Camino by Bicycle
The specific walking route of the Camino are almost entirely possible on a mountain bike, and many sections are also doable with a hybrid or road bike with some slight modification. Other cyclists follow the towns along the route using only paved roads. Biking the route greatly increases the amount of kilometers possible each day with fewer supplies to carry. Overnight gear can be carried with a rack and set of rear panniers, bike packing bags, or by carrying the bare necessities in a daypack.
Many cyclists ride the Camino Francés in about two weeks. Cyclists are often given last priority at albergues, so you may need to save energy for extra kilometers. Many albergues have a safe, locked area to leave bicycles, but not all. Albergues that are especially friendly to bicyclists have joined together into a network called Bikeline. See www.caminocyclist.com for a list of albergues and other services tailored to bicyclists.
Riding / Walking Etiquette
If you travel the camino by bike, make sure to be polite to hikers and give fair warning with a bell or vocally as you approach and pass them. Be very careful with traffic when crossing or coming alongside roads and highways. A well-fitting helmet is an important safety addition. Helmets are required by Spanish law when in urban areas.
Bikes for the Camino
Bear in mind that if you bring your own bicycle to Spain, there are often additional charges and restrictions for checking a bicycle on the airplane. Many Spanish companies also rent bikes for use on the Camino, and can deliver the bike to your starting point. View much more detailed information on our Camino Cyclist website.
Bike Rentals
The following companies offer reasonably-priced bike rental packages for the camino, which include delivering the bicycle to your starting point:
- Cycling the Camino
- Bicigrino
- More information at www.caminocyclist.com
Camino by Horse
A very small number of pilgrims complete the Camino de Santiago by horseback each year. There is a guidebook available at www.elcaminoacaballo.com specifically for horseback riders, including accommodations where horses can stay, horse rental, and tips of the best route by horse.
Riding the entire camino presents many challenges, especially in urban areas, and most horseback riders require a support vehicle. The best option for those who would like to do a portion by horseback would be to participate in a tour package with a tour company that specializes in horse trips. Camino a Caballo (http://www.caminoacaballo.com/en/) offers a variety of guided package tours by horse on the Camino Francés, Finisterre and Portugués.
Visit Camino Cyclist, our companion website devoted entirely to biking the Camino de Santiago. Available at www.caminocyclist.com.
