Cycle the Camino de Santiago

Ride one of the oldest pilgrimage routes in the world

The Camino de Santiago de Compostela runs across northern Spain, originating in the Galicia region where the tomb of the apostle James the Great was discovered in the ninth century. Also known as the Way of Saint James, it is marked by a scallop shell symbol and the joining grooves are said to represent the many different routes pilgrims take to reach Santiago. The gothic cathedrals, medieval monasteries and miles of beautiful rural scenery make this section of the ancient route so popular.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

• Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
• This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
• Read more about our other initiatives

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

• By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
• We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
• We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
• Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

• Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
• This trip travels through Galicia, which is the second region that generated the most renewable energy in Spain. It is also the region with the second-highest wind power production.
• Our local partner is a member of the Climate Action Leaders in Travel Community and have made the Climate Action Leaders in Travel Pledge
• Cycling trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the local people, as it is a quiet, low-impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
• Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

• Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
• Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

Visa

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Vaccination

Spain

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts are included.

Breakfasts will be continental style with cold cheese, meats and bread, plus pastries, tea and coffee.

Vegetarians: Please be aware that a meat and fish diet is the norm in northern Spain. Many vegetarians have not experienced any problems; however, please be prepared to be flexible. Please note, mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 9pm and 9.30pm.

Weather

In April and October, expect temperatures between 5C-15C (41F-59F) with a high chance of rain showers. In the mornings, it is often cloudy and more temperate. Temperatures in May and September tend to be warmer than April and October. Expect a combination of sun, light showers and clouds. July and August are typically sunny and warm with temperatures of 15C-30C (59F-86F).

Is this trip for you?

This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging).

• Six days of cycling
• Average distance: 35mi (56km) per day
• Partial vehicle support
• Terrain and route: 50 percent on quiet minor roads and 50 percent on a mixture of cycle paths, non-technical tracks and a few off-road sections

If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please do not hesitate to call us. Please note, wearing a cycling helmet is compulsory on this trip.

This tour can be cycled with an e-bike (additional charge applies). For those who are less confident with six days of self-powered cycling but are keen to experience this pilgrimage, we recommend an e-bike. Our guides are experienced in managing groups with both push bikes and e-bikes, and many of our clients enjoy the flexibility that an e-bike offers. Please speak to us if you would like to add this option to your booking.

As we are passing through rural communities the roads are quiet with very little traffic; however, you will be sharing the route with walkers and cyclists all on their way to Santiago de Compostela. There is one long but gradual climb on the second cycling day of the trip and one steep 5mi (8km) climb on the third cycling day, but the support vehicle will be available if you prefer to opt out. Alternatively, there is the opportunity to walk along the hiking track. There are a few cobbled sections where you should take care, particularly in wet conditions. This trip is ideal for confident cyclists who exercise regularly and have a strong level of fitness.

Please see our COVID Travel Guide for mainland Spain for more information on current guidelines for travel in Spain.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.