Cycle the Camino Frances from Burgos to Ponferrada

Pedal Through Meseta Landscapes to the Foot of the Mountains in Ponferrada

Cyclist pilgrim posing by red flower path on the Camino frances

Cycling posing outside cathedral de Santiago

Pilgrim cycling through green field camino frances

Pedal Through Meseta Landscapes to the Foot of the Mountains in Ponferrada

Starting from

€1010

Starting from Burgos, mediaeval city and home of a UNESCO World Heritage listed cathedral, this section of the French Way by bike offers some of the best historical and cultural sights of the whole Camino. It passes through Leon and the vast Castilian Plateau before reaching another mediaeval bastion – the buzzing city of Ponferrada. The mostly flat and gentle terrain makes it accessible to any cyclist with an average level of fitness.

Our cycling packages are not suitable for novice bike riders – your bike will come presented in a box which you need to be able to assemble yourself. You will also need to be familiar with fixing a flat tyre / loose chain. The cycling tour packages are aimed at experienced riders.

Starting from Burgos, mediaeval city and home of a UNESCO World Heritage listed cathedral, this section of the French Way by bike offers some of the best historical and cultural sights of the whole Camino. It passes through Leon and the vast Castilian Plateau before reaching another mediaeval bastion – the buzzing city of Ponferrada. The mostly flat and gentle terrain makes it accessible to any cyclist with an average level of fitness.

Our cycling packages are not suitable for novice bike riders – your bike will come presented in a box which you need to be able to assemble yourself. You will also need to be familiar with fixing a flat tyre / loose chain. The cycling tour packages are aimed at experienced riders.

Stage 2 of 3

283km

7 days

Comfort

Moderate

View Map | View Elevation

Popular time

september

Starting from

€1010

Starting from

€1010

Route Summary

Stage 2 of 3

283km

7 days

Comfort

Popular time

september

Best time to go:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Moderate

View Map | View Elevation

Overall

Distance:

51.3 min | 56.6km average | 65.9 max

Ascent:

435.6 min |646.3m average | 959 max

Cardio:

5 5 5

View the popular times to visit this route

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Overall

Distance:

51.3 min | 56.6km average | 65.9 max

Ascent:

435.6 min |646.3m average | 959 max

Cardio:

5 5 5

Highlights

Castilian Plateau

Whizz across the mighty Castilian Plateau. Enjoy the speed and wind in your face on this relatively flat section as the blur of green and yellow fields rush by. Take time to escape the sunshine and explore the small towns and villages at a more leisurely pace along the way, like Fromista with its beautiful Church of San Martín.

Leon

Leon is worth an extra night stopover so you have time to explore this fascinating city. From the many historical sights to visit during the day to the lively nightlife this city provides, experiences for all age groups and interests. Within the Roman walls of the city, you will find a magnificent Gothic cathedral and the Basilica of San Isidoro with its ‘Sistine Chapel-esque’ frescos. Wander the streets to discover many cafes and restaurants with local food, accompanied by the local El Bierzo wine.

Astorga

Within the mediaeval walls of Astorga you will find a vibrant and attractive city. From Roman ruins to neo-Gothic Episcopal Palace designed by Gaudi, there is a wealth of different architecture to take in. Be sure to visit the Cathedral with its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements; learn more about the Camino in the Pilgrim Museum located in the Episcopal Palace; and when the clock strikes on the hour be at Plaza Mayor to witness the chimes on the Bell Tower where two small figures of a man and woman in traditional dress strike the bell. Having worked up an appetite walking around this compact city try some of the local cuisine in the many cafes and restaurants, or for those with a sweet tooth a visit to the Museum of Chocolate!

Castilian Plateau

Whizz across the mighty Castilian Plateau. Enjoy the speed and wind in your face on this relatively flat section as the blur of green and yellow fields rush by. Take time to escape the sunshine and explore the small towns and villages at a more leisurely pace along the way, like Fromista with its beautiful Church of San Martín.

Leon

Leon is worth an extra night stopover so you have time to explore this fascinating city. From the many historical sights to visit during the day to the lively nightlife this city provides, experiences for all age groups and interests. Within the Roman walls of the city, you will find a magnificent Gothic cathedral and the Basilica of San Isidoro with its ‘Sistine Chapel-esque’ frescos. Wander the streets to discover many cafes and restaurants with local food, accompanied by the local El Bierzo wine.

