Organized Camino de Santiago by Bike
You and I doing the Camino de Santiago. I don’t know, think about it – Signed, Your Bicycle
The Camino de Santiago by bike is a unique experience for cycling and adventure enthusiasts. Traveling its paths on two wheels allows you to enjoy spectacular landscapes, from mountains to coastlines, while following the ancient pilgrim routes.
This option not only gives you greater freedom to explore villages and landscapes at your own pace, but it is also ideal for those seeking a moderate to intense physical challenge.
Benefits of Doing the Camino de Santiago by Bike
- Adventure at Your Own Pace: Adjust the stages according to your physical condition and personal preferences.
- Comfort and Safety: We organize your route with luggage transport, specialized accommodation, and on-route assistance.
- Explore More in Less Time: Biking allows you to cover greater distances each day and discover unique places.
Along the way, you will find hostels and services specifically designed for cyclists, making planning easier. Whether you choose the French Way, the Northern Way, or any other variant, cycling the Camino de Santiago is an unforgettable way to experience this historic pilgrimage.
Ready to Pedal to Santiago?
Let us help you organize your Camino by bike with everything you need for a comfortable, safe, and adventure-filled experience.
This option not only gives you more freedom to explore villages and landscapes at your own pace, but it is also ideal for those looking for a moderate to intense physical challenge.
Along the way, you will find hostels and services specifically designed for cyclists, making planning easier. Whether you choose the French Way, the Northern Way, or any other variant, cycling the Camino de Santiago is an unforgettable way to experience this historic pilgrimage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Doing the Camino by Bike
The Camino de Santiago can be enjoyed at any time of the year, although there are better times of the year than others.
In general, the best time to do the Camino, either on foot or by bicycle, is between late March and late October, i.e., covering spring, summer and early autumn. At this time of year the weather is milder than in winter, and the Camino is more enjoyable.
However, in the central summer months, such as July and August, the Camino is full of pilgrims, with more crowded trails and less accommodation available if you travel without a reservation.
Of course, of course they are allowed! Many pilgrims decide to do the Camino by bike every year, and the pilgrim routes are prepared for it.
However, you have to plan your bike trip well, for example, making sure that your accommodation allows you to store your bike, or transport yours at the beginning of the road, and return home with it. We offer bicycle trips, as well as bicycle rental services and even electric bicycles, so you don’t have to worry about transporting your own.
The Camino de Santiago from Madrid has a total length of about 680 km to Santiago de Compostela. Although it is not declared as an official route, it is partly so, because after 320 km it connects with the Camino Francés in Sahagún. From there it is about 360 km to the Cathedral of Santiago.
On foot, the standard division of stages gives a total of 29. By bicycle, taking as a basis to cover about 50 km per day, it would give us about 13 or 14 stages or days. This division depends, of course, on finding accommodation to rest after the stage.
Doing the Camino by bike allows the ‘bicigrino’ to cover more kilometres per day than a pilgrim on foot, easily double. The number of kilometres cycled per day depends on several factors:
- physical capabilities of each person;
- time available;
- route and section chosen (technical difficulty of the terrain);
- availability of accommodation.
A priori, a pilgrim can cycle between 50 km and 100 km per stage. In flat stages, such as those of the Meseta, you can easily cover up to 100 km per day, although in stages with slopes, such as the arrival at Roncesvalles or O Cebreiro, it is perhaps more convenient to establish shorter stages.
In general, most “bikegrims” (pilgrims on bikes) complete the French Way, which is approximately 768 kilometers, in a period of 10 to 14 days. Those who are more trained, or who prefer a faster pace, tend to do it in 7 to 10 days.
It is common for cyclists to divide the Camino into daily stages of 50 to 80 kilometers, although some manage to reach 100 km per day. Ultimately, how long it takes to complete this route by bike depends on various factors, such as physical condition, pace, and stops along the way.
