Cycling Collection by Tobias
Camino Francés and Camino Finisterre – Cycling pilgrimages in Spain
21 days
2-5 h/day
947km
12,660m
12,730m
When people talk about the Camino de Santiago, they often mean the Camino Francés. Yet there are countless other Camino de Santiago routes, all of which have the tomb of the Apostle James in Santiago de Compostela as their destination. However, the Camino Francés is the most popular – around two-thirds of all pilgrims choose this route. But can you also cycle the route?
Of course you can! And it is even officially recognised as a pilgrimage. Compared to pilgrims who travel on foot, you only have to have 100 kilometers (62 miles) more on your speedometer when you arrive to receive your pilgrimage certificate. The route is 200 kilometres (124 miles) in total.
In times gone by, it was not uncommon to make the pilgrimage on horseback rather than on foot. And even today, you still occasionally meet riders on the Way of St. James. In the meantime, however, the horse has been replaced by the steel steed in modern times, something that is now evident in Santiago.
In place, the path’s condition might cause the average touring cyclist a few difficulties. This is why the EuroVelo 3, which runs through Europe as a pilgrimage route, has set itself the task of creating an acceptable and easily navigable alternative route to the Way of St. James. To a large extent, the EuroVelo 3 follows the Camino Francés at every turn but deviates from it when it gets too bumpy. I went one step further in this Collection and tried to find the perfect middle ground between the two routes. It certainly isn’t meant for a road bike, but a touring bike should be suitable and a gravel bike is even better.
Scenically, the route includes one highlight after another. Spain is much more than Mediterranean beaches and tomato plantations. You will be amazed at the lofty height of the Spanish interior as you cross many mountain passes that tower above 1,000 metres (3,280 feet). You ride through endless stretches of land where the blue sky contrasts with golden fields, green hills that you wouldn't necessarily expect to find in Spain and dense eucalyptus forests that make you feel like you’ve strayed into Australia. In the cities, you can explore cultural treasures, artfully-built cathedrals and delicious tapas on almost every street corner.
Whatever the motivation for your pilgrimage – be it religious, spiritual or educative, the longing for a sporting challenge, or the need to distance yourself from everyday life and take some time for yourself – you will have an unforgettable adventure. As the kilometre markers show ever decreasing numbers and the last mountain pass is conquered, you catch sight of the Cathedral of Santiago and, a little later, Cape Finisterre. This will be a journey with many stories to tell for years to come.
The Way of St. James is waymarked with a yellow scallop shell on a blue background. When the lines join together, you’ve reached your destination. However, in the region of Galicia, people seem to think that the lines make sense the other way round. Be careful not to suddenly turn back before you’ve even reached Santiago. Fortunately, there are also yellow arrows that are the second waymarker and a little clearer. Of course, you still have komoot in your pocket to help you out, which you will also need on the alternative routes.
I have divided up the 857 kilometres (532 miles) to Santiago into 19 stages so that you can comfortably ride each leg in about half a day. This gives you enough time to get to know other pilgrims, the country and its people. If the stages are considerably longer, then I give you information about accommodation halfway along the route in the stage description. The 19 stages are followed by two additional routes: a 90-kilometre (56 mile) stretch from Santiago to Cape Finisterre, a grateful extension of the Way of Saint James. Some pilgrims choose this route to get away from the crowds in Santiago and have some time to themselves. If you are interested in the complete EuroVelo 3 pilgrimage route, you can find all the other Tours in this Collection: www.komoot.de/collection/1077286
Since the Camino Francés is one of the most touristy of all the pilgrimage routes, you will find more accommodation options than there are scallops in the sea. The best ‘pilgrimage feeling’ is, of course, in the Albergues – the pilgrimage hostels. They are inexpensive and sometimes you can even get a bed for a small donation. However, the hostels are often overcrowded, which makes the Camino a race for the (still) empty beds for many pilgrims. As you can carry a bit more luggage on your bike, I would suggest camping as a relaxed alternative to the hostels. If you follow the stages in this Collection, you always find a campsite or another camping option near the end. Sometimes you can pitch your tent in the garden of a hostel on request. This allows you to enjoy the company of fellow pilgrims, exchanging ideas and sharing stories, but spend the night undisturbed in your tent.
Before setting off, you can pick up a pilgrim’s passport from a hostel in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. You can get your passport stamped at any accommodation, church, or monastery you visit along the route. When you arrive in Santiago, you can hand in your passport at the pilgrim’s office as proof that you followed the route. In return, you receive a Compostela pilgrimage certificate.
I wish you a "Buen Camino!
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Camino Francés and Camino Finisterre
933km
12,680m
12,760m
Last updated: June 21, 2024
Activities
31.3km
03:12
1,320m
630m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
36.7km
02:23
270m
710m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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57.1km
03:58
840m
840m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
49.2km
03:38
600m
660m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
73.1km
05:12
940m
680m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
27.6km
02:11
370m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
47.2km
03:57
560m
450m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
38.7km
03:12
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
52.9km
04:19
340m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
40.5km
03:20
210m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
49.5km
03:59
250m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
41.0km
02:53
210m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
71.4km
04:40
860m
1,420m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
26.2km
02:27
950m
210m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
40.3km
02:23
500m
1,390m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
44.9km
03:17
920m
730m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
41.8km
02:44
570m
810m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
49.7km
03:25
750m
870m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
33.5km
02:39
650m
550m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
56.5km
04:10
740m
980m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Collection Stats
Activities
21
Distance
947 km
Duration
71:06 h
Elevation
12,660 m
12,730 m
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