7-Day The Way of St James Bike Tour- The Coast Path - Camino to Santiago

Day 1: Day 1: Reception at Porto

1. Porto
   Pass by
   Briefing at : Rua João das Regras nº 62
   4000-290 Porto, Portugal

Day 2: Day 2: Porto – Esposende (60 km)

1. Esposende
   Pass by
   From our store, based in the “Invicta” city of Porto, we will begin our journey heading to Esposende, a seaside city located to the North. During this second day, you will be overwhelmed with seaside landscapes and small “Portuguese rivieras”, until you reach Esposende, a city from the Middle Ages. A huge variety of fishing villages (Póvoa de Varzim) will be met by us, where we can experience ancient traditions linked to the fish exploration, as well as taste this famous gastronomy. In Vila do Conde, you’ll know why these Portuguese coastal cities were so important during the “el dorado” of the Portuguese Discoveries

Day 3: Day 3: Esposende – Caminha (50 km)

1. Caminha
   Pass by
   We’re reaching Viana do Castelo, another sea docking city that was quite important during the Discoveries’ period. During the XIV-XVth Centuries it was in this precise city that the ships going to Brazil, India, Africa and other Portuguese Colonies were developed. Our final destination will be Caminha. This city finds the shore of the river Minho, making it part of an incredible landscape. Caminha is also very well-known for its natural and green heritage, like the sightseeing areas, waterfalls, beaches and the camping park.

Day 4: Day 4: Caminha – Baiona (40 km)

1. Baiona
   Pass by
   During our fourth cycling day, you are going to enter in Spanish territory, ending in Bayona. It’s a city politically linked to Pontevedra where you can breathe the sea breeze. Away from the sea landscape you can also get lost in the old city center. Born from the Romans, the city kept growing towards the coast during the Middle Ages, with an influence from the Catholic Church. Curiously, during the XVI Century, Bayona was raided by British ships, led by the great corsair and explorer Francis Drake who saw an opportunity to establish a commercial and merchant point in this territory.

Day 5: Day 5: Baiona – Pontevedra (64 km)

1. Pass by
   This day will encompass the stream of Vigo and will end in San Simon's bay with a watery landscape to feast your eyes on. Always following the coastline, this day will be dedicated to Arcade and its famous oysters. Apart from this delightful cuisine, you will see monuments and sights dedicated to Santiago’s culture, such as the church of Santiago in Arcade (XII-XIII centuries) and roads and paths that will lead to our pilgrimage destination. It’s almost mandatory that, if you are passing by Arcade, you must taste and enjoy the famous oysters produced and harvested in the waters of this region. Curiously, during April’s first week there is a festival dedicated to this traditional gastronomy – “Fiesta de la Ostra” – where the city is filled with tourists and pilgrims to attend this event.

Day 6: Day 6: Pontevedra – Caldas dos Reis (26 km)

1. Carballeira de Caldas de Reis
   Pass by
   Heading to a pre-Roman city, Caldas de Reis, a province which belongs to Pontevedra. According to historical archives, the first inhabitants were a pre-Roman community that lived from the hot springs of this territory. The name “Caldas de Reis” is connected to the birthplace of Afonso VII, acting in the Middle Ages as a pilgrimage path to Santiago de Compostela. Apart from the rich cultural heritage, like Arcade, Caldas de Reis holds a peculiar gastronomy, such as the “empanadas” of lamprey and the traditional Spanish bread. Since the hot springs accompanied the evolution of this territory, nowadays it is a hot spot for tourism who seeks better healthy treatments for several illnesses

Day 7: Day 7: Caldas dos Reis – Santiago de Compostela (40 km)

1. Santiago de Compostela
   Pass by
   Your last day will be met by Santiago de Compostela as your final destination, one of the ultimate pilgrimage cores in Western Europe. Like Rome and Jerusalem, the city of Santiago de Compostela presents us an unique religious beacon for tourists who find in this cycling journey an act of faith and inner-self. Reach the Square of Obradoiro, where you will witness the majestic baroque cathedral where the remains of the apostle are located.

Day 8: Day 8: Departure

1. Santiago de Compostela
   Pass by
   Departure

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• 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
• Bikes provided are Trek mountain bicycles
• During July, August and September it is recommendable to cycle early due to the hot weather.
• Easy to moderate dificulty
• Please carry enough water at all times
• The route uses bike paths when available. Tarmac and rural streets will be on your way also.
• This is an easy to moderate tour along the coast, a good alternative to the much more difficult pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela. Please note that there are some hills to contend with