Camino de Santiago E-Bike Tour
Portugal, Spain Bike Tours
A Coastal Route of the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8–9 days
- Prices from€1698 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
The Portuguese Coastal Way or Caminho da Costa is a stunning but easy e-bike alternative route to Santiago de Compostela.
This journey of faith and hope, commonly known as the Camino de Santiago, was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during medieval times, undertaken by thousands of pilgrims through the centuries. It was seen as an enactment of the spiritual journey to Christ and the hardships along the way were welcomed as tests of faith.
The Way of St. James, as it is also known, was originally covered on foot by the devout and is still traversed today, not only on foot, but also by bicycle! And if you prefer, high quality touring bikes are also available (discount applied.)
Portugal has become one of Tripsite's favorite destinations and we think it will become yours as well.
Highlights
- Unesco city of Porto
- Charming seaside towns and villages of Northern Portugal: Seponsende, Caminha, Bayona, Arcade, Caldas dos Reis
- Coastal rides and vistas
- Santiago de Compostela, the square of Obradoiro and the colossal baroque cathedral where the remains of the apostle Santiago lie
- Lovely accommodations
Don’t forget that Tripsite provides many amazing bicycle tours in Portugal along with hundreds of other bike tours in Europe.
Itinerary
All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork or other unforeseen circumstances that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.
8-Day Option (Guided & Self-Guided)
Day 1: Porto
Day 2: Porto - Esposende, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 3: Esposende - Caminha, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Caminha - Bayona, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Bayona - Pontevedra, 40 mi. (64 km)*
Day 6: Pontevedra - Caldas Dos Reis, 16 mi. (26 km)
Day 7: Caldas Dos Reis - Santiago de Compostela, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 8: DepartureDay 1: Porto
Your first day will be spent in Porto, an ancient port city, once an outpost of the Roman Empire, steeped in history and tradition. Located along the Douro River Valley in Northern Portugal, Porto is one of the oldest European cities and its historical center was proclaimed a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1996. Once you settle into your tour hotel, you can make your way to our partner's bike shop for a bike fitting followed by an included guided walking tour of this beautiful city. Three tours are offered daily. 10 am, 3 pm, or 4 pm. This will lead you through the art and tradition, such as the blue and white tiled churches, as well as some contemporary highlights including the bookstore that influenced J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the magnificent Stock Exchange Market. It also includes a visit to a wine cellar.
Accommodation: Porto Trindade HotelDay 2: Porto - Esposende, 37 mi. (60 km)
You will enjoy the seaside landscapes and small “Portuguese Rivieras” such as Póvoa de Varzim. This is one of the oldest fishing villages in Portugal with an ancient center, old fishermen district, beach districts and an emerging contemporary east district. Póvoa is a hotspot for nightlife as well! The town of Vila do Conde became important in the 15th century as a shipyard and played a role in the era of Portugues discoveries, know as El Dorado. It has always had an ancient connection to the sea, as do all the coastal cities. The journey ends in Esposende, a seaside city located in the North.
Accommodation: Hotel Suave MarDay 3: Esposende – Caminha, 40 mi. (64 km)
On the agenda today is Viana do Castelo, another seaside city that was very strategic during the era of the Discoveries. During the XIV-XVth Centuries, it was here that the ships were built to sail to Brasil, India, Africa and other Portuguese colonies. Final destination today will be Caminha, on the delta of the river Minho which became an important trading port early in the 14C, shipping wine to Britain and later importing products from Africa, India, and Brazil. Today, Caminha is known for its green rural landscape and pine forests clinging to the slopes of the granite mountains, which provide good hiking. The river estuary is good for boating and the beaches are popular in the summer.
