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Cycle the magnificent Coastal Camino route through Galicia to Santiago de Compostela staying in iconic Parador hotels in historic towns and cities along the way.
This varied and fascinating route leads you along the Minho river separating Portugal and Spain and then up the rugged Atlantic coast to the famous Rias Biaxes wine region before culminating in the Pilgrims' city of Santiago de Compostela.
Parador de Baiona
Each night you will stay in fabulous Parador hotels, unique, historic buildings that were once palaces, manor houses or castles. Located in gorgeous old towns and cities, these properties offer something really special at the end of each day's ride.
The daily rides reveal pleasant, riverside cycle paths, colourful fishing villages and stunning ocean views as well as some fabulous beaches. The route also leads you through the picturesque Rias Biaxes wine region known for its crisp white Albariño wines that pair so well with the fresh local seafood.
On the final day of riding you find yourself sharing the trail with pilgrims nearing journey's end following day's, weeks and even months on the road. Their destination, and yours, is the atmospheric pilgrims' city of Santiago de Compostela.
On this route the terrain is undulating throughout. You'll have around three ascents per day on average. E-bikes are recommended unless you are have a very good level of fitness. 47% of the route is on tarmac roads, with 43% on cycle tracks and 10% on gravel paths.
Undulating terrain throughout with around three ascents per day. 47% of the route is on tarmac roads, with 43% on cycle tracks and 10% on gravel paths.
Make your way to Tui and settle into your first Parador. The Parador de Tui enjoys a calm and serene location on the outskirts of TUI, close to the Minho river. The city of Tui offers river beaches and a historical centre with winding cobbled streets. Take a stroll through the old-town and at some point you will arrive in front of the imposing Santa María Cathedral, the only Cathedral in the province of Pontevedra.
Your first ride is a loop ride that leads you upstream alongside the Minho river to the ancient fortified town of Monçao and then back via the opposite bank. It's an easy route along quite country lanes and a rather impressive cycle path with lovely river views. Monçao is delightful old elevated town above the river with an excellent choice of restaurants and cafes for lunch. You'll then spend a second night in the lovely Parador de Tui.
Today's ride is the longest of the week at 71kms. It's possible to break it up into two shorter days by adding an extra night in the colourful fishing village of A Guarda (ask us about this at the time of booking).
A delightful riverside cycle path leads you downstream, along the Minho river, towards the Atlantic Ocean. The colourful old fishing village of A Guarda close to the river-mouth, is a good place to stop for lunch, especially if enjoy seafood. From here you journey northwards, up the Atlantic Coast, following a scenic coastal cycle path. The stunning ocean views to your left are punctuated every now and then by tiny, traditional villages and inviting sandy beaches.
Your destination today is the beautiful medieval city of Baiona, which is also a strategic port, full of history. You will stay in the stunning Paradore de Baiona, a neo-gothic palace with spectacular views of the Bay of Baiona.
Note: It is possible to break this day into two shorter days, by staying an extra night in a rural 2 star hotel near the coastal town A Guarda - this breaks the route into two days of 35km each. Please contact us for further details.
Today's lovely and varied route follows the wide Vigo Estuary inland, along the way you will pass many lovely beaches so maybe pack your swim things in the pannier today. Before long, you reach San Pedro da Ramallosa where you can admire the ancient, stone bridge that is a testament to the Romans' incredible engineering skills. A little further along, the well-preserved Roman Villa de Torana is also worth a visit.
After passing the town of Vigo, the route ascends to the Miradoiro do Campo da Rata, a stunning vantage point offering sweeping views of the estuary and countryside. At the end of the estuary, in the town of Redondela, you are picked up and transferred to the beautiful old town of Pontevedra.
Check-in to the magnificent Parador de Pontevedra, located in a 16th century Renaissance palace in the historic centre of Pontevedra. Take stroll through the pedestrianised streets of this charming riverside town, where you will find a fantastic choice of restaurants, cafes and vibrant tapas bars.
The day starts with a short transfer to the mouth of the Ria de Pontevedra estuary where today's ride begins. After a few kilometres you cross a narrow causeway, onto the peninsula of O Grove. Here you may be tempted to stop for a dip at the famous Praia da Lanzada, a 2.3km stretch of golden sandy beach. The route then leads you around the small, serene peninsula before heading back across the causeway and northwards, through seas of Albarino vineyards to Cambados, the Albarino wine capital. You will spend the night in the Parador de Cambados, a former 'Pazo', or manor house, with a lovely interior courtyard and delightful gardens. The historic old town is just a few paces away.
Your final day in the saddle leads you along quiet lanes, lined with vineyards. There's an opportunity to visit a stunning winery/vineyard en-route before following a pleasant, tree lined trail to the town of Padrón. On this stage of the route you will pass many pilgrims on the latter stages of their Camino de Santiago treks across Europe. In the charming little town of Padrón you are picked up and transferred the final few kilometres to Santiago de Compostella. When you arrive, our top tip is to take time to explore the interesting and unique pedestrianised plazas that surround the cathedral. We also highly recommend chatting to some of the pilgrims about their journeys as some will have walked across Europe to get here and their stories are often astonishing, moving and entertaining. You will spend the night in the stunning Parador de Santiago de Compostela, one of the oldest hotel and most luxurious hotels in Spain.
After breakfast it's time to head for home or your next adventure
Regular bikes provided are modern alloy framed hybrid models with 24 speeds. The bikes come equipped with pannier, plus a lock, and a repair kit with pump, per room.
Electric bikes are also available.
We suggest you bring your own helmet. Alternatively, helmets are provided on arrival.
On this holiday the accommodation is as much a highlight as the cycling. Paradors are national heritage properties which have been restored and sympathetically converted into unique, hotel-style accommodation. These properties were originally Palaces, Monasteries or Castles. A stay in a Parador is always a memorable experience.
Superior PLUS: Charming hotels
Tui: Parador de Tui
Baiona: Parador de Baiona
Pontevedra: Parador de Pontevedra
Cambados: Parador de Cambados
Santiago de Compostella: Parador de Santiago de Compostela
Fly to Porto or Santiago de Compostela.
From Porto Airport take the metro subway to Porto's Campanhā train station and from there catch a train to the town of Valenca (total journey time 2hrs 30 mins). From Valenca its a short taxi ride (2.4km) to your first Parador in Tui.
Alternatively you can book a private transfer frm Porto airport to your first hotel in Tui - (see supplements for prices)
From Santiago de Compostela Airport book a private transfer to your Parador in Tui (see supplements for prices) or catch the public bus to Valenca (total journey time 2 hrs). From Valenca its a short taxi ride (2.4km) to your first Parador in Tui.
Fly home from Santiago de Compostela or Porto.
Take the public bus to nearby Santiago de Compostela airport, the journey time is 15 minutes.
Take the public bus from Santiago der Compostela directly to Porto Airport, the journey time is 3hrs 30 mins, Alternatively, you can book a private transfer which cuts the journey time down to 2 hrs 20 mins - (see supplements for prices)
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