Camino de Santiago by bicycle from Ponferrada
Camino de Santiago by bicycle from Ponferrada
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Venture out on your bike to discover the magic of the Camino Frances. Start your route in Ponferrada, the capital of the El Bierzo region and the place where the rivers Sil and Boeza meet. Along the way, discover charming villages such as Villafranca del Bierzo, O Cebreiro, Triacastela and Sarria, and finish in Santiago de Compostela.
- Discover the historical, architectural and cultural richness of Europe's most important pilgrimage route.
- Visit the incredible Templar Castle, built in the 12th century.
- Delight yourself with the beauty of the landscapes and the gastronomic variety you will find in each town.
- Discover the historic quarter of Santiago de Compostela, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Ponferrada
Your cycling holidays starts in Ponferrada, a historic city that experienced its heyday in the 11th century, following the pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela.
If you have time, 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 outstanding in north-western Spain.
If you have time, 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 outstanding in north-western Spain.
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 2 - Ponferrada to O Cebreiro 33,5 miles | 54 km
The first day of the route will feature ascents and gentle descents through vineyards and fields.
At the halfway point, you will come across Villafranca del Bierzo, a village located in a wooded and mountainous setting in the province of Leon, where the Burbia and Valcarce rivers meet.
On leaving Villafranca del Bierzo, you will face an ascent that requires a great deal of effort, but which will allow you to contemplate the beauty of the valley at the River Valcarce.
Later, you will reach O Cebreiro, located at an altitude of 1,330 metres. There you can visit the oldest church on the Camino Frances and the Church of Santa Maria la Real, the second most visited church in Galicia after the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
At the halfway point, you will come across Villafranca del Bierzo, a village located in a wooded and mountainous setting in the province of Leon, where the Burbia and Valcarce rivers meet.
On leaving Villafranca del Bierzo, you will face an ascent that requires a great deal of effort, but which will allow you to contemplate the beauty of the valley at the River Valcarce.
Later, you will reach O Cebreiro, located at an altitude of 1,330 metres. There you can visit the oldest church on the Camino Frances 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 3 - O Cebreiro to Sarria 24,8 miles | 40 km
Start the day by heading towards Triacastela. After a long descent into the valley of the River Oribio, you will reach what is the first Galician village on the Camino Frances.
Afterwards, you should continue along the alternative route that leads to San Xil, which runs parallel to the road, through one of the most beautiful valleys on the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago de Compostela.
Your destination today is Sarria, a town of just over 13,000 inhabitants that plays a very important role, as the Camino Frances connects with the Camino del Norte and is also the place chosen by thousands of pilgrims every year to start their route to Santiago de Compostela.
Afterwards, you should continue along the alternative route that leads to San Xil, which runs parallel to the road, through one of the most beautiful valleys on the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago de Compostela.
Your destination today is Sarria, a town of just over 13,000 inhabitants that plays a very important role, as the Camino Frances connects with the Camino del Norte and is also the place chosen by thousands of pilgrims every year to start their route to Santiago de Compostela.
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 4 - Sarria to Melide 36 miles | 58 km
Start your journey to Melide crossing varied terrain and with many slopes. Along the way, there are a large number of leafy trees that will provide you with shade.
Gradually you will approach Portomarin and the River Minho will let you know that you are about to arrive at this traditional Galician village characterised by its low houses and beautiful cobbled streets.
Cross the River Minho and continue on your way. You will pass through Gonzar, Ventas de Naron and Palas de Rei.
Once in Melide, considered the geographical centre of Galicia, you will be able to reward your effort today by indulging in its delicious gastronomy.
Gradually you will approach Portomarin and the River Minho will let you know that you are about to arrive at this traditional Galician village characterised by its low houses and beautiful cobbled streets.
Cross the River Minho and continue on your way. You will pass through Gonzar, Ventas de Naron and Palas de Rei.
Once in Melide, considered the geographical centre of Galicia, you will be able to reward your effort today by indulging in its delicious gastronomy.
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 5 - Melide to Santiago de Compostela 33 miles | 53 km
Today is the day to reach the finishing line of this bike ride. You will leave Melide and head towards the River Ribadiso, which will guide you towards Arzua.
After passing Arzua, you will start descending through beautiful landscapes and charming traditional villages.
Before reaching A Rua, at the Chapel of Santa Irene, you will come across a baroque-style fountain that is said to have curative powers.
Your next stop will be O Pedrouzo, the ideal place to take a break and take a breather.
On the final stretch, you will pass through San Paio, see the Church of Lavacolla and climb Monte do Gozo, from where you can see the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in the distance.
When you arrive in Santiago de Compostela you will have achieved your goal. Enjoy the city and its wide range of cultural and culinary offerings.
After passing Arzua, you will start descending through beautiful landscapes and charming traditional villages.
Before reaching A Rua, at the Chapel of Santa Irene, you will come across a baroque-style fountain that is said to have curative powers.
Your next stop will be O Pedrouzo, the ideal place to take a break and take a breather.
On the final stretch, you will pass through San Paio, see the Church of Lavacolla and climb Monte do Gozo, from where you can see the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in the distance.
When you arrive in Santiago de Compostela you will have achieved your goal. Enjoy the city and its wide range of cultural and culinary offerings.
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 6 - Santiago de Compostela
If you have time, enjoy the charms in Santiago de Compostela. Visit its fascinating old town, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO or, if you want a quieter plan, you can stroll through the Alameda Park and visit the baroque Parish Church of Santa Susana.
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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 route on the Camino de Santiago Frances from Ponferrada, the best option is to arrive in Madrid.
From there, you have the option to go to Ponferrada by taking a bus from the Moncloa station (4h 15m) or a train from the Chamartín station (4h 30m).
If you wish to start in another city in Spain, you will necessarily have to make the connection in the capital to continue towards Ponferrada.
At the end of your route, you can take public or private transportation from your accommodation to the Santiago airport, and from there, a flight to your place of origin.
From there, you have the option to go to Ponferrada by taking a bus from the Moncloa station (4h 15m) or a train from the Chamartín station (4h 30m).
If you wish to start in another city in Spain, you will necessarily have to make the connection in the capital to continue towards Ponferrada.
At the end of your route, you can take public or private transportation from your accommodation to the Santiago airport, and from there, a flight 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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