E-MTB from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, Finisterre & Muxia

Bike along a special pelgrim route which brings you from the pristine, sandy beaches and seaside, historical villages in Portugal to the Minho river. A scenic boat transfer takes you across the river border into Spain. Here a glorious rocky coastline, ancient stone paths, forests and spicy peppers await you. After reaching Santiago de Compostela you continue on a less travelled camino to what the Romans believed was "the end of the world"!

Duration: 
11 days/10 nights
Country: 
Activity: 

Highlights

  • Exploring Porto City 
  • Portuguese pristine sandy coastline and fishermen villages
  • Viana do Castelo and the Lima estuary with the iron Eiffel bridge
  • Scenic boat transfer across the river border between Portugal and Spain
  • A varied combination of coastal trails, forest tracks and tarmac cycling paths
  • 12th century monastry, historical towns and hot springs
  • Glorious rocky coastline, tapas, seafood, Albariño wine and spicy peppers
  • Santiago de Compostela
  • Less traveled camino to the end of the world in medieval times at Cabo Finisterre and Muxia

Please note that this itinerary uses mainly the same route that pilgrims follow on foot and there is no specific cycle route. The route is a combination of rural paths (asphalt, cobblestones or dirt), forest trails (dirt or gravel, uneven and sometimes rocky), secondary roads and some main roads (both on asphalt). Along the journey, you may sometimes encounter some steep climbs and descents, so good advance physical preparation is necessary in order to do this trip. It is essential that you have experience with mountain bikes and basic bicycle repair knowledge, punctures may occur during the Camino. There will be a member of our team following the route in a support vehicle.

The Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago is a special pilgrim route that follows the Atlantic coastline. Enjoy your ride as you pass by a series of sandy beaches and historical villages such as Viana do Castelo and Caminha. The border crossing into Spain will be on a short but scenic boat transfer that takes you across the River Minho to the fishing town of A Guarda in Spain. A glorious stretch of rocky coastline connects you to Baiona, a charming seaside town. Enjoy the fresh seafood with some nice local albariño wine. Then it is on to the city of Vigo and Redondela, where the coastal and central Caminos become one. 

There will be ancient stone paths to cycle through the forests and villages to the city of Pontevedra. The next town is Caldas de Reis, famous for the thermal waters. Charming Padron is where St. James is said to have been buried. Don’t forget to try here the famous spicy peppers for some extra energy on this last stage to your ultimate destination of Santiago de Compostela.

Special about this tour is the extension along the ancient camino from Santiago de Compostela to Cabo Finisterre and Muxia, known as "the end of the world", a mystical and symbolic place where you will complete your journey. For the Romans this was the limit of Europe. It is located at the Costa da Morte (well known among sailors for the risks and its historical shipwrecks). This Camino, although ancient, is less travelled, ideal to calmly appreciate the beauty of this unspoiled part of Galicia. End your journey in the lovely town of Muxia and the church of the Virgin of A Barca on the rocky promontory at the other ‘end of the Earth’.

DAY 1 Arrival in Porto

Welcome to Northern Portugal!

Upon arrival at the airport, our driver will welcome you and drive you to your hotel in Porto city. Our local representative will meet you for an orientation meeting.

After booking we also provide you with an elaborate, customized roadbook in which your will find inspiration for a self-guided city tour.

Night in Porto. The type of accommodation depends on your preferences and budget. This can be customized any way you like.

DAY 2 Exploring Porto

Take your time to explore Porto and visit the Port wine cellars.

Our local representative will meet you later today for an orientation meeting about your upcoming e-mountainbike tour.

Night in Porto.

DAY 3 Starting your camino by bike

STAGE 1 MORNING TRANSFER ESPOSENDE | ESPOSENDE – VILA PRAIA DE ÂNCORA (42km/26.1miles) 

After breakfast, you will meet a member of our team who will drive you to Esposende to start your Portuguese Camino. By doing this, you avoid the busy, noisy roads through urban areas of Porto and its suburbs. After the briefing and bike adjustments, you’re ready to start your camino! 

The route goes through a series of villages, countryside and patches of woodland with rivers and mountain views. The approach to Viana do Castelo across the Eiffel iron bridge over the River Lima presents magnificent views over the estuary. Take some time to explore the city before setting off towards the beachside town of Caminha, using wooden boardwalks and back roads, passing wide sandy beaches and the Montedor lighthouse hill. 

