Cycling the Way of St. James is becoming more and more popular. In addition to the coveted pilgrim’s certificate, pilgrims on the Way of St. James can expect lonely expanses, idyllic vineyards, green valleys and mountains, as well as impressive cities. If you would like to know more about the level of difficulty, the organization of the daily stages and the appropriate equipment, then read on and get one step closer to becoming a cycling pilgrim.
The Camino de Santiago – Cycling the famous pilgrimage route
The Camino de Santiago is the most famous pilgrimage route in the world. Over 200,000 pilgrims on foot and by bike arrive at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela every year. Since many paths lead to the Spanish cathedral, the starting point can vary greatly. One of the most common answers to the question of where the Camino de Santiago begins is: “On your doorstep.” Otherwise, the Camino de Santiago can be divided into five popular routes. The Caminho Portugues runs along the coast of Portugal for 240 km and is considered the easiest route to Santiago de Compostela. The Camino Francés, the coastal path Camino del Notre, the Via de la Plata and the Camino Primitivo also lead to Santiago de Compostela through Spain, along various routes and with varying degrees of difficulty. The most popular route for conquering the Way of St. James by bike is the Camino Francés, which begins in Pamplona. On this route, you will be on the road for about 8-14 days and cover a total distance of about 830 km. Alternatively, you can start directly from your doorstep and cycle to the cathedral in 3-5 weeks, depending on where you start from.
Which bike is suitable for the Camino de Santiago?
The best bike for the Camino de Santiago is a light mountain bike. With a touring bike, on the other hand, you may have to take some paved roads. In any case, you should have your bike checked by an expert before the trip and make sure it is in perfect condition. You should also adjust your bike properly to ensure optimal riding comfort and to protect your knees and back.
What equipment should I take with me?
The equipment you need for your bike tour can be divided into two categories. Firstly, you need everything for your bike, such as a tool kit, a lock, saddle bags, etc. Secondly, you need certain things for yourself, such as a helmet, comfortable clothing, a rain jacket and sufficient sun protection. In total, your luggage should not exceed 15 kg and should be attached to the bike as much as possible, rather than carried on your back. Most pilgrims use practical saddlebags for this purpose. Furthermore, it is possible to send your luggage between stages via the national postal service (Correos).
Packing list for a bike tour on the Camino de Santiago
- A tool kit with a key, patches, grease, glue, etc.
- A bicycle lock
- A helmet and suitable shoes
- Comfortable cycling clothes
- A reflective rain jacket
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and gloves
Camino de Santiago by bicycle – duration and route
The Camino Francés is, as already mentioned, the most popular cycle route to Santiago de Compostela and is about 830 km long. It runs from Pamplona, near the French border, to the cathedral. To cover the distance in 8 days, you should cover a little over 100 km per day. If you don’t want to be quite so sporty, you can also divide the tour into shorter sections, which will increase the total travel time and give you more time to enjoy the diverse scenery and exciting cities at your leisure. Because cycling tourism is less about reaching a destination and more about consciously enjoying the moment. Depending on your physical condition, about 50 km per day is easily manageable.
Camino de Santiago by bike in stages – Camino Francés
The Camino Francés can be divided into a total of almost 140 stages, which you can put together individually. Since some sections run through the high mountains and there are some steep ascents and descents, you should consider in advance which sections you would like to cover by bike. Alternatively, it is also possible to hike on the downhill sections and to rent a transport for your bike. On the way to Santiago de Compostela, the Pyrenees, the imposing vineyards of Rioja, the impressive expanses of Castile and the idyllic mountains and valleys of Galicia await you. Tip: You will receive your pilgrim’s certificate at the pilgrim’s office in Santiago if you have traveled at least 200 km by bike on the Camino de Santiago. Simply collect the stamps from the accommodation after each stage in your cycle tour book or pilgrim’s pass.
Best time of year for a cycle tour on the Camino de Santiago
The best time of year to cycle along the Camino Francés or the Camino de Santiago is springtime or autumn, when it is neither too hot nor too cold and there is little rainfall. The ideal months are from April to June and September. If you want to use the summer holidays and decide on July or August, you should do as the Spaniards do and have an extended siesta during the midday heat and plan your trips for early morning and late afternoon. The period from November to February is also less advisable, as a lot of precipitation can be expected in winter. Not sure yet whether the Way of St. James is the right tour for you? Then find out about other worthwhile cycling tours in Spain that are suitable for beginners and advanced cyclists.
Way of St. James by bike – conclusion
Cycling the Way of St. James is becoming increasingly popular. The Camino Francés is particularly popular with cyclists. Depending on your physical condition and daily range, the route can be covered in about 8-14 stages. To ensure that you reach your destination safely and are prepared for all eventualities, the right equipment is crucial. In addition to comfortable functional clothing, you should always have a helmet, a tool set, suitable shoes, a reflective rain jacket and sun protection in your luggage. Most cyclists use practical saddlebags for transportation. This way, the weight is not on your back and you can enjoy the beautiful view without worry. Remember to have each section documented at the accommodation so that you can pick up your pilgrimage certificate in Santiago de Compostela at the end and officially become one of the pilgrim cyclists.
Way of St. James by bike – FAQs
Can you also travel the Way of St. James by bike?
It is possible to travel the Way of St. James by bicycle, just as it is possible to travel it on foot. The most popular route for cyclists is the Camino Francés from Pamplona, near the French border. Cyclists who have traveled at least 200 km of the Way of St. James will also receive a certificate of pilgrimage.
How long does it take to travel the Way of St. James by bicycle?
On the Camino Francés, the most popular Way of St. James for cyclists, you will need about 8-14 days to reach Santiago de Compostela. The distance you will cover is about 830 km.
How long is the entire Way of St. James?
There is no general answer to how long the Way of St. James is, as there are many different routes with different starting points. The shortest route is the Caminho Portugues at 240 km and the longest route, the Via de la Plata at 1,000 km. You can also set out on the Way of St. James directly from your own home.