The Camino de Santiago is a historic pilgrimage route across northern Spain. The main route, the Camino Francés, begins on the French border in the sleepy town of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port and stretches over 800km (500 miles) to Santiago de Compostela near the western coast of Spain. The path follows the route laid out in the first pilgrim guidebook, the Codex Calixtinus, from the 12th century. Today, over 260,000 pilgrims arrive in Santiago each year, of which roughly 10% are cyclists [read more].
Why the Camino de Santiago is a great bike touring route
- The Camino is a globally-renowned pilgrimage, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Route in 1993
- Many affordable overnight accommodation options (every 3-5 miles) exist. Get your pilgrim passport and gain access to €5-10 euro beds in pilgrim accommodations for the duration of your tour
- Majority of route is off of roads, increasing safety by avoiding traffic.
- History & culture
- Beautiful and diverse landscapes across northern Spain
Why BIKE the Camino instead of walking it?
- You love traveling by bike!
- Less time required if your schedule is limited
- Less strain on your body, greatly reducing risk of blisters and stress fractures
- Easier to go to places off the route along the way
- Simpler to press on to other guesthouses if no vacancy
- Possibilities for starting your journey from farther places in Europe
Why WALK the Camino instead of biking it?
- Doesn’t require as much specialized cycling equipment
- Walking is more similar as historical pilgrimage on foot
- Majority of Camino pilgrims walk, so more opportunity to interact with others
- Slower pace offers more time to soak in the experience
If you’re looking for information on walking the Camino, check out our companion site and guidebook at www.caminoguidebook.com.
Check out the Facebook group “Bikepacking the Camino” for updates from the 2021 trip on multiple Camino routes: https://www.facebook.com/groups/582359926082062
