Type
Cycling
Duration
8 Days & 7 Nights
Next Departure
2025
Status
To be announced
Price
2.500 EUR
The Atlantic Way to Santiago
This unique cycling tour connects the vibrant city of Porto to the historic heart of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. Following the Atlantic coast, this route offers a peaceful and scenic alternative to the more crowded pilgrimage paths, allowing for a deeper, more personal experience. Pedal along quiet coastal roads, passing through picturesque fishing villages, historic towns, and ever-changing ocean views. Along the way, discover centuries of history through ancient churches, stone crosses, and cultural landmarks that reflect the spirit of the Camino. This cycling adventure combines physical activity with cultural immersion, making it an ideal experience for those seeking an active holiday filled with meaning and discovery. The tour ends in Obradoiro Square, in front of the iconic Saint James Cathedral, an epic conclusion to your Atlantic bike adventure.
Highlights
Included and Optional Services
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival
Welcome to Porto!
Your cycling journey begins in Porto, the second largest city in Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take some time to explore this fascinating city, known for its impressive granite buildings, narrow medieval streets, and beautiful riverside views. Whether you’re wandering through the historic center or relaxing by the river, Porto offers a rich atmosphere full of character and history. It’s a perfect place to ease into your bike tour, soaking in the local charm before the adventure truly begins. Tonight, you’ll stay in Porto and enjoy your first evening in this remarkable city.
NH Porto Jardim
DAY 2
Porto to Esposende
Let the adventure begin!
Let your cycling adventure begin! Today, you leave Porto behind and start pedaling along Portugal’s stunning Atlantic coastline, a perfect route for those seeking an unforgettable cycling holiday.As you ride, enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and the sight of waves crashing onto the golden beaches. This scenic coastal bike trail offers the chance to pause and take in the peaceful energy of the Atlantic.
One of today’s highlights is Vila do Conde, a charming village rich in history. Cycle through its ancient streets, past the glassy river mouth, and discover impressive landmarks like the Mosteiro de Santa Clara and the remaining arches of a medieval aqueduct. The combination of coastal beauty and cultural heritage makes this a memorable stage of your bike tour through northern Portugal.
Cycling Distance
64 km
Elevation Gain
+ 300 m
Suave Mar
DAY 3
Esposende to Caminha
Today, you will ride in the direction of Portugal’s border with Spain.
Today’s cycling route leads you north, in the direction of the Spanish border. It’s a scenic day of road cycling, passing through small towns and natural landscapes that highlight the charm of northern Portugal.
Midway through your bike ride, you’ll cross the Lima River on a bridge with a beautiful view over Viana do Castelo. This town is a cultural gem, known for its medieval centre full of churches, monasteries, noble houses and ornate fountains, a great stop on your cycling adventure.
Your day in the saddle ends in Caminha, a quiet town on the banks of the Minho River, right at the natural border with Spain. Take this final evening in Portugal to enjoy a traditional meal before continuing your cycling tour into Galicia.
Cycling Distance
55 km
Elevation Gain
+ 300 m
Hotel Porta do Sol
DAY 4
Caminha to Vigo
Today you will enter Galicia by crossing the magnificent Minho River by ferry.
Today, your cycling tour continues with a ferry crossing over the Minho River, marking your entry into Galicia, Spain.
Once on the other side, the bike ride takes you to the city of Guarda, where it’s worth cycling up to the top of the hill to visit the Iron Age Settlement of Santa Tegra, a highlight of cultural interest along your route. As you continue your cycling journey along the Atlantic coast, you’ll have the chance to stop at the medieval Monastery of Oia, uniquely located by the sea. The day finishes in Vigo, a vibrant and historical city known as one of Europe’s largest fishing ports.
Boat
00:15 h
Cycling Distance
68 km
Elevation Gain
+ 900 m
Hotel Inffinit Vigo
DAY 5
Vigo to Pontevedra
We are getting closer and closer!
After leaving Vigo, your cycling route follows roads that are part of the traditional paths to Santiago, cycling along the scenic Ría de Vigo.
The ride takes you through small, typical Spanish towns before reaching Pontevedra, a smaller city than Santiago, but full of charm. Its historic centre, lively plazas, and inviting cafés.
Cycling Distance
41 km
Elevation Gain
+ 700 m
Parador Pontevedra
DAY 6
Pontevedra to Padrón
There is something special reserved for you today!
Today’s cycling adventure offers a mix of nature, culture, and history. Leaving Pontevedra, you’ll ride through wide wetlands rich in plant and bird life, a peaceful start to the day’s bike tour.
Along the way, enjoy several scenic river crossings, including the Barosa River waterfalls, an ideal spot to pause for lunch. The cycling route continues through Caldas de Reis, a spa town known since Roman times, with its thermal waters and lush surroundings. The ride ends in Padrón, a medieval town famous for its small green peppers.
Cycling Distance
48 km
Elevation Gain
+ 800 m
Pazo Lestrove
DAY 7
Padrón to Santiago de Compostela
One last push and you are there!
Today’s cycling stage is the easiest of the tour. As you approach Santiago, the first glimpse of the cathedral’s towers will give you the motivation to complete the final kilometres of this unforgettable bike adventure.
Once in Compostela, take time to explore the historic old town and the Santa Maria de Conxo Monastery. The narrow streets and open squares are filled with Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, a perfect end to your cycling journey. Enjoy the atmosphere of this historic and spiritual city, you’ve arrived.
Cycling Distance
30 km
Elevation Gain
+ 600 m
Virxe da Cerca
DAY 8
Departure
OUR SPLENDID PROGRAM HAS COME TO AN END
The week may have flown by, but the memories of this cycling adventure will last much longer. It’s time to get ready for your journey back home, carrying with you the moments, landscapes, and experiences shared along the way.
We hope to see you again soon, ready to discover even more with Exotic Nature Trails.