MOUNTAIN BIKE TOUR: ST. JAMES WAY
From €1470
per person
MOUNTAIN BIKE TOUR: ST.JAMES WAY
St.James Way: discover the charm of a Mountain Bike Tour adventure along the “caminho portugues”. Explore ancient trails, natural wonders, and find yourself. Book now and live an unforgettable experience!
Embark on our Mountain Bike Adventure!
The route runs between Lisbon and Santiago de Compostela.
The Portuguese Way is an important road that connects Portugal with Spain. Learn about this road stage by stage, with the obstacles you might find and the cultural highlights you will visit.
It is an ideal route for anyone who wants to experience the Portuguese and Galician cultures.
Keep in mind that you do not have to complete the full St. James Way. You can choose any intermediate point on the route to complete as many stages or miles as you wish. If you walk 100 kilometers, you will be awarded the Compostela (a kind of “certificate of participation”) upon your arrival at the Cathedral of Santiago.
TYPE OF TRIP: Self-guided mountain bike trip with luggage transport; overnight stays in guest houses or 3/4* hotels with breakfast.
SUITABLE TO: Mountain bikers of any level in good health, trained and with a spirit of adaptation.
RECOMMENDED PERIOD: April to December.
PRIVATE TRIP: Available every day
The price per person for this program is based on a minimum number of 2 participants.
The mountain biking vacation in Portugal can be arranged either for individuals as well as for private groups of 2 or more.
PROGRAM IN SHORT – MOUNTAIN BIKE TRIP IN PORTUGAL
1 day – Arrival in Porto and bike fitting.
2 day –Stage 1: Porto – Arcos (Vila do Conde)
3 day – Stage 2 Arcos (Vila do Conde) – Esposende – Barcelos
4 day – Stage 3: Barcelos – Ponte de Lima
5 day – Stage 4: Ponte de Lima – Valenca
6 day – Stage 5: Valenca – Larache (Redondela)
7 day -Stage 6: Larache (Redondela) – Padron
8 day – Stage 7: Padron – Santiago de Compostela
9 day – The farewell day
INCLUDED
- Road book with map, route description and GPS tracks (independent option)
- One way bikes at Porto and drop off at Santiago de Compostela
- Daily transportation of personal luggage up to a maximum weight of 20 kg per participant
- 8 overnight stays with breakfast
- 29″ travel bicycle
- Assistance by qualified staff and by phone 24 hours a day with our office staff
NOT INCLUDED
- International flights
- Meals not listed in the detailed itinerary and all beverages except tea and coffee for breakfasts included
- Optional tours and activities and extra services due to force majeure
- Tips, telephone calls and extras of a personal nature
- Clothing and personal medications
- Anything not included under “Included”
SUPPLEMENTS UPON REQUEST
- Single room
- E-bike (€140/week)
Contact us to receive a customized quote.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING ABOUT ALL OUR MOUNTAIN BIKE PROGRAMS IN PORTUGAL CLICK HERE
TRIP MADE IN ASSOCIATION WITH MOUNTAINBIKE-PORTUGAL
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Tour Plan
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Day 1: Arrival in Porto
Arrival in Porto, bike setup and Checking in the hotel.
Overnight stay in Porto
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Day 2: Stage 1 - Porto – Arcos (Vila do Conde)
The Way begins at the Cathedral of Porto, and we could think of no better place to begin this millennial pilgrimage route.
From the Sé, the path continues along the Porto stream toward the mouth of the Douro River. Once we reach the Atlantic, we head north along the coast until we reach Labruge. The Way passes through Matosinhos, Leça da Palmeira, and Angeiras and follows the sea, furrowing not only fantastic beaches but also the beautiful and historic medieval town of Vila do Conde. We suggest you pause to visit it at your leisure.
Be sure to visit the imposing Convent of Santa Clara, the Fortress of São João, the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação, the Igreja Matriz, the port and waterfront of Vila do Conde, and the always lively Praça da República. We leave the ocean through the villages surrounding Vila do Conte along Rio Ave to the smaller Rio Este, which takes us directly to Arcos, the end of today's stage.
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Day 3: Stage 2 - Arcos (Vila do Conde) – Esposende - Barcelos
On the way back to the coast, the impressive Monastery of Rates awaits you.
The part of the monastery that has survived to this day is the tower with the bell and, most importantly, the Church dedicated to St. Peter of Rates.
