Cycle from León to Santiago de Compostela on the St. James Way over 10 incredible days
Some things in life are best experienced at a slower pace to truly soak up the moment. The 10-day Slow-Paced Camino de Santiago Cycling Tour invites you to do just that: to experience the ancient route to its fullest potential at your own pace, ensuring you don't miss a thing.
This self-guided cycling holiday in Northern Spain guides you along the classic pilgrim route of the Camino de Santiago (St. James Way), the same route that has lead travellers to the sacred cathedral of Santiago de Compostela for nearly a thousand years.
Setting out from León, you'll enjoy eight days of easy, approachable routes, leading you through Castile and León, and later through the gorgeous Galician countryside. Pedalling through picturesque villages like Astorga and Palas de Rei, you'll be swept up in the authentic ambience, enjoying fabulous gastronomy and regional wines along the way. Daily rides through rolling green hills, vibrant vineyards and sprawling plains will immerse you in a nature-lovers oasis, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the Spanish countryside fully.
Arriving in Santiago de Compostela, you'll feel a sense of pride as you collect your well-earned certificate, having completed a meaningful journey on two wheels.
Highlights of the Slow-Paced Camino de Santiago Cycling Tour
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Slow-Paced Camino de Santiago Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive
León, set on the Bernesga River, is the starting point for your cycling holiday on the Camino de Santiago. The beautiful Spanish city is the perfect place to acquaint yourself with traditional architecture and local gastronomy.
Get settled into your accommodations before heading out to explore. Catedral de León is an excellent place to start.
Overnight Location: Hotel in León
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle the Plains of Castile to Astorga
After your bike fitting this morning, you’ll enjoy a pleasant warm-up ride through the sprawling plains of Castile, making your way to the Roman fortified town of Astorga.
Once in Astorga, explore the walled Old Town—a fascinating area frozen in time.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Astorga
Distance: 48km, 250m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle the Hills of Bierzo to Molinaseca
Sail through the scenic hills of Bierzo, to the Crus de Fierro (1507 metres/4944 feet), admiring the green oasis and inhaling the fresh country air.
Your ride to Molinaseca will lead you through the most rural area of the entire Camino, where stillness and tranquillity abound.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Molinaseca
Distance: 49km, 850m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4 Cruise to Villafranca del Bierzo Via Ponferrada
Enjoy a short relaxing ride today to the city of Villafranca del Bierzo, passing the Roman town of Ponferrada on the way. Ponferrada is home to a colossal 12th-century castle called The Templar, an impressive historic monument well-worth a stop to explore.
Pressing on through gently undulating terrain, you’ll make your way to Villafranca del Bierzo, known as the gateway to Galicia.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Villafranca del Bierzo
Distance: 30km, 260m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Challenging Climb to Galicia
Today’s route is perhaps the most challenging but jam-packed with rewards as you climb to the beautiful Galician countryside.
Following the national road, you’ll ascend to O Cebreiro, an emblematic village steeped in legends of the Camino and a fascinating place to explore.
Settle into your accommodations before exploring on foot. Check the 11th-century Romanesque church, located next door to your accommodations.
Overnight Location: Hotel in O Cebreiro
Distance: 29km, 800m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 6 Cycle Charming Woods and Galician Countryside
This morning, a short ascent will get the adrenaline flowing before you continue on a pleasant route, mostly downhill through charming woods and gorgeous green Galician countryside.
Along the way, you’ll pass the 6th-century Monastery of Samos, yet another fascinating encounter with history along the trail.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sarria
Distance: 47km, 200m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Cycle Through Pretty Villages to Palas de Rei
Today’s challenge will have you accomplishing a total climb of 600 metres, but no more than 200 metres at a time. Your backdrop for the ride is rural and scenic, with plenty of welcoming villages peppering the trail.
Cycling through the village of Portomarín, you’re sure to brush shoulders with fellow pilgrims. Enjoy a few moments in town, recharging your batteries as you swap stories and experiences over lunch before continuing the trail to Pala de Rei.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Palas de Rei
Distance: 52km, 600m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 8 Cycle from Palas de Rei to Arzúa
Enjoy gentle rolling hills today as you make your way through scenic villages in the Galician countryside.
