Few cities give you such a beautiful place to begin. Before you even clip in, Porto has already won you over: the Douro opening up between hillsides of colourful houses, the iron bridges, the smell of wine drifting across from the far bank. And when you finally head north, you carry with you one of the most complete of all the routes to Santiago. At Bicigrino we make it simple: we deliver a prepared, serviced bike to you in Porto, you ride the Portuguese Way at your own pace, and you leave it with us when you reach Santiago de Compostela. No boxing up your own bike, no flying with a bike bag, and never going back to the start.
This is the most comfortable way to experience the Portuguese Way, and Porto is by far where most pilgrims choose to begin. Here’s why it’s so worth it, what the route is like, and how we work so that all you have to do is pedal.
Porto, far more than a starting point
Porto is Portugal’s second city and one of the oldest in Europe. In fact, the whole country owes it its name: from the old Portus Cale, the Roman port at the mouth of the Douro, came the word “Portugal”. To walk through Porto is to walk through two thousand years of trade, seafaring and wine, which is why its historic heart, the Ribeira district, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
If you have a day or two before setting off — and we recommend you do — the city has plenty to offer. The Dom Luís I Bridge, that striking two-tier iron structure opened in 1886 and designed by Théophile Seyrig, a partner of Gustave Eiffel, links Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, the bank where Port wine ages in centuries-old cellars you can visit and taste. It’s worth losing yourself in the Ribeira, climbing the Clérigos Tower, admiring the tiles of São Bento station, stepping into the famous Livraria Lello — one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world — and visiting the Sé, the fortress-cathedral that crowns the city.
And then there’s the food, which in Porto is serious business. Locals are affectionately called tripeiros after their most historic dish, tripas à moda do Porto, but the street-food star is the francesinha, a hearty sandwich smothered in melted cheese and a beer-based sauce that will revive anyone before a stage. All of it, of course, with a glass of Port while the old rabelo boats rock on the river. Beginning your Camino with this much history and flavour is no small thing: it’s part of the experience.
The Portuguese Way from Porto: routes, distances and what to expect
From Porto, the Portuguese Way splits into two great variants, and both are superb. The Central route runs around 260 kilometres inland, through towns with centuries of pilgrim tradition such as Barcelos — home of the legend of the rooster, a symbol of Portugal — and Ponte de Lima, before crossing the border at Tui and entering Galicia via Redondela, Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis and Padrón. The Coastal route, around 280 kilometres, hugs the Atlantic through Vila do Conde, Póvoa de Varzim, Esposende, Viana do Castelo and Caminha, with beaches, pine woods and fishing villages, before rejoining the central path in Galicia.
Most cyclists complete either one in 4 to 6 days, depending on their pace and how much they stop. It’s gentle terrain, rolling rather than mountainous, with the odd cobbled stretch through the old towns and no big mountain passes: that’s why it’s one of the most rewarding Caminos to ride, whether you’re confident on a bike or prefer the help of an e-bike. And since from Porto you comfortably clear the 200 kilometres required to earn your Compostela by bike, it’s a complete route in every sense, not a short getaway.
How we work: your bike ready at a shop, right before you set off
Here’s one of the things that sets us apart and that our pilgrims most appreciate. Whenever possible, we don’t leave the bike waiting for you at a hotel reception: we deliver it to a partner bike shop at your starting point. Why? Because that way, after transport, a professional mechanic gives it a final check right before you leave: brakes, gears, tyre pressure, saddle and handlebars set to your size. You set off knowing the bike is genuinely ready, not simply parked. If a holiday or logistics make a shop delivery impossible, we arrange delivery to your accommodation instead.
The rest of the service follows the same “you just pedal” philosophy. It’s a one-way rental: you pick the bike up in Porto and return it in Santiago, with no need to go back. You ride the Camino with complete freedom — your stages, your accommodation, your rhythm — and we handle the logistics from start to finish. And if your plans are different, we cover those too: we can deliver in Lisbon for the full Portuguese Way, or in any city in Spain or Portugal where a hotel or shop can receive the bike.
What your rental includes
Every bike goes out ready for the Camino, with panniers, a rear rack, a lock and a repair kit, serviced before delivery. We include delivery at the start and pick-up in Santiago, and we stay with you throughout the route with phone and WhatsApp support in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, in case any question or hiccup comes up along the way. The helmet is not included, for hygiene and because it must fit each person well: we recommend bringing your own. The rental is for the full route, with a 7-day minimum rate and prices from €345 (VAT included); you can see every model and price on our rates page.
Gravel/mountain bike or e-bike?
Both options work beautifully on the Portuguese Way. A gravel or mountain bike is the natural choice if you ride with some confidence and want the most classic, sporty experience. An e-bike — and we work with the most powerful on the market, with 750 to 800 Wh batteries — flattens the climbs, extends your daily range and lets you enjoy the scenery without arriving worn out at the end of the stage; you simply recharge it each night at your accommodation. It is, in fact, the most popular choice among those who ride with us. And a common clarification: those who ride an e-bike, cover the required distance and get their credential stamped can also request the Compostela (if in any doubt, confirm it at the Pilgrim’s Reception Office in Santiago).
More services to round off your Camino
Beyond the rental, we can take care of transporting your luggage so you ride light, offer you our optional assistance insurance — which covers breakdowns, punctures and even replacing the bike if needed — and handle the deposit simply and refundably. We’re specialists in cycle touring and the Camino de Santiago by bike, and we deliver bikes throughout Spain and Portugal: if you dream of a route, chances are we can put you on it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pick up the bike in Porto and leave it in Santiago?
Yes, it’s our main service. We deliver it in Porto — ideally at a shop, already checked — and you return it when you reach Santiago, with no need to go back to the start.
How many days do I need from Porto?
Most riders take 4 to 6 days of riding. The rental minimum is 7 days, which gives you plenty of margin plus the day of arrival.
Is the Portuguese Way hard by bike?
It’s one of the gentler Caminos: rolling terrain, no big mountains and the odd cobbled stretch. Suitable for anyone with basic fitness, and very comfortable on an e-bike.
Why do you deliver the bike to a shop and not the hotel?
Because that way it gets a final professional check after transport, right before you set off. It’s our way of guaranteeing you start with the bike in perfect order.
Do you carry my luggage between stages?
Yes. We can arrange to transport your luggage so you carry only the essentials and enjoy every kilometre.
At Bicigrino we deliver the bikes in Porto and in any city across Spain and Portugal. See all the models, prices and conditions on our bike rental page.
Ready to set off from Porto?
Tell us your dates and we’ll prepare your bike in Porto, serviced and ready for the Camino. Write to caminosantiagobike@gmail.com or WhatsApp +34 627 92 82 13; we answer in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. Buen Camino!
