Name: Cycling the Camino Frances Last 200kms
Brand: CaminoWays.com

Activity :: Walking or Easy Walking or Cycling or Easy Cycling
Duration :: 7 Nights
Distance :: 208 km
Difficulty :: Medium
Tour Type :: Self-Guided
Time To Go :: All year round
Price :: from €668
Reviews :

Craig, Canada - September

As first time pilgrims on the camino we really didn't have a clue where to begin planning this trip. Saw an add for Camino Ways.com and checked them out. Sure glad we did! They took care of hotels, bike rental, luggage transfer, maps and info. Each leg of the journey was planned out so that we could do it comfortably in a day. The trip itself was a real adventure which we will never forget. If you're thinking of doing it make sure you're in reasonably good shape!

Billy, Ireland - April

"We set out from Leon on Sunday 15th of April eight of us on mountain bikes complete with panniers. We cycled on the walking trails, at times this was challenging but well worth it for all that we have seen was fantastic - we had a very good week weather-wise so the trails were good - we are all accomplished cyclists both on road bikes and mountain bikes and still we all found it challenging at times but so so enjoyable. Arriving in Santiago on Friday 20th we had covered approx 330km in 6 days - all the accommodation that had been arranged was of a high standard and all the staff in every place we stayed could not have been nicer. A fantastic trip had by all - helped by the fact the sun was shining down on us all week."

Mike, USA - May

"Camino Ways set up the whole biking trip, from Leon to Santiago, some 240 miles. We had great bicycles for our 4 cyclists (my brother, sister, wife and myself). We had great lodging each nite with comfortable beds in the best locations in each stay over town at 4 star hotels that Camino had picked for us in advance. In the morning Camino Ways would pick up our luggage and carry to the next town. The food was great at every stop as was the plentiful Rioja. This was a great cycling vacation that Camino Ways made possible. And the cost was very reasonable for such great service. We are planning another section of the Camino next year and will definitely go with Camino Ways."

Anthony, United States - September

"Camino Ways did an awesome job setting up our cycling tour from Ponferrada to Santiago, Spain! They were very patient with our numerous questions and made sure we were all set up properly. The hotels they selected were excellent and so were the suggested legs of the tour. The mountain bikes we got were also excellent quality and the luggage transfer made it very convenient. It was a journey of a lifetime!"

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Activity:: Walking or Easy Walking or Cycling or Easy Cycling
Duration:: 7 Nights
Distance:: 208 km
Difficulty:: Medium
Tour Type:: Self-Guided
Time To Go:: All year round
Price:: from €668
Rating:

Cycling the Camino Frances is highly recommended and a great way to experience the magic of the classic Camino de Santiago route on two wheels. On this Camino Frances cycling tour, you will be cycling the Camino Francés from the lively city of Ponferrada, across the spectacular mountains of O Cebreiro and into Santiago de Compostela.

You will ride the last 200kms of the Camino Francés and experience some of the route’s most important cultural, natural and historic highlights. You will meet fellow Camino cyclists as you cycle from the lush El Bierzo region and the mountains of O Cebreiro. From picturesque O Cebreiro, the Camino takes bicigrinos along the forests and rolling green hills of Galicia; all the way to magnificent Santiago de Compostela.

Don’t forget to get your Compostela certificate when you reach Santiago! Explore more over a shorter period of time.

With 5 star reviews from our clients, this is a great way to discover the Camino trails.

*We recommend cycling the Camino only if you have some cycling experience and essential bike maintenance knowledge. For more information, check out our page on Cycling the Camino de Santiago – How it Works. We can organise guided Camino cycling tours for private groups – talk to our team for more details.

Rating

Satisfaction

Billy, Ireland

Arriving in Santiago on Friday 20th we had covered approx 330km in 6 days – all the accommodation that had been arranged was of a high standard and all the staff in every place we stayed could not have been nicer. A fantastic trip had by all – helped by the fact the sun was shining down on us all week.

cycling the camino review

Click below to create your trip. You can walk or cycle.

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This is the most popular itinerary, you may be able to combine or split the distance for each day. Click on get a quote to customize your trip.

Ponferrada

You arrive in Ponferrada.

24 km

Villafranca del Bierzo

After your night in Ponferrada, the Camino takes you across the heart of the lush region of El Bierzo, nestled in the mountains. Take the opportunity to taste the local delicious cherries if you are travelling in Summer, exquisite cured meats and other regional delicacies. In Villafranca, known as ‘little Compostela’, visit the garden of the Iglesia de Santiago, St James Church. The church has a ‘Forgiveness Gate’, Puerta del Perdón, that only opens during Holy Years.

30 km

O Cebreiro

After your night in Villafranca, known as ‘little Compostela’, visit the garden of the Iglesia de Santiago, St James Church. The church has a ‘Forgiveness Gate’, Puerta del Perdón, that only opens during Holy Years. Your route passes by the ranges of ‘Os Ancares’ and ‘Serra do Courel’ and it should be noted that this stage to O Cebreiro holds a steep climb in only a few kilometres but the views are truly spectacular.

Easy Option: Split your long day above, from Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro, into two easier stages of 21km & 9km. You will stay in the small hamlet of Herrerías, in a traditional farmhouse with views of the mountains, and getting ready for your ascent to O Cebreiro.

40 km

Sarria

After your night in Triacastela, you have the choice of two Camino options, the ‘San Xil’ Camino offers scenery that will lift your spirits. It has many ‘corredoiras’ (narrow forest tracks) with paved pathways through native Galician oak woods. If you wish to visit the impressive Samos Monastery, you will walk across the valley of the river Ouribio to reach Samos and continue on to reach the larger town of Sarria.

