Bicycle Ways
Below we offer you our travel proposals to make the Camino de Santiago by bike.
As experts in organized trips to the Camino de Santiago we propose travel packages with everything you need to undertake this mythical journey by bicycle: Reservation of accommodation, Luggage transfer, Road support vehicle, Assistance insurance, Telephone assistance, Practical documentation of the route, pilgrim's credential, etc.
If you prefer we also offer the option of doing the Camino de Santiago on foot.
Bike ride from León to Santiago
Bike route from Porto to Santiago
Bike route from Irún to Santiago
Bike route from Gijón to Santiago
Bike route from Oviedo to Santiago
Tips for doing the Camino de Santiago by bike
Doing the Camino de Santiago by bike It is an alternative that over the years has gained hundreds of followers. It allows you to have a completely different experience than doing it on foot. However, it also requires a minimum of preparation and following some tips to make the adventure as pleasant as possible.
Stay with us and we'll show you some tips to do the Camino de Santiago organized trips cycling.
Tips for the Camino de Santiago by bike
Travel the Jacobean routes, regardless of the way, It is a rewarding experience from any point of view.. If you are planning to do it by bike, it is completely normal for many questions to arise, so here we will try to answer the most common ones.
Suitable bike type
Of course, the bicycle is the protagonist of this route, so it must be indicated for the route you take. You should know that no matter which one you choose, most of the Jacobean routes, you can drive on asphalt. This means that it is a road bike can be completely suitable.
However, if you are planning to follow the original layouts, the recommendation would then be a Mountain bike. It must have a good chainring and suspension system.
If you have experience in the subject of cycling, hybrid bikes will be perfect. These allow you to go without problem both on the road and on slightly more rugged terrain. No matter which one you choose, try to make it light. Also, you must have thewheels in the best possible condition.
Which route to choose
As you know, there are many routes that reach Santiago de Compostela. Only in Spain are six the most popular, as well as other lesser-known routes. Of course, you have to take into account that others depart from different parts of Europe, so the account is extended.
However, the French Way it is the most popular and on a bike this is no different. This route is quite friendly for cyclists, although you should know that it has several climbs, so you will have to prepare yourself.
The French Way is the busiest, both walking with a bike. In addition, it is one of the best signposted and with a large number of services. Therefore, if it is your first time, it is a wonderful option.
If you have already done this route, the Northern Way it can also be a good option. In addition to being friendly, you will find really beautiful landscapes. Of course, we warn you that it is a little harder since it includes several mountain sections
Number of stages
Although each of the routes is divided into different stages, these are designed for pilgrims on foot. This means that by bicycle could be completed in less time. The average route per hour of bicigrino is from 10 to 15 km per hour.
Everything depends on the particular physical condition and the experiences that have been raised around this tour. For your reference, the The French Way from Roncesvalles as a starting point can be easily completed in 10 stages. This at an average of 100 km per day.
Now, for other Jacobean routes, it will take a few more days. For example, the Camino del Norte would have about 20 stages, while the Camino Primitivo would last approximately one week.
baggage to carry
Both by bicycle and on foot, the pilgrim's luggage is one of the most frequent questions, always. As advice, especially if you do the Camino de Santiago by bike, You should only bring what is essential.
As a bicigrino you must add some elements (helmet, cyclist sportswear, shoes, lights, saddlebags, patches for the wheels, bowler hat and a small tool kit that can save you from any trouble).
Choose between panniers or trolley
We must say it saddlebags are a better option to transport and secure everything to the bike at the time of doing the Camino de Santiago. Although bikepacking bags are also an ideal alternative, panniers are much more recommended.
Although some prefer to replace them with a cart, the simple structure will add an extra load. However, in any case, everything will depend on your personal tastes.
Remember that if you hire our services as an organizing agency for the Camino De Santiago we will take your luggage from accommodation to accommodation.
At what time to do it
Being an increasingly popular option, the Pilgrim's Office already has its own statistics on bicigrinos.
Accordingly, most choose to take the tour between the months of May to September. During these dates, the rains that are usually a constant during the rest of the year are avoided, especially in the sections that run through Galicia.
Of course, just as rain is avoided, it is also important stay a bit away from the central summer months. Keep in mind that high temperatures can work against you, unless you start first thing in the morning, as we recommend at Viajes Mundiplus.
Accommodation for the Camino de Santiago by bike
Just as luggage is essential, planning your accommodation is also a necessity before you start pedaling. If you do it on your own and you sleep in shelters, it is important that you bring a lock for your bicycle, since most of them do not have space inside it. If, on the other hand, you sleep in our partner accommodation, the vast majority of them have rooms set up to store them, although to date there has never been any incident, we always recommend locking them.
Bike alone or in a group
You should know that the Camino de Santiago, regardless of the route, It has proper signage and for the most part they are quite safe. You can do it by bike by yourself and this is not a major inconvenience.
Also, you should know that you won't always be alone. Like you, there are hundreds of bicigrinos who travel these routes and who will join together, until when you notice it, you have formed a good group.
Not only on the routes, also in the hostels you will coincide with many of them. They could even give you some advice about the route and the challenges that are faced every day when cycling.
The bike, at the end of the Camino de Santiago
Many doubts also fall on what to do with the bike at the end of the Camino and reach Santiago de Compostela. But this is not necessarily a problem.
There are quite a few bicigrinos opt for pedaling again. In addition, there is the option of return it as a parcel. Even the Pilgrim's Office and the Santiago de Compostela Post Office offer this type of service with insurance included.
What is the easiest bike path for beginners
The most popular and busy route, among other reasons due to its low difficulty, is the Camino from Sarria to Santiago. If you are not very accustomed to riding a bicycle, we would recommend doing the same stages as pilgrims on foot, but by bicycle. What a pilgrim takes to cover a stage of 5 to 7 hours, you would do it in approximately half the time.