Portuguese Atlantic Way to Santiago

The Atlantic Portuguese Way is an Hybrid Cycling route program who links the major city of Oporto to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia Spain along the beautiful coast-line of Portugal and Galicia. From the City of Porto to the Santiago, You’ll discover and admire one of the ways of pilgrimage the Portuguese way.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Porto, the UNESCO Classified town
• Historical Towns, villages on the Way
• Natural Park of Litoral Norte
• The Rias Baixas, in Galicia.
• Santiago de Compostela

Day 1: Arrival – Welcome at Porto/Lisbon airport.

20min / 3h30 hour drive to Porto.

Porto a vibrant city, the old town and its granitic houses and narrow streets are ideal for a stroll. visit the old pear and its surroundings from the 14th, the old ramparts and the Sé Cathedral from the 12-13th and it’s the magnificent view of the Douro and old town Porto.

Lodging in 3* Hotel: Hotel Pão de Açucar.

Day 2: Bike from Oporto to Esposende (61km, +450m)

The day starts from Porto at the Sé, from here the way starts, and the end of the camino at Santiago de Compostela, five cycling days ahead. From the Sé we cross the old quarters of Porto, these are the remains of the medieval town to get to the river Douro. We go north pointing to Matosinhos to cross the Leça river and follows the shore while getting to Vila do Conde and Povoa do Varzim, two towns who were build the Portuguese Ships of the discover. It is also one important place for the Camino. From these towns to Esposende we will cross a Natural Reserve witch protect a dune system, as well some small villages which are impregnated with the Camino Spirit.

Lodging at Esposende in a 2/3* Hotel.

Day 3: Bike from Esposende to Caminha (56km, +760m).

The day starts once again with the ocean as scenery, and get a little inland while getting to Viana do Castelo. The old city still plays an important role, and is an important place in the pilgrimage path for the Atlantic way. The camino will make the shores to Caminha, longing the coast crossing several towns. The Scenery is very beautiful and the crowds are not around us like other ways to Santiago. Arriving at Caminha Town, an medieval atmosphere get to us, and Galicia is just across the River Minho river mouth into the Atlantic.

Lodging at Caminha in a 2/3* Hotel.

Day 4: Bike from Guardo to Vigo – (56km, +640m).

After the ferry cross to begin the day,the costal scenery will accompany us during the day, the terrain is not very rugged and after A Guardo town almost flat until Oia. Oia is place of an ancient monastery of the order of Cistercian, and gave the name of this saint James Path, the Monacal Path. From Oia onward the paths runs near cliffs, and arrive at cape Sillero and start to follow the ancient Vereda Real, old medieval road. Old Castles, and old towns along the way will lent the pilgrim into Vigo, one of the biggest cities in Galicia, end of this day.

Lodging at Vigo in a 2/3* Hotel.

Day 5: Bike from Vigo to Caldas de Reis – (59m, +980m)

From Vigo to Redondela, where the Monacal Path join the interior path who come from Portugal, by Valença do Minho and Tuy, the path goes along a very dense urban area. In Redondela we let the Ria of Vigo to go ahead into land, crossing several rivers over medieval bridges. Pontevedra and its historical center is along our way, and out of this urban area we enter the forest of Reiris y Lombo da Maceira. The path nowadays jungles with the N550 road and reach the thermal village of Caldas de Reis crossing over river Umia the bridge to enter the into its center.

Lodging at Caldas de Reis in 2/3*.

Day 6: Bike Caldas de Reis to Santiago de Compostela – (46km, +800m).

The last day of this Pilgrimage starts following the N550 for a little and then enters a beautiful way up by woods and following small rivers with water mills. Padron and its Iglesia de Santiago awaits us for is forgiving, normally this is a stop the last stop before Santiago, for us just a moment of rest. Santiago awaits us a meagre 25km ahead. The path goes by Iria Flavia, the place where the Body of the apostle come ashore into Galicia. Following the river Sar, we cross some traditional villages. At the Milladoiro we will visualize the Cathedral who shines to us. Just a few more kms...

The afternoon will be free to explore Santiago old quarter and rest...

Lodging at Santiago de Compostela in 2/3* Hotel.

Day 7: Transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Oporto.

Morning in Santiago de Compostela.

This day is to be transfer via Private transfer. The afternoon is dedicated to visit the capital of the north of Portugal. Discover the ancient old quarter of medieval times, the Ribeira and Cé quarter. Wander, explore large avenues of late XIX early XX century and visit one of the most characteristic markets of the town, Mercado do Bolhão. Take a look to some of the old churches and modern architecture that also make Oporto a vibrant city.

Lodging at Oporto 3* Hotel: Hotel Pão de Açucar.

Day 8: Departure

Free time in Oporto.

Transfer to the Porto Airport, Schedule in accordance to Flights.