Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site
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Type
Cycling
Duration
8 Days & 7 Nights
Next Departure
2025
Status
To be announced
Price
2.500 EUR
The Atlantic Way to Santiago
This program links the city of Porto to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. The route will take you through the beautiful coastlines of both northern Portugal and Galicia. Discover and hopefully admire the Portuguese way of pilgrimage, away from the crowds, allowing you to have more peace and space to get in touch with yourself. Follow the Atlantic Ocean and its different sceneries, exploring stunning coastal views and crossing several small towns rich in culture and full of the Camino spirit. Churches, monuments, and old crosses will tell the history of this less trodden way until you arrive at Obradoiro Square, which rests in front of the Saint James Cathedral, right in the heart of Santiago de Compostela.
Highlights
Included
Excluded
- Tour Grade
Bikes available on request
Included and Optional Services
Bikes
Hybrid Bike UNISEX
Exotic Nature TrailsPrice: +150 EUR
E-Bike UNISEX
Exotic Nature TrailsPrice: +270 EUR
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival
Welcome to Porto!
Make sure you take some time to explore and enjoy this exciting city. There are many interesting things to see, such as the granitic building stones, the narrow streets from the middle ages, and the beautiful riverside making it a great place to wander. It is the second biggest city in Portugal and is classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. This city has a lot to see and offer and will be your home for the first night
NH Porto Jardim
DAY 2
Porto to Esposende
Let the adventure begin!
Leave Porto behind to encounter Portugal’s amazing coastline for the first time. Watch as the cold Atlantic water waves crash into the lovely beaches along the way, and make sure you find a nice spot to pause for a second and breathe the fresh air. Along the way, you will find many interesting ancient villages, with Vila do Conde being the standout one. Its historic heart, glassy river mouth, luscious beaches, and monuments such as the Mosteiro de Santa Clara and the surviving segments of a long-legged medieval aqueduct makes this village into the special gem that it is.
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.
Halfway through the day, you will have the privilege of encountering yet another gem of this tour. As you cross the charming Lima River on a bridge, you will be able to see Viana do Castelo from above. This is a blessed town with an appealing medieval center filled with churches, monasteries, palaces decorated with coats of arms, and monumental fountains with interesting water features. At the end of the day, you will arrive at Caminha, a lovely town that sits at the mouth of the Minho River, which creates the natural northern border with Spain. While you are here, make sure to look for a very traditional restaurant, since this will be your last chance to taste the delicious Portuguese food.
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.
Once you make it to the other side of the river, you will make your way to the city of Guarda. Once you are there, go to the top of its hill so you can visit the Iron Settlement of Santa Tegra, which is well worth the while! Along the way, you can also visit the medieval monastery of Oia, which is located right on the coast. Finally, arrive at Vigo, a historical city and one of the biggest fishing ports of Europe. Welcome to Spain!
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, you will start to enter the more common roads to Santiago, that go along the Ria de Vigo. A small typical Spanish town will lead you in the direction of Pontevedra, a city that is not as big as Santiago but still very charming and with a great atmosphere around its plazas and cafés.
Cycling Distance
41 km
Elevation Gain
+ 700 m
Parador Pontevedra
DAY 6
Pontevedra to Padrón
There is something special reserved for you today!
After leaving Pontevedra, admire the big wetlands where you can find hundreds of plants and bird species. Throughout the route, you will find beautiful river crossings which are highlighted by the waterfalls of the Barosa River. A gorgeous place, perfect to stop and have lunch. Continuing, you will pass by Caldas de Reis, a natural spa town that has existed since Roman times. Rivers and lush vegetation will take you to your destination, the medieval city of Padrón, famous for its green, small, and tasty 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 trail will be the easiest one. As you start to see the top of the cathedral in the distance, it will give you the strength to do the final kilometers. Here you are! Finally, in Compostela. The old town of Santiago, together with the outlying Santa Maria de Conxo Monastery, constitutes an extraordinary ensemble of distinguished monuments. The squares and narrow streets of the old town contain Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassicist buildings. This town is not only a harmonious and very well preserved historical city but also a place deeply imbued with faith. Enjoy!
Cycling Distance
30 km
Elevation Gain
+ 600 m
Virxe da Cerca
DAY 8
Departure
OUR SPLENDID PROGRAM HAS COME TO AN END
Time flies when you’re having fun, but unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. We hope that the memories and experiences we have shared will stay with you forever. It’s time to start preparing for your trip back home. We look forward to welcoming you back soon so you can explore more of Exotic Nature Trails!