Once back to the sea we enter the Braga district and the Via takes us through some of the most beautiful beaches in northern Portugal, such as Aver-o-mar Beach and Apúlia, bordered 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, green pine forests, and beautiful beaches. Once in Esposende, we still walk along the Cávado River until we reach the lighthouse and fortress of São João Batista.
In Esposende we leave the coastal route and turn onto the Central Route to Santiago, which we will follow for the rest of the tour.
Along the Rio Cávado River valley we turn inland again and reach the center of Barcelos at the end of the day.
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Day 4: Stage 3 - Barcelos – Ponte de Lima
From Barcelos we take the Central Route to Santiago and follow dirt tracks and local roads through tradition-rich forested areas and vineyards.
At some point, the trail winds between cobblestones and paved roads, passing through small rural villages. When we reach the church of Tamel, we will turn right to reach the village of Portela de Tamel. Once here, the road leads to the N-204 road until we reach the Quintiães turnoff. Now we take a path from the land to the church of Aborim and later cross the Tábuas bridge over the Neiva River.
Immediately after arriving in Vitorino dos Piães we face 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 bike path along Rio Lima. Only a moment later we arrive in Ponte de Lima, considered the oldest city in Portugal and the capital of the famous vinho verde.
The center of the city awaits us with a picturesque Roman bridge, which we will cross the following day, but also with a lovely downtown including the Santo Antonio de Frades church, a medieval water fountain, and countless bars, cafes, and restaurants that invite us to stop.
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Day 5: Stage 4 - Ponte de Lima – Valença
Crossing its centuries-old Roman bridge over the Lima River is a defining moment on the Portuguese road to Santiago. For us, this is the queen stage of the Portuguese Way to Santiago.
After all, before us lies the mythical climb to the Serra da Labruja, with the famous Cruz dos Franceses.
In just over 4 kilometers you will have to overcome an elevation gain of 300 meters: not a piece of cake, but if you take the climb slowly, you will be able to overcome this challenge better.
The next day's stage is longer again, so it might be worth exploring the beautiful border town of Valença do Minho already today.
It is a largely flat route between your lodging and the city center, so you will be able to leave directly for the next stage the following morning.
Be sure to visit the imposing Forte de Valença, the Capela de São Sebastião, the Military Chapel of Bom Jesus, the Paços do Concelho, the Igreja Matriz de Santo Estêvão, and the Church of Santa Maria dos Anjos.
To end the day on the Portuguese Way on a high note, there is nothing better than watching the sunset from one of the strongholds of Forte de Valença, with superb views of the Minho River and the Spanish town of Tui, where you will spend tomorrow.
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Day 6: Stage 5 - Valença – Larache (Redondela)
The Rio Minho River marks the entrance to Spain and leads into the historic district of Tui.
A milestone indicates that it is located 115.4 km from Santiago.
The historic and artistic charm of Tui, one of the seven capitals of the ancient Kingdom of Galicia, makes its presence felt in every street, alley, and passageway.
Before leaving town, the route follows Coengo Valiño and Calzada streets to the Park and Church of San Bartolomé, passes the Virxe do Camiño chapel, the Paredes de Baixo, and the iconic San Telmo Bridge, also known as the As Febres bridge. Next, it passes through a dense forest known as A Ribeira before arriving in the small village of A Magdalena.
The Louro River flows alongside the trail. The next village is Orbenlle. From here we continue through Os Eidos or As Gándaras. In the distance, you can spot the famous pink granite quarries.
The route enters the thriving municipality of O Porriño via Manuel Rodríguez.
This town, whose origins are closely linked to the St. Jacobs Way, is now an important industrial city with among the highest population growth rates in the province of Pontevedra.
After leaving O Porriño, the route soon reaches the As Angustias chapel.
At O Enxertado, with the valley to the east, there is a slight climb to the Santiaguiño de Anta Chapel, a simple monument surrounded by a beautiful carballeira (oak wood).
A Roman milestone that was once part of Via XIX-which connects Braga and Astorga-guides the road to the municipality of Redondela.
We’ll soon reach Vilar de Infesta. Pine and eucalyptus forests are an important feature of this section of the route. This section ends at the legendary Chan das Pipas.
Saxamonde, Quintela and O Muro mark the road to Redondela and enter the town at Ponteareas Square. After leaving Redondela, the route soon arrives at As Angustias Chapel. We enter the parish of Cesantes. To the left, to the east, is the spectacular Ria de Vigo.
The islands of San Simón and San Antón emerge from the center of the Ria, beneath whose waters are the remains of galleons from the Battle of Rande (1702).
In the background, the panoramic view is completed by the Rande Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge that rises above the rafts of mussel fishermen.
