Our top tips for the oldest pilgrim route through Spain, The Camino de Santiago!

Jacobs Trail, the Camino de Santiago or the St James Way; these are some of the many names for this famous pilgrim route. These days around 215,000 people either bike or walk this original route every year. The Trail is the ancient Catholic pilgrimage route to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in north-western Spain.

Traditionally, pilgrimage meant walking the routes which takes over one month, so if you don’t have the time, biking takes 13 Days to cover the 910 km trail. Biking the tour still gives you just as much insight to the route.

If you’re concerned about your fitness eBikes are an easily available option while allowing the rider to power along with as much or as little effort as they wish.… Tours of men & women go of all ages and fitness. GCA recently took a 70 year old man on an E-bike on one of their 44 day tours.

From San Sebastian experience fantastic scenery all the way via the well-known and historical cities of Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos, Leon and Astorga. You make your way to Santiago de Compostela to the site where is said that St. James the Apostle’s relics are buried. Geography, culture and traditions are all changing along the way. Click this link for more on the history of the Camino Trail.

 

Spots Not To Be Missed!

• San Sebastian (also known as Donostia) is a fantastic basque city with an old town, urban architecture and impressive beaches.
• Pamplona – a fascinating place famous for bulls
• Logroño – a great selection of Basque tapas bars which rival anywhere in Spain
• Santo Domingo – small-town Spain at its very best. Many inhabitants live in the partially walled old quarter.
• Burgos is full of hidden treasures and home to a marvelous cathedral considered to be a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic Architecture
• Sahagún – an important city on the Jacob’s trail well known for its two 12th – 13th Century churches of San Tirso and San Lorenzo
• Astorga – a fascinating small town with a wealth of attractions: roman ruins, cathedral, old city walls and the Episcopal Palace
• Santiago de Compostela – one of Spain’s most magical cities!

Accommodation Options

Some of global cycling adventures top picks;

Pamplona: Hotel Maisonnave – Centrally situated, Hotel Maisonnave is only one minute from the Counting House of Navarra; a three minute walk from the 12th Century Church of St. Nicholas and a five minute walk from the Taconera Street bus station.  

 

Domingo de la Calzada: Parador de Santo Domingo Bernado de Fresneda – Set in the stone-built San Francisco Convent, this genteel, seasonal parador is a 7-minute walk from Santo Domingo de la Calzada Cathedral and 2 km from Rioja Natura wildlife park. Featuring oil paintings and dark-wood furnishings, the elegant rooms offer free Wi-Fi, TVs, mini fridges and sitting areas. Some have 4-poster beds and exposed-stone walls. 

Stantiago de Compostela: Parador de Santiago – With an ornate, carved facade, this upscale hotel occupies a former pilgrims’ hospital built in 1499. It faces the plaza of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and is 3.4 km from the modern City of Culture of Galicia.

 

 

Gear That You Must Not Forget

• Limit your baggage to one main piece of luggage per person other than a small day pack.
• If you’re bringing your own bike, bring spare parts.
• Cycling clothing and equipment.
• Leisure clothes – evening dress is smart-casual, bathing suit and towel. Day time temperatures are likely to be 15 to 20 Degrees celsius, so you should take warmer layers as well as some waterproof gear.
• Electrical adaptor (European type with 2 small round prongs).
• Camera and battery charger.

The Weather – What You Can Expect

May, June and September are the best months to bike the Camino de Santiago. Spain’s climate is extremely varied however, you are likely to find it humid and relatively dry during this time. There is more rainfall here than other parts of spain. The climate is relatively mild with many beautiful, warm, sunny days.

Road Cycling or Electric Bike?

This road cycling tour offers tough ascents (sometimes above 2000m) and fast-flowing descents. The trip is ideal for serious cyclists wanting to challenge themselves and recreational cyclists who prefer the daily option of a shorter ride which is accompanied by one of our support vehicles. However, consider the option of an e-Bike and enjoy the assisted climbs for even more enjoyment. Of course non riders are well catered for and are very welcome.

 

The Riding

This tour is graded Moderate to Challenging. A good level of fitness is required, exercising three-four times a week prior to the tour.

Total Riding kms: approx. 910 km total (10 cycling days)

You can check out details about the Global Cycling Adventure tour here . Our next tour is leaving on May 19th. Tour nearly booked!

What Others Have Said About This Tour

“Just Do It! Anyone can, and there is always someone to play with in the large peloton.” Mary

“A humbling and exhilarating ride.  Chicken soup… yum! Especially on those cold days at the start. Saint Renee! Sunbleached grain fields dotted with history stretching through the horizon, coupled with a wee tail wind. Wonderful.” Warren

Here is a blog by a past Jacob’s trail cyclist on her experience.