{"id":13615,"date":"2025-12-09T15:48:16","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T15:48:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/camino-de-santiago-by-bike-the-stages\/"},"modified":"2025-12-12T12:20:35","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T12:20:35","slug":"camino-de-santiago-by-bike-the-stages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/camino-de-santiago-by-bike-the-stages\/","title":{"rendered":"Camino de Santiago by bike, the stages"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Camino de Santiago is one of the most recommended routes for beginners in cycling tourism. <\/p>\n\n

The Camino by bike and its stages. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

From Bicigrino we show you here a summary of the stages that we consider the most logical and balanced to make the different paths or Jacobean routes by bicycle. <\/p>\n\n

Before you start to review them and write them down as your definitive stages, we would like to make an aside: <\/p>\n\n

\n
\n
\n

“Do not take the different routes or stages as definitive and immovable things, the routes are subject to many conditioning factors, whether climatic, emotional or even touristic. “<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

What for some people can be normal for others can be a difficult mileage to assume. The same stage can be a ride with the wind at your back or a hell with the wind against you? <\/p>\n\n

In bicigrino we have some guidelines or reasons for choosing one stage finish or another, we have criteria such as considering that before a big climb it is better to finish the stage at the base of a mountain to climb that milestone the next day with strength intact and the freshness of the morning. If we were competing in a race, we would look for an epic stage finish on a mythical summit, but we must not forget that we are talking about cyclotourism. <\/p>\n\n

Our criteria for designing the beginning and end of the stages is based on our own personal experience and sometimes we consider cities for their great tourist attraction as places worth knowing in depth. We are talking about a CYCLE-TOURISM trip and as such it is a mixture of cycling and sightseeing. We can not pass by the main tourist attractions of the different routes. <\/p>\n\n

Having explained this, let’s move on to the stages and roads: <\/p>\n\n

\"\"
On the Camino de Santiago the Iron Cross, the highest peak of the route and magical point. Camino de Santiago by bicycle. bicigrino.com <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Stages of the French Way by bicycle<\/h2>\n

Bicigrino proposal in 13 stages, based on our official tracks.
Distances and elevations may vary slightly depending on the chosen cycling route and detours to accommodations or services.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

Stage 1 – Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port \u2192 Roncesvalles<\/h3>\n

Queen stage and reconnaissance of the terrain<\/h4>\n
    \n
  • Distance:<\/strong> 23.16 km<\/li>\n
  • Positive difference in altitude (D+):<\/strong> 1,258 m<\/li>\n
  • Negative difference in elevation (D-):<\/strong> 552 m<\/li>\n
  • Maximum altitude:<\/strong> 1,432 m<\/li>\n
  • Minimum altitude:<\/strong> 243 m<\/li>\n
  • Technical difficulty:<\/strong> Very difficult<\/li>\n
  • Type of route:<\/strong> One way<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    First contact with the Camino and the mountains. The Pyrenees are overcome with long sustained ramps and spectacular scenery.
    Short stage in kilometers but very intense in elevation gain: perfect for adjusting the bike, the position and the pace that we will take the rest of the trip. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n

    <\/p>\n

    \n

    Stage 2 – Roncesvalles \u2192 Puente la Reina<\/h3>\n

    Transition from the high mountains to the Navarre valleys<\/h4>\n
      \n
    • Distance:<\/strong> 67.08 km<\/li>\n
    • Positive vertical drop (D+):<\/strong> 809 m<\/li>\n
    • Negative difference in elevation (D-):<\/strong> 1,404 m<\/li>\n
    • Maximum altitude:<\/strong> 951 m<\/li>\n
    • Minimum altitude:<\/strong> 353 m<\/li>\n
    • Technical difficulty:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>\n
    • Type of route:<\/strong> One way<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Long but very fluid, marked by the great initial descent from Roncesvalles to the valleys of Navarre. We pass through Pamplona and
      then we will follow tracks and secondary roads up to Puente la Reina, a historical crossroads of Jacobean routes. An ideal stage for
      to loosen legs after the Pyrenees and find the rhythm of the journey. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n

