Camino de Santiago by bike: routes, tips and curiosities
The Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage that attracts thousands of people every year, is not only a journey of self-discovery, but also an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Spain's diverse landscapes.
While it is true that most pilgrims still travel this ancient path on foot, the idea of doing the Camino de Santiago route by bike has gained popularity in recent years.
So, if you are also considering the possibility of tackling the Camino on two wheels, you are in the right place. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know to make your route an unforgettable experience.
How about we start with some curiosities to put us in situation?
5 curiosities about the Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago is not simply a route; it is an amalgam of stories, traditions, and secrets waiting to be discovered. Each section of the trail reveals a curious fact, a legend, or a symbolism that adds nuances and excitement to the journey.
Here are some of the most interesting peculiarities of this emblematic route.
1 – A path with cosmic connections
Did you know that the Milky Way is also known as the celestial Camino de Santiago? This bright band of stars has been used for centuries as a celestial map to guide pilgrims coming from Europe to the west of Spain. That is why, in many corners of Spain, it is known by this name.
2 – An emblem full of symbolism and legends
The scallop shell is undoubtedly one of the most representative emblems of the Camino de Santiago.
According to ancient legends, when the body of St. James the Apostle was transferred from Jerusalem to the Galician coast by boat, a horse fell into the sea and emerged next to the boat carrying the remains of the apostle covered with scallop shells. What was cataloged by the witnesses as an authentic miracle. And, therefore, the ancient pilgrims collected this shell on the Galician coast as proof of having completed the Camino.
But, beyond the legends, the scallop shell also has a symbolic meaning: its grooves converge at a single point, just as all the Camino routes, regardless of the starting point, end at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
3 – A natural air freshener of large dimensions
The Botafumeiro, that gigantic censer that swings over the heads of the faithful in the Cathedral of Santiago, was not only used as part of the religious ritual. It also served to purify the air and camouflage bad smells inside the cathedral. Imagine hundreds of pilgrims arriving exhausted and sweaty after days or weeks of travel.
In addition to this practical use, symbolically, it represented the prayers rising to heaven and the divine presence in the ceremony. It is quite a sight to see it in action and to feel what it must have been like years ago.
4 – All roads lead to Santiago
The Camino de Santiago is not simply a single path, but a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that stretch across Europe, converging at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Each route has its own wonders and challenges, allowing each pilgrim to choose the path that best suits his desires and interests.
5 – A millenary tradition that adapts to the new times
The rise of cycling on the Camino de Santiago reflects the adaptation of this ancient pilgrimage to modern times. Whereas in the 1980s, only a few pilgrims reached Santiago by bicycle. Today, more than 10% of pilgrims choose the Camino de Santiago cycling route instead of walking.
This growing trend has arisen due to the ease of covering greater distances in less time, and thanks to the adaptation of the Camino's infrastructure to the needs of cyclists. Thus, the bicycle has opened new possibilities for those who wish to live this experience from another point of view.
And now that we have put you in context… How about getting down to the nitty-gritty?
5 Tips for planning your Camino de Santiago bike route
Doing the Camino de Santiago by bike is an experience that combines adventure, history, and self-improvement. But, like any other route, it requires adequate preparation.
Here are a series of recommendations to make your pilgrimage on two wheels a success:
1 – Planning
Firstly, use a bike route planner. This will help you decide which is the best route to do the Camino de Santiago by bike according to your ability and what you want to experience.
2 – Training
Prepare yourself physically during the months leading up to the Camino. Training should mimic the conditions you will face, including the type of terrain and the luggage you will carry on your bike.
3 – Get the right information
Check weather conditions and trail conditions before you start your route. Some trails may not be recommended for bicycles at certain times of the year.
4 – Respect the walkers
Remember that most pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago will be on foot. Slow down when passing them and warn them of your presence whenever you can.
5 – Choose your ideal travel companion
Investing in lightweight eBikes can make your ride smoother. Lightweight frames and electric assistance are ideal for routes such as the Camino de Santiago.
The best bike routes to Camino de Santiago
Although many people associate the Camino exclusively with Spain, the reality is that you can start your pilgrimage from numerous starting points.
We invite you to discover some of the most emblematic routes to let yourself be carried away by the magic of the Camino by bike:
This is undoubtedly the busiest and best known route of the Camino de Santiago. It starts in Saint Jean Pied de Port, at the foot of the French Pyrenees, and crosses very varied landscapes. From mountains to vast plains. Pilgrims who choose it not only enjoy its beautiful scenery, but also a wide infrastructure of accommodation and services along the way.
The Portuguese Way of the Camino de Santiago starts in Lisbon or, failing that, in the charming city of Porto. This route immerses the pilgrim in the rich Portuguese heritage before entering Spanish lands. Along the way, cyclists can sample the gastronomy of both countries and appreciate the architectural heritage that their cities and towns have to offer.
This is the perfect route for those who want to feel the fresh air of the Cantabrian Sea and enjoy its impressive beaches and cliffs. However, it is not recommended for inexperienced cyclists, as the constant ascents and descents can be very challenging.
A route that starts in Seville and invites you to cross Spain along the ancient Roman roads. Starting in the warm landscapes of the south and passing through the mysterious Extremadura, until you reach the lands of Galicia. Ideal for those cyclists who want to do the Camino de Santiago in solitude, enjoying a deep connection with nature, culture, and history of Spain.
As you can see, the choice between one route or another will depend on what each cyclist is looking for: physical challenges, cultural experiences, unforgettable landscapes or perhaps, a mixture of all.
What type of E-bike to choose for the Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago presents a great variety of terrains that make it a real challenge for any cyclist. From well-paved roads to gravel paths and mountain trails, each stretch has its particularities and different degrees of demand.
Faced with this enormous diversity, gravel eBikes are the perfect solution. These bikes are specifically designed for mixed terrain and combine the speed of a road bike with the robustness of a mountain bike.
Plus, the electric assistance will give you that extra boost on the most demanding climbs or at the end of a long day of pedaling, ensuring that you can tackle any Camino de Santiago route with confidence and energy.
Now, if you're thinking about which brand could offer you a high quality gravel eBike, we recommend you take a look at the Crow Bicycles online store. A premium eBike brand created by cyclists for cyclists, ensuring that every detail is thought out to provide the best experience along the way.
Ready to start your adventure on the Camino de Santiago with the best companion?
