Year after year, thousands and thousands of people decide to do the Camino de Santiago or repeat one of its routes. Some of them choose to tour it by bicycle, a really interesting and entertaining option.
Thanks to the bike, it is possible to cover more distance, and therefore, discover more areas that would not be possible to reach on foot. Because yes, the Camino can be a physical challenge, but also an excuse to discover the cultures and traditions of the Peninsula, as well as the historical and architectural heritage, the gastronomy of the different territories or the great variety of landscapes that exist.
In the months of good weather, especially during the summer holidays, groups of friends, families, couples and even single people decide to keep their promise: to make a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
Of the many options that exist, and by the hand of Tee Travel, a travel agency specialized in the Camino de Santiago, we present the French Way and the Portuguese Way, two very different itineraries, each one with its particular attractions. In both cases, in order to obtain La Compostela, the document that accredits the pilgrimage, it is necessary to travel a minimum of 200 kilometers on the saddle and stamp it twice a day.
The Camino de Santiago can be traveled with a rented or own bicycle. The first option is very comfortable if there is a trip by plane or other means of transport that involves logistical difficulties.
Normally, a MTB or gravel is used. Electric bicycles are also an alternative to consider, although with pedal assistance systems, La Compostela cannot be obtained.
On the other hand, you can opt for a bikepacking adventure, or, for a more comfortable style, with the transfer of suitcases, spectacular accommodations to recover strength or assistance during the route, to dedicate yourself solely to enjoying the adventure.
This is the busiest route of all. The French Way advances through the north of the Peninsula, between mostly flat lands. Along the way there are various structures, such as cathedrals, castles and bridges, magnificent for contemplating the historical and cultural features in a very close way.
Among other outstanding points, we find the Cruz de Ferro in the city of León, the highest point of the French Way, Sarria, the town of the last 100 km to Santiago de Compostela and the start of many wandering pilgrims, or Ponferrada, a town that hosts a monumental Templar Castle.
It should be noted that there are 2 variants of the Portuguese Way, the Central and the Coastal.
Despite being a bit more demanding than the French Way, the Portuguese Way is also highly recommended. The succession of beautiful towns and villages that tell the history of both countries, combined with the tasting of some of the most typical culinary products, such as wine, seafood or sweets, makes it a very special experience.
On the other hand, the 282-kilometre coastal itinerary advances accompanied by the Atlantic Ocean, until it joins the Central Way in the town of Redondela. From this point on, the passage through the Galician Rías Baixas increases the scenic and natural value of the itinerary.
Both circuits end in Santiago de Compostela, specifically in Plaza del Obradoiro, in front of the Cathedral. Once there, all that remains is to enter the Cathedral, embrace the Saint and visit the most iconic monuments of the city. Later, it will be time to assimilate the achievement by collecting the precious Compostela and compiling all the good moments of the previous days.
Without a doubt, doing the Camino de Santiago by bicycle is a practically mandatory experience for any cyclist, who, once lived, will surely want to repeat.