Accommodation: Hotel Porta Do SolDay 4: Caminha - Bayona, 25 mi. (40 km)
Your route leads into Spanish territory, ending in Bayona. In the days of the famous voyages of Christopher Columbus, this was the first port to hear about the discovery of America and today a replica of the Pinta is permanently moored in the harbor. Apart from the sea landscape, you can also get lost in the old city center, made up of a tangle of inviting lanes, with a handful of 16th and 17th-century houses and chapels. There are quite a few churches and other small buildings of architectural and historical interest, but Bayona's most prominent building is the Castelo de Monterreal, a castle on the edge of the town, providing excellent views of the town and the surrounding coastline from its elevated position.Accommodation: Parador de Baiona
Day 5: Bayona - Pontevedra/Vigo*, 40 mi. (64 km)
The fifth day will follow the route of the Vigo and pass by San Simon’s Bay. Following then the coastline, Pontevedra will be the destination, with its abundance of natural beauty. It is a city built on a hill with some streets sloping down to the Lérez River. The old city center is well preserved and contains numerous historic buildings and monuments. Pontevedra is proud of its cultural and natural heritage.
Accommodation: Parador de Pontevedra*September Dates - the itinerary may be adjusted due to an event being hosted in Pontevedra. The tour will instead travel to Vigo. Accommodation: AC Marriot Vigo Hotel Universal
Day 6: Pontevedra - Caldas Dos Reis, 16 mi. (26 km)
According to historical archives, the first inhabitants of Caldas Dos Reis were a pre-Roman community that lived from the hot springs of this territory and since the Middle Ages has been part of the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela. Apart from the rich cultural heritage, like Arcade, Caldas de Reis is also known for its “empanadas” of lamprey and the traditional Spanish bread. Even today, the hot springs are a special tourist attraction.
Accommodation: Torre do RioDay 7: Caldas Dos Reis - Santiago de Compostela, 25 mi. (40 km)
Your final destination is in sight and will end in Santiago de Compostela and the end of your cycling pilgrimage. It does not matter whether or not you believe in the legend of St. James and value of the "pilgrimage", Santiago is one of Spain's finest cities. The cathedral of Santiago dominates the golden granite square with its Baroque towers, covered everywhere with ornamentation. The city is surrounded by the hilly, lush terrain of Galicia, dramatic coastal scenery, delicious seafood, fine local wines, and an easygoing ambiance.
Accommodation: Hotel CompostelaDay 8: Departure or extension of stay.
Train ticket back to Porto is included in your tour price.9-Day Option (Self-Guided only)
Day 1: Porto
Day 2: Porto - Esposende, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 3: Esposende - Caminha, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Caminha - Bayona, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Bayona - Vigo, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 6: Vigo - Pontevedra, 24 mi. (39 km) *
Day 7: Pontevedra - Caldas Dos Reis, 16 mi. (26 km)
Day 8: Caldas Dos Reis - Santiago de Compostela, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 9: Departure*September Dates - the itinerary may be adjusted due to an event being hosted in Pontevedra.
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Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
You will be accommodated in unique and lovely 3 and 4-star accommodations including traditional paradors, luxury hotels, usually located in converted historic buildings such as monasteries or castles in standard rooms. For example, on the evening of Day 4, you will stay in the Parador de Baiona, located on Monterreal Peninsula, a medieval fortress overlooking the sea. Please see each day’s detailed itinerary for the preferred accommodation that is used. In the event of a lack of availability, a comparable alternative will be offered.
