Camino Francés Pilgrimage

Day 1: Porto

Individual arrival at your accommodation in Porto.

Day 2: Porto – Esposende (approx. 59 km)

Today your bike tour begins on the well-signposted Portuguese Way of St. James along the coast. You follow the cycle path via Vila do Conde to the former fishing village of Póvoa de Varzim, which has now developed into a lively seaside resort.
From there, your route continues to Aguçadoura, where you cycle through forests, fields, and small villages into the green Portuguese hinterland. Then you will pass through the Litoral Norte Natural Park to Apúlia and Fão. Here you will cross the Cávado River and finally reach your destination for the day, Esposende.
After the ride, take a dip in the sea or a leisurely stroll along the beach promenade – perfect for relaxing after an eventful day in the saddle.

Day 3: Esposende – A Guarda (approx. 59.1 km)

After Esposende, you leave the coast for a while and follow your route via Marinhas into the gently rolling, green interior. Especially in spring, you will be accompanied by the fresh scent of eucalyptus trees. Along the way, you will pass several small Portuguese villages before crossing the Lima River behind Darque and arriving in Viana do Castelo – one of the most beautiful places along the Portuguese coastal cycle route.
The historic old town invites you to take a long break. If you like, you can cycle or walk up to the Santuário de Santa Luzia church – the panoramic view of the city and the Atlantic Ocean is well worth the short climb.

Then continue towards Vila Praia de Âncora, where you will encounter magnificent coastal views – the sound of the sea accompanies you to Caminha, the last Portuguese town before the border. Here, it's worth taking a coffee break with a fresh pastel de nata before crossing the Miño River to Spain by ferry or taxi boat.
After the crossing, a short but steep climb up Monte Santa Tegra awaits you before you reach your destination, A Guarda – a wonderful end to a varied day of cycling along the Portuguese Atlantic coast.

Day 4: A Guarda – Vigo (approx. 57.8 km)

From A Guarda, follow the coastal road north. Today's bike tour takes you along one of the most beautiful routes in Galicia – with views of the sea breaking against the cliffs of the steep coast. Soon you will reach the small fishing village of Oia, where it is worth stopping to visit the impressive Cistercian monastery of Santa María de Oia.

Continue on a scenic route along the cliffs, past the Cabo Silleiro lighthouse and the historic Parador de Monte Real castle, before reaching the charming port town of Baiona. This was the first European port to receive news of the discovery of America. The old town, with its narrow streets and small cafés, is the perfect place for a leisurely lunch break.

From Baiona, you cycle on to A Ramallosa and then through small villages, forests, and over rolling hills. Along the way, you will enjoy magnificent views of the Ría de Vigo and the legendary Islas Cíes, known as the “Islands of the Gods.” Finally, you follow the beautiful beaches along the bay until you reach the lively port city of Vigo.

If you still have energy, it's worth taking a short detour to the old town or the fishing district of Berbés, where you can enjoy the maritime flair and local cuisine – the perfect way to end the day.

Day 5: Vigo – Caldas de Reis (approx. 58.5 km)

Your stage begins with a relaxed start along the coast towards Redondela, where the Portuguese coastal cycle route joins the main route of the Way of St. James. From here, the route becomes a little hillier, but mostly follows quiet side roads and through shady forests – ideal for cycling.

Soon you will reach Pontevedra, the charming capital of the province of the same name. Be sure to plan a longer break here: the old town is one of the most beautiful in Galicia, and the Capela da Virxe Peregrina, whose floor plan is modeled on the shape of a scallop shell, is a special highlight.

From Pontevedra, your route continues through the green heart of Galicia. On the way to Caldas de Reis, you will pass small rivers, meadows, and picturesque villages. The spa town is famous for its thermal springs – treat yourself to a soothing foot bath or a stroll through the well-kept spa gardens after a day of cycling.

Day 6: Caldas de Reis – Santiago de Compostela (approx. 44.2 km)

The last stage of your cycling tour is upon you! You leave Caldas de Reis and cycle through the gentle, hilly landscape of Galicia. Along the way, you are accompanied by dense eucalyptus and pine forests that provide fresh, fragrant air.

A highlight of the route is the crossing of the town of Padrón, which is closely linked to the legend of St. James – this is where the boat carrying his mortal remains is said to have landed. Don't miss out on trying the famous Pimientos de Padrón – small, slightly spicy peppers that are considered a Galician specialty.

The last few kilometers take you through the green countryside before the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela appear on the horizon. A sublime moment: after almost 300 kilometers in the saddle, you reach the end of your Portuguese Way of St. James.

If you wish, you can end the day by attending the pilgrims' mass in the cathedral and celebrate the evening in the atmospheric alleys of the old town – a fitting end to your cycling pilgrimage to Santiago.

Day 7: Departure

Today it's time to say goodbye. We hope that the Camino will stay with you for a long time to come. Alternatively, we recommend continuing your Camino on foot to the so-called end of the world – Cape Finisterre, which is not actually the westernmost point of Europe.