A cycling holiday following the Portuguese Way, from Porto to Santiago de Compostela – both UNESCO World Heritage-listed cities full of character and wondrous architecture. Cycle along the beautiful Atlantic coastline, through forests and nature reserves, staying in lovely villages and towns, rich in culture and the Camino spirit.
There are a number of routes to Santiago de Compostela that pilgrims have followed for centuries. Some are less famous than others and the Portuguese Atlantic Way, while not the best known, is renowned for its beauty and tranquility, offering riders spectacular coastal scenery along the way.
Parque Natural do Litoral - Esposende
The ancient paths you will follow are centuries old and Queen Isabel of Portugal herself is said to have traveled the same route in the 13th century. Some of the towns and villages are home to magnificent Baroque and Romanesque churches and these, together with the monuments and crosses along the way, help to tell the story of this less-trodden route, all the while preparing you for your final destination of Santiago de Compostela – where, on arrival, you will appreciate why so many have followed these routes over the many centuries before you.
You will need to be a reasonably fit, regular cyclist to enjoy this route. The cycling is on 50% paved road, 25% bike lanes and wooden walkways, 20% dirt roads with some cobblestone and rough dirt roads as well. The route is flat or undulating for the first 2 – 3 days but more hilly towards the end.