Camino de Santiago by bicycle from Leon
Camino de Santiago by bicycle from Leon
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Enjoy the last 300 kilometres of the Camino Frances on a bike tour that will take you from Leon to Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, discover traditional villages, emblematic cities and their extensive historical, architectural and cultural heritage.
- Start this adventure in Leon, an ancient Roman camp and medieval capital of the kingdom.
- Transport yourself back in time by visiting the remarkable Templar Castle, built in the 12th century.
- Feel the thrill of reaching Monte do Gozo and seeing the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
- At every stop, enjoy the exquisite local gastronomy.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Leon
The starting point for this charming route is Leon, the capital of the province of the same name.
This city on the banks of the River Bernesga will enchant you with its imposing cathedral, one of the most fascinating Gothic buildings in Spain.
This city on the banks of the River Bernesga will enchant you with its imposing cathedral, one of the most fascinating Gothic buildings in Spain.
Overnight in Leon
Hotel Alda Vía León
This centrally located hotel offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi throughout its facilities.
You can enjoy a buffet breakfast at its restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Leon to Astorga 32,3 miles | 52 km
From Leon, you will head towards the town of La Virgen del Camino. Once there, you'll take the bypass that takes you away from the traffic and head towards Villar de Mazarife, a small but pretty town, very important in the section of the Camino that runs through the municipality of Chozas de Abajo.
Afterwards, you will continue towards Hospital de Orbigo, considered one of the most emblematic and beautiful villages on the Camino de Santiago, as well as having been the epicentre of many historical events.
On the way to Astorga, you will have to climb some hills and enjoy the views of the Leon mountains.
Once in Astorga, you will have the opportunity to walk through its streets and contemplate its architecture, in particular the Episcopal Palace, the magnificent work of Antoni Gaudi.
Afterwards, you will continue towards Hospital de Orbigo, considered one of the most emblematic and beautiful villages on the Camino de Santiago, as well as having been the epicentre of many historical events.
On the way to Astorga, you will have to climb some hills and enjoy the views of the Leon mountains.
Once in Astorga, you will have the opportunity to walk through its streets and contemplate its architecture, in particular the Episcopal Palace, the magnificent work of Antoni Gaudi.
Ascent: 247m (810ft) / Descent: 217m (712ft)
Overnight in Astorga
Hotel Restaurante La Peseta
This hotel located in Astorga offers a restaurant with exquisite and traditional food. It offers comfortable and spacious rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Astorga to Ponferrada 32,3 miles | 52 km
The first part of your journey to Ponferrada will be through the vegetation of the mountains of Leon and El Bierzo.
Further on, you can stop to rest in Rabanal del Camino, a small town with all the services. You can also walk along Calle Real and visit the Chapel of San Jose.
When you get to Ponferrada, don't miss a visit to the Templar Castle. This 12th-century building, which was probably erected on the site of a Celtic fortress, is considered to be the most notable in north-western Spain.
Further on, you can stop to rest in Rabanal del Camino, a small town with all the services. You can also walk along Calle Real and visit the Chapel of San Jose.
When you get to Ponferrada, don't miss a visit to the Templar Castle. This 12th-century building, which was probably erected on the site of a Celtic fortress, is considered to be the most notable in north-western Spain.
Ascent: 710m (2,329ft) / Descent: 1070m (3,510ft)
Overnight in Ponferrada
Hotel El Castillo
This charming hotel is located close to the Templar Castle in Ponferrada and of the old town. The rooms are spacious and have private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Ponferrada to O Cebreiro 33,5 miles | 54 km
Today you will enjoy ascents and descents amidst fields and vineyards.
The first stop will be in Villafranca del Bierzo, a village in the province of Leon where the rivers Burbia and Valcarce meet.
Leaving Villafranca del Bierzo, after a steep climb, you will enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Valcarce River valley.
When you reach O Cebreiro, where you will spend the night, you can visit the oldest church on the French Route and the Church of Santa Maria la Real, the second most visited church in Galicia after the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
The first stop will be in Villafranca del Bierzo, a village in the province of Leon where the rivers Burbia and Valcarce meet.
Leaving Villafranca del Bierzo, after a steep climb, you will enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Valcarce River valley.
When you reach O Cebreiro, where you will spend the night, you can visit the oldest church on the French Route and the Church of Santa Maria la Real, the second most visited church in Galicia after the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Ascent: 1030m (3,379ft) / Descent: 557m (1,827ft)
Overnight in O Cebreiro
Hotel O Cebreiro
This accommodation is a stone rural house with spacious rooms, formerly the town hall of O Cebreiro. It features 5 rooms with private bathrooms and a restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - O Cebreiro to Sarria 24,8 miles | 40 km
Your route to Sarria begins with a descent towards Triacastela, a small town famous for the engravings and paintings discovered in the prehistoric Cova Eiros caves.
Afterwards, you will have to continue along the variant that leads to San Xil, which runs parallel to the road, through one of the most beautiful valleys of the pilgrimage route, so you will be able to enjoy nature.
Sarria will welcome you with its beautiful cobbled streets and traditional Galician-style buildings. A must-see is the Church of Santa Marina, built in the 13th century, and the Church of San Salvador, which dates back to the 12th century.
Afterwards, you will have to continue along the variant that leads to San Xil, which runs parallel to the road, through one of the most beautiful valleys of the pilgrimage route, so you will be able to enjoy nature.
Sarria will welcome you with its beautiful cobbled streets and traditional Galician-style buildings. A must-see is the Church of Santa Marina, built in the 13th century, and the Church of San Salvador, which dates back to the 12th century.
