Pilgrims’ Trail to Santiago de Compostela – Spanish Cycling Holiday | Cycling Holiday in Spain | Self Guided Cycling Holiday

The Way of St James is the pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain, where the remains of the apostle James are believed to be buried. The network of footpaths and tracks used by the pilgrims over the centuries converge on Santiago and this cycling holiday follows both these tracks and local country lanes and roads. On this holiday you will cycle through a unique historical landscape, which is very different to that of traditional Spain, with greener, gentler scenery and a mild climate suitable for cycling almost all year round.

Grade: Moderate

Getting there:

By air: there are daily flights with Easyjet from Stansted to Oviedo Airport. Alternatively, Iberia Airways has flights on a Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from Gatwick to Oviedo Airport. There are also flights to and from Coruna Airport which is closer to Santiago de Compostela. You can also fly to Bilbao Airport and then travel to Oviedo by coach.

By sea: you can travel by car ferry to Bilbao or Santander.

Day 1 Arrive Oviedo.

Day 2 Oviedo to Leon.
An optional vehicle transfer can be taken into the Cantabrian Hills which misses out the first 11 miles of climbing up into the hills. From here, the route takes you through a beautiful landscape of hills and emerald green valleys leading to the flatter countryside surrounding the Castilian town of Leon. ~ 25 or 36 miles depending on transfer

Day 3 Leon to Astorga.
Deserted villages of clay buildings dot the countryside today as you ride towards Astorga, the principal town of the region. In Astorga you can visit the gothic cathedral and see the Bishop's Palace built by Gaudi. ~ 32 miles

Day 4 Astorga to Villafranca.
A bus transfer helps you on your way as you continue west on the Pilgrims' Route. The countryside is hilly and you are rewarded with sweeping views over the Castilian Hills. ~ 31 miles (+16 miles by bus)

Day 5 Villafranca to Sarria.
The route today takes you into the green province of Galicia where you will notice the distinctive old farm buildings reminiscent of celtic times. ~ 29 miles

Day 6 Sarria to Lugo.
An easy day takes you through pretty villages and a sheep farming area to reach the medieval and completely walled town of Lugo. ~ 20 miles

Day 7 Lugo to Santiago de Compostela.
Pleasant cycling through a green landscape brings you to picturesque Lake Sobrado, a lovely spot for a picnic. An optional bus transfer can be taken as you approach your destination of Santiago de Compostela. On arrival, there is, of course, much to see. ~ 39 miles (+22 miles by bus)

Day 8 Departure.