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Preparing for the Camino by Bike: A Complete Guide to Enjoy It to the Fullest
- BIKELEON
- Sep 4
- 6 min read
Doing the Camino de Santiago by bike is one of the most exciting ways to experience this historic route. The feeling of moving along ancient trails, discovering charming villages, sharing moments with other pilgrims, and finally arriving at the Cathedral of Santiago on two wheels is truly unique.
However, while the experience is unforgettable, it also presents physical and logistical challenges. That’s why preparing for the Camino by bike in advance is the key to truly enjoying it, avoiding injuries, and reducing setbacks.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need: training, bicycles, equipment, routes, nutrition, and practical tips to make your adventure safe, comfortable, and memorable.
Why is it important to prepare for the Camino by bike?
Doing the Camino by bicycle has many advantages: you move faster, cover more distance in fewer days, and can discover corners that would be harder to reach on foot. However, it also comes with its own specific challenges:
Greater physical demand: pedaling for several days in a row requires endurance.
Longer stages: while cyclists can cover 40 to 80 km per day, it’s easy to overestimate yourself and end up exhausted.
Different logistics: you need to think about the type of bike and also your gear and how to carry it.
Sharing the trail with other pilgrims: coexisting with walkers requires prudence and respect.
Good preparation will allow you to reach Santiago enjoying each stage instead of suffering through it.
Physical preparation before the Camino
Training for the Camino de Santiago by bike is one of the most important aspects, especially if you’re not used to riding long distances. Here’s a progressive plan you can apply in the 2–3 months leading up to your trip:
First month: short rides of 20–30 km, 2 or 3 times a week, to get your legs used to pedaling.
Second month: increase to 40–50 km and add a day with longer climbs.
Third month: do long rides of 60–80 km at least a couple of times, carrying panniers to simulate real conditions.
Other practical tips that will be very useful:
Strengthen your core and back to maintain the same posture for hours on the saddle.
Test your nutrition and hydration several times before the trip to avoid digestive surprises.
Get good rest: sleep is part of the training.
The goal is not to become a professional cyclist, but to build the confidence that you can handle several consecutive days of riding without extreme exhaustion. With these tips for physical preparation for the Camino de Santiago, you can achieve it.
The bicycle: how to choose it and get it ready
Which is the best bicycle for the Camino de Santiago? It will be your travel companion, so choosing the right one is essential. These are the usual recommendations:
MTB or mountain bike: ideal for trails and uneven terrain.
Gravel bike: lightweight and versatile, perfect if you alternate between roads and paths.
eBike or electric bike: makes climbs and demanding stages easier (the most popular option).
At Bikeleon, we provide rental bikes fully prepared for the Camino. All our bicycles are delivered completely assembled, checked, and ready to ride. They include racks, panniers, bottles, and all the necessary equipment so you don’t waste time on mechanical adjustments.
Delivery is made directly to your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about transporting your own bike or the problems that usually come with it.
In addition, you’ll have our support throughout the journey and the option to take out full insurance, ensuring no setback ruins your experience.
Essential equipment
One of the biggest mistakes when planning this adventure is carrying too much weight. Remember that every extra kilo becomes additional effort on the climbs. If you’re wondering what to take on the Camino de Santiago by bike without overpacking, here’s a basic equipment list:
Breathable, quick-dry technical clothing.
Certified helmet (mandatory).
Waterproof windbreaker jacket.
Gloves and sunglasses for greater comfort.
A change of clothes for after each stage.
Cycling shoes or sports shoes with good grip.
Front and rear lights for safety.
Basic tools and a repair kit (spare tube, patches, tire levers, pump).
Small first-aid kit with band-aids, disinfectant, and pain relievers.
Water bottle (better two, if you don’t use a hydration backpack).
Lightweight headlamp.
Tip: prepare a checklist of your gear for the Camino by bike and go through it before leaving to make sure you don’t forget anything.
Itinerary planning
The Camino de Santiago offers multiple routes, and not all of them are the same for cyclists. Here are some options:
French Way by bike: the most popular, with good signage and plenty of services.
Portuguese Way by bike: shorter and more accessible.
Northern Way: stunning landscapes with fewer crowds.
As for the stages, experienced cyclists usually cover between 70 and 90 km per day, while beginners often don’t go beyond 60 km daily.
For example:
If you only have a few days, you can start in Sarria or Ponferrada.
With a week, begin in León or Burgos.
With two weeks, start from Roncesvalles or Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Remember to book accommodation in high season, or if you prefer flexibility, always carry a list of alternative hostels and guesthouses.
Safety tips and regulations
On the Camino, cyclists and walking pilgrims share the route, so safety must be a top priority. These guidelines are essential:
Always wear a certified helmet.
Keep a moderate speed on sections shared with walkers.
Ride on the shoulder when on the road.
When overtaking someone on foot, ring your bell or greet them with a “Buen Camino!”.
Take out travel insurance that covers accidents, just in case.
Don’t forget to carry your pilgrim credential and have it stamped at each stage. Besides being a beautiful keepsake, it’s required to obtain the Compostela when you reach Santiago.
Nutrition on the Camino de Santiago by bike
Cycling the Camino requires constant energy. The key is to maintain certain habits:
Breakfast: combine carbs (bread, cereals, oats, fruit) with protein (eggs, yogurt, nuts).
During the ride: carry energy bars, bananas, nuts, or small sandwiches. Stop every 2 hours to recharge.
Main meals: go for the pilgrim’s menu, which usually includes pasta, meat or fish, bread, and fruit.
Hydration: take a couple of sips every 15–20 minutes to stay hydrated on the Camino by bike. A cyclist can lose between 0.5 and 1 liter of water per hour of pedaling in summer.
Add electrolytes to your water: on long, hot days they help prevent muscle cramps.
Mental preparation and enjoying the Camino
Beyond the physical aspect, the Camino requires great mental endurance. It’s important to accept that there will be days of greater fatigue and tougher stretches, and also to maintain a flexible attitude. What does this mean? If one day you can’t reach your planned destination, it’s not a problem.
It’s also a good idea to take advantage of breaks to talk with other pilgrims and to set aside a little time to try the local gastronomy: octopus “a la gallega,” empanada, a comforting broth, or local wines are all part of the experience.
The Camino is not a race, so at Bikeleon we encourage you to enjoy every minute of the journey. Rent your bike now and live the adventure with us!
Conclusion
In short, preparing for the Camino by bike is the key to enjoying it without setbacks. With proper training, the right bike, light gear, and realistic planning, reaching Santiago will be an unforgettable experience.
At Bikeleon, we help you take the first step. We specialize in bike rentals for the Camino de Santiago, and all our bicycles come fully equipped and ready to ride—so all you have to do is pedal and savor the adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Camino de Santiago by Bike
When is the best time to do the Camino by bike?Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are the most recommended, as the weather is more pleasant and there are fewer crowds.
How many kilometers are covered per day on the Camino de Santiago by bike?Between 40 and 60 km for beginners, and up to 80–90 km for more experienced cyclists.
What is the best bike for the Camino de Santiago?The most recommended are MTB, gravel, or hybrid bikes—always with a rack and a proper mechanical check.
Can you do the Camino with an electric bike?Yes, it’s an increasingly popular option. You just need to plan battery charging carefully and follow the same rules as with a conventional bike.
What documentation do I need for the Camino?Your ID card or passport is enough, although it’s recommended to bring the European Health Insurance Card (if you’re coming from the EU) and, optionally, travel insurance.
BUEN CAMINO!!!!
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