Cycling the Central Portuguese Way of Saint James allows you to appreciate the beauty of Portugal’s Minho region and Galicia in Spain. The scenery is a glorious blend of greenery with woodland, rivers, valleys, vineyards, fields and traditional villages with their architecture and age-old rural farming practices.
Sections of the Way share the ancient Roman road and you’ll cross many a Roman bridge on your journey. You’ll also discover attractive towns and cities with stunning ancient architecture and fascinating histories. To keep your energy levels up along the Way, tuck into Portuguese and Spanish cheeses, traditional cured meats, the freshest of fish and seafood and vinho verde wines.
Begin your incredible journey in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto. Learn how St. James and a cockerel saved a pilgrim’s life in Barcelos, why Roman soldiers were terrified of crossing the river at Ponte de Lima and appreciate the significant part Valença’s fortress played in defending Portugal’s borders.
One the other side of the River Minho the stunning Tui Cathedral awaits, as do Redondela’s viaducts and the medieval centre of Pontevedra. Riverside Caldas de Reis is famous for its soothing thermal waters while Padrón lays claim to St. James’ first burial spot. His remains have since been relocated to what is now a monumental cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
To make the experience of cycling the Camino enjoyable, you need to know your way around a bike in terms of basic maintenance and be adept at riding rugged terrains.
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