Portuguese Way by Bike: The Recommended Stages by Bicigrino

The Portuguese Way by bicycle is one of the most beautiful and varied routes to reach Santiago de Compostela.
From Lisbon or Porto, the cyclist discovers secondary roads, rural tracks, coastal footbridges and
villages full of history before entering the Galician forests.

Below you will find our proposal of recommended stages based on tourist criteria,
slope, safety and comfort for the traveler. These stages are not inflexible:
is an informative guide to help you organize your Portuguese Way by bicycle.
Each cyclist should adapt the plan to his or her physical condition, availability, points of interest and travel style.

If you need a customized plan, want to split or extend stages, or want to know other alternatives
(such as the central variant or mixed variants between coast and inland),
contact us. We will be happy to help you set up your itinerary.

And remember: at Bicigrino we put at your disposal our
fleet of rental bicycles – high quality, professionally checked models
and equipped for cycle touring – so that you can do the Camino safely, comfortably and without logistical complications.

Recommended stages of the Portuguese Way by bicycle

This is the 11-stage plan elaborated by Bicigrino for the Portuguese Coastal Route,
following our official tracks and cyclotourism criteria.

Stage 1 – Lisbon → Vila Franca de Xira

  • Distance: 43.7 km
  • Positive vertical drop: 218 m
  • Negative vertical drop: 237 m
  • Difficulty: Easy

Urban departure from Lisbon following the Tagus River. Flat and accessible stage to warm up legs,
ideal as a first contact with the Camino.

Stage 2 – Vila Franca de Xira → Golegã

  • Distance: 85.64 km
  • Positive elevation gain: 270 m
  • Negative vertical drop: 262 m
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Long but completely flat stage through the plains of Ribatejo, advancing along the Tagus.
Ideal for fast riding and enjoying the agricultural landscape.

Stage 3 – Golegã → Ansião

  • Distance: 76.36 km
  • Positive elevation gain: 1,101 m
  • Negative vertical drop: 904 m
  • Difficulty: Difficult

It enters a terrain of constant hills and rural tracks. Physically demanding stage typical of the interior of Portugal.

Stage 4 – Ansião → Coimbra

  • Distance: 46.66 km
  • Positive elevation gain: 619 m
  • Negative vertical drop: 815 m
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Shorter stage but with constant ups and downs. The arrival in Coimbra allows you to enjoy one of the most beautiful historical cities in Portugal.

Stage 5 – Coimbra → Albergaria-a-Velha

  • Distance: 67.39 km
  • Positive elevation gain: 729 m
  • Negative vertical drop: 606 m
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Varied terrain with rural roads, eucalyptus groves and small villages. Very comfortable and cyclotourist stage.

Stage 6 – Albergaria-a-Velha → Oporto

  • Distance: 66.13 km
  • Positive elevation gain: 1,075 m
  • Negative difference in altitude: 1,156 m
  • Difficulty: Moderate

A demanding stage due to the accumulation of hills. The arrival at the Douro and the historic center of Porto is one of the most memorable moments of the Camino.

Stage 7 – Porto → Esposende (Costa)

  • Distance: 64.32 km
  • Positive elevation gain: 238 m
  • Negative vertical drop: 316 m
  • Difficulty: Easy

One of the most beautiful stages. Walkways along the Atlantic, bike paths and fishing villages. Very comfortable for cyclotourism.

Stage 8 – Esposende → Caminha (Costa)

  • Distance: 53.21 km
  • Positive elevation gain: 632 m
  • Negative vertical drop: 636 m
  • Difficulty: Easy

Coastal path, beaches, soft cliffs and the beautiful city of Viana do Castelo. End in Caminha, in front of the Minho.

Stage 9 – Caminha → Vigo (Coast)

  • Distance: 61.34 km
  • Positive elevation gain: 726 m
  • Negative vertical drop: 693 m
  • Difficulty: Difficult

Crossing of the Miño River towards Galicia and drive along the spectacular south coast of the community. Views of the Cíes Islands and entrance to Vigo.

Stage 10 – Vigo → Caldas de Reis

  • Distance: 62.2 km
  • Positive elevation gain: 902 m
  • Negative vertical drop: 916 m
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Coastal path, urban areas, entrance to Pontevedra and rural stretches to Caldas de Reis. Very complete and varied stage.

Stage 11 – Caldas de Reis → Santiago de Compostela

  • Distance: 43.98 km
  • Positive elevation gain: 629 m
  • Negative vertical drop: 396 m
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Last stage of the Portuguese Way. Forests, corredoiras, Padrón and glorious arrival at the Plaza del Obradoiro.