km and 100 km per stage. In flat stages, such as those of the Meseta, you can easily cover up to 100 km per day, although in stages with slopes, such as the arrival at Roncesvalles or O Cebreiro, it is perhaps more convenient to establish shorter stages.

• How difficult is the Portuguese coastal route?

  The Portuguese coastal route, or the Portuguese Coastal Way, with 12 stages and 270 kilometers from Porto, is not considered very difficult. Its first section, practically the entire north of Portugal, is very flat, as it runs along the footbridges of the Ecovia Litoral Norte. In Galicia the relief is a little bumpy, but it does not present large unevenness.

• How long is the Portuguese coastal route?

  The Portuguese coastal route, the Camino Portugues por la Costa, is a route with about 270 km, generally divided into 12 stages. Therefore, divided like this, its duration is 12 days to complete the entire Camino on foot. Each stage would be the distance you travel in one day, from the starting location to the end of the walk, where you will spend the night. The stages can vary in distance and difficulty, and it is important to note that they can be adjusted according to your pace and physical condition. Some pilgrims choose to divide certain long or difficult stages, or lengthen those that are shorter or easier to walk. It all depends on having a place to sleep.

• How many stages does the Portuguese Coastal Way have?

  The Portuguese Camino de Santiago along the Coast is divided into 12 stages. It begins in Porto and has 270 kilometers to go to Santiago de Compostela. It must be taken into account that this distance may vary depending on the possible variants or complementary and alternative paths that the pilgrim decides to take during the route. Each stage would be the distance you travel in one day, from the starting location to the end of the walk, where you will spend the night. The stages can vary in distance and difficulty, and it is important to note that they can be adjusted according to your pace and physical condition. Some pilgrims choose to divide certain long or difficult stages, or lengthen those that are shorter or easier to walk. It all depends on having a place to sleep.

• How many kilometers is the Portuguese Way along the Coast?

  The total kilometers of the Portuguese Way along the Coast are about 270 km from Porto, its beginning. It must be taken into account that this distance may vary depending on the possible variants or complementary and alternative paths that the pilgrim decides to take during the route.

• What to see on the Portuguese Coastal Way?

  The Portuguese Coastal Way offers a unique experience for pilgrims, with a combination of stunning natural landscapes and charming coastal towns. Throughout its 270 kilometers, from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, you will find a wide variety of places that will make your pilgrimage unforgettable.

  • Oporto: Starting point of the route, Porto is a vibrant city famous for its architecture, its UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, and, of course, its Port wine cellars.
  • Vila do Conde: This charming coastal town is known for its fishing port and beaches. You can also visit the Vila do Conde aqueduct and the Santa Clara Convent.
  • Viana do Castelo: Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal, Viana do Castelo stands out for its imposing Basilica of Santa Luzia, from which you can enjoy spectacular views of the Atlantic coast.
  • Caminha: Located at the mouth of the Miño River, this picturesque town offers incomparable natural beauty. From here, you will cross into Galicia, entering Spain.
  • Baiona: In Galicia, Baiona is a popular destination among pilgrims for its history and beauty. Here you can visit the Monterreal Fortress and enjoy the views of the Cíes Islands.
  • Vigo: The largest city in Galicia on the route, Vigo is famous for its port and lively urban atmosphere. If you have time, you can explore the Atlantic Islands National Park, a natural paradise just a few kilometers from the coast.
  • Pontevedra: This city is famous for its well-preserved old town and the Church of the Pilgrim Virgin, one of the symbols of the Camino de Santiago.
  • Caldas de Reis: Famous for its hot springs, Caldas de Reis is an ideal stop to relax in the middle of the pilgrimage. In addition, it offers a charming old town and the Umia River that runs through the city.
  • Padrón: Known for its connection to the legend of the translation of the body of the Apostle Santiago. Padrón is famous for its peppers and its historic Roman bridge, as well as the church of Santiago de Padrón.
  • Santiago de Compostela: The goal of all paths, with its majestic Cathedral of Santiago, is the place where your pilgrimage ends and you can obtain the Compostela.

  And of course, lots of beach!

• What kind of bicycles can I rent to do the Camino de Santiago?

  We have high quality mountain bikes and electric bikes that you can rent during the whole Camino. Check the details here.

• What services are included in the Camino de Santiago by bike?

  The Camino de Santiago by bike includes the following services:

  • Accommodation
  • Dossier with information about the stages
  • Pilgrim's credential
  • On-the-road helpline
  • Travel insurance

  In addition, you can customize your trip by adding the following optional services:

  • Luggage transport between stages
  • Breakfast or half board
  • Extra night at the beginning or end of the stage
  • Bicycle rental

  Unlike the group trips, no guide or support vehicle is included between stages. However, you will have a 24-hour hotline where you can contact us in case of any problem or unforeseen event, which we will solve quickly.

• Can I bring my own bicycle for a trip on the Camino de Santiago?

  Yes, you can do the Camino with your own bike. The important thing is that it is in good condition before starting to avoid problems. Remember that you can also rent a bicycle with us (MTB, e-Bike, etc., with equipment included) which you will find directly at your first shelter, and we will indicate where to return it at the end of your journey.

• Where will I leave the bicycle each night at the accommodations?

  Do not worry, most accommodations on the Camino have secure spaces for bicycles. They are usually garages or enclosed areas with security measures. When we organize your trip, we ensure that each accommodation guarantees this service. Additionally, if it is an e-Bike and you need to charge it overnight, the accommodations will provide you with a power outlet and electricity.

• Can I do the Camino de Santiago by bicycle?

  We have several routes prepared for cyclists, and the choice mainly depends on the number of days you have available. And, if you already have a bicycle, perfect, but if you do not have one, do not worry: you can rent with us either an MTB bicycle or an electric one.

  👉 Here you can see all the options:

  • /organized-trips/by-bike/

• Does the Portuguese Coastal Way from Porto by bike qualify you for the Compostela?

  Yes. It is about 243 km from Porto to Santiago along the coast, above the minimum of 200 km by bike that the Pilgrim's Office requires to obtain the Compostela (by bike the minimum is higher than on foot).