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.

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

• Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller

• Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.

• Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.

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).