Combine the thrills of cycling along the Portuguese and Galician coast with the slow travel benefits of completing your Camino on foot.
If you’re torn between doing the Coastal Camino on foot or by bike, this programme solves the dilemma. In short, you can experience both ways of travelling and complete the journey in just nine days. Rather than choosing one mode, you combine them for a fuller Camino.
Part 1 – Cycling the Coastal Camino: Porto → Vigo
To begin, start in the vibrant, UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto. Then pedal north beside sandy beaches and rocky headlands dotted with fortresses, windmills and fishing villages. At times, the route swings inland to cross rivers via forests, country lanes, market gardens and historic towns.
Along the way, overnight stops in picturesque medieval towns such as Vila do Conde and Viana do Castelo invite you to explore local history, culture and gastronomy. In between stages, the gorgeous beaches provide easy opportunities to unwind.
Next, cross the River Minho by boat to reach A Guarda, a Spanish fishing town. From there, ride a dramatic stretch of rugged shoreline to the coastal village of Oia. Between this point and the vibrant city of Vigo lies Baiona, a charming seaside town rich in history and tempting tapas bars.
Part 2 – Walking the Camino: Vigo → Santiago de Compostela
From this point, leave the bikes in Vigo and continue on foot towards Santiago de Compostela.
Thereafter, the route threads through verdant Galician countryside along ancient paths that pass forests, farmland, rivers and hamlets. Along the way, you’ll overnight in towns such as Arcade—famous for oysters—Pontevedra, with attractive squares and striking architecture, and the riverside spa of Caldas de Reis.
Afterwards, reach Padrón, where the boat bearing the remains of St James is said to have come ashore. Ultimately, your journey ends at the magnificent cathedral and main square in Santiago de Compostela.
Itinerary – Day by day
Day 1: Arrival in Porto
A member of our team will meet you at the hotel, where you’ll receive a personal welcome briefing and all the necessary documentation. They will also ensure your bike is correctly set up for you.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
🚴 Cycling Stages
Day 2: Porto → Vila do Conde
Distance: 35 km (21.7 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
Set off from Porto and begin your journey along the Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago de Compostela. This scenic route takes you along the coastline via wooden boardwalks and quiet back roads, passing expansive sandy beaches, nature reserves, and charming fishing villages before reaching the historical seafaring town of Vila do Conde.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Vila do Conde → Viana do Castelo
Distance: 49 km (30.4 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
Cycle past Póvoa de Varzim, following the ocean and beaches before heading inland past forests, market gardens and villages to Fão. Cross the River Cávado to reach the relaxed resort town, nature reserves and beaches of Esposende.
The route continues inland through scenic countryside and woodlands. As you approach Viana do Castelo, cross the iron bridge for stunning views of the River Lima. Allow time to explore this historic city.
Accommodation: 2/3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Viana do Castelo → Oia
Distance: 46 km (28.5 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
Begin your day cycling beside the coast towards the beachside town of Vila Praia de Âncora and on to Moledo beach before heading inland to the charming town of Caminha. Take a boat across the River Minho, the natural border with Spain, then ride through the fishing town of A Guarda. Between here and Oia, the coastline is wild and ruggedly beautiful.
Accommodation: 2-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Oia → Vigo
Distance: 43 km (26.6 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
Continue your journey along the coast, passing small fields, villages, and scattered houses before rounding the headland to reach the charming resort town of Baiona. Beyond Baiona, the landscape becomes more rural, with scattered villages, pockets of forest and a couple of beautiful beaches just before you hit the city of Vigo.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
🚶 Walking Stages
Day 6: Vigo → Arcade
Distance: 22 km (13.5 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
Walk through central Vigo before leaving the city via a long road that winds through quiet hillside villages, offering views of the city, estuary, and port. Midway, the scenery shifts from houses to woodland before a steep descent into Redondela. From there, climb through the forest and descend into Arcade, a charming riverside town renowned for its oysters.