      <\/p>\n

      \n

      Stage 3 – Puente la Reina \u2192 Logro\u00f1o<\/h3>\n

      Classic Navarre-Riojan route, very cyclable and varied<\/h4>\n
        \n
      • Distance:<\/strong> 71.54 km<\/li>\n
      • Positive difference in altitude (D+):<\/strong> 1,021 m<\/li>\n
      • Negative vertical drop (D-):<\/strong> 988 m<\/li>\n
      • Maximum altitude:<\/strong> 672 m<\/li>\n
      • Minimum altitude:<\/strong> 335 m<\/li>\n
      • Technical difficulty:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>\n
      • Type of route:<\/strong> One way<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Varied terrain and very suitable for cyclotourism. From Puente la Reina begin the typical undulations of Navarra, passing through
        Estella and Los Arcos. Then you enter La Rioja between vineyards and open landscapes to Logro\u00f1o, a perfect city to
        enjoy the atmosphere of the Camino and recharge your batteries. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n

        <\/p>\n

        \n

        Stage 4 – Logro\u00f1o \u2192 Belorado<\/h3>\n

        Rioja-Castile transition and progressive entrance to the plateau<\/h4>\n
          \n
        • Distance:<\/strong> 72.62 km<\/li>\n
        • Positive vertical drop (D+):<\/strong> 971 m<\/li>\n
        • Negative difference in altitude (D-):<\/strong> 590 m<\/li>\n
        • Maximum altitude:<\/strong> 825 m<\/li>\n
        • Minimum altitude:<\/strong> 387 m<\/li>\n
        • Technical difficulty:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>\n
        • Type of route:<\/strong> One way<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          We leave Logro\u00f1o behind, pedaling through Rioja vineyards and historic towns such as N\u00e1jera and Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Little by little
          the landscape opens up, some of the steep slopes become steeper and the character of the Castilian plateau becomes more noticeable. Belorado offers a quiet end to
          stage with Jacobean tradition. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n

          <\/p>\n

          \n

          Stage 5 – Belorado \u2192 Burgos<\/h3>\n

          Crossing of the Montes de Oca and arrival at a great capital of the Camino.<\/h4>\n
            \n
          • Distance:<\/strong> 51.2 km<\/li>\n
          • Positive difference in altitude (D+):<\/strong> 576 m<\/li>\n
          • Negative vertical drop (D-):<\/strong> 487 m<\/li>\n
          • Maximum altitude:<\/strong> 1,158 m<\/li>\n
          • Minimum altitude:<\/strong> 761 m<\/li>\n
          • Technical difficulty:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>\n
          • Type of route:<\/strong> One way<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Relatively short but intense stage through the Montes de Oca pass, with forest tracks and some demanding steep slopes. After the high area
            the terrain becomes smoother and gradually enters the urban environment of Burgos. Excellent day to arrive early, visit the
            cathedral and check the bike. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n

            <\/p>\n

            \n

            Stage 6 – Burgos \u2192 Fr\u00f3mista<\/h3>\n

            First big day on the plateau: fast and very rolling<\/h4>\n
              \n
            • Distance:<\/strong> 65.09 km<\/li>\n
            • Positive difference in altitude (D+):<\/strong> 484 m<\/li>\n
            • Negative difference in altitude (D-):<\/strong> 560 m<\/li>\n
            • Maximum altitude:<\/strong> 937 m<\/li>\n
            • Minimum altitude:<\/strong> 767 m<\/li>\n
            • Technical difficulty:<\/strong> Easy<\/li>\n
            • Type of route:<\/strong> One way<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              One of the most rolling stages of the French Way. The landscape opens up completely and the tracks and secondary roads allow
              to advance at a good pace, with few steep slopes. An ideal day to accumulate kilometers comfortably and enjoy the continuous pedaling
              to Fr\u00f3mista, next to the Canal de Castilla. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n

