France-Bike links the major city of Porto to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, through the beautiful coastlines of Portugal and Galicia. Discover and admire the Portuguese way of pilgrimage on this wonderful bike tour, away from the crowds and closer to yourself. Follow the Atlantic Ocean and its different sceneries, exploring stunning coastal views and crossing several small towns rich in culture and full of the camino spirit. Churches, monuments and old crosses will tell the history of this less trodden way until you arrive at Obradoiro Square, just in front of Saint James Cathedral, in the heart of Santiago de Compostela.
Day 1: Arrival in Porto
Welcome to Porto! Our guide will pick you up at the airport and drive to your hotel in the center of Porto. Plan some time to explore and enjoy this exciting city. The grey color of the granitic building stones, the narrow streets from the middle ages and the riverside make it a fantastic place to wander. The second biggest city of Portugal, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, Porto has a lot to see and will be your home for the first night.
Day 2: Porto > Praia da Estela, ~54 km (33,5 miles)
You will leave Porto behind to encounter for the first time Portugal’s amazing coastline. The cold water waves crash into the lovely beaches and along the way you will certainly find the perfect place to stop and breathe in the fresh air. Many ancient villages are waiting to be discovered, but the highlight is Vila do Conde, with its quaint historic center, glassy river mouth, luscious beaches, monuments like the famous Mosteiro de Santa Clara on the hilltop and the segments of a medieval aqueduct.
Day 3: Praia da Estela > Caminha, ~70 km (43 miles)
Today you will ride in direction of Portugal’s border with Spain. Halfway you will encounter one of the jewels of this tour. While crossing the charming Lima River on a bridge you will see Viana do Castelo from above. This is a blessed town with an appealing medieval center, rich in churches and monasteries, palaces decorated with coats of arms, monumental fountains and water features. At the end of the day you arrive at Caminha, a lovely town at the mouth of the Minho River, which creates the natural northern border to Spain. We suggest to look for a traditional restaurant, since this will be your last chance to taste the delicious Portuguese food.
Day 4: Caminha > Baiona, ~39 km (24,2 miles)
Today you will enter the Galician territory by ferry boat because there is no close access by road to the northern side of the river Minho (ferry ticket not included). Once on the other side of the river, not far away will be the city of A Guarda. Go to the top of its hill to visit the Iron Settlement of Santa Tegra, which is well worth it! Along the way you can also visit the medieval monastery of Oia right on the coast. Finally you arrive at Vigo, a historical city and the biggest fishing port of Europe. Welcome to Spain!
Day 5: Baiona > Pontevedra, ~65 km (40,4 miles)
After leaving Vigo you will take the more common roads to Santiago, cycling close to Ria de Vigo. Small typical Spanish towns will lead you in direction of Pontevedra, a city not as big as Santiago but still very charming and with a great atmosphere around its plazas and cafés.
Day 6: Pontevedra > Padron, ~48 km (29,8 miles)
After leaving Pontevedra admire the big wetland where you can find hundreds of plants and bird species. Throughout the route beautiful river crossings will impress you and to highlight this day you will discover the waterfalls of Rio Barosa, a gorgeous place perfect to stop and have lunch. Continuing on pass by Caldas de Reis, a natural spa town since the roman times. Rivers and lush vegetation will take you to your destination, the medieval city of Padrón, famous for the small green and tasty peppers.
Day 7: Padron > Santiago de Compostela, ~30 km (18,6 miles)
One last push and you are there! Today’s trail is the easiest one. As you start to see the top of the cathedral in the distance it will give you the strength to do the final kilometers. Here you are! Finally in Compostela. The old town of Santiago de Compostela, together with the outlying Santa Maria de Conxo Monastery, constitutes an extraordinary ensemble of distinguished monuments. The squares and narrow streets of the old town contain Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassicist buildings. This town is not only a harmonious and very well-preserved historical city, but also a place deeply imbued with faith. Enjoy!
Day 8: End of the bike tour
This bike tour ends after breakfast.