Bicycles
Electric Bicycle
KTM Macina
- Bosch motor
- 500 Wh battery
- Aluminum Frame
- Front suspension
- Shimano Deore gearing
- 9 speeds
- Schwalbe Energizer tires
- Shimano Piston brakes
- Platform pedals
- Rear rack
Cube Acid
- Bosch Motor
- 500 Wh battery (frame design)
- Aluminum frame
- Front suspension
- Shimano gearing
- 9 speeds
- Schwalbe Tough Tom tires
- Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
- Platform pedals
- Weight: 21.8 kg
Accessories
- Helmet
- Bike tool kit for quick repairs (pump. inner tubes)
- Water bottle
- Lights
- Locks
- GPS Garmin
Touring Bicycle
Kross Trans 5.0
- Aluminum touring frame (available in men's and women's frame)
- Front suspension
- Shimano Tourney and Deore gearing
- 24 speeds
- Schwalbe Silento tires
- Shimano disc brakes
- Selle Royal saddle
- Platform pedals
- Rear rack
- Weight 17. 5 kg
Accessories:
- Helmet
- Bike tool kit for quick repairs (pump. inner tubes)
- Water bottle
- Lights
- Locks
- GPS Garmin
Trail Bicycle
Trek X- Caliber 7
- Aluminum frame
- Front suspension
- Shimano Acera and Shimano Alivio gearing
- 18 speeds
- Bontrager tires
- Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
- Bontrager Arvada saddle
- Platform pedals
- Rear rack
- Weight 13.97 kg
Specialized Women's Pitch Comp 27.5
- Aluminum frame
- Front suspension
- Shimano TX800 gearing
- 24 speeds
- Ground Control sport tire (27.5)
- Radius mechanical disc brakes
- Myth sport saddle
- Specialized dirt pedals
- Rear rack
Accessories
- Helmet
- Bike tool kit for quick repairs (pump. inner tubes)
- Water bottle
- Lights
- Locks
- GPS Garmin
Inclusions
What’s Included
Self-Guided:
- Accommodation for 7 or 8 nights in standard rooms
- Breakfast
- Arrival transfer from Porto (air travel details are needed to confirm)
- Departure transfer (only on official tour end date) to Compostela Airport or hotel or to Porto Airport or hotel. Transfers on any other day will incur a supplement.
- Electric bike rental (equipped with helmet, water bottle, a tool kit for quick repairs, rear rack, & pannier bag)
- Pre-loaded GPS
- Tour presentation, bike fitting, & 3 hr walking tour of Porto (offered at 10 am, 3 pm, and 4 pm and includes a wine cave visit)
- Route descriptions & maps
- Luggage transfer (due to prohibitive fuel costs, the cost of this transfer is calculated per piece. You are permitted one suitcase per person. Even a small piece of luggage is considered extra. Please pack accordingly!)
- Accommodation for 7 nights in standard rooms
- Breakfast
- Airport transfers from Porto (air travel details are needed to confirm)
- Departure transfer (only on official tour end date) to Compostela Airport or hotel or to Porto Airport or hotel. Transfers on any other day will incur a supplement.
- Electric bike rental (equipped with helmet, water bottle, a tool kit for quick repairs, rear rack, & pannier bag)
- Tour presentation, bike fitting, & walking tour of Porto (offered at 10 am, 3 pm, and 4 pm and includes a wine cave visit)
- Route descriptions & maps
- Luggage transfer (due to prohibitive fuel costs, the cost of this transfer is calculated per piece. You are permitted one suitcase per person. Even a small piece of luggage is considered extra. Please pack accordingly!)
- Cycling guide
- Complimentary cycling jersey
- Support vehicle will be added for groups of 8 or more at no extra charge
- Accommodation for 7 nights in standard rooms
- Breakfast
- 6 lunches
- 6 dinners
- Airport transfers from Porto (air travel details are needed to confirm)
- Departure transfer (only on official tour end date) to Compostela Airport or hotel or to Porto Airport or hotel. Transfers on any other day will incur a supplement.
- Electric bike rental (equipped with helmet, water bottle, a tool kit for quick repairs, rear rack, & pannier bag)
- Tour presentation, bike fitting, and walking tour of Porto (offered at 10 am, 3 pm, and 4 pm and includes a wine cave visit)
- Route descriptions & maps
- Luggage transfer (due to prohibitive fuel costs, the cost of this transfer is calculated per piece. You are permitted one suitcase per person. Even a small piece of luggage is considered extra. Please pack accordingly!)
- Support vehicle
- Cycling guide
- Complimentary cycling jersey
Guided:
Guided plus
What’s Not Included
Self-Guided
- Beverages
- Cycling guide & support vehicle
- Meals other than breakfast
- Departure transfer on any other day except official tour end date
- Beverages
- GPS
- Meals other than breakfast
- Beverages
- GPS
- Gratuities
- Tourist tax in Porto, approx. €2 per night
- Support vehicle ( will be added free of charge with bookings of 8 or more)
- Travel Insurance
- Bike protection
Guided:
Guided plus:
All versions:
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2023
Self-guided (8 & 9-day)
Daily arrivals possibleGuided (8-day)
April 16, May 6, May 21, June 4, June 14, September 10, September 24, & October 4, 2023.