              <\/p>\n

              \n

              Stage 7 – Fr\u00f3mista \u2192 Sahag\u00fan<\/h3>\n

              Meseta in its purest state: a quiet and fast stage<\/h4>\n
                \n
              • Distance:<\/strong> 58.21 km<\/li>\n
              • Positive difference in altitude (D+):<\/strong> 255 m<\/li>\n
              • Negative vertical drop (D-):<\/strong> 206 m<\/li>\n
              • Maximum altitude:<\/strong> 901 m<\/li>\n
              • Minimum altitude:<\/strong> 774 m<\/li>\n
              • Technical difficulty:<\/strong> Easy<\/li>\n
              • Type of route:<\/strong> One way<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Flat and very comfortable stage, perfect to advance without great wear and tear. The plateau offers long straights and easy tracks where the wind
                can be the main factor. It is an ideal day to enjoy the steady pace and the tranquility of the landscape until you reach
                Sahag\u00fan, historical point of the Camino. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n

                <\/p>\n

                \n

                Stage 8 – Sahag\u00fan \u2192 Le\u00f3n<\/h3>\n

                Smooth transition to one of the major cities along the Camino<\/h4>\n
                  \n
                • Distance:<\/strong> 55.75 km<\/li>\n
                • Positive difference in altitude (D+):<\/strong> 211 m<\/li>\n
                • Negative vertical drop (D-):<\/strong> 203 m<\/li>\n
                • Maximum altitude:<\/strong> 900 m<\/li>\n
                • Minimum altitude:<\/strong> 790 m<\/li>\n
                • Technical difficulty:<\/strong> Easy<\/li>\n
                • Type of route:<\/strong> One way<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  A very comfortable and rolling stage. The terrain remains smooth and allows to arrive in time to Le\u00f3n, one of the great capitals of the
                  Camino, with all the services for the cyclist. A strategic day to rest well before tackling the Leonese mountains on
                  the following days. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n

                  <\/p>\n

                  \n

                  Stage 9 – Le\u00f3n \u2192 Rabanal del Camino<\/h3>\n

                  Approach to the mountain and gateway to Cruz de Ferro<\/h4>\n
                    \n
                  • Distance:<\/strong> 72.6 km<\/li>\n
                  • Positive difference in altitude (D+):<\/strong> 629 m<\/li>\n
                  • Negative difference in altitude (D-):<\/strong> 308 m<\/li>\n
                  • Maximum altitude:<\/strong> 1,148 m<\/li>\n
                  • Minimum altitude:<\/strong> 815 m<\/li>\n
                  • Technical difficulty:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>\n
                  • Type of route:<\/strong> One way<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Transition stage between the plateau and the mountains. After leaving Le\u00f3n, the terrain remains pleasant until Hospital de \u00d3rbigo and its
                    medieval bridge. From Astorga the route gains altitude progressively until Rabanal del Camino, a mountain village with a very special atmosphere
                    that marks the beginning of the great challenge of the Cruz de Ferro. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n

                    <\/p>\n

                    \n

                    Stage 10 – Rabanal del Camino \u2192 Herrer\u00edas de Valcarce<\/h3>\n

                    High mountain: Cruz de Ferro, long descents and entrance to the Bierzo region<\/h4>\n
                      \n
                    • Distance:<\/strong> 79.44 km<\/li>\n
                    • Positive vertical drop (D+):<\/strong> 954 m<\/li>\n
                    • Negative elevation gain (D-):<\/strong> 1,417 m<\/li>\n
                    • Maximum altitude:<\/strong> 1,510 m<\/li>\n
                    • Minimum altitude:<\/strong> 473 m<\/li>\n
                    • Technical difficulty:<\/strong> Very difficult<\/li>\n
                    • Type of route:<\/strong> One way<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      One of the most spectacular and demanding stages of the French Way. From Rabanal we ascend to Foncebad\u00f3n and the emblematic Cruz
                      de Ferro (1,510 m), the highest point of the Camino. Then comes a very long descent to Molinaseca and Ponferrada, to
                      finish descending into the valley to Herrer\u00edas de Valcarce, at the foot of the ascent to O Cebreiro. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n

