Esteiro + Caminha

Highlights

The lovely towns of Viana do Castelo and Caminha, quiet rural roads and the Atlantic Coast.

Route notes

1. Viana do Castelo to Esteiro: 14 kilometres

The first section of the ride takes you over the bridge over the Lima River, to the town of Viana do Castelo. Getting on and off the Ponte Eiffel bridge on the town side involves navigating a very confusing interchange – take care.

After leaving the cobbles of the town behind, you climb out of the town diverting on, off and back on the EN202 that takes you to Ponte de Lima.

2. Esteiro to Caminha: 26 kilometres

After turning off the EN202 at the junction, there is a 2 kilometre climb to take you up out of the Lima River valley and over the A27 motorway. Once over this first lump, you’re on to the proper climb, on quiet rural roads. The top of the climb is marked by the junction with the M526, followed by a windy descent to the village of Cancela.

Shortly after the village, the route turns off right into a peaceful wooded valley, marking the start of the second climb. This takes you over the A28 motorway, before descending through the village of Azevedo and then cruising into Caminha.

3. Caminha to Viana do Castelo: 29 kilometres

From Caminha, it’s the N13 coast road back to Viana do Castelo, with a few detours closer to the coast around Vila Praia de Âncora. Unless you’re unlucky, the prevailing wind will be at your back and the road has a wide shoulder area.

Café stops

Caminha has a beautiful town square with good options for café stops.

Vila Praia de Âncora is another pretty town and beach that is a good spot for refuelling on the home straight.

Viano do Castelo also has great options, including Peloton. Great coffee and a good selection of cakes, in a Girona-esque cobbled side street, complete with cycling memorabilia and a small shop and seating area at the back of the café.

Peloton café in Viano do Castelo

Accommodation

We stayed at FeelViana Sport Hotel, just over the Lima River from Viana do Castelo. You’ll find full details in our guide to cycling Viana.

Tips

Don’t miss our tips for cycling in Portugal.

There’s not much between Viana and Caminha, so plan accordingly. 

This is a route that you probably don’t want to reverse: the 25km coastal section generally has a north/northwesterly wind. Also, descending the Coura valley is the nicest way to experience it. 

Take extra care getting onto and off the Ponte Eiffel bridge in Viana do Castelo as this is busy and very confusing. 

Not every rider will enjoy the traditional cobbles found in most of the towns and villages you ride through. Try to stay seated, hold the bars loosely and keep powering the legs!

Generally drivers are patient and courteous although care is required on the narrow roads. 

John Dewey, is an avid cyclist with a tendency to underestimate total riding time (or over-estimate his speed)! It's been a few years since he hung up the TT skinsuit, but his love of riding continues unabated.