Night in Vila Praia de Âncora 

DAY 4 Crossing into Spain

STAGE 2 VILA PRAIA DE ÂNCORA – BAIONA (47km/29.2 miles) 

Start this day cycling along the ocean in Portugal. In Caminha a short boat transfer will take you and your bike across the River Minho, the natural border with Spain. Continue cycling through the fishing town of A Guarda and follow the Camino along scenic coastal trails, forest tracks, and tarmac cycling paths. You will want to make a stop to admire the 12th century monastery that dominates the small but attractive village of Oia. From here your journey continues along the coast until you reach the historical town of Baiona. 

Night in Baiona.

DAY 5 Let's merge with the Central Camino

STAGE 3 BAIONA – PONTEVEDRA (65km / 40.3 miles) 

Leaving Baiona behind, the scenery first becomes more rural and with forested areas. Entering the city of Vigo can be a more hectic experience. Follow the route through the city streets, leaving the urban area behind and continue along the Ria de Vigo estuary, passing by villages and through a forest. A steep descent takes you to the town of Redondela where your Portuguese Coastal Camino merges with the Portuguese Central Camino. You’ll soon be arriving at Pontevedra where you can admire the historical city center and taste some nice tapas. 

Night in Pontevedra.

DAY 6 Pontevedra relax day

Back in the 16th century, Pontevedra was Galicia's biggest city and an important port. The flagship of Colombus, the Santa María, was built here. Pontevedra is an inviting, small riverside city that combines history, culture and style.

Night in Pontevedra.

DAY 7 Arriving in Santiago de Compostela

STAGE 4 PONTEVEDRA – SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (66km / 41 miles)

The final stage of your Portuguese Camino. On your way to Santiago, you will be surrounded by a pleasant countryside, with traditional cottages and traditional horreos (barns). Relax at the hot spring in the center of Caldas de Reis. Make sure to take some time to explore medieval Padron and to discover its connection to St. James.  Enjoy the forest trail and then head up to Milladoiro, where you get your first glimpse of Santiago. Cross the River Sar and one last ascent will bring you into the city center and the medieval streets to the famous cathedral of Santiago de Compostela!

Night in Santiago de Compostela.

 

DAY 8 The start of a new adventure

STAGE 5 SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA TO SANTA MARINA (42 km/ 26 miles)

This new adventure starts at the Praza do Obradoiro, crowned by the wonderful cathedral. The route goes through the Carballeira de San Lourenzo by the old monastery of San Lourenzo de Trasouto, and it continues through rural villages and countryside. The end of this stage is at Santa Mariña.

Night in Santa Mariña.

DAY 9 Along the old camino to Cabo Finisterre

STAGE 6 SANTA MARIÑA – FINISTERRA (47km/34.9 miles) 

This day is full of beautiful landscapes. The route passes through small charming villages in the countryside, such as village of Corcubión (listed as a historical and artistic site), and approaches the coastline, as we get closer to Finisterra. The day ends in the lighthouse of Finisterre, knows as the “end of the earth”.

Night in Finisterra.

 

DAY 10 To the other end of the world

STAGE 7 FINISTERRA - MUXIA (30km/18.6 miles) | TRANSFER TO SANTIAGO

Extending your camino further from Finisterra to Muxia, the second medieval “End of the World”, is a rewarding and intense experience. Both places have a rich history and beautiful legends, like that of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Barca outside Muxia. It is believed to be the vestiges of the stone boat that the Virgin Mary sailed on to visit St. James and encourage him on his preaching’s.

Night in Santiago de Compostela.

DAY 11 Goodbye...or not?

After breakfast this journey comes to an end. We hope you have enjoyed your adventure in Northern Portugal and Galicia, Spain.

We can provide return transportation to Porto or you can arrange a flight from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid and on from there. Of course we are always happy to extend your trip as well. Please contact us so we can create your tailormade itinerary.

Pricing and options

What is included?

  • 10 nights in 5-star, 4-star and/or 3-star hotels with breakfast; 
  • Transfer from Porto airport to your hotel in Porto 
  • Porto Team Meet & Greet 
  • Pilgrim Kit (Shell and Pilgrim Credential) 
  • Roadbook
  • GPS Tracks
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Transfer from Porto to Esposende
  • Transfer from Muxia to Santiago de Compostela
  • Short transfer to the accommodation when needed
  • Technical assistance along the way (support vehicle)
  • Ebike KTM MACINA KAPOHO 2973 2020 and accessories (helmet, gloves and glasses)
  • Daily maintenance (washing and tuning) of Ebikes
  • 24/7 phone support

What is not included?

