Cycle the Full Camino de Santiago: Self-Guided Bike Tour

Arrival at leisure in Pamplona.

Once you’ve checked into your accommodation, you will need to obtain your credencial (pilgrim passport). You can receive stamps in hotels, restaurants, churches, bars, cafés and many other places that you might visit along the way; we recommend that you try to get as many stamps as possible to turn your credencial into a unique souvenir of your trip!

The first major highlight of the day is the climb to the Alto del Perdón, where the ascent is rewarded with spectacular panoramic views: the Pamplona basin stretching out on one side and the Valdizarbe valley on the other. At the summit stands the iconic Monumento al Peregrino, created by Vicente Galbete: a striking row of metal pilgrim silhouettes that seem to walk endlessly toward the horizon, a powerful tribute to the countless travellers who have passed this way before.

Just beyond lies Puente la Reina, one of the most iconic points on the pilgrimage route. Its magnificent 11th-century Romanesque bridge, the Puente Románico de Puente la Reina, spans the River Arga with seven graceful arches. Built to ease the passage of medieval pilgrims, it still stands today in all its majestic beauty.

Finally, after crossing gently rolling terrain, you’ll arrive in Estella-Lizarra, often nicknamed the “Toledo of the North” for the richness of its medieval heritage and the elegance of its palaces and convents.

Leaving Estella-Lizarra, the Camino continues through wooded hills and emerging vineyards. Just a few kilometers ahead lies the first major highlight: Irache-Ayegui, home to the famous Fuente del Vino. Here, pilgrims are invited to fill their shells with free wine:  a warm gesture of hospitality that celebrates the region’s deep-rooted winemaking tradition.

The journey continues over rolling terrain of grain fields and olive groves toward Los Arcos, one of Navarra’s key Camino towns. Its impressive Church of Santa María, rich in artistic detail, reflects the town’s historic importance to generations of pilgrims.

Beyond Los Arcos, long rural stretches lead onward as the landscape subtly changes — the soil turning a distinctive reddish hue, signaling the approach to La Rioja. A vineyard-lined road leads to the Stone Bridge over the Ebro and into Logroño, the capital of La Rioja wine country.

The first significant town along the way is Navarrete, known for its wineries and for the Church of the Assumption (Iglesia de la Asunción), home to a magnificent Baroque altarpiece. You can also see remains of the old pilgrims’ hospital, a reminder of the town’s long-standing connection to the Camino.

Further on, the route leads to Nájera, one of the most historically important stops on the pilgrimage. Set along the River Najerilla and backed by a dramatic rocky cliff, the town was once the capital of the medieval Kingdom of Navarre.

Leaving Nájera, the Camino returns to open countryside, passing small villages such as Azofra and Cirueña. The landscape gradually becomes wider and more expansive. The first hints of the meseta begin to appear, with broad horizons, scattered villages, and golden cereal fields blending with vineyards.

Finally, after a last stretch of gentle hills, the silhouette of Santo Domingo de la Calzada comes into view: one of the Camino’s most historic towns.

Leaving Santo Domingo de la Calzada, the Camino passes through farmland and gently rolling hills. Shortly after, a small rise marks the entry into the province of Burgos, where the landscape begins to change: vineyards give way to golden cereal fields and wide open plains stretching toward the horizon.

Arriving in Burgos is a truly memorable moment: the imposing Gothic cathedral rises on the horizon, welcoming pilgrims to this historic capital of the Kingdom of Castile.

After crossing the Arlanzón River and skirting the city’s last neighborhoods, the terrain eases into long, open horizons dotted with golden cereal fields that seem to stretch endlessly.

The landscape here is wide and open, with long straight stretches perfect for keeping a steady cycling pace while breathing in the fresh Meseta air.

As Castrojeriz comes into view, the castle ruins perched above the plain signal your arrival at one of the most iconic towns along the Burgos stretch of the Camino.

Small villages along the way — such as Frómista and Boadilla del Camino — are perfect spots to pause for a coffee, refill your water bottles, or relax in the shade of a stone doorway while watching local life drift by.

From Frómista, the route continues toward Carrión de los Condes, crossing small streams and quiet country tracks lined with fields of wheat, oats and barley.

The first of these is Calzadilla de la Cueza, tucked into a shallow valley and almost hidden from view until we practically stumble upon it.

Just before reaching Sahagún, we cross into the province of León, often nicknamed the “Leonese desert.” Despite its modest size, Sahagún boasts some of the most important Mudéjar (Arab-influenced) churches in Castile, along with a remarkable Catholic heritage shaped by its historic ties to the powerful Cluniac monastic order.

The route leads to Mansilla de las Mulas, a historic Camino town known for its medieval bridge over the River Esla and its arcaded main square. Beyond Mansilla, the plains continue until, gradually, the terrain softens, small woods appear, and the first neighborhoods of León signal your arrival.

