Roncesvalles is one of the most history-laden starting points on the whole Camino. Here, coming down from the Pyrenees and already on Spanish soil, the Camino Francés begins for many pilgrims, and from its collegiate church to Santiago de Compostela it is about 780 kilometres. At Bicigrino we make it simple: we deliver a prepared, serviced bike to you in Roncesvalles, 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 never going back to the start.
Roncesvalles, far more than a starting point
Roncesvalles (Orreaga in Basque) is barely a handful of monumental buildings in a clearing in the forest, at more than 900 metres above sea level, surrounded by beech woods and silence. Yet few places on the Camino carry so much epic weight. It was here, in the year 778, that the rearguard of Charlemagne’s army was ambushed, an episode the Middle Ages turned into legend with the Song of Roland, the first great epic of European literature.
The complex of the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María, from the 13th century, is a Gothic gem: the church with its Virgin beneath a silver canopy, the cloister, the Chapel of Santiago and Charlemagne’s silo, where tradition places the tomb of the fallen. For a thousand years Roncesvalles has been the pilgrims’ first great refuge after crossing the mountains, and its quiet, almost monastic atmosphere is contagious. Very close by lies the Irati forest, one of the largest and most beautiful beech-and-fir woods in Europe. The food here is Navarrese mountain fare: shepherd’s migas, Roncal cheese, lamb, trout and a good Navarra wine. Beginning your Camino in this place, with so much history beneath your feet, is part of the experience.
The Camino Francés from Roncesvalles: route, distances and what to expect
From Roncesvalles, the Camino descends through the woods via Zubiri to Pamplona, the first big city, and continues over the Alto del Perdón, Puente la Reina, Estella and wine country to Logroño and La Rioja. Then come Burgos, the meseta, León and the final climb into Galicia over O Cebreiro, on the way to Santiago. From Roncesvalles to Santiago it is about 780 kilometres. Starting here, rather than in Saint-Jean, spares you the demanding Pyrenean climb of the first day and instead gives you a lovely opening descent through the beech woods.
Most cyclists cover the Camino Francés from Roncesvalles in 12 to 14 days, depending on their pace. It is a varied, very well-signposted Camino: forest and descent at the start, the odd short climb, long stretches of meseta and the final climbs of León and O Cebreiro. Accessible to anyone with basic fitness and very comfortable on an e-bike. From Roncesvalles you comfortably clear the 200 kilometres required for the Compostela.
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 the nearest 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. Since Roncesvalles is a small spot, we arrange with you the most convenient handover point — a nearby partner shop or your own accommodation — so you can start free of worries.
The rest of the service follows the “you just pedal” philosophy. It’s a one-way rental: you pick the bike up in Roncesvalles 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 models and prices on our rates page.
Gravel/mountain bike or e-bike?
Both work beautifully. A gravel or mountain bike is the natural choice if you ride with confidence. An e-bike — with 750 to 800 Wh batteries — makes the short climbs, the meseta and O Cebreiro easier, and lets you reach the end of each stage in one piece; 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 Roncesvalles and leave it in Santiago?
Yes, it’s our main service. We deliver it in Roncesvalles, already checked, and you return it when you reach Santiago.
How many days do I need from Roncesvalles?
The full Camino Francés usually takes 12 to 14 days. The rental minimum is 7 days.
Is starting in Roncesvalles instead of Saint-Jean easier?
Yes: you skip the tough Pyrenean climb of the first day and set off with a lovely descent through the beech woods towards Pamplona.
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 Roncesvalles 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 Roncesvalles?
Tell us your dates and we’ll prepare your bike in Roncesvalles, 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!