It’s essential to have the right gear to ensure a comfortable and safe trip. We recommend bringing a helmet, appropriate cycling clothing and footwear, and a backpack with water and provisions. We will provide you with a detailed list of suggested equipment when booking your package, tailored to the specific needs of the Camino by bike. This way, pilgrims will be well-prepared for any challenges that arise along the way!
Most routes of the Camino de Santiago have well-maintained sections for cyclists, but it’s possible to encounter different types of terrain, such as dirt paths, gravel, or uneven pavement. We provide detailed information about the terrain of each stage so you can be prepared. Make sure to have a bike suitable for various surfaces. This way, cyclists can enjoy their journey safely and comfortably. Pedal with confidence!
Yes, we offer bike rental services as part of our packages. We work with trusted providers to ensure that the bikes are in good condition and meet safety standards. When booking, just let us know your preferences, and we’ll take care of arranging the rental for you.
On the Camino de Santiago, there are many routes to explore, and some are more suitable for cyclists than others. Generally, the French Way is one of the most popular options for cyclists, but there are also other routes specifically designed for cycling, such as the Portuguese Way.
Our team can advise and assist you in choosing the best option based on your level of experience and preferences. This way, you can fully enjoy your cycling journey along the Camino de Santiago! 🚴♀️
To ensure that your journey goes as smoothly as possible, we provide technical assistance in case of breakdowns or flat tires. You can rely on a support service that will help you repair the bike or provide an alternative if necessary. We will provide you with an emergency number to assist you with anything you need.”
The safety of pilgrims is our utmost priority. In case of injuries or accidents, we have a network of medical assistance along the Camino. Additionally, we provide you with all the necessary information so you know how to contact emergency medical services.
At most accommodations along the Camino de Santiago, there are secure and specific facilities for storing bicycles. These places are typically enclosed spaces or garages with security measures to protect your bike overnight. When organizing your travel package, we ensure that each included accommodation has these facilities available.
If you finish your Camino in Santiago de Compostela, you’ll need to return the bicycle to the address provided with your trip documentation. If your journey concludes at a different point along the Camino, we’ll handle the pick-up for you.
In case of any incident with your bicycle, you will have a on-the-road helpline where we will help you to solve the problem as quickly and efficiently as possible. We pedal with you!
The electric bike’s battery is designed to provide ample autonomy, typically lasting around 80 km when using a moderate assistance level (level 2). However, the battery’s performance may vary depending on the level of assistance required; more assistance will deplete the battery faster, and vice versa. To recharge the battery, you’ll need to connect it to a power source using a special charger. The battery can either be charged while attached to the bike frame or removed and taken elsewhere for charging convenience.
All rented bikes come equipped with standard features at no extra cost, including a pannier rack, helmet, bottle holder, lock, bell, and a small tool kit.
The tool kit includes:
- Spare inner tube: Each one is equipped with sealant and anti-puncture properties, though they are not foolproof.
- Tire lever: Removable for tire removal in case of a puncture.
- Two-way air pump: Compact and versatile, it can provide air in both directions.
- Pedal wrench
- Multifunction wrench: Includes Allen keys and a chain cutter.
Your bike will be available at the reception of your first accommodation before starting the Camino de Santiago at no extra charge.
We have high quality mountain bikes and electric bikes that you can rent during the whole Camino. Check the details here.
Yes, we make sure that all assigned accommodations have a place where you can leave your bike safe and sound.
The minimum distance to obtain the Compostela certificate is 200 kilometres.
In case you consider that any of the stages of the itinerary is too long or too short for you, you can ask us for a completely tailor-made trip. However, if you wish to use theluggage transport service, you should bear in mind that it does not cover excessively long distances.
The Camino de Santiago by bike includes the following services:
- Accommodation
- Luggage transport
- Dossier with information about the stages
- Pilgrim’s credential
- On-the-road helpline
- Travel insurance
In addition, you can customize your trip by adding the following optional services:
- Breakfast or half board
- Extra night at the beginning or end of the stage
- Bicycle rental