The route enters the parish of O Viso and continues to Arcade, following the streets of Portas, Lavandeira, Cimadevila, Velero, and Barroncas to the historic medieval Sampaio Bridge over the Verdugo River.
Soon after we cross the wall that separates de Salinas de Ullo from the bay and find the end of this stage in the village of Larache.
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Day 7: Stage 6 - Larache (Redondela) – Padròn
We return the same way we came the day before to the salt marsh wall. The route now passes through the town of Ponte Sampaio and continues along ancient and evocative stone paths, including sections of the Roman Way XIX.
The route approaches Pontevedra via A Boullosa, Santa Comba de Bértola, Santa Marta Chapel, Tomeza, Casal do Río, and O Marco.
Otero Pedrayo Street and Compostela Roundabout lead to Virxe Peregrina Sanctuary, Soportales Street, Plaza Teucro and Real Street. The city's incredible historic center awaits.
The route leaves Pontevedra via Via A Santiña, after crossing the Lérez River on the O Burgo bridge. It flows past a large wetland area known as A Xunqueira de Alba. After passing between the railway line and the Granda River, climb up to Pontecabras and the church of Santa María de Alba and parrodo.
Archbishop of Santiago Diego Gelmírez stopped at Guxilde on his way from Braga to Compostela. After passing the San Caetano Chapel, we come to the woods of Reirís and Lombo da Maceira. A small stone bridge over a stream known as O Rego do Cárcere leads to the municipality of Barro.
From San Mauro, the route continues to San Mamede da Portela. After crossing the bridge over the Areal River, the route leads pilgrims to Valbón amidst large stone houses.
From this point on, close attention must be paid to the signs as the route winds and encounters a number of other trails, with the N-550 a constant presence and a new high-speed rail line that has altered the landscape.
Seca and the parish of Briallos lead toward Caldas de Reis. The route alternates between short sections of trail, dirt tracks and paved paths.
We arrive at lovely Tivo, almost at the gates of Caldas de Reis, where we face the final section of this stage.
The route follows the streets of Santa Marta and Ferrería, then crosses the bridge over the Umia, which leads to the hot spring to which the town has owed its name since Roman times.
The route continues along the Via Real and crosses another bridge over the Bermaña River, which is medieval and extremely fascinating.
The route leaves Caldas again via the main road, but immediately continues on a beautiful path up to the Santa Mariña de Carracedo complex.
O Pino gives way to Monte Castelo, dense forests bathed by the waters of the Valga River and dotted with old mills.
The Pino Manso Viewpoint offers a splendid view of the Ulla River valley.
The route passes through the oldest part of Pontecessures, then a bridge over the Ulla that separates the provinces of Pontevedra and A Coruña.
The route enters the town through the fairgrounds, then follows Paseo do Espolón.
In the historic center is the church of Santiago de Padrón.
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Day 8: Stage 7 - Padròn – Santiago de Compostela
The route from Padròn starts along the Via Dolores, crossing the Sar River before arriving in Iria Flavia.
After passing the foundation of Nobel Prize winner for Literature Camilo José Cela, the route crosses the N-550.
The Sar Valley is home to small traditional villages such as A Pousa, O Souto, O Rueiro, Cambelas and Anteportas.
We arrived at the sanctuary of A Escravitude. Behind it are the valleys of Padrón and magnificent views of the lands of Amaía.
The route then descends to A Angueira de Suso, followed by O Faramello and the pilgrim hostel in Teo (another lodging option), then climbs to Rúa de Francos and then to Osebe.
At O Milladoiro, where the pilgrim "humbled himself," kneeling when he first saw the cathedral, Compostela began to pervade the atmosphere.
We descend, arriving first at A Rocha Vella on the Sar River, which we cross on Ponte Vella (Old Bridge).
The trail turns right and continues upstream, following a path that runs parallel to the river's course until we reach a fork.
Here there are two options, both clearly marked: continue straight through the Santa Marta de Baixo neighborhood to Santa Marta Chapel and Via Rosalía de Castro, or turn right and cross the historic Conxo neighborhood, followed by Sánchez Freire and García Prieto streets and Avenida Vilagarcia.
The second option is met on Rosalía de Castro Street where it reaches Vigo Square. The route enters the old neighborhood through A Porta Faxeira and O Franco Street.
The traditional entrance to the cathedral for pilgrims on the Portuguese route is through As Praterías Square.
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Day 9: The farewell day
The time has come to depart and say goodbye to Spain and Portugal, hoping to return soon for new adventures.