ACTIVE RETREAT IN THE CAMINO
- Rodrigo Zanella
- Dec 9, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 23
A ROUTE WITH SILENCE
ACTIVE RETREAT, 6 DAYS APRIL 13TH 2025
There's a growing need to slow down, embrace stillness, and reconnect with ourselves. In today's world of constant stimuli, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and lose sight of what truly matters. We believe that, by quieting the noise, we can rediscover who we are, what brings us joy, and how to navigate towards a fulfilling life.
That's the inspiration behind our active retreat – a journey along the sacred pilgrimage route of the Camino. This 6-day program starts in Porto, Portugal, and concludes in Santiago, Spain. Most of the journey will be traversed by bike, interspersed with invigorating hikes amidst breathtaking scenery.
OUR ACTIVE RETREAT PROPOSAL
This is suitable for everyone with an active lifestyle. E-bikes can be chosen if you are in doubt, but we will take it easy, so we recommend normal bikes. Each day will also include dedicated practices designed to further enhance the transformative process. These practices might involve journaling, group provocations, or guided meditations, all focused on deepening self-awareness and fostering connection with yourself and the surrounding environment.
MEET THE COACH
Hi! I'm Carolina! My passion lies in supporting journeys of self-discovery outdoors. After nearly two decades in diverse corporate roles across Latin America, Asia, and Europe, and with the arrival of my third child, I made a life-changing decision. I'm now dedicated to what truly ignites me: helping people thrive through personal growth experiences immersed in nature.
As an avid cyclist, I believe the shifting perspectives gained on rides spark deeper reflection and unlock new insights. The Camino de Santiago itself is a powerful catalyst for transformation. My goal is to support and amplify that journey, ensuring you return home with lasting positive changes.
THE TRIP AT GLANCE
Start Date:
April 13th
Finish Date:
April 19th, 2025 in Santiago de Compostela
Start location:
Porto
Finish location:
Transfer back to Porto
Distances and elevation:
Total: 295 kms, average 55 kms
Maximum in one day: 62 kms
Accommodations:
6 nights included (4 and 5 stars hotels),
6 days of activities
Suitable bikes
E-Bike
MTB
Terrain and difficulty level
Paved, gravel, cobblestone
Ease
WHAT WIL BE PROVIDED?
Included
- Surprising accommodations with breakfast included (Porto, Esposende, Praia Âncora, Nigran, Redondela, Padron)
- Mountain bike fitted to your size (Shimano Group, Disc Brakes, etc.)
- Experienced Guide Rodrigo Zanella
- Support Car (Luggage Transfer & Assistance)
- Group activities provoked by Carolina Almeida
- Insurance
- Group Coaching and Prep Call Prior to departure
- Group activities to deepen the transformation
Not included
- E-Bike (we recommend regular bikes, but ebikes are available for additional EUR 290)
- Lunch and dinner
- Flights
- Entrance fees not mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodation in Santiags and transfer from Santiago elsewhere
- Pre Retreat 1-1 Coaching (book a free call with Carolina to explore the details)
HOW MUCH?
EUR 1.990 for early sign up until Jan 5th
EUR 2.190 later signup
DETAILED ITINERARY
April 13: Porto, Portugal: The meet up.We will meet in the hotel which is located where the Douro River encounters the Atlantic Ocean. With this scenery we will get to know the each other, get the bikes ready, and talk about the adventure we will enjourney in the next days.
April 14: Destination: Esposende (55 kms). The start.
The first day is about releasing the anxiety of starting something new. We will get used to the bikes and start looking for the yellow arrows that show us the way to Compostela.
April 15: Destination: Praia de Âncora (52 kms). The views.
Continuing our coastal journey, we'll venture inland at times, passing by centuries-old churches and monuments that mark the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. A dedicated bike lane with old windmills in the coast line will get us to our destination in Vila Praia Âncora, a small beach town next to the Spanish border.
April 16: Destination: Baiona, Spain (54 kms). The crossing.
Our ride begins aboard a fast ferry to cross the Minho River Today we are going to Spain, entering Galizia, the region known for the beautiful mountains that meet the coastline.
April 17: Destination: Redondela, Spain (38 kms). The forest.
As we get closer to Santiago, the dozens of pilgrimage routes converge so we will see more and more pilgrims in our route. That will help us connect to our motivations of doing the Camino. Today we will leave the bike aside in the morning and hike between the trees and the water streams in a forest. We will than cycle passing Vigo before we get to Redondela.
April 18: Destination: Padrón, Spain (61 kms). The challenge.
So far, we really have been preparing for this day. As in life, we have some challenges that seem impossible to overcome, but when we make one step at a time, we can amaze ourselves of what we are capable of. Today it is a long ride, with lots of uphills and it will be rewarding to get to our next accommodation, a 4 star hotel in a building from the XVI century in Padron.
April 19: Destination: Santiago de Compostela, Spain (26 km - 440 m). The end (or the new beginning).
The spirit of pilgrimage culminates on this final day as we cycle into Santiago de Compostela. Hundreds of pilgrims, each with their own story, will accompany us on this shared journey to reach this sacred destination. We will have lunch to celebrate our encounter with ourselves and each other.
