Portuguese Way by bike
The second most popular route and one of the most comfortable by bike: from the heart of Portugal to Santiago, with little elevation gain, excellent infrastructure and two classic starting points, Lisbon and Porto.
Route: Lisboa (Portugal) → Santiago de Compostela
About this route
The Portuguese Way is the second most walked pilgrim route, behind only the French Way, and one of the most rewarding for the cycling pilgrim. The full route starts in Lisbon (around 620 km), but the most popular option by bike is to start in Porto (around 240 km). It passes through charming cities such as Coimbra and, once in Galicia, Tui, Pontevedra and Padrón. Its great advantage is the profile: no major mountain passes, gentle gradients and an excellent network of services that make it ideal for beginners.
Central or Coastal
The Portuguese Way has two main variants. The Central route, the historic one, heads inland through Coimbra and Ponte de Lima. The Coastal route (Caminho Português da Costa) runs along the sea from Porto, with even less elevation gain and the added appeal of the Atlantic shoreline.
Both are perfectly cyclable and join up in Galicia on the way to Santiago. The choice depends on whether you prefer heritage and inland scenery (Central) or coastal landscapes (Coastal).
Which bike to use
As it is a route with plenty of tarmac and a generally good surface, it suits almost any bike: gravel, trekking, hybrid, MTB or e-bike. The gravel bike is probably the most balanced option. The biggest difficulties are not in the terrain, but in getting in and out of the big cities, especially Lisbon and Porto, where you should watch the traffic.
How many days and from where
From Lisbon, the full route takes around 13–15 days. From Porto, the favourite starting point for cycling pilgrims, it is comfortably done in about 7 days. As on the other Caminos, by bike there are no fixed stages: you can adjust the distances to your own pace.
The Compostela by bike
To earn the Compostela by bike you must cover at least the final 200 km. Starting in Tui (around 119 km) is enough for those on foot, but not for the cyclist; that is why anyone riding and wanting the certificate usually starts in Porto, which comfortably exceeds those 200 km.
Best time to go
Spring and autumn are the best seasons, with good weather and avoiding the summer crowds. Summer is feasible but hotter and busier. Winter is mild along much of the route, although with a greater chance of rain.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Portuguese Way?
Around 620 km from Lisbon (the full Central variant) and around 240 km from Porto, which is the most common starting point by bike.
How many days does it take by bike?
From Lisbon, around 13–15 days; from Porto, about 7 days. It is adjustable depending on your fitness and the time available.
What is the difference between the Central and Coastal routes?
The Central route heads inland (Coimbra, Ponte de Lima) and the Coastal route hugs the sea from Porto, with less elevation gain. Both are cyclable and meet in Galicia.
Which bike is best?
With so much tarmac, almost any will do: gravel, trekking, hybrid, MTB or e-bike. The gravel bike is the most versatile option.
Where should you start to earn the Compostela by bike?
From Porto, since by bike you need at least 200 km and Tui (around 119 km) does not reach that minimum distance.
Is the Portuguese Way hard by bike?
It is of moderate difficulty and one of the most accessible routes, with no major mountain passes. The most awkward parts are getting in and out of the big cities.
What is the best time to go?
Spring and autumn, for the climate and to avoid the summer crowds.