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€1534 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 BaionaDay 5: Bayona - Pontevedra, 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 PontevedraDay 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: DepartureView all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news.
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. 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 Bicycles
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
Hybrid Bike
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 Bike
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
- Breakfast
- Airport transfers from Porto (air travel details are needed to confirm)
- 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!)
- Transportation via van or bus from Santiago to Porto
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Breakfast
- Airport transfers from Porto (air travel details are needed to confirm)
- 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!)
- Transportation via van or bus from Santiago to Porto
- Cycling guide
- Complimentary cycling jersey
- Support vehicle will be added for groups of 8 or more at no extra charge
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Breakfast
- 6 lunches
- 6 dinners
- Airport transfers from Porto (air travel details are needed to confirm)
- 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!)
- Transportation via van or bus from Santiago to Porto
- 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
- Beverages
- Support vehicle ( will be added free of charge with bookings of 8 or more)
- GPS
- Meals other than breakfast
- Beverages
- GPS
- Gratuities
- Tourist tax in Porto, approx. €2 per night
- Travel Insurance
- Bike protection
Guided:
Guided plus:
All versions:
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2022
Self-guided (8-Day & 9-Day)
Daily Arrivals PossibleGuided (8-Day)
May 7, September 3, September 11 & September 18, 2022
Other departures are possible with groups of 4 or more.Guided Plus (8-Day)
Dates On RequestLow 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 $ 2343 £ 1325 $ 2,099 € 1534 ₪ 5537 NZ$ 2588 kr 16431 $ 1,633 $ 2465 £ 1394 $ 2,208 € 1614 ₪ 5826 NZ$ 2723 kr 17287 $ 1,719 $ 2556 £ 1446 $ 2,290 € 1674 ₪ 6042 NZ$ 2825 kr 17930 $ 1,782 $ 2648 £ 1498 $ 2,373 € 1734 ₪ 6259 NZ$ 2926 kr 18573 $ 1,846 Self-Guided 9-Day $ 2656 £ 1502 $ 2,379 € 1739 ₪ 6277 NZ$ 2934 kr 18626 $ 1,852 $ 2793 £ 1580 $ 2,503 € 1829 ₪ 6602 NZ$ 3086 kr 19590 $ 1,948 $ 2900 £ 1641 $ 2,598 € 1899 ₪ 6855 NZ$ 3204 kr 20340 $ 2,022 $ 3007 £ 1701 $ 2,694 € 1969 ₪ 7107 NZ$ 3322 kr 21090 $ 2,097 Guided $ 2963 £ 1676 $ 2,654 € 1940 ₪ 7003 NZ$ 3273 kr 20779 $ 2,066 $ 3085 £ 1745 $ 2,764 € 2020 ₪ 7291 NZ$ 3408 kr 21636 $ 2,151 $ 3177 £ 1797 $ 2,846 € 2080 ₪ 7508 NZ$ 3510 kr 22279 $ 2,215 $ 3268 £ 1849 $ 2,928 € 2140 ₪ 7724 NZ$ 3611 kr 22921 $ 2,279 Guided Plus $ 3819 £ 2161 $ 3,422 € 2501 ₪ 9028 NZ$ 4220 kr 26788 $ 2,663 $ 3942 £ 2230 $ 3,532 € 2581 ₪ 9316 NZ$ 4355 kr 27645 $ 2,748 $ 4033 £ 2282 $ 3,614 € 2641 ₪ 9533 NZ$ 4456 kr 28288 $ 2,812 $ 4125 £ 2333 $ 3,696 € 2701 ₪ 9749 NZ$ 4557 kr 28930 $ 2,876 Single Supplement - All Tours
Low Season Regular Season High Season Summer Season Single Supplement 8-Day Tour $ 458 £ 259 $ 410 € 300 ₪ 1083 NZ$ 506 kr 3213 $ 319 $ 502 £ 284 $ 450 € 329 ₪ 1188 NZ$ 555 kr 3524 $ 350 $ 550 £ 311 $ 493 € 360 ₪ 1299 NZ$ 607 kr 3856 $ 383 $ 596 £ 337 $ 534 € 390 ₪ 1408 NZ$ 658 kr 4177 $ 415 Single Supplement 9-Day Tour $ 535 £ 302 $ 479 € 350 ₪ 1263 NZ$ 591 kr 3749 $ 373 $ 574 £ 325 $ 514 € 376 ₪ 1357 NZ$ 634 kr 4027 $ 400 $ 626 £ 354 $ 561 € 410 ₪ 1480 NZ$ 692 kr 4391 $ 437 $ 687 £ 389 $ 616 € 450 ₪ 1624 NZ$ 759 kr 4820 $ 479 Solo Traveler Supplement - Self-Guided Tours
8-Day Self-Guided Tour $ 305 £ 173 $ 274 € 200 ₪ 722 NZ$ 337 kr 2142 $ 213 9-Day Self-Guided Tour $ 336 £ 190 $ 301 € 220 ₪ 794 NZ$ 371 kr 2356 $ 234 Extra Options
Extra nights
On request
Train ticket
Porto to Lisbon, +/-: $ 76 £ 43 $ 68 € 50 ₪ 180 NZ$ 84 kr 536 $ 53 (If booking with a group of 4 or more, and all participants require tickets from Porto to Lisbon, this will be included)
Discount
If booking a hybrid touring bicycle instead of the electric bike:
8-day tour: $ 229 £ 130 $ 205 € 150 ₪ 541 NZ$ 253 kr 1607 $ 160 9-day tour: $ 267 £ 151 $ 239 € 175 ₪ 632 NZ$ 295 kr 1874 $ 186
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
This is an easy electric bike tour along the coast, a good alternative to the much more difficult pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela. The first three days are predominantly flat on hard surfaces, but you will also encounter varied terrain. The last three days are the more difficult portion of this tour, again on varied terrain, with short, steep hills. 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. This will raise the difficulty level to moderate. Regardless of the type of bike, this 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 support vehicle.
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. 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 transfer.
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?
Photos
Reviews
Reviews 1 to 4 of 53
ANTON TOMAZIC
4 weeks agoVerified Reviewer
Martin Walsh
7 months agoVerified Reviewer
Winston J.
7 months agoVerified Reviewer
Suzanne C.
8 months agoVerified Reviewer
Tripsite Customer Reviews
ANTON TOMAZIC
4 weeks ago
Verified Reviewer
Martin Walsh
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer