Cycling holiday in luxury Parador hotels in Galicia, Spain
An outstanding cycling tour on the coast of Galicia, staying in exquisite Parador hotels. Colourful fishing villages, the freshest seafood, artisan vineyards, wine tasting tours and breathtaking views await you!
"Our Parador tour of Galicia with Away from the crowds was one of the best vacations of our lives!"
From 1,126 € per person
Difficulty:Moderate
Details ...
Duration:6 nights, 7 days
Dates:May to 15th of October
Start:Any day of the week
Undulating or hilly terrain with perhaps three ascents per day.
Cycling surface:Tarmac: 47% - Cycle track: 43% - Dirt road: 10%
Average daily distance / climb:31 miles (50 km) / 1711 ft (522 m).
Description
Explore the little-known region of Galicia, in the north of Spain. Bike along cycle lanes and quiet country roads through picture-perfect vineyards, historic towns and bustling fishing ports.
There will be many opportunities to stop for a dip in the crystal waters of endless silvery beaches and to enjoy delicious fresh seafood and crisp white wines. But the ultimate highlight of this tour are the outstanding, luxury Parador hotels.
- Self-guided biking along cycle lanes, Via Verde rail-trails and the Portuguese Eco-vias as well as quiet roads, coastal paths and boardwalks all making for a pleasant cycling experience.
- Six nights in luxury Parador Hotels offering a unique experience at each location. From beautifully restored palaces to hill top forts and castles, culminating in the exceptional Parador of Santiago de Compostela, one of the most historic and impressive hotels in Spain.
- Cycle along the ancient pilgrim route, the Portuguese Camino de Santiago, in the company of walkers and cyclists from all over the world.
- Long, white sandy beaches and turquoise waters teeming with fish and if you're lucky, dolphins jumping not far from the coast!
- Discover the artesan vineyards of the excellent Albariño white wines. You will have several opportunities to indulge in a wine tasting session and to visit wine museums and vineyards.
- Follow sections of the impressive Eurovelo-European Atlantic Route as it passes along the coast and through the thriving port town of Vigo.
- Discover the historic beauty of the cities of Tui and its remarkable cathedral, Baiona with its impressive hill-top castle fortress, Pontevedra-strewn with busy bars and terraces full of locals, Cambados-home to Albariño wine and the best scallops around and finally, the monumental city of Santiago de Compostela.
- Enjoy Galician food and wine, famed throughout Spain for the freshest seafood and shellfish and some of the best white wines, Albariño and Ribeiro.
- Meander around the rainbow fishing village of A Guarda with its multi-coloured houses, explore the ancient monastery of Oia and cycle around the fabulous islands of O'Grove and La Toja...just a few of the jewels that you will discover on this unmissable bike tour!
- Full digital navigation kit provided: Digital Route Notes and user-friendly GPS App. This is a paper-free route.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Tui
Tui is a beautifully preserved medieval city, perched above the majestic Miño river which forms the border between Galicia and Portugal. Tui boasts an impressive Romanesque and Gothic cathedral and fortress, surrounded by a network of cobbled streets lined with emblazoned nobel houses.
In this, your first Parador hotel, a traditional Galician Pazo or palace, you can soak in the atmosphere of the elegant lounges, take a dip in the pool or simply stroll around its landscaped gardens full of flowers and palm trees with spectacular river and mountain views.
Day 2: Circular route Tui
Distance: 27 miles (43.9 km). Climb: 1506 ft (459 m).
Your cycling adventure begins today with a fabulous route which takes you along the banks of the Miño river on quiet country roads and along the impressive rail-trail cycle lane, the Ecovia del Miño.
You'll pop into Portugal for lunch and visit the ancient, fortified town of Monçao! You'll cycle through picturesque vineyards, visit a wine museum and have your first wine-tasting session of the tour.
⯈ It's possible to have an extra night between Tui and Baiona, dividing day 3 into two parts. You can spend a night in a simple little boutique hotel located on top of a mountain! This is a modest hotel in an exceptional location! The only luxuries you'll find here are the unrivalled views of the surrounding ocean and mountain landscapes and its perfect position for a visit to the extraordinary Celtic settlement of Santa Tecla, dating back to 4BC.
Day 3: Tui to Baiona
Distance: 44 miles (71.6 km). Climb: 1978 ft (603 m).
Today, you'll take the coastal route with plenty of opportunities for a refreshing dip in the turquoise water of the golden beaches and rocky coves that you cycle past.
The 12th century monastery of Oia will tempt you off your saddle, an architectural jewel on the seashore. As you approach the town of Baiona, you'll be amazed by the dominating sight of the hilltop castle ahead of you, your luxury hotel for the night. Bustling bars and terraces serving the freshest seafood and chilled Albariño wine await you!
⯈ We can recommend an extra night in Baiona to enjoy this exceptional hotel with its two excellent restaurants, fabulous pool and various signalled walks explaining the fascinating history of this castle fortress. There are also several nearby beaches, a leisure port and lively town within walking distance.
Day 4: Baiona to Pontevedra
Distance: 26 miles (41.3 km). Climb: 1529 ft (466 m).
Cycling round the bustling bay of Baiona, you'll find it difficult not to stop for a morning dip at the many silvery beaches and enticing coves that you pass.
There'll be many beach-side bars for a morning coffee. You'll then join the impressive Eurovelo cycle lane, as it takes you safely through the vibrant city port of Vigo. 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 hotel.
Day 5: Pontevedra to Cambados
Distance: 30 miles (48.3 km). Climb: 1578 ft (481 m).
After a morning transfer, as you cycle along, keep an eye out for dolphins as you explore the beaches around O' Grove and the fascinating island of La Toja with its curious San Caralampio chapel decorated in scallop shells!
You'll then wheel your way to Cambados, the Albariño capital, through artisan vineyards where you can pause for some local wine tasting! Don't miss the opportunity to visit the wonderful Pazo de Fefiñanes, involved in winemaking since the 1600's.
⯈ We really recommend an extra night in Cambados to give you the opportunity to cycle to the spectacular Carreiron Natural Park on the island of Arousa, with its paradisiacal beaches teeming with pods of dolphins!
Day 6: Cambados to Santiago de Compostela
Distance: 28 miles (44.7 km). Climb: 1965 ft (599 m).
The final day of this grand cycle tour is very varied! You'll have a chance to visit a fabulous winery and vineyards set in award-winning gardens, with a beautiful historic palace and XVI century chapel.
Then you'll take a tree-lined, rail-trail cycle lane until your route joins the Portuguese Camino de Santiago. You'll then be transferred to your final destination, the magnificent monumental city of Santiago de Compostela. Here, the 5 star Parador will leave you spellbound! Lose yourself in its ancient cloisters, elegant corridors and spectacular banqueting rooms. You'll not want to leave!
Please Note: This Parador will be undergoing restoration works throughout 2025-6
Day 7: Departure or extra nights
Enjoy the last few hours in Santiago before your onward journey or stay an extra night or two.⯈ We can recommend an extra night in Santiago de Compostela to explore this fabulous city, its countless historic sites and labyrinth of cobbled streets, typical stone architecture and great bars and restaurants.
Travel
Frequent questions:
- Which airport should I fly to?
- There are several options: Madrid, Santiago, Vigo or Porto(Portugal)
- How do I get to the Starting Point?
Santiago: Private taxi transfer or bus to city centre-bus to Valença-private taxi to Tui
Madrid: High-speed train from Chamartin Station to Santiago then as above
Vigo: Private taxi transfer or bus
Porto: Private taxi transfer or bus to Valença-taxi to Tui
- How do I get back?
To Santiago Airport: Private taxi transfer to Santiago Airport or Airport Bus from city centre.
To Madrid Airport: Direct high-speed train from Santiago to Chamartin station, Madrid then taxi to airport or Cercanias train C1 from Chamartin to T4 (airport bus to other terminals)
To Vigo Airport: Private transfer by taxi or Bus
To Porto Airport, Portugal: Private taxi transfer or direct Alsa Bus
Useful links:
Hotels
5 nights in fabulous four-star Parador hotels and 1 night in exceptional five-star Parador hotel.
Paradors are luxury hotels with exquisite service and offering the best of traditional cuisine in their restaurants. They are located in National Heritage properties: unique, historic buildings such as restored Palaces, Monasteries or Castles. Three of the Parador hotels have seasonal swimming pools. (Hotels may vary depending on availability)
*Early booking strongly recommended*
Nights 1 and 2: Tui
On the border between Spain and Portugal, in the beautiful historic town of Tui and nestled on the banks of the Miño river, is the Parador de Tui. The architecture of this wonderful hotel characterises a traditional Galician Pazo.
Surrounded by mountains and rivers, the hotel has excellent views, elegant lounges, comfortable and spacious rooms and a tropical landscaped garden with a swimming pool and a tennis court.
Night 3: Baiona
On the peninsula of Monterreal, towering majestically above the breathtaking bay of Baoina with 360º views, is located your hotel for tonight. The Parador de Baiona is a medieval castle with elegant and comfortable rooms that take you back to another age.
The Catholic Monarchs who founded a fort on this site in 1497, had an eye for a great location! Its strategic position gave it a key role when Francis Drake attacked in 1585. You can feel the history in its very stones! We challenge you to find a swimming pool with better views!
Night 4: Pontevedra
Pontevedra, the capital of the Rias Baixas region, is an animated, friendly city steeped in history and home to your next hotel. The Parador de Pontevedra is right in the historic centre, in a 16th century Renaissance palace that was once the residence of the Counts of Maceda.
At the entrance is a stately staircase of carved stone that sweeps you past exquisite antiques and classic furniture to your room, where you'll find a perfect combination of history, design and comfortable, modern services.
Night 5: Cambados
The bustling fishing village of Cambados, the capital of Albariño wine, is the location of your next Parador. An elegant but comfortable Galician manor house, surrounded by an extensive garden with an enticing seasonal swimming pool where you can enjoy a refreshing swim after a day in the saddle.
The welcoming, friendly staff are a great source of local secrets on how to best immerse yourself in the abundant wine tourism and treat yourself to the best of Galician seafood. Scallops are a local speciality!
Night 6: Santiago de Compostela
Undoubtedly, the jewel in the crown of this tour! Said to be one of the oldest and most luxurious hotels in Spain, the Parador de Santiago de Compostela boasts an unrivalled position on the Plaza del Obradoiro, overlooking the world-renowned Cathedral,spiritual home to millions of pilgrims worldwide.
Built in the XV century by the Catholic Monarchs, as a Pilgrim Hospital, this awe-inspiring work of art houses four magnificent cloisters, elegant imposing corridors, spectacular banqueting halls and is adorned with priceless museum pieces. This place truly takes your breath away, an unforgettable experience!
We highly recommend an extra night here if your budget allows. Immerse yourself in history and lose yourself in the streets of a city imbued with culture, spirituality and Celtic folklore!
Please Note: This Parador will be undergoing restoration works during 2025-6 which may cause some disruption.
Our Bikes
Touring bikes
Electric bikes
Designed to withstand heavy loads and provide high safety and comfort even after long hours of riding in the saddle, these adventure bikes will serve you well both on and off-road.
The downside to all these extra features and equipment is weight, but on a long distance tour, reliability, comfort and safety, win the day.
Characteristics:
- Time tested components to stay maintenance free during the tour.
- Broad range of gears.
- Stable carriers for luggage transport.
- Permanently mounted lights with a hub dynamo (on some models)
- Comfortable sitting position and straight, adjustable handlebars.
- Other comfort features include bike stand, mudguards and bottle holder.
- High bar and low bar models and sizes xs to XL.
- Gravel and road bikes available on some routes - ask us for more details.
Equipment provided:
- Mobile phone carrier
- Odometer*
- Rear pannier
- Map carrier*
- Helmet
- Water bottle
- Lock
- Pump
- Puncture repair kit
- Multitool set
- (*Not provided on routes with digital navigation packs)
Touring bikesElectric bikes
Not every type of electric bike is suitable to use in a cycling tour. Most e-bikes are actually designed for city cycling rather than long distances routes.
Experience allows us to choose e-bikes with the most suitable features for touring: reliability, simple operation, long battery life and short charge time.
Characteristics:
- Time tested components to stay maintenance free during the tour.
- Broad range of gears.
- Stable carriers for luggage transport.
- Permanently mounted lights with a hub dynamo (on some models)
- Comfortable sitting position and straight, adjustable handlebars.
- Other comfort features include bike stand, mudguards and bottle holder.
- Sizes S to XL.
Equipment provided:
- Odometer*
- Rear pannier
- Map carrier*
- Helmet
- Water bottle
- Lock
- Pump
- Puncture repair kit
- Multitool set
- (*Not provided on routes with digital navigation kit only)
Prices
April, May and October
Per person in double or twin room1,126 €
This includes:
- 6 nights' accommodation. 6 breakfasts.
- Transfer at the end of cycling day 3.
- Transfer to starting point on cycling day 4.
- Transfer to finishing point at the end of cycling day 5.
- Luggage transfers between hotels.
- Detailed digital maps with your trail clearly marked.
- Itinerary description, full of recommendations for things to do and places to visit, advice and suggestions and information about your accommodation, etc.
- GPS tracks and Navigation App to follow the itinerary on your phone.
- (NB Some route notes and navigation materials are digital ONLY. Check with us for details)
- Emergency support.
- Activity insurance.
Single room supplement
237 €
Solo traveller supplement459 €
June
Per person in double room1,227 €
Single room supplement275 €
Solo traveller supplement497 €
July
Per person in double room1,451 €
Single room supplement430 €
Solo traveller supplement653 €
August
Per person in double room1,538 €
Single room supplement535 €
Solo traveller supplement757 €
September
Per person in double room1,356 €
Single room supplement392 €
Solo traveller supplement614 €
Extras:
Half board (dinners, drinks not included)240 €
Bicycle hire110 €
E-bike hire180 €
Transfers:
Private transfer from Santiago Airport to Tui170 €
Other options:(Prices on request)
Extra night in Tui
Extra night in A Guarda
Extra night in Baiona
Extra night in Pontevedra
Extra night in Cambados
Extra night in Santiago de Compostela
If interested, please contact us with your plans, requirements and queries,
or simply use the next "Get a quote" section, which we would recommend.
Please note
There is a locally payable Tourism Tax charged in Santiago de Compostela. This tax is charged per person, per night and costs between 2-4€.
Gravel bikes are also available for rental. Please, ask us for details and prices.
Get a quote
Reviews
- the overall experience that AFTC provide is by far the best we have experienced from any biking travel company.
This new route from AFTC is exceptional! The hard work and attention to detail that they have obviously put into developing this route, resulted in a faultless, wonderful experience for us in a fascinating part of Spain…. And a little bit of Portugal thrown in as well!
The Galician Paradors route was our eleventh trip with Away From the Crowds and it was right up there as one of the best. The combination of the amazing Paradors, beautiful and tranquil routes, abundance of quality Seafood and top-quality Albariño wine made it a really memorable trip.
We booked the extra night in A Guarda. We will never forget the stunning views from the hill-top hotel that AFTC selected for this extra night.
After eleven years of booking Away from the Crowds cycle trips, we were delighted with the quality of this new route. Having been lucky to experience many bike holidays, the overall experience that AFTC provide is by far the best we have experienced from any biking travel company.
Ged & Audrey Bell, Broughty Ferry, Scotland
¡Muchas gracias, amigos! It's always such a pleasure to host you, Ged & Audrey! Your enthusiasm is contagious! We look forward to having you back for route number 12!!
Jaime and Gaynor, Aftc
- Our Parador tour of Galicia with Away from the crowds was one of the best vacations of our lives!
Our Parador tour of Galicia with Away from the crowds was one of the best vacations of our lives!
Every last detail, from the Parador stays to the stops along the route for coffee, was thoughtfully and carefully planned.
They took all the guesswork out of the cycling, preparing us for busy roads, steep hills, and uneven terrain.
It is clear that they personally vetted the route they planned, and even recommended memorable stops like Adegas Fillaboa. Fillaboa was hands down our favorite!
They were also prompt to respond when we had any doubts leading up to and on our trip.
Cycling through Galicia was an unforgettable experience - without Aftc we would have never known to visit such gems as Tui, Pontevedra, Baiona, A Guarda, O Grove, and Cambados!
If anything, our complaint was that we wished we had more time getting to know each town we were spending the night! If we could go back and do it again, I think we would have spent the extra night in A Guarda.
We would highly recommend booking your next trip through them.
Thank you so much for everything!
Maria Abdo & Trey Rebman, Margarita & Miguel Abdo, Boston, MA, USA.
¡Muchas gracias, Maria! We're delighted to hear that you all enjoyed your holiday so much! You'll just have to do it again next year with some extra nights thrown in!
Gaynor, Aftc
- The tour was as good as we expected from AFTC, however I sense an added sense of exhilaration this week!
...a fabulous addition to your itineraries and your administration and organisation has again been superb, and your responsiveness during the trip was really fantastic. Really thrilled with your new route, today was also fantastic. The tour was as good as we expected from AFTC, however I sense an added sense of exhilaration this week!
Gerard and Susan Daly, Dublin, Ireland.
Thank you for all your fabulous feedback! It's always a pleasure to host you all, nuestros amigos!
- The ride was fantastic!
The ride was fantastic! We lucked out on the weather from cold to hot but all dry.
The Paradors were as always very nice. I have stayed in more than 30 different ones.
My bike was great. My son's bike had fewer gears and was heavier. I thought about asking for a different bike but he's a strong rider so we just made do.
Ride with GPS is the very best. I remember what it was like riding with paper maps!
I'm 78 years old and this was my 23rd ride in Spain. Not done yet!
William Day
Indiana, USA
And 13 of those you've done with Aftc! We look forward to you returning for your next adventure, Bill!
- the comfort and charm of the Paradors
A very rewarding cycling trip which we enjoyed a lot for the beauty of the nature and scenery not to mention the comfort and charm of the Paradors.
Philippe and Susan Gueunet, the Netherlands
¡Muchas gracias, Philippe and Susan! It was a pleasure to host you for your first trip with us!
Gaynor, Aftc
- a Great Trip and a credit to you and your team.
The bike handover and pickup was excellent - lovely family - the e-bikes were fun (we have ridden Bosch powered e-bikes before but these were our first Bafangs) - they just about drove themselves once you got going!
The route itself (the itinerary) was a real joy - well done - a great mix of Camino and pilgrims versus the coastline, sea etc.
We used the route notes - excellent backup to the GPS, and great briefing over breakfast and bedtime reading.
In summary, a Great Trip and a credit to you and your team.
Alistair, Diane and Joanna Thomson, Aukland, Australia
A pleasure to host you again on your fourth Aftc adventure!
Gaynor, Aftc
- The Galician river and coastal landscape was spectacular.
We thoroughly enjoyed our Galicia cycling holiday, which we experienced back-to-back with Aftc’s walking holiday in Somiedo. The Galician river and coastal landscape was spectacular. The weather during the first week of June was hot and sunny – perhaps warmer than usual. Some days there were strong Atlantic headwinds.
The bike handover and briefing were excellent. The bikes worked well after some running repairs in the Tui bike shop at the start of the second day.
All the Paradors, each in a superb historic building, were remarkable.
The optional night at A Guarda (ferried up the mountain by Aftc taxi) was definitely worthwhile, splitting a long ride (71.6km) and allowing sufficient time the next day to really enjoy the trip along the coast to Baiona. The quirky non-Parador hilltop hotel had a fabulous setting, our room had a stunning view over the estuary, and supper and breakfast were simple but good. The descent in the morning was an adventurous swoop!
We hadn’t fully appreciated that this, unusually for Aftc, was a paper-free, digital-only route. Being among the older cohort of Aftc clients (75 and 80 years old), we are very keen on maps and all the additional contextual information that they offer. We agreed a compromise, but the last-minute arrangements didn’t quite work out.
Adam and Jane Mills, Cambridge, UK
Thanks for your feedback, Adam and Jane! We're delighted that you enjoyed our new route in gorgeous Galicia! It's tricky catering for those who prefer digital GPS navigation along with those who prefer traditional paper, like yourselves! We're ironing out the glitches with the app so that the print out option is easily available in future. Thanks!
Gaynor, Aftc
- And the routes were easy to follow using the app.
Holiday was great, each day was a nice length with not too much climbing, so we had a relaxed pace.
Overall, the holiday was great and I would recommend it for anyone of reasonable fitness. It was very enjoyable - lovely scenery at an easy pace along quiet roads and tracks with a nice hotel to look forward at the end of each day's cycling. And the routes were easy to follow using the app.
