1 Day

Arrival to Porto and transfer from Porto airport

Pick up from the airport and transfer to the  Hotel. You have a free afternoon to visit the beautiful and cozy city of Porto, rich with history and monuments like the Clérigos Tower and the D. Luis Bridge. The old quarters of Baixa with its local shops, restaurants and pastry shops, Ribeira a quarter by the river Douro, facing the wine cellars of the Port wine, full with the city’s traditions and historical connection to the wine and the wine country of the Douro. Shopping areas such as Santa Catarina and Aliados Avenue. Not to miss are the great restaurants around town with some of the tastiest food in the country.

Accommodation: Hotel 3*

2 Day

Porto – Esposende (49 km / 30.4 Miles)

You will start in direction to Matosinhos and on the first stage you will cycle through the Atlantic coastline. The ocean and miles of golden sandy beaches will guide you until the town of Vila do Conde, an ancient medieval shipyard full of historical and architectural interests. In Vila do Conde crossing the town through the historic seashore and in a couple of miles you will reach the Povoa de Varzim a popular town strongly linked whit the ocean. You will continue to head north along the coast until Ofir where the stage ends. Our hotel is very near to North Coast Natural Park and the Cavado river.

 Accommodation and Breakfast at  4*

3 Day

Esposende – Caminha (52 km / 32,3 Miles)

You leave Ofir and crossing the Cavado river and reach Esposende an old fishing village with a great setting on the estuary of the River. Cycling along the cycle-track and continue to hug the coast as you travel north admiring the views and the peace of the route until Ghilheta Village where you abandon the coast and continue through the woods, crossing rivers and old agricultural ways.   You will visit the villages of Marinhas, Belinho, Neiva and Darque until reach the historic town of Viana do Castelo through the Eifell’s old iron bridge over the River Lima. Leave Viana do Castelo and enter in a world of “old farms. You will cross the villages of Areosa, Afife and Carreço cycling through old narrow cobbled roads who split several 19th Century farmhouses. Continue until the old fishing village of Ancora and from there follows the coastline through Moledo and Camarido until the secular Caminha.

Accommodation and Breakfast at Hotel  4*

 

 

 

4 Day

Caminha – Vigo (61 km /37.90 Miles)

Leave Caminha towards “A Guarda”, entering Spain. This day offers no big climbs, just ups and downs until you reach Bayona, a beautiful coastal town. Meanwhile, enjoy the medieval villages across the galician coastline, tasting wonderful tapas and seafood along the way. Tackling a short, but steep climb to reach Saigráns and to experience one of the most beautiful views in the region: Vigo’s “Ria”, where the sea water mixes with the river, and you’ll be able to see the “bateas” where mussels are produced (a local delicacy) and the Ciés islands in the background – a natural park in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. You will then descend into the busy city of Vigo.

Accommodation and Breakfast at Hotel 4*

5 Day

Vigo – Pontevedra (34km / 21.2 Miles)

Cycle along Vigo’s city streets as you head northeast, leaving the urban area behind. Follow the line of the Ria de Vigo estuary for views of floating mussel farms, the Cíes islands and the city and port of Vigo as you ride between villages and through a forest.  A steep descent takes you to the town of Redondela where your Portuguese Coastal Camino merges with the Portuguese Central Camino. Pause for juicy fat oysters in the riverside town of Arcade then follow an ancient stone path uphill to the forest. You’ll soon be amid the atmospheric squares of Pontevedra where you can admire the medieval architecture as you sip a beer or wine with some tapas.

Accommodation and Breakfast at Hotel 4*

6 Day

Pontevedra – Padron(41km / 25.5 Miles)

The journey to Padron is relatively hill-free and you’ll spend the day surrounded by pleasant countryside. Bathe your feet in the hot spring in the center of Caldas de Reis then climb gradually through a series of hamlets and a delightful stretch of woodland. Take some time to explore medieval Padrón and discover its deep connection to St. James as well as its tasty green peppers.

Accommodation and Breakfast at Hotel 4*

7 Day

Padron – Santiago (28 km / 17,39 Miles)

After breakfast you’ll begin the last stage of your Way of St. James. This will be a small test to your will and tenacity as the route starts going uphill almost from the start. You’ll go through small villages and churches with clear signs that the end of the Way is near. When you arrive visit the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, end point of your pilgrimage. Compostela is a millennial city with places and monuments that deserve a visit, such as its plazas in the central area of the old town, the narrow streets and traditional markets. Check-in at your hotel, Virxe de La cerca or the epic Parador de Santiago (included in the “premium” option), and then dedicate the rest of your afternoon to visit the pilgrim’s office and discover this medieval city’s traditions, culture and heritage.

Accommodation and Breakfast at Hotel  4*

 

8 Day

Breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. At scheduled time, transfer from Santiago de Compostela back to Porto airport