Founded in 68 BC, León is a showstopper: wander the old quarter, admire the magnificent Gothic cathedral, visit Gaudí’s Casa Botines, and celebrate in the lively Barrio Húmedo; every drink comes with a free tapa, so order a corto and enjoy the feast!

The scenery along the first half of the route is relatively dry, but gets greener the further west you go as the cornfields give way to endless vineyards. Keep your eyes peeled for geckos, birds of prey and dairy cows!

We recommend that you stop for lunch in the charming town of Hóspital de Órbigo, named after the pilgrim hospital founded by the Knights Hospitaller in the 16th century next to the Órbigo river.

The route finishes in the historic town of Astorga. Located at the convergence of the Camino de Santiago and the Vía de la Plata, Astorga offers a rich cultural legacy stretching from Roman times through to 20th century Modernism. Don’t miss the majestic Palacio de Gaudí, which houses a museum dedicated to the Camino de Santiago.

Just outside of Foncebadón, you’ll come across the famous Cruz del Ferro, the highest point of today’s ride and also the highest point of the Camino Francés, where pilgrims traditionally leave a small stone as a symbol of leaving behind their burdens before arriving in Santiago.

Continuing on the Camino, you’ll pass through the medieval town of Molinaseca and the historic city of Ponferrada,  historically a stronghold of the Knights Templar and still dominated by their imposing 12^th century castle.

After Ponferrada, you’ll enter the region of El Bierzo, whose wines have their own Protected Denomination of Origin, and finish in Villafranca del Bierzo.

Villafranca del Bierzo was originally founded to provide pilgrims with refuge and sanctuary before beginning the most difficult part of their pilgrimage. The town boasts a long and storied history, and is replete with churches and monuments, testament to its importance as a stop on the ancient Camino de Santiago route.

The first section to Vega de Valcarce is mostly gentle, rolling along river valleys and quiet country roads, giving you a chance to warm up while enjoying picturesque villages and green hillsides.

The real challenge begins with the climb to O Cebreiro, rising nearly 700–800 meters over about 12 km, with gradients up to 12%. At the summit, enjoy sweeping views and the historic stone pallozas and pre-Romanesque church of Santa María la Real. From there, the route undulates along ridgelines, reaching the Alto do Poio before descending through forests and hamlets into Triacastela.

Leaving Triacastela, the route starts with gentle climbs and descents through oak and chestnut forests, giving way to open farmland and traditional Galician hamlets like Samos, home to the impressive 9th-century Monastery of San Xulián de Samos—a must-see stop along the way.

After Samos, the path gradually descends through soft hills and river valleys, with sections of quiet asphalt and well-maintained rural tracks, eventually dropping toward the Miño River.

Portomarín, perched above the river on a hilltop, greets cyclists with its medieval streets, Romanesque church, and the remarkable sight of its entire old town rebuilt stone by stone after the construction of a reservoir.

Your ride today takes you into the Celtic heart of Galicia. As you leave Castromaior, you can take a short diversion to visit the Celtic castro (fortified town) which gave the town its name. Dating back to the 4th century BC, this castro is one of the largest Iron Age sites in the Iberian peninsula.

Further long the route, you will pass through the small town of Melide, famous for its speciality: pulpo a feira (Galician octopus!) Don’t leave Galicia without sampling its most celebrated dish.

You’ll spend tonight in Arzúa, which is famous for its local Arzúa-Ulloa cheese, which has Protected Denomination of Origin status.

The official end-point of the Camino in Santiago de Compostela is the Cathedral, located in Plaza del Obradoiro. We recommend taking a break in the plaza to celebrate your achievement and soak up the amazing atmosphere. There is something indescribably human about the sight of hundreds of daily pilgrims arriving into the plaza, just as countless others have done over the centuries.

Inside the Cathedral, pilgrims traditionally embrace the statue of St James and visit his tomb. Your next stop is the Pilgrims’ Office where you can obtain your Compostela pilgrim certificate.

Congratulations on the completion of your pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela!

Arrival airport: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD)

Direct flights to Madrid are available from a number of destinations worldwide.

From Madrid, you can travel  by high-speed train to the start of the tour in Pamplona.

Please consult with your Bike Spain Tours travel coordinator if you wish to book extra nights in Madrid before the start of the tour. Some of our favourite hotels are:

City centre

• Ocean Drive Madrid****: Elegant, modern option with a rooftop pool.
• Petit Palace Posada del Peine****: Charming historic option, in operation for over 400 years.

Chamartín train station

• Hotel Only You Atocha****: Comfortable modern property conveniently located close to Atocha train station.

Departure airport: Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ)

Note: Santiago airport will be closed for renovations from 23rd April – 27th May 2026. From 28th May onwards, there will be a new direct flight route from Santiago SCQ to Newark EWR.

Santiago de Compostela is well-connected with Madrid and other destinations in Spain via air and high-speed train (approx. 3 hours).