Bicycling Porto to Santiago advice

[TulaB]

I have read many comments about drivers being terrible in Portugal. This is concerning because we are planning a two week driving trip around Portugal before our Camino bike adventure in June 2018. Any thoughts on driving in Portugal AND riding the Camino? Are safety vests necessary? We are experienced road and mountain bike riders and have ridden in Italy, Canada, England and the US. We are taking the central route and considering alternate routes (Variente Espiritual). Your thoughts and comments are appreciated as we plan and look forward to this experience.

 

[JCLima]

Yes, we drive like crazy lunatics.

I would advise using all you can to make yourself visible and riding off road as much as possible.

 

[Kieran Kenneally]

Using flashing lights front and rear is also a useful hint. As to cycling on this route, I have no knowledge but I have walked from TUI and have no recollection of seeing many cyclists until the latter stages.

 

[Wendy N]

I found this website yesterday about driving in Spain and Portugal, you might find it helpful : http://www.totallyspaintravel.com/2017/06/16/driving-in-spain-and-portugal/
They say all Spain and Portugal drivers should carry a safety vest in their car. Also, when I walked the Portuguese last year, I noticed that most local Pilgrims walked wearing their safety vests. The roads will only be a concern in Portugal. The drivers are aggressive and the roadways are narrow. Once you cross into Spain you spend very little time on the roads.

 

[naplesdon]

If you are renting a car it should come with a safety vest and safety triangles. Walking on some of the roads is a nail biter, so riding I would rate as a two fisted nail biter. Don't forget there are lots of cobblestones, bad for the feet, not much more fun seated on a bike.