Cycling the Camino de Santiago: A Complete Planning Guide

The Camino de Santiago: A Cyclist's Perspective

The Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James) has been walked by pilgrims for over a thousand years, but cycling the route has become increasingly popular in recent decades. The Pilgrim's Office in Santiago de Compostela reports that roughly 15-20% of all pilgrims arriving at the cathedral now do so by bicycle.

Cycling the Camino offers a unique blend of physical challenge, cultural immersion, and spiritual reflection. While walkers typically take 30-35 days to complete the Camino Frances (the most popular route), cyclists can cover the same distance in 10-14 days, depending on fitness level and how many stops they make along the way.

Choosing Your Route

Several Camino routes cross Spain, each offering a different character and challenge for cyclists:

Camino Frances (French Way)

The most popular route, stretching approximately 780 km from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the French border to Santiago de Compostela. This route offers the best infrastructure for cyclists, with numerous albergues (pilgrim hostels), bike shops, and well-marked paths. The terrain varies dramatically from the Pyrenean passes through the flat Meseta plains to the green hills of Galicia.

Camino del Norte (Northern Way)

Following the northern coast for 825 km from Irun to Santiago, this route offers stunning Atlantic Ocean views and passes through the Basque Country, Cantabria, and Asturias. The terrain is more challenging than the Frances, with constant ups and downs along the coastal cliffs. Fewer services are available compared to the French Way, so plan your stages carefully.

Camino Portugues (Portuguese Way)

A shorter option at approximately 260 km from Porto to Santiago (or 630 km from Lisbon). This route is particularly popular with cyclists due to its manageable length and relatively gentle terrain. The coastal variant from Porto offers spectacular ocean views.

Suggested Stage Breakdown: Camino Frances by Bike

Here is a realistic 12-day itinerary for cycling the full Camino Frances, averaging 65 km per day with rest days built in:

1. Day 1: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Pamplona (74 km) - The challenging Pyrenean crossing via Roncesvalles
2. Day 2: Pamplona to Estella (44 km) - Recovery day through Navarran wine country
3. Day 3: Estella to Logrono (80 km) - Into La Rioja wine region
4. Day 4: Logrono to Burgos (120 km) - Long flat stage, consider splitting if needed
5. Day 5: Rest day in Burgos - Explore the Gothic cathedral and historic center
6. Day 6: Burgos to Fromista (75 km) - Entering the Meseta
7. Day 7: Fromista to Leon (105 km) - Crossing the vast Castilian plains
8. Day 8: Rest day in Leon - Visit the stunning stained-glass cathedral
9. Day 9: Leon to Ponferrada (65 km) - Climbing into the Montes de Leon
10. Day 10: Ponferrada to O Cebreiro (52 km) - The tough ascent into Galicia
11. Day 11: O Cebreiro to Sarria (42 km) - Rolling green Galician hills
12. Day 12: Sarria to Santiago de Compostela (115 km) - The triumphant final stage

Gear and Bike Setup

Your choice of bike significantly affects your Camino experience. Here is what experienced Camino cyclists recommend:

Bike Selection

A touring bike or gravel bike is the optimal choice for the Camino. The route includes a mix of paved roads, gravel tracks, and occasionally rough forest paths. Key specifications to look for:

• Tires: 35-40mm for a good balance of speed and off-road capability
• Gearing: Low gears (34/32 or lower) are essential for the Pyrenean and Galician climbs with loaded panniers
• Rack mounts: Front and rear racks for panniers are preferable to a backpack
• Disc brakes: Highly recommended for reliable stopping in wet Galician conditions

Essential Gear Checklist

• Two sets of cycling clothing (quick-dry shorts, jerseys, base layers)
• One set of off-bike clothes for evenings
• Rain jacket and waterproof overshoes (essential for Galicia)
• Comprehensive repair kit: spare tubes, tire levers, multi-tool, chain links, brake pads
• Navigation: GPS device or smartphone with offline maps downloaded
• Credential del Peregrino (pilgrim passport) for stamps at each stop
• Sleeping bag liner for albergues
• Basic first aid kit including sunscreen and chamois cream

Accommodation on the Camino

Cyclists have several accommodation options along the route:

• Albergues (Pilgrim Hostels) - Dormitory-style accommodation from 6-15 EUR per night. Most accept cyclists, though walkers receive priority. Arrive before 3pm to secure a bed in popular stages
• Private albergues - Slightly more expensive (15-25 EUR) but often offer private rooms and better facilities. More cyclist-friendly with secure bike storage
• Hotels and guesthouses - Available in most towns along the Frances route. Prices range from 30-80 EUR for a double room. Essential to book ahead during peak season (May-September)
• Camping - Limited official campsites along the route, but some albergues offer garden camping for a reduced fee

When to Go

The Camino cycling season runs from April to October, with each period offering distinct advantages:

• April-May - Spring flowers, green landscapes, comfortable temperatures (15-22 degrees). Some rain possible, especially in the north
• June - Warm and mostly dry. The Meseta can be hot in the afternoons. Longer daylight hours for riding
• September-October - Many experienced cyclists consider this the ideal window. Warm temperatures, harvest season in the wine regions, and fewer crowds than summer

Practical Tips from Experienced Camino Cyclists

• Start each day early (by 7am) to avoid afternoon heat and secure accommodation
• Carry at least 2 liters of water, especially through the Meseta where villages can be 20+ km apart
• Learn basic Spanish phrases - many smaller villages have limited English speakers
• Respect walkers on shared paths. Ring your bell well in advance and pass slowly
• Get your Credential stamped at least twice daily to qualify for the Compostela
• Take the time to explore the historic cities along the way: Pamplona, Burgos, Leon, and of course Santiago itself