Ascent: 676m (2,217ft) / Descent: 1229m (4,032ft)
Overnight in Sarria
Mar de Plata
This cosy accomodation enjoys an excellent location in Sarria, and has common areas where you can rest and recover from the days walk.
The rooms feature spacious beds, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy delicious local food in its restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Sarria to Melide 36 miles | 58 km
Today's route will take you over varied terrain with many gradients. Most of the route will be accompanied by the River Minho, the longest river in Galicia.
When you reach Portomarin, you can visit the Romanesque Church of Santiago de Barbadelo and the Church of San Nicolas.
Later on, you will continue in the direction of the Ligonde mountain range and then pass through small villages until you reach Palas de Rei.
Your day ends in Melide. Leave your bike and enjoy the gastronomic speciality of this town: Galician octopus, a real delicacy!
When you reach Portomarin, you can visit the Romanesque Church of Santiago de Barbadelo and the Church of San Nicolas.
Later on, you will continue in the direction of the Ligonde mountain range and then pass through small villages until you reach Palas de Rei.
Your day ends in Melide. Leave your bike and enjoy the gastronomic speciality of this town: Galician octopus, a real delicacy!
Ascent: 1028m (3,372ft) / Descent: 1009m (3,310ft)
Overnight in Melide
Hotel Carlos 96
Enjoy the excellent atmosphere provided by this hotel, making available its complete facilities, including a spacious restaurant.
It also features fully equipped rooms, with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Melide to Santiago de Compostela 33 miles | 53 km
Once you leave Melide, you will climb a hill and then head towards the River Ribadiso, which will guide you towards Arzua.
You will then descend towards A Rua, through beautiful landscapes and pretty traditional villages. If you wish, you can stop at the Chapel of Santa Irene and visit the statue of Santiago.
Continue on your way and, in O Pedrouzo, catch your breath to ride the last stretch that will lead you to the longed-for finish line.
A few kilometres after passing San Paio, you will climb Monte do Gozo and you will understand the reason for its name: joy will invade you as you contemplate, in the distance, the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
In Santiago, as well as celebrating your arrival and visiting the tomb of the Apostle, you will be able to enjoy the wide range of cultural and gastronomic offerings that characterise this charming city.
You will then descend towards A Rua, through beautiful landscapes and pretty traditional villages. If you wish, you can stop at the Chapel of Santa Irene and visit the statue of Santiago.
Continue on your way and, in O Pedrouzo, catch your breath to ride the last stretch that will lead you to the longed-for finish line.
A few kilometres after passing San Paio, you will climb Monte do Gozo and you will understand the reason for its name: joy will invade you as you contemplate, in the distance, the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
In Santiago, as well as celebrating your arrival and visiting the tomb of the Apostle, you will be able to enjoy the wide range of cultural and gastronomic offerings that characterise this charming city.
Ascent: 845m (2,772ft) / Descent: 1023m (3,356ft)
Overnight in Santiago de Compostela
Hotel Pazos Alba
This property is the perfect place to relax in the heart of Santiago de Compostela, combining Galician tradition with maximum comfort.
Enjoy its rooms with private bathroom, free Wi-Fi and a good breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Santiago de Compostela
If you have a couple of extra days, don't hesitate to visit the beautiful Santiago de Compostela and its fascinating historic old town, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
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End of our services.
Itinerary Map
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels and country cottages
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transport between accommodations
- MTB bike
- Camino de Santiago pilgrim credential
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Assistance vehicle in case of emergency
- Travel insurance
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- E-bike
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
- Dinners
- Picnics
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
Travel & Transfers
To start your bike journey on the Camino de Santiago Frances from Leon, you can arrive at the airport in Madrid or the airport in Oviedo.
From Madrid, you have the option to go to León by taking a bus from the Moncloa station (3h 30m) or a train from the Chamartín station (2h 30m). From Oviedo, you can take a train (1h 5m) or a bus (1h 45m).
At the end of your trip, you will be able to take a flight from Santiago de Compostela and return to your place of origin.
From Madrid, you have the option to go to León by taking a bus from the Moncloa station (3h 30m) or a train from the Chamartín station (2h 30m). From Oviedo, you can take a train (1h 5m) or a bus (1h 45m).
At the end of your trip, you will be able to take a flight from Santiago de Compostela and return to your place of origin.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
We recommend you take this walking holiday in spring or autumn. However, it is available also from February to November.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
How fit should I be?
You must have good physical endurance to be able to make the most of this trip.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
Can I take this trip solo?
Yes, you can take this trip alone or accompanied. There are no restrictions.
How do I get the pilgrim's credential?
The pilgrim's credential can be found upon arrival at your first accommodation.
This credential must be stamped in churches, restaurants and hotels during your journey on the Camino de Santiago. At the end of the trip in the city of Santiago, you can obtain the Compostela that certifies you as a pilgrim.
Can I combine and change a few days of the tour?
Yes, we can adjust the route to your needs and tastes. However, our routes are designed to bring out the best in each trip.
Can some of the longer stages of the itinerary be divided?
Yes, below is a list of all the stages that we can divide, so that you do not have to walk so many daily kilometres:
- St. Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles (with overnight in Valcarlos).
- Roncesvalles to Zubiri (with overnight in Bizkarreta).
- Los Arcos to Logroño (with overnight in Viana).
- Mazarife to Astorga (with overnight in Hospital de Órbigo).
- Rabanal del Camino to Ponferrada (with overnight in El Acebo de San Miguel).
- Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro (with overnight in Las Herrerías).
- Sarria to Portomarín (with overnight in Ferreiros).
- Portomarín to Palas de Rei (with overnight in Ventas de Narón).
- Palas de Rei to Arzúa (with overnight in Melide).
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