Keep your eyes peeled for the seemingly out-of-place Pambre Castle along the way. The 14th-century structure pops up out of nowhere on the route and was once an important site in the early days of the Camino.
Reaching Arzúa, you’ll settle into a typical Galician manor, or pazo, enjoying a traditional experience in the countryside.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Arzúa
Distance: 31km, 400m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 9 Arrive at Santiago de Compostela
Your highly anticipated arrival at Santiago de Compostela is finally here. Cruise triumphantly into the city and make your way to the famous cathedral as the feelings of pride and accomplishment set in.
Be sure to grab your Compostela from the pilgrims office before you go!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santiago de Compostela
Distance: 40km, 310m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Depart
This morning after breakfast, your adventure on the Camino comes to an end. Check-out of your hotel, and spend some time exploring Santiago, if you have time.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departure on April 1st – October 25th, 2024:
- Single room: $1,650 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,175 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,150 USD
Accommodation on the Slow-Paced Camino de Santiago Cycling Tour
This tour is based on 2-star, 3-star, and 3.5-star hotels and hostels. All accommodations on the tour offer comfortable private rooms with ensuite bathrooms and basic amenities. Rooms are double or triple occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
It is possible to stay in a single room, when travelling with your group and the prices in Dates and Prices include all the supplements necessary. Please note, that this tour is not available for solo travellers. Please note that solo travellers renting a bike will pay a $25 USD supplement for bike transportation.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Real Colegiata in León ★★★
This hotel, nestled in the old town of León, sits at the heart of one of the most spectacular Romanesque complexes on the whole peninsula.
Posada Real Casa de Tepa in Astorga ★★★★
Found at the heart of Astorga, this lovely hotel is set right in front of a cathedral. It is situated in a monumental building that maintains its historical architecture and timeless character.
Hotel El Palacio in Molinaseca
Conveniently situated along the Camino en route into Molinaseca and mere steps away from the town’s landmarks and restaurants.
Hostal Posada Plaza Mayor in Villafrance de Bierzo ★★★
This hotel is located in the main square and has been tastefully restored using marble and fine woods.
Hotel Venta Celta in O Cebreiro
Centrally located in O Cebreiro, Hotel Venta Celta offers quiet rooms in a peaceful location with an adjoining restaurant complete with hearty meals for road-weary travelers.
Hotel Restaurante Roma in Sarria
Originally built in 1930, this historic hotel is located in a calm and quiet area of town, offering guests rest and tranquility after a long day on the trail.
A Parada das Bestas Hotel in Palas de Rei
A Parada das Bestas Hotel welcomes all guests with its warm atmosphere in a picture-perfect rural setting, Guests can enjoy superb amenities like an outdoor pool and a charming restaurant.
Pazo de Santa María Hotel in Arzúa
This rustic hotel set in a beautiful stone building dates back to 1742 and is brimming with authentic charm.
A Tafona do Peregrino in Santiago de Compostela ★★
Located near the famous food market of Santiago, this hotel is centrally located and affords guests the perfect base for exploring the city.
What’s included in the Slow-Paced Camino de Santiago Cycling Tour?
Meals
9 breakfasts and 4 dinners are included on this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 9 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transportation between hotels for the duration of the tour is included according to the itinerary. Your bike rental and airport transfers are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Also Included
- Detailed route description and maps in English
- 24-hour telephone assistance
Not included
- Bike rental
- International flights
- Airport transfers
- Meals or drinks and snacks not previously mentioned
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Travel insurance
- Personal equipment (GPS/side bags)
Optional Extras
- Bike rental:
-
- Hybrid bike: $250 USD
- E-Bike: $395 USD
- Airport transfers
- Activities and excursions
- Additional nights before or after tour
- Bike transfer supplement for solo travellers renting a bike: $25 USD
Frequently Asked Questions about Slow-Paced Camino de Santiago Cycling Tour
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