                      <\/p>\n

                      \n

                      Stage 11 – Herrer\u00edas de Valcarce \u2192 Sarria<\/h3>\n

                      Ascent to O Cebreiro and entry into Galicia<\/h4>\n
                        \n
                      • Distance:<\/strong> 54.52 km<\/li>\n
                      • Positive difference in altitude (D+):<\/strong> 1,039 m<\/li>\n
                      • Negative difference in elevation (D-):<\/strong> 1,308 m<\/li>\n
                      • Maximum altitude:<\/strong> 1,337 m<\/li>\n
                      • Minimum altitude:<\/strong> 419 m<\/li>\n
                      • Technical difficulty:<\/strong> Very difficult<\/li>\n
                      • Type of route:<\/strong> One way<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Authentic mountain stage. From Herrer\u00edas the very hard ramps start immediately towards O Cebreiro, one of the great milestones of the
                        Camino. After crowning and enjoying the views, a long and technical descent leads to Triacastela and the Galician valleys to
                        Sarria, an important Jacobean point and perfect end to an intense day. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n

                        <\/p>\n

                        \n

                        Stage 12 – Sarria \u2192 Melide<\/h3>\n

                        Leg-breaking Galicia: forests, corredoiras and villages<\/h4>\n
                          \n
                        • Distance:<\/strong> 61.69 km<\/li>\n
                        • Positive difference in altitude (D+):<\/strong> 1,106 m<\/li>\n
                        • Negative difference in altitude (D-):<\/strong> 1,080 m<\/li>\n
                        • Maximum altitude:<\/strong> 726 m<\/li>\n
                        • Minimum altitude:<\/strong> 332 m<\/li>\n
                        • Technical difficulty: Dif<\/strong> ficult<\/li>\n
                        • Type of route:<\/strong> One way<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          Long and physically demanding stage through the typical Galician terrain of constant ups and downs. From Sarria we pass through Portomar\u00edn and
                          again gaining altitude towards Palas de Rei. From there, the leg-breaking profile combines fast sections with more technical ones until
                          Melide, famous for its octopus and its pilgrim atmosphere. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n

                          <\/p>\n

                          \n

                          Stage 13 – Melide \u2192 Santiago de Compostela<\/h3>\n

                          Last stage: excitement and arrival at the Obradoiro Square<\/h4>\n
                            \n
                          • Distance:<\/strong> 52.58 km<\/li>\n
                          • Positive difference in altitude (D+):<\/strong> 825 m<\/li>\n
                          • Negative vertical drop (D-):<\/strong> 1,021 m<\/li>\n
                          • Maximum altitude:<\/strong> 468 m<\/li>\n
                          • Minimum altitude:<\/strong> 246 m<\/li>\n
                          • Technical difficulty: Dif<\/strong> ficult<\/li>\n
                          • Type of route:<\/strong> One way<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            Last day of the Camino, with the classic Galician profile of continuous steep slopes. From Melide, Arz\u00faa and O Pedrouzo are linked until the
                            final approach to Santiago. The passage through Monte do Gozo announces the finish line, and the entrance to the Plaza del Obradoiro puts the perfect finishing touch
                            to 13 stages of the French Way by bicycle. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                            The Camino de Santiago is one of the most recommended routes for beginners in cycling tourism. The Camino by bike and its stages. From Bicigrino we show you here a summary of the stages that we consider the most logical and balanced to make the different paths or Jacobean routes by bicycle. Before you start […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":13612,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[181,166,169,140,173,178],"tags":[252,265],"class_list":["post-13615","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-camino-a-finisterre","category-camino-frances","category-camino-portugues","category-camino-primitivo","category-consejos-y-tips","category-via-de-la-plata","tag-camino-de-santiago-by-bike","tag-stages"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13615","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13615"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13615\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13620,"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13615\/revisions\/13620"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13612"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13615"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13615"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13615"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}