Rhys & Anne Edwards, Dublin, Ireland
Muchas gracias Anne and Rhys, we're delighted you had a great holiday!
Gaynor, Aftc
- There's an abundance of wildlife there. We even spotted a firecrest!
The Paradors we're absolutely incredible and exceeded our expectations. We especially loved the Parador in Tui and in Baiona. We wished we could have spent few more days in Baiona and Pontevedra.
The app worked well, but my phone shut down a couple of times due to heat.
The route was good. We followed a suggestion on the third day to follow the cycle path on the Portuguese side all the way to Caminha and to take a taxi boat back to Spain from there (it was a Sunday and we paid 7 euro per person). We loved that route.
Evening stroll along the river in Tui was magical. There's an abundance of wildlife there. We even spotted a firecrest!
Thank you for organising our lovely holidays, we really enjoyed it!
Marlena Chmielewska & Brian Connolly, Dublin, Ireland
Thank you Marlena! Yes, the new phone holders are ideal to protect your mobile from the rain but we recommend turning off the screen where possible and activating the audio signals to prevent the phone from over-heating! Thanks for choosing to travel with Aftc!
Gaynor, Aftc
- The food was great in Galicia - lots of wonderful seafood - and Albariño wine!
We loved this bike route! Much of it was either on bike paths or on quiet rural roads, as well as some interesting off-road tracks. There was not much on busy roads, so it was perfect. I would very much recommend it, it was one of the best ones we’ve done so far.
The bikes were very good and suitable for the varied terrain the bikes were used on.
The route around Illa de Arousa was ideal for an easy day. We wanted a day in the middle of the tour to relax, so it was fine for a gentle cycle, stopping to swim at a couple of places!
The route notes were good and ... The navigation on the app routes worked well, we only took a few wrong turns!
The food was great in Galicia - lots of wonderful seafood - and Albariño wine!
Makes me happy just remembering these places. Thank you so much for organising a great trip!
Simon Wood & Debbie Parker, Sheffield, UK
Thanks for your positive feedback, Simon and Debbie. Yes, the food and wine on this tour are real highlights, along with the fabulous hotels!
Gaynor, Aftc
- The cycling is a great way of appreciating what Galicia’s Atlantic coast has to offer
The cycling is a great way of appreciating what Galicia’s Atlantic coast has to offer, while the Paradores make sure you do so in comfort.
All Paradores were lovely, with excellent facilities, along with friendly and professional staff. Perhaps the nicest setting was Baiona, while our favourite location was Cambados (and not just because of the wine festival!).
Route notes were certainly helpful as a backup and became essential when my phone overheated!
We had a great time, and have many fond memories to look back on.
Cyril and Dierdre Kirwan, Dublin, Ireland.
¡Muchas gracias, amigos! We recommend turning off the screen on your mobile and just activating the audio on RWGPS, particularly in the more straight forward sections of the route. This helps to stop the phone from overheating. You can also request a simple silicone phone holder rather than the bag (if there's no rain forecast!). We hope to see you again for route number 5 next year!
Aftc team
- The route was great and the RwGPS makes it so awesome! The Route Notes were great and we used them all the time.
We biked Galicia in late September after biking Rioja with Away from the Crowds three years earlier.
The entire trip was beautiful and the Paradors that we stayed in were fantastic. We had never been to Galicia so we were not really sure what to expect, it was beautiful and we are looking to spend more time there in the future for sure.
The route was great and the RwGPS makes it so awesome! The Route Notes were great and we used them all the time.
The team from Away from the Crowds has made these two trips so easy on every front that we'll be back for more for sure.
Jeff Soltesz & Lieselotte Pollvogt, Vermont, USA.
It was great to have you back travelling with us again this year. Thanks for being such Aftc fans! Glad you enjoyed this new route! Hope to see you soon!
Aftc Team
CO₂ footprint offsetting
This holiday produces a carbon footprint of 0.5277 tonnes of CO₂. This includes taxis, luggage transfers and accommodation for every traveller.
We will compensate the CO₂ footprint for each booking through tropical reforestation projects in collaboration with the CeroCO₂ platform.
Additionally, you can also offset your own flight emissions by visiting myclimate. See the link below.