  • Flights
  • Personal expenses 
  • Travel Insurance (cancellation, covid, repatriation,...)
  • All item not mentioned as “included”

The price

The price is always subject to availability and varies according to personal wishes, extra services, changes in the itinerary, amount of participants, type of accommodation and so on. Only the confirmed price on your definite order form is valid. Please contact YŪGEN tours to request a personalized itinerary and quote according to your preferences.

You can always contact us by email at hello@yugentours.com or you can fill out the YŪGEN compass in case you like a completely personalized travel plan. The compass helps you to show us what your holiday should be like and at the same time provides you several images, inspiration and possibilities. There is also space to write down any question you may have or additional information you would like to give us. 

The YŪGEN compass

Use our compass to let us know what kind of holiday you would like and let us guide you in the right direction. Together we will create your custom-made itinerary which fits your style and wishes.

 

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Rental car

You are free to book with any supplier of your choice. Several companies are present at both Porto and Lisbon airports. Or you can book directly with our preferred supplier through the link below. Please contact us first to check availability for your travel itinerary with the desired accommodations and other service providers before booking a car.

Important information

Best time to travel

Best times of year for this tour itinerary are spring and fall as the weather is normally excellent for biking. During summer months it may get very hot and busy, especially in August.

Travel insurance

  • It is always recommend to take out a travel insurance, covering for cancellation and curtailment, medical situations, baggage, emergency evacuation. Always check the specific conditions and coverage of your insurance policy, especially when participating in more adventurous activities.
  • YŪGEN tours does not provide travel insurance.

Medical Precautions

  • Check with your local immunization authority, travel clinic, public health facility or personal physician.
  • Visit the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION website for up to date information www.who.int

Travel documentation

If you do not have the Belgian nationality, you should inquire at the embassy in your country. The following is valid for people with Belgian nationality:

  • A valid Belgian identity card or an international passport. 
  • A visa is not required.
  • Children need their own identity card. Within the Schengen Zone it is recommended to bring a copy of the passport of the parent which does not accompany the other parent and the minor during the trip, as well as a document of consent of the non-traveling parent. This can prevent delays.
  • Belgian citizens should consult the website of the Federal government for all travel related advise: diplomatie.belgium.be/nl/Diensten/Op_reis_in_het_buitenland/reisadviezen/portugal

Flights

  • Flights are not included in the price of the tour. You are free to choose your flight dates, route, price and airline company if you wish to fly to Portugal.
  • If you opt for flights with a stopover or transfer in the United States of America, please note that you must complete a VISA WAIVER. You can do this up to a minimum of 72 hours before arrival, and this on the website of ESTA(link is external). The permission is valid for 2 years and costs approximately 14 USD per person.
  • Before booking your flights, please contact YŪGEN tours first to check if our local partners are not fully booked on the desired dates.
  • The closest international airport to our suggested trips is Porto's Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. At the end of this specific itinerary you could also opt to fly home from Santiago de Compostela or Vigo. There are connection flights to all parts in the world at Madrid airport as well.

Drive and self-drive tours

If you do not have the Belgian nationality, you should inquire in your country of nationality. Travelers from the Netherlands can consult the website of ANWB. The following is valid for people with Belgian nationality:

  • Your identity card and drivers license should be sufficient. In case of renting a car, do check the specific regulations of the rental company. Often a credit card is required to be able to rent a car and you need to be in possession of a drivers license during a certain amount of time already and/or a minimum age may apply.
  • More information on driving in Portugal and regulations can be found here: www.vab.be/nl/info-en-diensten/wegeninfo/europa/portugal
  • Please note that there are several toll roads in Portugal. Rental companies offer different solutions. On some highways you can pay in cash, but some are fully electronic and you need a special device to use them. Car rental companies can provide the device against an additional cost. Dutch speaking travelers can consult: www.vab.be/nl/info-en-diensten/wegeninfo/europa/portugal. In case of renting a car always consult the car rental company.
  • Several car rental companies are present at Porto Airport. Cars can also be rented in Viana do Castelo, according to availability.

Feel free to contact YŪGEN tours for more information and assistance. We will be more than happy to assist.