Other departures are possible with groups of 4 or more.Guided Plus (8-day)
Dates are on request
*September Dates: the itinerary may be adjusted due to an event being hosted in PontevedraLow Season
November 1 - March 25Regular Season
March 26 - June 25
September 26 - October 31High Season
September 1 - September 25Summer Season
June 26 - August 30Self-Guided 8-Day $ 2709 £ 1568 $ 2,552 € 1723 ₪ 6498 NZ$ 2960 NOK 19254 kr 19904 $ 1,916 $ 2835 £ 1641 $ 2,671 € 1803 ₪ 6800 NZ$ 3097 NOK 20148 kr 20828 $ 2,005 $ 2929 £ 1696 $ 2,760 € 1863 ₪ 7026 NZ$ 3200 NOK 20818 kr 21521 $ 2,072 $ 3024 £ 1750 $ 2,849 € 1923 ₪ 7252 NZ$ 3303 NOK 21489 kr 22214 $ 2,139 Self-Guided 9-Day $ 3050 £ 1766 $ 2,874 € 1940 ₪ 7316 NZ$ 3333 NOK 21679 kr 22410 $ 2,158 $ 3192 £ 1848 $ 3,007 € 2030 ₪ 7656 NZ$ 3487 NOK 22685 kr 23450 $ 2,258 $ 3302 £ 1911 $ 3,111 € 2100 ₪ 7920 NZ$ 3607 NOK 23467 kr 24258 $ 2,336 $ 3412 £ 1975 $ 3,214 € 2170 ₪ 8184 NZ$ 3728 NOK 24249 kr 25067 $ 2,414 Guided 8-Day $ 3546 £ 2052 $ 3,340 € 2255 ₪ 8504 NZ$ 3874 NOK 25199 kr 26049 $ 2,508 $ 3672 £ 2125 $ 3,459 € 2335 ₪ 8806 NZ$ 4011 NOK 26093 kr 26973 $ 2,597 $ 3766 £ 2180 $ 3,548 € 2395 ₪ 9032 NZ$ 4114 NOK 26763 kr 27666 $ 2,664 $ 3860 £ 2234 $ 3,637 € 2455 ₪ 9258 NZ$ 4217 NOK 27434 kr 28359 $ 2,731 Guided Plus-8 day $ 4585 £ 2654 $ 4,319 € 2916 ₪ 10997 NZ$ 5009 NOK 32585 kr 33685 $ 3,243 $ 4711 £ 2727 $ 4,438 € 2996 ₪ 11299 NZ$ 5147 NOK 33479 kr 34609 $ 3,332 $ 4805 £ 2781 $ 4,527 € 3056 ₪ 11525 NZ$ 5250 NOK 34150 kr 35302 $ 3,399 $ 4900 £ 2836 $ 4,616 € 3116 ₪ 11751 NZ$ 5353 NOK 34820 kr 35995 $ 3,466 Low Season Regular Season High Season Summer Season Single Supplement 8-Day Tour $ 613 £ 355 $ 578 € 390 ₪ 1471 NZ$ 670 NOK 4358 kr 4505 $ 434 $ 660 £ 382 $ 622 € 420 ₪ 1584 NZ$ 721 NOK 4693 kr 4852 $ 467 $ 708 £ 410 $ 667 € 450 ₪ 1697 NZ$ 773 NOK 5029 kr 5198 $ 501 $ 755 £ 437 $ 711 € 480 ₪ 1810 NZ$ 825 NOK 5364 kr 5545 $ 534 Single Supplement 9-Day Tour $ 708 £ 410 $ 667 € 450 ₪ 1697 NZ$ 773 NOK 5029 kr 5198 $ 501 $ 755 £ 437 $ 711 € 480 ₪ 1810 NZ$ 825 NOK 5364 kr 5545 $ 534 $ 794 £ 460 $ 748 € 505 ₪ 1904 NZ$ 868 NOK 5643 kr 5834 $ 562 $ 841 £ 487 $ 793 € 535 ₪ 2018 NZ$ 919 NOK 5978 kr 6180 $ 595 Solo Traveler Supplement - Self-Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tour 8-Day $ 440 £ 255 $ 415 € 280 ₪ 1056 NZ$ 481 NOK 3129 kr 3234 $ 311 Self-Guided Tour 9-Day $ 440 £ 255 $ 415 € 280 ₪ 1056 NZ$ 481 NOK 3129 kr 3234 $ 311 Extra Options
Extra nights
On request
Discount
If booking a hybrid touring bicycle instead of an electric bike:
8-day tour: $ 377 £ 218 $ 356 € 240 ₪ 905 NZ$ 412 NOK 2682 kr 2772 $ 267 9-day tour: $ 425 £ 246 $ 400 € 270 ₪ 1018 NZ$ 464 NOK 3017 kr 3119 $ 300
Departure transfer
Departure transfer from Santiago de Compostela to the Santiago de Compostela airport or back to Porto (airport or city center) on the official tour end day is included. The following is for prices for transfers from Porto requested on any other day.
