Cycle the Coastal Portuguese Camino

Pilgrims and adventurers unite on a two-wheel journey to the holy town of Santiago de Compostela

Following the Atlantic shoreline, the Portuguese Camino coastal route is perhaps the most scenic of the numerous pilgrimage trails that comprise the Camino de Santiago. See it for yourself on this culture-crammed cycling adventure. Starting in Porto, we follow the coast north, before crossing into Spain and biking to our goal: Santiago de Compostela, reputed burial site of the Apostle, Saint James. Along the way, we stop in a string of atmospheric coastal towns, while also collecting our stamps to receive our Compostela certificate in Santiago – proof you have completed this historic pilgrimage.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

• Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
• This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
• Read more about our other initiatives

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

• By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
• We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
• With our partners, Rewilding Apennines, we rewild 100 square meters (1,075 sqft) of land per passenger who travels with us.
• Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

• Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
• This trip travels through Galicia, which produces the second-most renewable energy in Spain and has the second-highest wind-power production.
• Our local partner is a member of the Climate Action Leaders in Travel Community and have made the Climate Action Leaders in Travel Pledge
• Cycling trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the local people, as it is a quiet, low-impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
• Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

• Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
• Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

• Six days of cycling
• Average distance: 29mi (46km) per day
• Partial vehicle support
• Terrain and route: 80 percent on paved quiet minor roads/cycle paths and 20 percent on gravel roads and tracks with cobblestones. This can be quite bumpy at times, particularly during the first two stages in Portugal but gets smoother once you enter Spain. Our bikes have shock absorbers and suspensions, which improve riding comfort and give riders greater control on the rougher terrain.
• Wearing a cycling helmet is compulsory

You can cycle with an e-bike (additional charge applies). Our guides are experienced in managing groups with both push bikes and e-bikes, and many of our clients enjoy the flexibility an e-bike offers. Please speak to us if you would like to add this option to your booking.

As we are passing through rural communities the roads are quiet with very little traffic; however, you will be sharing the route with walkers and cyclists all on their way to Santiago de Compostela. There are a few cobbled sections where you should take care, particularly in wet conditions. This trip is ideal for confident cyclists who exercise regularly and have a strong level of fitness.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Vaccinations and Health

Portugal

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Spain

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Visa

Portugal

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Portugal. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/portugal
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/portugal
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Portugal.html

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Food & Drink

All breakfasts are included.

Breakfasts will be continental with cold cheese, meats and bread, plus pastries, tea and coffee.

Vegetarians: A meat and fish diet is the norm in northern Portugal and Spain; however, many vegetarians have not experienced any problems. Most restaurants will offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives but there will not be as many options to choose from. Please note, mealtimes in Portugal and Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 9pm and 9.30pm.

Weather

In April and October, expect temperatures of 5C-15C (41F-59F) with a high chance of rain showers. In the mornings, it is often cloudy and more temperate. Temperatures in May and September tend to be warmer. Expect a combination of sun, light showers, and clouds. July and August are typically sunny and warm with temperatures of 15C-30C (59F-86F).