{"id":14770,"date":"2025-12-17T21:58:03","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T21:58:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/where-does-the-camino-de-santiago-by-bicycle-begin\/"},"modified":"2025-12-17T21:58:03","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T21:58:03","slug":"where-does-the-camino-de-santiago-by-bicycle-begin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bicigrino.com\/en\/where-does-the-camino-de-santiago-by-bicycle-begin\/","title":{"rendered":"Where does the Camino de Santiago by bicycle begin?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Camino de Santiago by bicycle – Bicigrino.com<\/p>\n

Choosing the right starting point is one of the first important decisions to enjoy the Camino:
\nhere goes our cyclotourist approach, with the respect and flexibility that the Camino deserves.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n

Originally, the Camino de Santiago<\/strong> was traveled by pilgrims who came to Santiago for religious reasons.
\nMost of them started the journey from the door of their homes, advancing for weeks until they reached Compostela.<\/p>\n

Today, the reality of the Camino de Santiago by bicycle<\/strong> is quite different. Very few cyclists can afford<\/x>to start the journey from home. Vacations, personal commitments, budget and, of course, physical preparation,
\nforce us to carefully organize and choose the starting point<\/strong> of our Camino. <\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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The modern bicigrino: new motivations, same spirit<\/h2>\n

In recent years, the profile of those who embark on the Camino by bike has also changed.
\nMore and more agnostics and non-believers<\/strong> are approaching this experience for a variety of reasons:
\nthe sporting challenge, long-distance cycling, personal research or simply the pleasure of traveling by bicycle for
\nseveral days in a row.<\/p>\n

Regardless of the reason, the Camino keeps its essence intact. What changes is the way to walk it.
\nAnd here arises the big question for every bicigrino:
\nWhere do I start my Camino de Santiago by bicycle?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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The French Way: the best entry point for the bicigrino<\/h2>\n

For a first cycling experience, the French Way<\/strong> remains the most logical and recommended option.<\/p>\n

    \n
  • It is the best signposted<\/strong> road.<\/li>\n
  • With reasonable distances<\/strong> between towns.<\/li>\n
  • With a greater number of lodges, hostels and services<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  • And with a perfect balance of scenery, history and cyclability<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    In addition, it is the busiest, which translates into safety<\/strong>, companionship<\/strong> and ease
    \nto solve any mechanical or logistical unforeseen event.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

    \n

    Saint Jean Pied de Port – Roncesvalles: a stage not to be underestimated<\/h2>\n

    From the bicigrino’s point of view, the stage that connects Saint Jean Pied de Port<\/strong> with Roncesvalles<\/strong>
    \ndeserves a special comment.<\/p>\n

    This is not a “problematic” stage, nor is it a mistake to start here. On the contrary: it is an imposing, beautiful and very symbolic
    \nclimb<\/strong>, a real gateway to the Camino de Santiago. <\/p>\n

    However, it is a stage that should not be underestimated<\/strong>. The steep accumulated slope (over 1,000 meters), coupled with the
    \nlength and the possible weight of the saddlebags, makes it a demanding<\/strong> day, especially for those facing their first Camino by bicycle
    \n. <\/p>\n

    \n

    Our Bicigrino advice:<\/strong> consider it as a single stage<\/strong>, without rushing, without adding unnecessary kilometers
    \nand assuming that it will be a long, intense and memorable day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    For many bicigrinos, experiencing this climb calmly and respectfully becomes one of the most powerful memories of the entire Camino.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

    \n

    Do you do the whole Camino or divide it by sections?<\/h2>\n

    The complete French Way is about 800 kilometers<\/strong>. Doing it all at once means having more than a month,
    \nsomething unusual nowadays. <\/p>\n

    For this reason, many bicigrinos choose to divide the Camino into several sections<\/strong> carried out in different years, an option
    \nperfectly valid and increasingly common:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Roncesvalles – Burgos<\/li>\n
    • Burgos – Le\u00f3n<\/li>\n
    • Le\u00f3n – Santiago<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      This approach allows you to enjoy the Camino more calmly, to adapt the stages to your physical level and to fit the trip into your real life.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

      \n

      There is not only one Camino… not by bicycle either.<\/h2>\n

      Although the French Way is the best known, it is by no means the only option for cycling the Camino de Santiago.<\/p>\n

        \n
      • North Road<\/li>\n
      • Camino Primitivo<\/li>\n
      • V\u00eda de la Plata<\/li>\n
      • Sanabr\u00e9s Road<\/li>\n
      • Portuguese Way<\/li>\n
      • Levante Road<\/li>\n
      • Catalan Way<\/li>\n
      • Basque Way of the Interior<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Each one has its own character, its level of demand and its best time of the year to cycle.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

        \n

        Planning: key to enjoying the Camino by bicycle<\/h2>\n

        Once the route is chosen, one of the most important parts of the bicigrino experience begins:
        \nplanning<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        When cycling, planning the stages well is fundamental, especially if we have a limited number of days.
        \nIt is not a matter of planning everything to the millimeter, but of knowing:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Reasonable distances<\/li>\n
        • Accumulated slopes<\/li>\n
        • Places to sleep<\/li>\n
        • Alternatives in case of fatigue or bad weather<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Good planning is the basis for arriving in Santiago unhurried, stress-free and with a smile on your face.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/section>\n