Few cities welcome the pilgrim with as much character as Pamplona. It’s the first great capital of the Camino Francés, the one that appears after coming down from the Pyrenees, and from here to Santiago de Compostela there are around 700 kilometres of the most famous pilgrim route in the world. At Bicigrino we make it simple: we deliver a prepared, serviced bike to you in Pamplona, you ride the Camino at your own pace, and you leave it with us when you reach Santiago. No boxing up your own bike, no flying with a bike bag, and no going back to the start.
Pamplona, far more than a starting point
Capital of Navarre and a city two thousand years old, Pamplona was born as a Roman camp — hence its name, from Pompaelo, the city of Pompey — and grew up walled on a hill overlooking the basin. Today it’s a lively, green and very bike-friendly city, famous the world over for the San Fermín festival and the running of the bulls that Hemingway immortalised in The Sun Also Rises. Even if you don’t travel in July, the spirit is in the air all year round.
The old town is a joy to wander: the Cathedral of Santa María la Real, Gothic with a neoclassical façade and one of the most beautiful cloisters in Europe; the Plaza del Castillo, the city’s social heart, with the historic Café Iruña; and the imposing Citadel and bastions, now parks where the Renaissance walls open up to a stroll. Pamplona is also a city of good food: the pintxo crawl along Calle Estafeta and its surroundings is famous, with chistorra sausage, piquillo peppers, pochas beans, lamb al chilindrón and a good Navarre wine or a fresh rosé. Beginning your Camino here, with this much history and flavour, is part of the experience.
The Camino Francés from Pamplona: route, distances and what to expect
From Pamplona, the Camino Francés heads west towards the legendary Alto del Perdón, with its row of iron pilgrims cut out against the wind, and descends towards Puente la Reina, where the routes coming from Roncesvalles and Somport converge. It continues through Estella, Los Arcos and the wine country to Logroño and La Rioja, and from there to Burgos, the meseta, León and Galicia. From Pamplona to Santiago it’s around 700 kilometres.
Most cyclists cover the full Camino Francés from Pamplona in 11 to 14 days, depending on their pace. It’s a varied and very well-signposted Camino, with the odd climb such as the Alto del Perdón, long stretches of meseta and the final ascent into Galicia via O Cebreiro, but with no technical difficulties for anyone with basic fitness — and very comfortable on an e-bike. From Pamplona you comfortably clear the 200 kilometres required for the Compostela: it’s a complete route, not a short getaway.
How we work: your bike ready at a shop, right before you set off
Whenever possible, we don’t leave the bike waiting for you at a hotel reception: we deliver it to a partner bike shop at your starting point. Why? Because that way, after transport, a professional mechanic gives it a final check right before you leave: brakes, gears, tyre pressure, saddle and handlebars set to your size. You set off knowing the bike is genuinely ready, not simply parked. If a holiday or logistics make a shop delivery impossible, we arrange delivery to your accommodation instead.
The rest of the service follows the “you just pedal” philosophy. It’s a one-way rental: you pick the bike up in Pamplona and return it in Santiago, with no need to go back. You ride the Camino with complete freedom and we handle the logistics from start to finish. We deliver bikes throughout Spain and Portugal.
What your rental includes
Every bike goes out ready for the Camino, with panniers, a rear rack, a lock and a repair kit, serviced before delivery. We include delivery at the start and pick-up in Santiago, and we stay with you with phone and WhatsApp support in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. The helmet is not included, for hygiene and fit: bring your own. The rental is for the full route, with a 7-day minimum rate and prices from €345 (VAT included); see the models and prices on our rates page.
Gravel/mountain bike or e-bike?
Both work beautifully on the Camino Francés. A gravel or mountain bike is the natural choice if you ride with confidence. An e-bike — with 750 to 800 Wh batteries — flattens the Alto del Perdón, the meseta and the climb to O Cebreiro, and lets you enjoy it without wearing yourself out; you simply recharge it each night. It’s the most popular choice. Those who ride an e-bike, cover the distance and get their credential stamped can also request the Compostela (confirm it at the Pilgrim’s Office).
More services to round off your Camino
We can take care of transporting your luggage, offer you our optional assistance insurance — breakdowns, punctures and replacing the bike — and handle the deposit simply and refundably. We’re specialists in the Camino de Santiago by bike.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pick up the bike in Pamplona and leave it in Santiago?
Yes, it’s our main service. We deliver it in Pamplona, already checked, and you return it when you reach Santiago.
How many days do I need from Pamplona?
The full Camino Francés usually takes 11 to 14 days. The rental minimum is 7 days.
Is the Camino Francés from Pamplona hard?
It’s varied but manageable: the odd climb, plenty of meseta and the final ascent into Galicia. Suitable for anyone with basic fitness and very comfortable on an e-bike.
Why do you deliver the bike to a shop and not the hotel?
Because that way it gets a final professional check after transport, right before you set off.
Do you carry my luggage between stages?
Yes. We can arrange to transport your luggage so you ride light.
At Bicigrino we deliver the bikes in Pamplona and in any city across Spain and Portugal. See all the models, prices and conditions on our bike rental page.
Ready to set off from Pamplona?
Tell us your dates and we’ll prepare your bike in Pamplona, serviced and ready for the Camino. Write to caminosantiagobike@gmail.com or WhatsApp +34 627 92 82 13; we answer in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. Buen Camino!