Accommodation: 2-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Arcade → Pontevedra
Distance: 13 km (8 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
Depart Arcade via its iconic bridge and climb ancient stone paths through a forest. If the weather conditions permit, take a picturesque detour along the River Tomeza, arriving in Pontevedra surrounded by peaceful greenery and birdsong rather than traffic. Take time to explore the historic city centre, with its charming squares and inviting tapas bars.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Pontevedra → Caldas de Reis
Distance: 22 km (13.6 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
Today’s walk leads you through scenic countryside and a stretch of forest to the riverside spa town of Caldas de Reis. Upon arrival, soothe your tired feet in the thermal spring at the main square before drinking wine from a traditional ceramic bowl at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: 2-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Caldas de Reis → Padron
Distance: 19 km (11.5 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
Start the day with a gentle ascent through small villages and the charming Valga Forest. Along the way, pass several notable churches and stone crosses before reaching Padrón, the riverside town where the boat carrying St. James’s body is believed to have landed.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Padron → Santiago de Compostela
Distance: 25 km (15.5 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
The final stage of the Camino takes you through peaceful countryside, including a lovely woodland area, with the last few kilometers passing through bustling urban areas. As you enter the narrow, historic streets of Santiago de Compostela’s medieval centre, the atmosphere shifts as you get closer to the iconic Praza do Obradoiro, the main square in front of the cathedral where pilgrims celebrate the end of their epic journey.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Departure
After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. If you have time, explore the old city of Santiago de Compostela before you leave.
Meals: Breakfast
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Map
Combined Biking and Hiking Coastal Camino
General Conditions
Prices (per person)
Base: per person, sharing a double/twin room. Single room supplement applies for solo occupancy. Local tourist taxes, if any, are payable on site.
- March, April and October
- In double room occupancy: 1.190 Euros
- Single room supplement: 490 Euros
- Solo traveller supplement: 120 Euros
- May, June and September
- In double room occupancy: 1.220 Euros
- Single room supplement: 510 Euros
- Solo traveller supplement: 120 Euros
- July and August
- In double room occupancy: 1.290 Euros
- Single room supplement: 560 Euros
- Solo traveller supplement: 120 Euros
What’s included
- 10 Nights of accommodation with breakfast included;
- 4 Days bike rental (MTB TREK Marlin 6 with 29” wheels + panniers + helmet);
- Luggage transfer between accommodations (1 bag per person – maximum 15 kg/bag);
- Roadbook with tips, maps and detailed information on the way (in English);
- Pilgrim Kit: Credencial (passport) and Vieira (shell);
- Journey documentation;
- In-person welcome briefing;
- 24/7 Emergency support.
What’s not included
- Transfers from and to Porto airport; Lunches and dinners; Insurance; Tourist taxes; Personal equipment; Other personal expenses; All items not mentioned in the “Included”.
Optional extra services
- Extra nights in
- Porto (3-star hotel): On request
- Santiago (3-star hotel): On request
- Upgrade for 4- or 5-star hotel and Parador: On request
- Transfers
- hotel → airport in Santiago de Compostela: 60 Euros for up to 3 people; 85 Euros for 4 to 7 people
- Santiago de Compostela → Porto city/airport: 380 Euros for up to 3 people; 440 Euros for 4 to 7 people
- hotel → airport in Porto: 55 Euros for up to 3 people; 85 Euros for 4 to 7 people
- Upgrade to e-bike
- TREK Allant+7 (or similar): 150 Euros/e-bike
PRATICAL INFORMATION
This self-guided walking/cycling holiday covers the Northern Portugal and Galicia regions, from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.
The journey takes 10 nights, 4 cycling days and 5 walking days, following the Portuguese Coastal Camino.
- Tour type: Self-guided
- Number of people: From 1
- Season: 1 March – 31 October
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Total distance: 259 km / 161 miles
Highlights of the route
- Cycle and walk at a leisurely pace through scenic coastal and countryside landscapes.
- Discover historic cities, ancient pilgrim trails, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Enjoy rivers, valleys, bridges, churches, chapels, and rural villages.
- Savour authentic local cuisine, fresh seafood, and regional wines such as Vinho Verde and Albariño.
- Stay in comfortable hotels close to the Camino trail, all personally selected for quality and convenience.
Important notes
The Coastal Camino de Santiago by bicycle generally follows the same trails used by pilgrims on foot, although there is no specific cycle route. For a smoother and safer experience, the itinerary includes small deviations from the traditional Camino to avoid unsuitable sections and enhance the cycling experience.
