MTB Tour between Portugal and Spain: the Camino de Santiago

Day 1: Arrival in Porto

1. Porto
   Pass by
   Arrival in Porto, assembly and installation of the bicycles.
   Stay in Porto

Day 2: Porto - Arcos (Vila do Conde)

1. Porto
   8h
   The Route starts at the Porto Cathedral and we couldn't think of a better place to start this ancient pilgrimage route.
   From Sé, the path continues along the Porto river towards the mouth of the Douro River. Once we reached the Atlantic, we headed north, along the coast, until we reached Labruge. The route passes through Matosinhos, Leça da Palmeira and Angeiras and follows the sea, passing not only fantastic beaches, but also the beautiful and historic medieval village of Vila do Conde. We suggest you stop by and visit at your leisure.
   Don't forget to visit the imposing Convent of Santa Clara, the Fortaleza de São João, the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação, the Igreja Matriz, the port and promenade of Vila do Conde and the always lively Praça da República. We leave the ocean through the villages surrounding Vila do Conde along the Rio Ave to the smaller Rio Este, which takes us directly to Arcos, the end of today's stage.

Day 3: Arcos (Vila do Conde) - Esposende - Barcelos

1. Barcelos
   3h
   On the way back to the coast, the impressive Rates Monastery awaits you.
   The part of the monastery that has survived to this day is the bell tower and, above all, the Church dedicated to Saint Peter of Rates.
   Back at the sea, we enter the Braga district and the Via passes through some of the most beautiful beaches in the North of Portugal, such as Aver-o-mar and Apúlia beach, flanked by its photogenic windmills.
   Between Apúlia and Esposende, where the Cávado River flows, we cross the North Coast Natural Park, famous for its vast dunes, verdant pine forests and beautiful beaches. In Esposende, we walked along the Cávado river to the lighthouse and fortress of São João Batista.
   In Esposende, we leave the coastal road and join the Camino Central de Santiago, which we will follow for the rest of the route.
   Along the Cávado river valley, we entered the interior again and arrived in the center of Barcelos at the end of the day.

Day 4: Barcelos - Ponte de Lima

1. Ponte de Lima
   3h
   From Barcelos we take the Via Central to Santiago.
   At one point, the path winds between sidewalks and paved roads. When we arrive at the Tamel church, we turn right to reach the village of Portela de Tamel. Here, the road leads to the N-204 until the Quintiães bypass. We now follow a dirt road to the Aborim church and cross the Tábuas bridge over the Neiva river.
   Immediately upon arrival in Vitorino dos Piães, take an ascending road from the parish church. At the top of the climb we take the smaller road to the left of the main road and follow this road until we reach the Ecovia cycle path along the Lima River. Shortly afterwards we arrived at Ponte de Lima, considered the oldest city in Portugal and the capital of the famous Vinho Verde.
   The city center awaits us with a picturesque Roman bridge, which we will cross the next day.

Day 5: Lima Bridge - Valenca

1. Valenca
   3h
   Crossing its centuries-old Roman bridge over the River Lima is a decisive moment on the Portuguese path to Santiago.
   After all, we have ahead of us the mythical climb to Serra da Labruja, with the famous Cruz dos Franceses.
   In just over 4 km, you will have to overcome a 300 meter drop in level, which is no child's play, but if you take the climb calmly, you will be able to better overcome this challenge.
   The next day's stage is once again longer, so it might be worth exploring the beautiful border town of Valença do Minho today.
   The route between your accommodation and the city center is practically flat, so you can head straight to the next stage the next morning.
   To end the day on the Camino Português with a bang, there's nothing better than watching the sunset from one of the fortresses of Forte de Valença, with a superb view over the River Minho and the Spanish town of Tui, where you'll spend tomorrow.

Day 6: Valenca - Larache (Redondela)

1. Redondela
   8h
   The Path passes through Tui, 115.4 km from Santiago, with its historical charm. After exploring the city, follow the streets to the village of A Magdalena, crossing the Louro River and seeing the pink granite quarries. In O Porriño, an industrial city linked to the Camino, the journey continues to the chapel of As Angustias. The itinerary takes you to places such as Santiaguiño de Anta and Vilar de Infesta, with their pine and eucalyptus forests, ending at Chan das Pipas. The route heads to Redondela, with views of the spectacular Ria de Vigo and the islands of San Simón and San Antón. The Ponte de Rande completes the landscape, before heading to Arcade and the historic Sampaio bridge. Finally, cross the wall to reach the village of Larache.

Day 7: Larache (Redondela) - Padròn

1. Padron
   Pass by
   The way back includes Ponte Sampaio and ancient stone paths, including parts of the XIX Roman Way. It passes through several villages, including Pontevedra, with its beautiful historic center. The route continues along Via A Santiña, crossing the Lérez River and the A Xunqueira de Alba wetland. It then passes through several villages, including Valbón, before reaching Caldas de Reis. The path goes through Tivo, crosses old bridges and continues through beautiful woods to Pontecessures. Finally, enter the city of Padrón, where the church of Santiago de Padrón is located.

Day 8: Padròn - Santiago de Compostela

1. Santiago de Compostela
   Pass by
   Padrón's route begins on Via Dolores, crossing the river Sar towards Iria Flavia and passing by Camilo José Cela's foundation. Along the Sar valley, there are traditional villages such as A Pousa, O Souto, O Rueiro, Cambelas and Anteportas. The route leads to the Sanctuary of Slavery, with stunning views of the lands of Amaía. After passing several villages and Teo's hostel, the path descends to A Rocha Vella, crossing the river Sar at Ponte Velha.
   
   Then, there are two options: head to the Chapel of Santa Marta or turn right and pass through Conxo, reaching the historic center of Santiago via Sánchez Freire and García Prieto streets. Entrance to the cathedral, traditional for pilgrims on the Portuguese path, is through Praça de As Praterías.

Day 9: The day of farewell

1. Santiago de Compostela
   Pass by
   The time has come to leave and say goodbye to Spain and Portugal, hoping to return soon for new adventures.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness