Portuguese Cycle Route

The story of the Portuguese Way on a bike is one of the great success stories of modern pilgrimage. It's the tale of how a historically traditional footpath has been exceptionally adapted to cycling, becoming one of the preferred routes for "bike pilgrims" from all over the world. Its popularity is based on a near-perfect combination of affordable distance, gentle profile, constant scenic beauty and top-notch service infrastructure. For many, it's the ideal entry point into the world of two-wheeled pilgrimage.

Although walking from Portugal is centuries old, the mass adaptation to cycling is a more recent phenomenon linked to the boom in cycling tourism in the 21st century. Unlike other routes that are more mountainous, the final stretch of the Portuguese Way from Tui or even Oporto does not present major mountain passes or excessively technical sections. Its undulating profile with gentle climbs and descents through the valleys and forests of the Rías Baixas made it immediately attractive to a wide range of cyclists, not just experts in BMX, but also families and occasional cycling tourists.

The history of its cycling route has been one of consolidation. The route largely follows the same itinerary as walkers, with many rural roads and forest trails ("horse paths") being wide enough and firm enough for bicycles to pass without problems. In the few points where the path becomes too narrow or technical, there are well-signposted alternatives on local traffic roads that ensure a safe and smooth experience.

The popularity of the route from Tui, which is about 120 kilometers long, has made it an ideal option for a long weekend getaway (2 or 3 days of cycling). This in turn has generated a significant service industry around bike pilgrims. The proliferation of high-quality bicycle rental companies (including electric bikes), luggage transport services and repair shops along the route has eliminated many logistical barriers that previously prevented people from cycling to Santiago.

The cycling experience on the Portuguese Way is a delight for the senses. The "bike pilgrim" starts in the monumental Tui, crosses the Miño and enters a landscape always green. Cycles through vineyards of the D.O. Albariño, passes through dense forests and arrives at cities with perfectly preserved historical cascos (town halls) that are often pedestrianized, such as Pontevedra, which makes travel incredibly easy. The speed of the bike allows for enjoying the surroundings in a more panoramic way and making interesting detours, like the Variante Espiritual or the Barosa waterfall.

In summary, the story of the Portuguese Way on a bike is one of perfect symbiosis between a historically traditional route and a new form of pilgrimage. It has managed to adapt without losing its essence, offering an accessible, safe and extraordinary beautiful experience. It has become the great "school" for bike pilgrims, where thousands of people every year discover the magic of traveling to Santiago on two wheels for the first time.