2 ppl More than 2 ppl Porto city center to Porto airport, per group $ 47 £ 27 $ 44 € 30 ₪ 113 NZ$ 52 NOK 335 kr 347 $ 33 Pending Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This is an easy (to moderate - it depends on you!) electric bike tour along the coast, a good alternative to the much more difficult pilgrimages. The first three days are predominantly flat on hard surfaces, but you will encounter a few inclines and varied surfaces (30% bike lanes and wood walkways, 30% dirt roads, mainly smooth, but also partly rough and cobblestoned, and 20% secondary roads with low traffic.) The last three days are the more difficult portion of this tour, again on varied terrain, with short, steep hills. There are 4121 meters of cumulative climbs. On your electric bike, you can make the hills as easy as you would like or adjust your support for a little challenge. High-quality touring bikes are also available if you prefer. (Discount will apply.) This will raise the difficulty level to moderate. Regardless of the type of bike, this is not a tour for inexperienced cyclists as the terrain is varied. It is important to have good balance and good command of your bike. This tour is offered as self-guided, guided, or guided plus with a support vehicle and extra meals included.
Airport Info
Fly to Porto Airport (OPO).
Local Travel
Airport transfers from Porto airport (OPO) and to Santiago Airport (SCQ) are included in your tour price. Please note that the departure airport transfer is included only on the official tour end day. Special departure transfers will incur a supplement. If you fly to Lisbon, the airport is located quite close to Lisbon center. You can take a taxi or train into the city. Lisbon airport is now connected directly to Lisbon center (Saldahna) by underground metro. If you are continuing onward from the airport to Porto, you can take the Airport metro to Orient station and from there, train to Porto with 0 transfers.
Climate
Located in the northern part of the coast of Portugal, the climate is temperate oceanic, with mild, rainy winters and pleasantly warm, sunny summers. Please check local conditions before your arrival.
Day of Rest
If booking self-guided, you can request an extra night on any night during the tour and have a day of rest!
Recommended
Due to prohibitive fuel costs, cost is calculated per piece. You are permitted one suitcase per person. Even a small piece of luggage is considered extra. To avoid additional fees, please pack accordingly!
Remarks
Also available if you prefer: Trek Cross Country hardtail mountain bike with front suspension, alloy frame, and disc brakes or 24 speed Kross trans 5.0 bike with helmet, water bottle, a tool kit for quick repairs, rear rack, and pannier bag. Discount applies.
Important to know
Airport transfers
Once your tour is confirmed, please send us your air travel details so that we can arrange your arrival transfer. Please note that departure transfers are included only on the official tour end day. Other transfer requests will incur a supplement.
Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements, and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visaTour types
Self-guided: You cycle on your own without a guide or van support and are provided maps, route descriptions, and pre-loaded GPS device or GPS tracks to upload to your own personal device. Assistance is a phone call away.
Guided: You cycle in a group with a guide. If you have 8 or more in your group, a support vehicle is provided with no extra charge that will also serve as luggage transfer vehicle.
Guided plus: You cycle in a group with a guide and support vehicle. Six lunches and six dinners are also included in your tour price.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Extra Stay
You can book extra nights before or after your tour in Lisbon, Porto, or Santiago de Compostela.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Sergio Marques.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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