Cycling the Camino de Santiago: What You Need to Know

More and more pilgrims ride the Camino by bike. It lets you cover a long route like the Camino Francés in about two weeks instead of five, and you still meet other pilgrims every day.

The Compostela by bike

Cyclists earn the Compostela by riding at least the final 200 km to Santiago on a recognised route, collecting stamps in the credencial along the way, just as walkers do.

Which bike?

The walking path has gravel, mud and steep stony sections, so a mountain bike or a sturdy gravel bike is the usual choice. On a road bike you will need to follow nearby roads for much of the way. Several companies rent bikes with panniers and deliver them to your start, then collect them in Santiago.

Where to sleep

Public albergues usually give priority to walkers, so cyclists may only get a bed later in the afternoon. Many private albergues and guesthouses welcome bikes and have a place to store them; it is worth booking ahead in summer.

Daily distances

Most riders cover 50 to 80 km a day. Be realistic on mountain stages: the climb to O Cebreiro or the Pyrenees crossing feels very different with loaded bags.

Sharing the path

Ride slowly past walkers and use a bell. On narrow or busy stretches, especially in the last 100 km, walking pilgrims have priority.

Related gear

Handy for this trip:

Where to stay

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