Spanish Camino by Bike: Leon to Santiago
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure along the Spanish Camino from León to Santiago de Compostela. This self-guided tour takes you through the enchanting landscapes of Galicia, offering a blend of cultural and historical experiences. Begin your journey in León, exploring its stunning Gothic cathedral and vibrant tapas scene. Cycle through the picturesque Castilian landscapes to Astorga, and conquer the ascent to Cruz de Ferro before enjoying a thrilling descent to Ponferrada. Traverse the vineyards and tackle the challenging climb to O Cebreiro, then glide downhill to the historic town of Portomarín. Experience the serene rural beauty of Galicia en route to Arzúa, before completing your pilgrimage at the iconic Cathedral of Santiago. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and savor local cuisine, while your luggage is conveniently transferred. Celebrate your achievement with a pilgrimage certificate, marking the completion of nearly 300km along this legendary route. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive León
Location: León, León Cathedral, Basílica de San Isidoro de León
Accommodation Name: hotel
Make your own way to Leon. Your rental bike with all accessories will be delivered to the hotel lobby at 8pm. Founded in 884 AD, León has abundant gastronomic and architectural riches - take in a pre-dinner drink and snack/tapas at one of the many atmospheric bars located along the narrow streets of the Barrio Húmedo. The cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and don't miss the Basílica de San Isidoro de León museum. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Cycle through Castilian landscapes to Astorga (54km/34mi)
Location: Astorga
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s route takes you through the quintessential Castilian landscapes of holm oaks, golden wheat fields and gentle ups and downs. As the route closely follows the N120 highway it is an easy day to navigate. The landscape in the first half of the route is relatively dry but gets greener further west. You’ll cross fields full of diverse crops such as wheat, corn, hops and wine grapes. Wildlife isn’t a big feature of the first part of the trip, though you will see geckoes, birds of prey and a lot of dairy cows! The town of Astorga is at the crossroads of the Camino and the Ruta de la Plata (Silver Road), the Roman route used to transport ores and metals extracted from mines in the north to shipping ports in the south of the peninsula, and is known for its impressive architecture including the Gaudi-designed Episcopal Palace.Ascent 320m/1050ft l Descent 300m/984ft
Day 3 : Cycle up to Cruz de Ferro and on to Ponferrada (53km/33mi)
Location: Astorga, Foncebadón, Cruz de Ferro, Molinaseca, Ponferrada
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From Astorga, the Camino climbs gently until it meets the first mountain on the way. Once you've reached the top of Foncebadón and Cruz de Ferro, take it easy and enjoy the sweeping downhill ride and the gorgeous views as you head to Molinaseca and on to Ponferrada, located on the Sil River. The old town sits below an impressive Templar Castle, which is open daily (except Mondays Oct to Mar) in the late afternoon (entry fee applies).Ascent: 800m/2625ft l Descent: 1100m/3608ft
Day 4 : Through vineyards before a demanding cycle to O Cebreiro (53km/33mi)
Location: Ponferrada, Villafranca del Bierzo, O Cebreiro
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This is the most challenging day of the cycle. From Ponferrada there are a few ups and downs to Villafranca del Bierzo, an historical and artistic town that was established to give refuge and sanctuary to pilgrims before they undertook the most difficult part of their pilgrimage. The monastery cloister is a Renaissance jewel. From Villafranca you ascend gradually towards the mythical O Cebreiro, the most demanding peak along the western section of the Camino. With some effort (and perhaps a chocolate bar), you'll reach the stone built mountain village atop the pass (1330m). O Cebreiro has several surviving pallozas (thatch-roofed cottages) and a small church which may be the oldest church on the Spanish Camino.Ascent: 1050m/3444ft l Descent 290m/951ft
Day 5 : Downhill via Sarria to Portomarín (64km/40mi)
Location: Sarria, Portomarín
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From the pass it's downhill all the way to Sarria and onward via a rolling route to Portomarín. Portomarin's older neighbourhoods once belonged to the Order of St John of Jerusalem but now lie submerged, covered by the waters of the Miño River dam. The town was moved in the 1960s to its current location, including the church in the main square, which was moved stone by stone.Ascent: 801m/2625ft l Descent 1630m/5347ft
Day 6 : A more relaxing cycle through Galicia's rural landscape to Arzúa (53km/33mi)
Location: Castromaior, Arzúa
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This day provides a lovely contrast to the previous days. Cycle uphill to Castromaior then there are several easy uphills and downhills through rolling terrain giving you a view of Galicia’s rural landscape.Ascent/descent: 920m/3018ft
Day 7 : A short but demanding cycle to the Cathedral of Santiago (39km/24mi)
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Whilst the distance today is relatively short, this final stage is surprisingly demanding. After approximately four hours of riding, you finish your cycle trip upon arriving at the Pórtico de la Gloria ("The Façade of Glory") at the Cathedral of Santiago. After taking a breather (and celebrating with others arriving by foot and on horseback!), you can visit the Pilgrims' Office where you can obtain the "Compostela" certificate which certifies you as an official pilgrim. Leave your bike at your centrally located accommodation and explore the streets and bars of the atmospheric historic centre. This city, without any doubt, is the most important of the Christian Middle Ages. It has worldwide renown and each year thousands of travellers come to visit its treasures. The are many restaurants and bars in the old centre to eat at tonight.Ascent: 320m/1050ft l Descent 425m/1384ft
Day 8 : Trip concludes Santiago de Compostela
Location: Santiago de Compostela, Cape Finisterre
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip concludes after breakfast. Bask in the glory of completing your Camino and reflect on a truly memorable journey. If you'd like to stay an extra night or two, or continue to Cape Finisterre on the Atlantic for a day trip, we can assist with reservations - please ask for our rates.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in hotels -
Mountain bike rental
Mountain bike rental with helmet, repair kit, lock, panniers, water bottle, and pump is included.
