Cycling day trip from Portomarín to Santiago de Compostela

This cycling route takes you from the charming riverside village of Portomarín all the way to the iconic cathedral city of Santiago de Compostela—yes, the very finish line for countless Camino de Santiago pilgrims! Clocking in at about 119 km, you’ll wind your way through the rolling hills of Galicia, tackling a fair bit of climbing (over 2,500 meters of ascent) but also plenty of sweet descents.

Much of the ride treats you to quiet country roads—think peaceful landscapes, stone villages, and dense, almost fairy-tale forests. Surfaces are mostly missing or undefined, but a good chunk is paved or asphalt, so a road or gravel bike will both handle it fine. Be sure to stop in small towns for local empanadas or a quick café con leche.

Arriving in Santiago, you’ll be greeted by the stunning Praza do Obradoiro and the legendary cathedral, where the journey—spiritual or otherwise—officially ends. If you need a bit of motivation along the way, just remember: thousands of pilgrims have walked (and biked!) this path before you. Buen camino!