Easy Option: Split your journey from Triacastela to Sarria with a stay in the village of Samos.

47 km

Palas de Rei

After your night in Portomarin, your Camino will cross the river Miño (Galicia’s longest river) and rise uphill steadily towards the Serra de Ligonde. You will pass nice hamlets such as Gonzar and Ventas de Narón. Stop to visit the Romanesque Church of Santa María in Castromaior and the Romanesque church in Eirexe, with its portal featuring a sculpture of Daniel with animals, as well as Pilgrim Santiago.

Easy Option: You can choose to split this day in two and stay in the hamlet of Ventas de Narón.

47 km

Rua Pedrouzo

Easy Option: Travel along a mix of well marked country road and forest tracks from the quite village of Pedrouzo -A Rua to the village of Lavacolla (the traditional last stop before Santiago, where pilgrims in olden days would bathe their feet).

20 km

Santiago de Compostela

After your night in Amenal, your next point of interest is Lavacolla in the outskirts of Santiago, where pilgrims used to wash themselves in the river in preparation for their arrival in Santiago de Compostela. Rows of tall eucalyptus trees line your journey to Monte do Gozo (‘Mount of Joy’ 368m) and it is from here that will catch your first glimpse of the spires of the cathedral in Santiago. When you arrive in the city (264m, population 80,000), explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s architecture and delight in the wonderful atmosphere of this spiritual and cultural city. With only 16.5km to walk today, you should be in Santiago in time for the pilgrim mass (12pm). After visiting Santiago Cathedral and recovering from your walk, take time to explore this gem of a city, small and vibrant. Its old town will enchant you. In Santiago the Compostela you will find not only pilgrims but also locals and students, enjoying a few bites and socialising over a glass of wine in the many bars, restaurants and cosy cafes. Read our blog post: Top 10 things to do in Santiago de Compostela for ideas before your trip.

Superior Collection now including complimentary spa treatment in Santiago.

Easy Option: Last stop before reaching Santiago. Choose to stay in Lavacolla and after a deserved rest, arrive in Santiago the next day feeling refreshed and calm.

End of your Camino de Santiago tour after breakfast the next morning. Consider adding an extra night in this gem of a city or perhaps a day tour.

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Accommodation

Standard Hotel & Guesthouse

We have hand-picked hotels and guesthouses along the Camino for their character and warm hospitality. Up to 3-stars, you will be staying in the centre of town and close to your Camino trail. All rooms are en-suite with bathroom.

Country Cottages

Country Cottages or ‘Casas Rurales’ are beautifully restored country homes and farmhouses in the heart of peaceful rural communities. Our Country Cottages are renowned for their exceptional food, unique settings and personal touch. Rest assured when you select Country Cottage you will enjoy the full experience of our collection of beautiful Casa Rurales when and where this option is available, however, bear in mind, that sometimes due to location factors, only our choice of standard collection hotels and guesthouses may be available. All rooms are en-suite.

Superior Collection

Stay in very special hotels and unique properties along the Camino. We have selected luxurious 4 and 5-star hotels, boutique guesthouses, relaxing country homes and stunning heritage ‘Parador’ hotels so you can feel pampered. Rest assured when you select Superior Collection, you will enjoy the full experience of our best hotels and top guesthouses when and where this option is available, however, bear in mind, that sometimes due to location factors, only our choice of standard collection hotels and guesthouses may be available. All rooms are en-suite.

Access

How to Get There

Live information on Rome2Rio. We can also arrange private transfers if you prefer, just ask us.

Ponferrada

Santiago de Compostela Airport 200km: Bus (takes 3h, 4 per day @11.45, 15.45. 18.45, 20.45, Alsa.es), Train (takes 3h, 2 per day Renfe.com)

Madrid Airport 400km: Train takes 6h Renfe.com

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela Airport 11km: There is shuttle bus from Santiago city centre to the airport, departing every 30min. Bus stops are: city centre (Plaza de Galicia), train station (Estación de Ferrocarril) and bus station (Estación de Autobuses). See: www.empresafreire.com.

Vigo Airport 90km: From Santiago you can take a train to Vigo Guixar (see www.renfe.com) or a bus to Travesia de Vigo (every hour). You should then take a city bus from Travesia de Vigo to Vigo Airport (every 30 min).

A Coruna Airport 70km: From Santiago you can take a train to A Coruña (30 min approximately) and then take a bus from Alfonso Molina (line 4051) to the airport (every 30 min, takes 20 min approximately). Monbus has services from Santiago to A Coruña Airport (every 3 hours), see monbus.es/en for details.

Porto Airport 210km: There is a direct bus connection between Santiago (Estación de Autobuses) and Porto airport once or twice a day (taking 4h or 6h resp.). See www.alsa.es.

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Whats Included

All our trips include selected accommodation with private bathroom, holiday pack with route information, maps and GPS files; and 24/7 support number providing assistance during your trip, for instance organising support vehicle if needed.

OPTIONAL: You will also have the option to add or remove the Luggage transfers (one bag up to 20kg per person), dinners (where available), bike rental and airport transfers.

NOT INCLUDED: Flights, drinks, city tax, Travel Insurance (Recommended)

Accommodation: We aim to book you into each of the towns listed on the itinerary, however in case of low availability we may book you 2 nights in the same town with provided transfers. If you are booking Superior collection or Country cottages, please note it is subject to availability and therefore cannot be guaranteed. Superior/Country cottage accommodation may be away from the route with included transfers. See http://caminoways.com/country-cottages for more details.

*This year, important restoration works continue at Santiago Cathedral in order to get the cathedral fully restored ahead of Holy Year 2021. Read more here.

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Camino Frances Cycling the Camino Frances Last 200kms

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