Have you ever dreamed of traveling the Camino de Santiago on two wheels? You’re about to discover an unforgettable experience! In this article, we will explore the best bike routes on the Camino de Santiago, providing you with valuable information on how to plan your bike journey for a week, whether it’s just a few days or a full seven days. So, if you’re looking for exciting short routes and the opportunity to have a unique adventure on the Camino with your bike, this article is for you.
What’s it like to do the Camino by bike?
There is a wide range of short routes you can do by bike on the extensive map of existing Jacobean routes. They all have kilometers of special attractions, such as landscapes, heritage, gastronomy, and local culture, but they all bear the mark of the Camino and its inherent qualities.
Some routes are more advantageous than others depending on the available services and accommodations and whether you want solitude or prefer new companions. Additionally, it’s crucial to consider your preferred time of the year for a one-week bike journey.
What to consider when cycling the Camino?
Before embarking on your journey, make sure you are physically prepared and have a suitable and well-maintained bike to ensure its good condition. Equip yourself with the necessary tools and a set of basic spare parts that will help you tackle possible issues with your bike on the Camino. As for luggage, with panniers or front and saddle packs, you can pedal like a snail with your home on your back.
Don’t forget to bring safety equipment, comfortable clothing suitable for the varying weather conditions in each region you pass through. Also, the choice of the route is crucial, so you know which stages you’ll be completing and can book bike-friendly accommodations in advance. Shall we get started?
I don’t have much time… What are the shortest bike routes?
And here we go, you need to decide which Camino route to take in a week, based on your interests and the climates you might encounter. This is a crucial choice since the Camino de Santiago covers a diverse geography with climates that vary depending on the time of year. In seven days, you can pedal over 200 km and earn the Compostela upon reaching Santiago.
That distance, reaching Santiago, is the requirement to obtain the pilgrim certificate on a bike. However, if that’s not important to you, and your goal is simply to enjoy the experience on two wheels, there are intermediate sections that are also very special short routes.
The French Way, the classic route
The French Way is the most famous and heavily traveled route. With about 800 km from Roncesvalles, the best option for a week is to start in León, from where you’ll pedal just over 300 km. We recommend doing this route in spring or early autumn to avoid the influx of pilgrims it experiences in the summer.
Another option is from Roncesvalles to Burgos, with just over 260 km, a less popular stretch than the previous one as it doesn’t reach Santiago. Therefore, it’s ideal to do at any time of the year except winter, as it involves crossing mountainous and snowy areas.
Portuguese Way, the lusitanian charm
The Portuguese Way is another excellent option, a route that starts in Lisbon and covers over 600 km, being the second most popular route. Starting from Porto, you have two choices: the historic route through the inland or the coastal route, which both add up to around 250 km.
Another option is to do the initial stretch between Lisbon and Porto, with just over 370 km. In one intense week, Portugal will welcome you with the charm of its fado music, and you’ll be able to explore its two major cities. All options are accessible and recommended throughout the year.
Northern Way, an unparalleled coastal setting
The Northern Way is known for its coastal beauty, making it one of the most appealing options for cyclists, with over 800 kilometers from Irún. The best bike route for a week would start in Gijón, covering 300 km, an ideal route for summer as the coolness of the northern peninsula will aid your pedaling.
We also suggest doing the initial stretch of this route between Irún and Santander, about 250 km of sea and mountains in a week. Many pilgrims remember this section for its maritime landscapes, rugged cliffs, and picturesque fishing villages.
Vía de la Plata, the winter option
The Vía de la Plata starts in Seville and links up with the French Way in Astorga, although it becomes the Sanabrian Way in Granja de Moreruela (Zamora), which is the best of the short bike routes we recommend. Of the total 1000 km, you can enjoy the landscapes of Lake Sanabria and the special hot springs and carnivals of Ourense with just over 370 km.
If you prefer to cover its initial kilometers, in winter, you can do the stretch between Seville and Mérida, with very pleasant temperatures. It will be slightly over 200 km, allowing you to explore Andalusia and Extremadura and enjoy their heritage and gastronomy.
Camino Ingles and Epilogo to Finisterre
And we thought, if we combine the two shortest routes, the Camino Inglés and the Epílogo to Finisterre, we get a very cool proposal. With just over 200 km, you can experience the two shortest routes among all Jacobean paths, recommended at any time of the year, especially on a bike.
Starting from the city of Ferrol, closely linked to the sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the path heads into the province of A Coruña and reaches Santiago after 114 km. Then, it heads back to the ocean and the treacherous Costa da Morte. After 90 km, you’ll reach the legendary Cape Finisterre, kilometer 0 of all the routes.
Ready for the two-wheeled adventure?
The Camino de Santiago on a bike is a unique experience filled with adventures and challenges. These and other short bike routes offer exciting opportunities to explore beautiful landscapes and the rich culture of the Jacobean routes. If you plan everything properly and have the necessary equipment, you can enjoy a safe and comfortable journey.
So, get ready to ride the Camino de Santiago on a bike and create unforgettable memories on this fascinating journey. Bicigrino, hop on your bicycle and start your exciting adventure on the Camino de Santiago! Remember, the beauty of the Camino awaits you — don’t miss out!
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