{"id":2932,"date":"2026-07-31T11:46:44","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T11:46:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elcaminoapedales.com\/?p=2932"},"modified":"2026-07-31T11:46:49","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T11:46:49","slug":"camino-de-santiago-by-bicycle-routes-preparation-and-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elcaminoapedales.com\/en\/blog\/camino-de-santiago-by-bicycle-routes-preparation-and-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Camino de Santiago by Bicycle: Routes, Preparation, and Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Physical Preparation for Doing the Camino de Santiago by Bicycle<\/h2>\n\n

Physical preparation for doing the Camino de Santiago by bicycle should begin weeks before starting the journey. It is not just about being in good shape, but about getting your body used to spending many hours on the saddle on consecutive days. <\/p>\n\n

To start the Camino de Santiago with confidence, it is essential that you include rides with panniers in your training. The bike’s handling changes completely when you add weight to the rear or front. Getting used to this inertia will help you avoid some scares and silly falls. <\/p>\n\n

Finally, train your mind, so you understand that it is not a race against the clock; the goal of the itinerary is to enjoy the landscape, gastronomy, and the company of fellow pilgrims. Keep a steady and gentle pace, and you will cover kilometers without draining your energy. <\/p>\n\n

The Best Routes of the Camino de Santiago by Bicycle<\/h2>\n\n
\"Camino<\/figure>\n\n

Choosing to do the Camino de Santiago by bicycle allows you to experience it from a unique perspective. The main advantage is the freedom of movement; being able to cover distances of between 50 and 80 kilometers per day, passing through different landscapes in a single day. <\/p>\n\n

The French Way<\/h3>\n\n

The French Way is the route with the greatest cycling tourism infrastructure; it could be considered one of the best routes for doing the Camino de Santiago by bicycle. The route spans 800 kilometers, and you will find very varied terrain, with dirt tracks, trails, and paved sections. <\/p>\n\n

From a technical standpoint, it is an accessible route, although it has famous climbs, such as O Cebreiro. Its biggest drawback for cycling is the crowds of walking pilgrims during the summer months, who obstruct the way and make the journey more uncomfortable. <\/p>\n\n

The Portuguese Way<\/h3>\n\n

On the Portuguese Way, we find one of the most gentle options for doing the Camino de Santiago by bicycle. This route lacks large mountain ranges or mountain passes, allowing cyclists to ride at a good average speed without suffering severe fatigue. <\/p>\n\n

The coastal variant is striking for being practically flat, with the route running parallel to the Atlantic Ocean. On the other hand, on the central variant, you will face the traditional Portuguese cobblestone pavement, which can be uncomfortable for the wrists.<\/p>\n\n

The Northern Way<\/h3>\n\n

This Jacobean route is one of the greatest challenges. The technical profile is a constant “leg-breaker” of continuous ups and downs with short but steep gradients, which will take a toll on your body day after day. <\/p>\n\n

A drawback of this route is that many of the original trails are not cyclable, forcing you to detour onto the N-634 road or alternative paths. It is a route recommended for cyclists with previous experience and a good level of fitness. <\/p>\n\n

The Primitive Way <\/h3>\n\n

This route is the most mountainous and technical of the entire Jacobean network. It starts in Oviedo, and you will pass through the Asturian mountains, crossing steep forest tracks, loose stones, and mud. For cyclists, the Primitive Way is pure mountain biking. You will find sections where you will have to get off the bike and push your mount uphill. <\/p>\n\n

The Best Bicycle for Doing the Camino de Santiago<\/h2>\n\n

Depending on the route of the Camino de Santiago we choose, we will find an ideal bicycle for each one. The most important thing is to adapt your mount to the terrain you will be riding on to avoid suffering more than necessary. <\/p>\n\n

Mountain Bike (MTB): The best option for the French Way and the Primitive Way<\/h3>\n\n

The mountain bike (MTB) is the all-terrain vehicle par excellence. With wide tires and front suspension, you will get the traction and comfort needed to absorb the uneven trails of the French Way and tackle the tough rocky descents of the Primitive Way.<\/p>\n\n

Gravel Bike: Ideal for the Portuguese Way and mixed sections<\/h3>\n\n

The perfect bike for quickly covering non-technical terrain, such as asphalt and dirt tracks on the coastal variant of the Portuguese Way. They are light and efficient, but you should know that they struggle if you venture into areas of thick mud or rough trails. <\/p>\n\n

Electric Bike (e-Bike): The ally of the Northern Way<\/h3>\n\n

With an electric bike (e-Bike), you will get a vital boost to overcome the steep gradients of the Cantabrian coast. Its biggest drawback is logistical; it forces you to carefully calculate the range for each stage and to book accommodations that guarantee a plug to charge the battery. <\/p>\n\n

Luggage and Panniers: What to Take for Doing the Camino de Santiago by Bicycle?<\/h2>\n\n
\"Camino<\/figure>\n\n

The golden rule for a cyclist when packing is absolute minimalism. Get yourself good, 100% waterproof rear panniers and stick to the essentials: <\/p>\n\n

    \n
  • Cycling clothing<\/strong>: Two quality sets (bib shorts with a good chamois and jersey) to wash and alternate each day, plus a raincoat and a windbreaker.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Rest clothing<\/strong>: Very lightweight casual clothes that take up little space and weigh little, comfortable shoes, and a toiletry bag with the basics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Mechanical kit<\/strong>: A multi-tool with a chain breaker, a couple of spare inner tubes, patches, a pump, and a small bottle of chain lubricant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

    Credential and Requirements to Get the Compostela by Bicycle<\/h2>\n\n

    For the Pilgrim’s Office to grant you the official Compostela, you must meet two non-negotiable requirements: <\/p>\n\n

      \n
    • Minimum of 200 kilometers<\/strong>: Cyclists must complete at least the last 200 kilometers of the route continuously.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Two stamps per day<\/strong>: During those final 200 kilometers, you must obtain two daily stamps on your credential to demonstrate your progress by pedal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Physical Preparation for Doing the Camino de Santiago by Bicycle Physical preparation for doing the Camino de Santiago by bicycle […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2931,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2932","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sin-categorizar"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoapedales.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2932","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoapedales.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoapedales.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoapedales.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoapedales.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2932"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoapedales.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2932\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2933,"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoapedales.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2932\/revisions\/2933"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoapedales.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2931"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoapedales.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2932"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoapedales.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2932"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoapedales.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2932"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}