The route combines a variety of terrains:
- Rural paths (asphalt, cobblestones, or dirt)
- Forest trails (dirt or gravel, sometimes uneven or rocky)
- Secondary and local roads, and occasionally short stretches of main roads (asphalt)
Please note:
- Some sections include steep climbs and descents, so a reasonable fitness level and cycling experience are essential.
- Basic bike repair skills (like fixing a puncture) are required.
- The route is ideal for mountain bikes or e-bikes, depending on your preference.
OUR BIKES
High-Quality Trek Bicycles
We take great care in preparing every bicycle for your trip. Each bike is fully serviced and checked between tours, ensuring comfort and reliability. Brake pads and worn parts are always replaced before delivery.
We use Trek bicycles, known for performance and durability. The right size is chosen for you using the Trek size guide — we’ll ask for your height when you book.
Standard Mountain Bike: Trek Marlin 6
This 29-inch hardtail MTB (27.5-inch for smaller sizes) is the standard option for most of our tours.
It offers excellent stability and comfort, with geometry and front suspension ideal for mixed terrain — asphalt, gravel, and cobblestones alike.
Electric Mountain Bike: Trek PowerFly 4 – 625
Perfect for those who want a little boost on hills or to ride with stronger companions.
This e-MTB shares the geometry and comfort of the Marlin but includes a powerful battery and motor assist. It’s ideal for the Portuguese Coastal Camino and other hilly trails.
Electric Hybrid Bike: Trek Allant+ 7
Named the Dutch E-Bike of the Year (2020), this hybrid model offers smooth rolling 27.5-inch tyres, an upright design, and front suspension for comfort on longer rides.
It’s perfect for road and path-based itineraries and allows you to enjoy the scenery even on steeper climbs.
What’s included with every bike?
Every bike comes fully equipped with everything you need for a carefree journey:
- Rear pannier rack and bag
- Bottle cage and new Portugal Green Walks water bottle
- Helmet
- Adjustable phone mount
- Bell and bike lock
- Battery charger (for e-bikes)
- Repair kit per group (spare inner tubes (Schrader valve), tyre levers, pump, chain link, chain oil, gloves, and multi-tool)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does the combined biking and hiking Camino itinerary work?
- This unique biking and hiking trip begins with four days of cycling along Portugal and Galicia’s stunning Atlantic coast, riding on boardwalks and quiet lanes past beaches and fishing villages. When you reach Vigo, you’ll leave the bike behind and continue on foot for five days through rural Galicia, following traditional pilgrim paths all the way to the cathedral in Santiago.
Is this mix of walking and cycling suitable for less experienced cyclists or walkers?
- Yes, the cycling days average around 43km (26 miles) on quieter roads and coastal tracks. E-bike upgrades are also available to make pedalling even easier. Walking stages are comfortably paced at around 20 km (12 miles) per day. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to experience both biking and walking the Camino without tackling anything too demanding.
How are the logistics managed when switching from cycling to walking?
- Everything is taken care of for you. At the end of the cycling section, you’ll leave your bike securely at the hotel and we collect it. Your luggage is automatically transferred each day, so all you’ll need to do is change into your walking shoes, set off, and enjoy the full Camino experience.
Can I get my pilgrim’s passport stamped on both cycling and walking days?
- Yes, absolutely. Your welcome pack will include a Pilgrim’s Kit with the Credencial del Peregrino (pilgrim’s passport) and vieira (scallop shell). You’ll use the same passport for the entire trip, collecting stamps during both the cycling and walking days. When you arrive in Santiago, you can present your completed passport at the Pilgrim’s Office to receive your Compostela certificate.
How fit do I need to be for this combined biking and hiking Camino?
- A reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy the journey, but nothing extreme is needed. You’ll cycle an average of 43km (26 miles) per day and walk around 20km (12 miles) per day on well-marked paths through varied countryside. As this is a self-guided trip, you can set your own pace and take breaks whenever you like.
What makes this combined Camino different from a full cycling or walking trip?
- This trip really gives you the best of both worlds. You’ll start with the freedom and variety of cycling along the stunning Atlantic coast, then switch to a slower, more reflective pace on foot for the final kilometres into Santiago. It’s ideal if you’re torn between walking or cycling the Camino, and arriving at the cathedral alongside fellow pilgrims on foot will make the finish especially memorable.
DIGITAL DETAILED ITINERARY
Click on the button below to download the itinerary with day-by-day details, highlights, prices and the respective general conditions.