Camino de Santiago cycling from Pyrenees

The Way or “Camino de Santiago” is, more than the world-famous Catholic pilgrimage, an excellent opportunity to make an unforgettable route that crosses Spain almost entirely from East to West. During more than 780 kilometers of route and 9500 meters of positive ascent, the experience of doing El Camino is hardly comparable to other cycling routes. Throughout the tour you meet dozens of other pilgrims , traditional and friendly hostels, restaurants and inns are discovered and all surrounded by a sense of sincere brotherhood. All the experience accumulated by the people of the area in the centuries of El Camino (it starts in the Middle Ages) can be seen in the good organization and quality of services that welcome pilgrims throughout the tour.

Roncesvalles: Historically Roncesvalles has been one of the most important places for crossing from France to Spain, therefore it is very well known by all the pilgrims who are making the Way from different parts of Europe. It is also one of the favorite spots for pilgrims from all over the world to start their journey, as in the case of this tour, from Roncesvalles awaits almost 800 kilometers of Camino to reach the goal of Santiago de Compostela.

Pamplona: It is the largest city that we will find during the Camino from Roncesvalles. With its almost 200,000 inhabitants, it is the capital of Navarre and one of the most important cities in the north of Spain. Famous worldwide for the San Fermín festivities (July 7 to 14), throughout the year you can follow the path that the bulls make through the historic center of the city until they reach the bullring.

Puente la Reina: Still in Navarre we find this village with less than 3000 inhabitants but with a great importance in the Camino since the two main routes that come from France converge here. It has an impressive Romanesque bridge built in the eleventh century to allow pilgrims to cross safely to the other side of the river.

Logroño: Just after leaving Navarre and entering La Rioja we find its capital, Logroño. It is a must to visit the old town where Laurel Street is famous for its innumerable tapas places. It is also worth mentioning its imposing churches, one of them is the Church of San Bartolomé which is the oldest church in the city (12^th century) and the Cathedral of Logroño where the painting of The Crucifixion of Michelangelo Buonarroti can be seen.

Santo Domingo de la Calzada: At the end of the third stage we find another of the villages that owe their history to the Camino, it was founded around a bridge, hospital and shelter all built for the pilgrims by its founder Domingo García, who has become one of the best-known and revered saints of the Camino. There is a typical sweet called ahorcaditos that has the shape of a vieira (scallop) in homage to the shell of the Camino de Santiago.

Burgos: In the next stage we arrive at Burgos, in the area of Castilla y León, famous among other things for its cathedral built in the 13^th century, perhaps the most representative building in the city. It’s also remarkable the castle, built for the first time during the Reconquista (reconquest) in the 9^th century, it was expanded and modernised over the years due to its defensive importance. At the gastronomic plane they are widely recognized for their morcilla (blood sausage) and cheese, although the best known dish is the olla podrida (rotten pot).

León: Another important city in Castilla y León. Founded by the Roman armies during the 1^st century it was having more and more importance over the years. It is a key point of the Camino de Santiago and its Cathedral of Santa María de Regla, example of Gothic style built in the 13^th century, is a mandatory visit. The Basilica of San Isidoro is one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Spain, both for its architectural value and for the paintings in the inside.

Astorga: Still in Castilla y León we find Astorga. Founded by the Romans, you can visit the remains of the initial constructions of that time, such as the baths or the sewers. Also of great importance are the cathedral and the episcopal palace that was commissioned to be built by Antoni Gaudí, although he only did the first 2 floors. The mantecadas are the most recognized dessert along with the beef dishes.

O Cebreiro: It is the first Galician village we find on the Camino and its history is very closely linked with the apostle Santiago. After the discovery of the apostle’s tomb, an inn was founded to give asylum to the pilgrims who made the journey to visit it and it was growing at the same time the devotion for the apostle did. It ended being the city it is nowadays.

Sarria: Located about 100 kilometers away from Santiago de Compostela, this town in the province of Lugo is well known by all pilgrims since it is the closest to Santiago from where you can start the Camino getting the pilgrim certificate, the Compostela.

Santiago de Compostela: It is the capital of Galicia and one of the most important pilgrimage cities in the world. Throughout the year its streets receive thousands of pilgrims who travel the Camino from innumerable points all over the world. The cathedral, dedicated to the Apostle Santiago, is the final point of the pilgrimage and therefore a must visit. It is also interesting to walk through the old part of the city that surrounds the cathedral and walk through its small streets and squares.