2. The Camino Portugués 2024 Itinerary

1. The Camino Portugués 2024 Itinerary

1. The Camino Portugués 2024 Itinerary

   The Challenge:

   The Camino Portugués 2024: 173 Miles in 6 days... 3 days Cycling and 3 days Walking

   A unique adventure for those who love to cycle and walk. Crossing from Portugal to Spain, the route will follow the less travelled ‘Camino da Costa’ along the rugged Atlantic coastline before joining the central or interior route as it leads towards Santiago. Throughout the challenge we will be staying in Hotels, all with en-suite bathrooms, each day your bags and belongings will be transported to your next Hotel so they are there for when you arrive. 

   Where will your Camino adventure take you...

   Day 1 – Saturday 5 October 2024

   Your Camino Portugués begins in Porto... 

   You will need to arrange your own flight to Porto as this is not included in the tour cost. However, we arrange the transfer from the Airport to the Hotel in Porto (included within the tour cost). We would ask that you contact our Event Team before booking your flight to check the transfer times. 

   Once settled into your Hotel, you will have some time to explore Porto before meeting our guide for a Pre Event Briefing in the afternoon /evening. At the briefing, the Guide will talk through the challenge ahead and hand out your panniers (cycling bag) for the next day. We will then visit a local restaurant to share a welcome dinner together whilst getting to know your fellow challengers.

   Porto really is a small treasure of a city and easy to discover just by walking around. Split into neighbourhoods, it is a real mix of history where you can wander amongst the medieval lanes, or visit cutting-edge 21st Century architecture. From Botanical gardens to a buzzing and lively seafront filled with wonderful restaurants, little tapas bars and of course places to sample its famous wines and ports.

   Because of this, if you do have the opportunity and can stretch your time, it is worth considering arriving in Porto a day earlier to be able to really enjoy a full day before setting off on your challenge, but just to note this is not included in the Tour cost. 

   Included: Dinner / Hotel 

   Day 2 – Sunday 6 October 2024: Porto – Esposende - 38 Miles (Cycle)

   Day 1 of your challenge and the start of a great adventure!

   Following breakfast, your day will begin by being taken by taxi to your Start Line at the Porto Cathedral and where you will meet your trusty bike!

   After making any necessary adjustments you will be off - 173 miles over 6 days!

   Starting from the Cathedral, the Team will follow the river Douro towards the Atlantic Ocean, travelling along promenades and boardwalks. It is a beautiful first day, easy cycling but very enjoyable to have the Ocean to your left and mountains to your right... today you will be continuing onto the seaside town of Esposende 

   Each day the Team will stop for lunch (not included). 

   Included: Breakfast & Dinner / Hotel 

   Day 3: Monday 7th October: Esposende – A Guardia: 35 Miles (Cycle)

   Day 2 of your challenge and it's back on your bike... a little hillier today as the Team continue to cycle north along foothills through small Portuguese rural villages... every day you will feel a part of the stunning landscapes, as well as experience many landmarks and historic sites along the way... not to mention stopping to get the precious Camino stamps in your Camino Passport – this is the proof you need to get your Compostella Certificate at the end of the challenge in Santiago.

   At Caminha, we will be leaving Portugal with our bikes, and after a short crossing over the Rio Miño by taxi boat, everything changes and just like that you are in Spain!

   After the excitement of being on the water, it is not far to A-Guardia and our Hotel, an old convent... a unique and beautiful location, almost on the beach of this small fishing town… you might want to take a dip! 

   Included: Breakfast & Dinner / Hotel 

   Day 4: Tuesday 8th October: A Guardia – Vigo: 35 Miles (Cycle) 

   Day 3 of the Challenge and your final day of cycling. Today the terrain is a little flatter as it continues to follow the Atlantic coastal road. The views today are quite incredible looking out to the Islands of Cies National Park. 

   We will take the riverside path into Vigo and here we will say our goodbyes to our trusty bikes and our Support Vehicle... tomorrow we commence on foot! 

   Included: Breakfast & Dinner / Hotel

   Day 5: Wednesday 9th October: Vigo – Pontevedra: 22 Miles (Walk) 

   Day 4 of your challenge, time to stretch your legs, Pontevedra ... here we come!

   Leaving the City of Vigo, you will experience a change in scenery as the route enters into a long stretch of beautiful woodland and forest but still with spectacular views of the coastline. We will be staying in the town of Pontevedra, which has a lovely lively atmosphere and is the Capital of the province.

   Included: Breakfast & Dinner / Hotel

   Day 6: Thursday 10th October: Pontevedra – Padron: 26 Miles (Walk) 

   Day 5 of your challenge and as we join the interior route, you will come across a few more pilgrims. Today you will be walking through farms and small villages as we get closer to Santiago. We will be stopping for lunch in the town of Caldas de Reis, which is famous for the hot thermal waters that spring from the ground… Pilgrims often stop to bathe their feet in what many years ago, was where the local community went to wash their clothes!

   After lunch we continue to a small town called Pontecesures just before Padron where we will stay for the night.

   Included: Breakfast & Dinner / Hotel 

   Day 7: Friday 11th October: Padron – Santiago: 17 Miles (Walk)

   Your final day... the Finish Line is in sight!

   Today you will walk into Santiago... the route will take you along quiet country lanes, crossing several small villages to reach Milladoiro where we will see a glimpse of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral - our Finish Line!

   Depending on the time we reach the Cathedral and Obrodoiro Square and celebrate this magnificent achievement, you may have time to walk around the beautiful old city of Santiago and take the opportunity to experience the Pilgrim Mass in the Cathedral.

   Our Hotel is very Central and is only 5 – 10 minutes from the Cathedral, so in a perfect location to experience Santiago.

   Tonight we ‘Celebrate’ by coming together for a final meal with our Guide before he returns home.

   Included: Breakfast & Celebration Dinner / Hotel

   Day 8: Saturday 12th October - Free Day

   Take the opportunity to explore all the wonders of Santiago whether you feel like venturing onto the roof of the Cathedral or take time out to wander around the beautiful parks, visiting the market and being tempted by all the delicious cheeses, olives and wines or simply sitting and people watching in a café... the day is yours!

   Included: Breakfast & Dinner / Hotel 

   Day 9: Sunday 13th October  - Home Time 

   The pre-arranged private transfer will be at a set time, so please do check with the Walk the Walk Team before booking your flights. The transfer will make one journey to Santiago de Compostela Airport and from which you will return to the UK/ home country.

   Please note that Walk the Walk can only offer the one planned arranged transfer, any other times of transfer would be at your own cost.

   Included: Breakfast 

Back to top