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Luggage transfer
Luggage transfer for 1 piece up to 20kg is included.
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Digital information pack
A digital information pack with route notes and GPX
avigational app is included. -
Welcome briefing
A welcome briefing at the bike delivery is included.
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Pilgrim's Passport
A Pilgrim's Passport is included.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline is included.
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Travel to Leon and from Santiago de Compostela
Travel arrangements to Leon and from Santiago de Compostela are included.
What's Not Included
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
Lunch daily, 1 dinner and all beverages (except at breakfast) are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included in the package.
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Premium MTB or electric MTB, helmet purchase
Supplement applies for premium MTB or electric MTB, and helmet purchase.
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Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday, so no guide is included.
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Solo traveler or single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance fees not listed as included
Entrance fees to sights and museums are not included.
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Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
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Excess luggage
Supplement applies for excess luggage beyond 1 piece maximum 20kg.
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Toe clips, gel saddle, SPD pedals
Please ask for our rates if you require toe clips, gel saddle, or SPD pedals.
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Helmet purchase
Helmets are available for purchase or you can bring your own. If you wish to purchase, please let us know at the time of booking to ensure supply of a helmet.
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Handlebar phone holder
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the GPX files.
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Items of a personal nature
Personal items are not included in the package.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in a variety of hotels, ranging from simple rural accommodations to charming boutique-style hotels, and 3 to 4-star city hotels, all selected for their character, quality, and prime locations.
Grading
GRADE 4 - with daily cycling distances from 39 to 62km / 24.5 to 39mi over undulating to mountainous terrain. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a high level of fitness. Minor roads with reduced traffic are customary on this trip and we recommend that you familiarise yourself with road cycling in light traffic in order to participate. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list. ...more ...less
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing
Mode of Transport
Travel to Leon and from Santiago de Compostela is included, along with mountain bike rental equipped with helmet, repair kit, lock, panniers, water bottle, and pump. Luggage transfer for one piece up to 20kg is also provided.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in a range of hotels, from simple rural hotels to charming boutique style hotels, and 3 to 4 star city hotels. All accommodations have been chosen for their character, quality, and location.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 breakfasts and 6 dinners. Continental breakfasts typically consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee, and juices. Dinners are three courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by chicken, red meat, fish, or a pasta dish, and finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes. ...more ...less
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Is there a guide provided during the cycling tour?
No, this is a self-guided cycling holiday, so no guide is included.
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What equipment is provided with the bike rental?
The bike rental includes a standard mountain bike with a helmet, repair kit, lock, panniers, water bottle, and pump. There are options to upgrade to gravel, premium MTB, or electric MTB models, with supplements applying.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling tour?
The tour is graded as level 4, with daily cycling distances ranging from 39 to 62 km over undulating to mountainous terrain. It is suitable for cyclists with a high level of fitness, and the pace is relaxed to allow time for sightseeing and photography.
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Are there any additional costs for solo travelers?
Yes, a supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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What happens on the last day of the tour?
On the last day, the trip concludes after breakfast in Santiago de Compostela. You can reflect on your journey, and if you wish to stay longer or continue to Cape Finisterre, assistance with reservations is available.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Spanish Camino by Bike: Leon to Santiago
8 Days Starting in Leon, Spain and ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Visiting: León, León Cathedral, Basílica de San Isidoro de León, Astorga, Foncebadón, Cruz de Ferro, Molinaseca, Ponferrada, Villafranca del Bierzo, O Cebreiro, Sarria, Portomarín, Castromaior, Arzúa, Santiago de Compostela, Cape Finisterre ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
UHC
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
