Bike Tour along the Camino de Santiago

Your bike tour along the Camino de Santiago begins in Astorga, a small town in north-western Spain at the foot of the Montes de León. Its inhabitants have always lived from trade, as the stony fields do not allow for profitable agriculture. Confectionery production also has a long tradition. Chocolate, hojaldres and mantecados are among the delicacies produced here. Sights include the cathedral and the Bishop's Palace by Antoni Gaudí.

A challenge awaits you right at the start of your journey. You head into the Montes de León and uphill to the Cruz de Ferro, a small iron cross that marks the highest point of the Camino Francés. According to an old tradition, pilgrims place a stone from their home country here. Then you can enjoy the long descent to Molinaseca and great views. The village was already an important transit point in Roman times.

Shortly after the start, you will come to Ponferrada, whose castle you should definitely pay a visit to. Nearby is Las Médulas, a cultural landscape that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cycle on through the Bierzo wine-growing region to Las Herrerias, where you will find the oldest pilgrimage church on the Way of St. James as well as replicas of the pallozas, elliptical huts of the Celtiberians.

You have reached Galicia in Las Herrerias. The region differs from the rest of Spain in many ways. Traces of the former Celtic settlement can be found in many places. The landscape, which is surprisingly green and mountainous, enchants with its rugged charm. The highlight of the day's bike tour along the Camino de Santiago is the descent to Samos, where one of the oldest and most beautiful monasteries in Spain is located.

Today you can expect a pleasant stage through rural areas and small villages. The route takes you mostly westwards on tree-lined roads. You cross the Rio Miño and reach the municipality of Portomarín on the other bank. This had to make way for the Belesar reservoir in the 1950s and was rebuilt 50 m higher up. Your destination, the small town of Palas de Rei, is filled with the spirit of the pilgrims.

Today's bike tour along the Camino de Santiago takes you gently up and down to Melide. In this small town, the Camino Primitivo meets the classic Camino Francés and connects it with the coastal path. The popular Pulpería Ezequiel restaurant, where excellent octopus is served, is famous among pilgrims. The Arzúa-Ulloa cheese, a Galician specialty, is produced around Arzúa. You have reached your destination for the day in Rua.

At the end of your bike tour, there is only one short stage left on the program, leaving you time to explore the destination of the Way of St. James with its UNESCO-protected old town. First, however, there is a hilly stretch to cover. From Monte do Gozo, the mountain of joy, you will see the majestic cathedral of Santiago de Compostela for the first time and have your destination in sight.

After breakfast, your bike tour along the Santiago de Compostela ends and you start your individual return journey. We are also happy to extend your vacation in Santiago de Compostela with an extra night on request.