The roads to Santiago

There are many routes that run through Spain and that have deservedly earned the appellation
Camino de Santiago. Each one has its own character, difficulty and essence.

The French Way

The French Way is undoubtedly the best known and busiest. It crosses the north of Spain
and its most common starting point is located at the Franco-Navarre border, being the most popular one.
Roncesvalles is the most frequent starting point, although many choose to start
in the French town of Saint Jean Pied de Port.

Another popular option is to start the French Way from the Aragonese Pyrenees, specifically
in Somport. This variant, known as the Aragonese Way, links
Somport with Puente la Reina, where you follow the common route to Santiago.

The Northern Way and the Primitive Way

The Camino del Norte runs along the Cantabrian coast, usually starting in Irún.
At Villaviciosa it forks: following the coast we continue along the Camino del Norte,
while turning off towards Oviedo we enter the Camino Primitivo, considered
the oldest and also one of the hardest to do by bicycle.

The Silver Route

The Vía de la Plata runs through the peninsula from Seville to Santiago. It is a road
full of contrasts, with a strong sense of adventure and, in my opinion, the road that
is best enjoyed by bicycle once you have acquired previous experience in the French Way.

Where to start?

For those who are just starting out, my recommendation is clear: the French Way.
It is the best equipped with hostels, the simplest route and the best signposted.
It is also where the true essence of the Camino de Santiago is most intensely experienced.

Facing the Camino by bicycle

It is not the same to go out for a day on a bicycle than to cycle for several consecutive days,
loaded with panniers, crossing different terrains and accumulating unevenness day after day.

The Camino requires perseverance, perseverance and also mental preparation. It is advisable to train beforehand
with the bike loaded and get used to the inertia and weight.

Food and hydration

Hydration is essential, especially in summer. It is advisable to carry two water bottles
and drink frequently, before getting thirsty.

As for food, the ideal is a good breakfast, something light at noon
and a full meal in the afternoon or evening, taking advantage of the pilgrim’s menus.

Stage planning

Not all stages are the same. The same stretch can be a walk or a hell depending on
wind, rain or physical condition. That’s why I do not advise leaving home with the stages
closed to the millimeter.

A question of weight

Weight is a determining factor. You have to be well prepared, but without making the mistake
of carrying unnecessary things. On the French Way the towns are close and there are services
in almost all of them.

Don’t make the Camino a race

The Camino de Santiago is not a competition. It is not about getting there before anyone else or doing it
in fewer days. The key is to get up every morning with no other concern than to move forward,
eat when you are hungry and rest when the body asks for it.