Embracing the stunning Atlantic coast in Northwest Spain above Portugal, this cycling tour in Galicia discovers medieval towns enroute to Santiago de Compostela, one of the world’s oldest pilgrimages.
Galicia’s craggy coastline is filled with brilliant-white beaches, ancient ports and colourful fishing villages. brimming with history, culture, and gastronomy. Stop in Vigo which many say has the best seafood on earth and pedal through vine-striped slopes, home of albariño, Spain’s crisp white wine. Ride through lush forests on ancient pilgrim routes that criss-cross the countryside and verdant valleys that roll down to the sea. For a majestic finale, spend the night in one of Spain’s most luxurious hotels, adjacent to the soaring Romanesque cathedral square in grand capital Santiago on whose granite steps pilgrims drink red wine from scallop shells.
Luxury Paradors– historic buildings such as restored Palaces, Monasteries or Castles offering traditional cuisine and excellent service provide an indulgent and unique stay each night (except one). And as we include E-bikes too, this not-so-gentle biking holiday will be a Galician breeze. With a climate of mild winters and warm rather than hot summers, Galicia is a region to cycle anytime from April to October.
Holiday details
Price
- Luxury
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from £1,900 – £2,085 per person
Santiago Tourism tax of €2-€4 pppn payable locally
Based on two people sharing a room. Price range due to seasonal variations
Duration
7 nights
Start & Finish
Starts daily at Santiago Airport from May to mid October
Hotels
- Luxury
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5 Paradors and 1 historic hotel
Holiday type
Self-guided so you are free to explore at your own pace. More info...
Activity level
Not so gentle cycling. More info...
Electric bikes
Included
Mileage
5 days of cycling 20-30 miles (32 - 48 km) per day plus 1 optional day of cycling
Terrain
Undulating and hilly with 3 ascents per day
What’s included?
Ensuite accommodation every night with breakfast. The services of our friendly local Hosts. Luggage transfers between hotels. Touring bikes and accessories. 24/7 phone contact number. Adventure Handbook with our local tips. GPS Routes on an App with waterproof phone holder. Guidebook or OS maps. Protection of your funds. Advice, help and guidance planning your trip.
Transfer from Santiago Airport to Tui. Transfers between cycle route and hotels on days 5, 6 and 7. Read About Our Trips for further details
Traffic-free
50% traffic free
Options
- Additional nights in Santiago de Compostela
Itinerary day-by-day
Luxury
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1. Day one
Arrive in Tui
Arrive at Santiago Airport and we transfer you to Tui where you stay 2 nights. Settle into the first of your Paradors, a traditional Galician pazo located in the heart of the town and on the river bank. Relax in the garden with its swimming pool and tennis court, surrounded by mountains or potter around the town.
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2. Day two
Circular ride from Tui
Your cycling equipment will be delivered after breakfast so if you fancy a ride rather than time by the pool, then you are off pedalling along the banks of the River Mino on quiet country roads and along the impressive disused railway line providing a traffic - free breeze. Enjoy!
27 miles (44 km) 1,500 ft of ascent
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3. Day three
Tui to A Guarda
Today's ride takes you to the coast following the river, weaving your way through woodland and rural villages and vineyards. The colourful port town of A Guarda on the Spanish Portuguese border is where you stay the night in a former monastery. This is a historic building but unlike the rest of your stays, is not a Parador but is on the sea shore.
25 miles ( 39 km)
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4. Day four
A Guarda to Baiona
Riding the coastal route with great views you have the opportunity of refreshing dips in the turquoise waters of the golden beaches and rocky coves that you cycle past. What a combination! Stay the night in a medieval castle that became a Galician stately home overlooking the sea.
20 miles (32 km)
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5. Day five
Baiona to Pontevedra
Cycle round the Bay of Baiona to then join the Eurovelo cycle path, as it takes you safely through the city port of Vigo. Stop here to explore the Roman history of the town at The Galician Museum of the Sea and wander the hilly narrow streets in search of the freshest seafood, from oysters to razor clams. Finally, you’ll join the company of pilgrims on a section of the Coastal Portuguese Camino de Santiago, where we’ll then transfer you to the beautiful old town of Pontevedra and your next Parador. The 16th Century palace has beautiful gardens for you to relax in.
26 miles (41 km) 1,500 ft of ascent
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6. Day six
Pontevedra to Cambados
After a morning transfer, as you cycle along, keep an eye out for dolphins as you explore the beaches around O’ Grove and the island of La Toja. You’ll then wheel your way to Cambados, the Albariño capital with a beautiful town square and historic cobbled streets. The former Pazo de Bazán, an elegant manor house withs a swimming pool is your Parador for tonight.
30 miles (48 km) 1,600 ft of ascent
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7. Day seven
Cambados to Santiago de Compostela
The final day of this cycle tour is very varied! You’ll have a chance to visit a winery and vineyards set in award-winning gardens, with a beautiful historic palace and XVI century chapel. Then you’ll take a tree-lined, disused railway cycle path to join the Portuguese Camino de Santiago. We meet you at the end of your ride for a transfer to your final destination, the monumental city of Santiago de Compostela. Stay the night in one of the oldest and most luxurious hotels in Spain located adjacent to the famous cathedral. The hotel has 4 cloisters and a large collection of Madrid School paintings. Wow what a finale! You may want to stay additional nights here to explore this extraordinary city.
28 miles (45 km) 1,900 ft of ascent
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8. Day eight
Depart Santiago de Compostela
If you are not spending additional nights here, depart at leisure.