The Camino Francés by bike

1 pax min.

The Camino Francés by bike From Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela

It dates back to the discovery of the tomb of the Apostle and the first pilgrimages to Santiago from France. It partly runs along old Roman roads that were used by the pilgrims.

These days, more and more people choose to travel the Camino walking itinerary by bike. In order to be qualified with the “Compostela” certification at least 100 km of any of the routes to Santiago must be completed on foot. However, when riding a bike or a horse at least the last 200km of any Camino route must be covered.

This program is only an example, as depending on the time you have or your physical training, you can choose to journey longer or shorter stages. Please, don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can customize a specific program according to your needs.

It must be taken into account that when travelling the Camino by bike not always the original itinerary can be followed as the transit of certain regions becomes difficult. Therefore, at some points a road section must be taken.

Program

Day 1: Transfer to Pamplona

Time to visit this beautiful coastal city. We can hire a bike for you if you need it. It will be sent to your departure Hotel.

Day 2: From Pamplona to Estella, 44 km approx.

Passing through different villages like Puente la Reina and over its famous bridge, we get to Estella, a small town but with lots to see e.g.: the church of San Pedro de la Rua, the church of San Miguel and the Palacio de los Reyes de Navarra.

Day 3: From Estella to Logroño, 49 km approx.

After the village of Los Arcos, we approach Logroño, capital of La Rioja and well-known by its wines. In Logroño there’s the opportunity to visit the church of Santiago or to soak up at night the vibrant atmosphere of the Laurel quarter, famous for its “tapas”.
Day 4: From Logroño to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, 49 km approx.

First we arrive in Nájera where we can visit the church of Santa María. We continue our way until Santo Domingo de la Calzada. We can visit its Cathedral where there is always a rooster and a hen alive in memory of the famous Santo Domingo´s miracle

Day 5: From Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Belorado, 25 km approx.

We leave Santo Domingo and going through tracks we reach Belorado. Here we can visit the church of San Nicolás and Santa María.

Day 6: From Belorado to Burgos, 50 km approx.

Today we must cross the Montes de Oca before arriving in San Juan de Ortega. The church of San Nicolás de Bari, the mausoleum of San Juan and the Roman sepulchre are worth visiting..

We continue till Atapuerca where we can stop to visit its important Archeological Site.

In Burgos we can visit the Cathedral as well as the Cartuja de Miraflores and the convent of Las Huelgas.

Day 7: From Burgos to Castrojeriz, 42 km approx.

We leave Burgos to enter the Spanish Meseta with its plains and crops plantations. We cycle through Rabé de las Calzadas and Hornillos del Camino before reaching Castrojeriz.

Day 8: From Castrojeriz to Carrión de los Condes, 44 km approx.

First we pass through Frómista with its highlighted Romanesque piece, the church of San Martín. Aterwards we get to Carrión de los Condes where we can visit the churches of Santa María and Santiago.

Day 9: From Carrión de los Condes to Sahagún, 39 km approx.

We are in the plateau and we’ll see many different Castilian villages before reaching Sahagún. There, we can visit the church of San Tirso and San lorenzo in Mudejar style.

Day 10: From Sahagún to León, 56 km approx.

Today we have to choose between two variants, one goes through Calzadilla de los Hermanillos and the other through Bercianos del Real Camino and the Burgo Ranero. The route through Calzadilla runs partly along an old Roman road.

In Leon there’s the possibility to visit the Cathedral and the basilica of San Isidoro, the Hostal de San marcos and the Casa de los Botines de Gaudí.

Day 11: From León to Astorga, 50 km approx.

On leaving Leon we find again two alternative routes joining in Hospital de Órbigo, where we’ll cross its famous bridge dated to Middle Ages.

On reaching Astorga, we can visit the Cathedral of Santa María, the Episcopal Palace Episcopal of Gaudí or the city council.

Day 12: From Astorga to Ponferrada, 50 km approx.

Today we start leaving the Meseta behind gradually and we enter Galicia. The path is relatively flat until Rabanal del Camino but later we must climb up to Cruz de Ferro, an emblematic sight of the Camino where the pilgrims leave stones that they’ve brought from “home”. Afterwards our camino drops down to Ponferrada where we can visit the Templar castle.

Day 13: From Ponferrada to O Cebreiro, 50 km approx.

Today we have before us the toughest stage of the Camino Francés after the Pirineos, as from Villafranca we must ascend from 600m to 1.200m.

On arriving in O Cebreiro, we can visit the “Pallozas”, a rounded shaped house of Celtic origin. You can visit the church.

Day 14: From Cebreiro to Sarria, 50 km approx.

When leaving O Cebreiro we must climb the peak, Alto del Poio,1337m high, to descend later towards Triacastela. There we have two variants, one goes through Samos and the other one which is a bit shorter. We recommend to take the one that goes through Samos as you can have the opportunity to visit its interesting Benedictine convent.

In Sarria, there’s the possibility to visit the old town of the city.

Day 15: From Sarria to Melide, 60 km approx.

Our today’s stage leads us first to Portomarín, a special places due to its history related to the Romanesque church of San Nicolas, which is worth visiting. Portomarín history is very interesting because the original village was submerged under water upon the construction of the reservoir and the Romanesque church was moved stone by stone to its current location. Upon arrival in Melide we can sample the Galician octopus by visiting one of its famous “pulperías”

From Melide to Santiago de Compostela, 60 km approx.

Today we have our last stage that will lead us through different Galician villages and eucalyptus forests.

Day 17: In Santiago de Compostela

Free day to visit this beautiful city, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. We can visit the market town, Plaza de Abastos or one of its museums e.g. the Museum of Pilgrimages and the Cathedral Museum.

*There is the possibility to extend the stay in Santiago, if you are interested in it please don,t hesitate to contact Viajes Orbis. When extending your stay, apart from enjoying the city, we can arrange some excursions.

*It is also possible to combine various trips, e.g. follow the Way of Saint James until Finisterre.