Astorga

Within the mediaeval walls of Astorga you will find a vibrant and attractive city. From Roman ruins to neo-Gothic Episcopal Palace designed by Gaudi, there is a wealth of different architecture to take in. Be sure to visit the Cathedral with its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements; learn more about the Camino in the Pilgrim Museum located in the Episcopal Palace; and when the clock strikes on the hour be at Plaza Mayor to witness the chimes on the Bell Tower where two small figures of a man and woman in traditional dress strike the bell. Having worked up an appetite walking around this compact city try some of the local cuisine in the many cafes and restaurants, or for those with a sweet tooth a visit to the Museum of Chocolate!

Start Planning Now !

BURGOS

PONFERRADA

Starting from € 1010

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Services

Included in this package

Specially Hand-Picked Accommodations

Bed & Breakfast

Luggage Transfers from Hotel to Hotel

Mountain Bike (or E-bike on request for an extra cost)

Bike Breakdown Insurance

Repair Kit

24/7 On-Call Support

Our Holiday or Pilgrim Pack

Add-On

Premium Accommodation

Airport Pick-Up

Additional Nights

Dinners

Day Tours to Local Sites of Interest

Not included: Flights/trains, Insurance, Drinks/Lunch

If you are interested in a Free Walking Tour of Burgos before you start your Camino, explore the culture of the city with an expert local guide through our Walking Partner, GuruWalk. You can also book a Walking Tour of Ponferrada to cap your trip.

Itinerary

Day

1

km

BURGOS

The city, which was the capital of the unified kingdom of Castilla-Leon for five centuries, boasts a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture; the Cathedral of Burgos (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Apart from a visit to the historic quarter, you can take a walk along the banks of the Duero and Arlanza rivers or discover the delicious and varied local cuisine in one of the city’s restaurants.

Day

2

65.9 km

BURGOS FROMISTA

All day long, you will notice the influence of the Camino de Santiago as there is not a single village we cross that does not have obvious references to it. Cycle your way gently through the countryside and enjoy the sunshine and fields of flowers lining your way to Fromista.

Day

3

58 km

FROMISTA SAHAGUN

During this stage, we have a good understanding of the popular meaning ‘Castilla es ancha’ (Castilla is wide). Crop fields give patches of beautiful colour to the agricultural landscape all year round. The first half of the day is mainly flat and it gets a bit more undulating on the second half to Sahagun.

Day

4

55.2 km

SAHAGUN LEON

Today we cycle through the colourful Castilian Meseta or plateau. The landscape here seems endless as we pass over the flat terrain of the area, affording great views over the surrounding agricultural area. We finish the day in the vibrant city of Leon, a fantastic city to head out in and enjoy some of the local food and wine.

Day

5

52.6 km

LEON ASTORGA

This is probably one of the flattest cycling days of the entire Camino Frances, but as we are on a high plateau, it still offers some great views and you will see Astorga down in the valley long before reaching it! In Astorga, take some time to visit the Episcopal palace, the cathedral, and the old city walls.

Day

6

51.3 km

ASTORGA PONFERRADA

The last day of this section is definitely the most difficult but also the most rewarding one! We can enjoy spectacular views as we climb up to 1,500m above sea level to reach the famous Cruz del Hierro (the Iron Cross). The natural scenery and towns with rich history make this the best way to finish the section, before reaching Ponferrada: a city with a lively, and very pretty, mediaeval centre.

Day

7

km

PONFERRADA

After breakfast we bid you farewell. While you are in Ponferrada, you should visit the town’s 16,000 square metre-Castillo de los Templarios, a castle built by the Knights Templar in the 12 Century. Las Médulas, ancient Roman gold mines listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are also only a few kilometres away from Ponferrada.

Day

1

km

BURGOS

The city, which was the capital of the unified kingdom of Castilla-Leon for five centuries, boasts a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture; the Cathedral of Burgos (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Apart from a visit to the historic quarter, you can take a walk along the banks of the Duero and Arlanza rivers or discover the delicious and varied local cuisine in one of the city’s restaurants.

Day

2

65.9 km

BURGOS FROMISTA

All day long, you will notice the influence of the Camino de Santiago as there is not a single village we cross that does not have obvious references to it. Cycle your way gently through the countryside and enjoy the sunshine and fields of flowers lining your way to Fromista.

Day

3

58 km

FROMISTA SAHAGUN

During this stage, we have a good understanding of the popular meaning ‘Castilla es ancha’ (Castilla is wide). Crop fields give patches of beautiful colour to the agricultural landscape all year round. The first half of the day is mainly flat and it gets a bit more undulating on the second half to Sahagun.

Day

4

55.2 km

SAHAGUN LEON

Today we cycle through the colourful Castilian Meseta or plateau. The landscape here seems endless as we pass over the flat terrain of the area, affording great views over the surrounding agricultural area. We finish the day in the vibrant city of Leon, a fantastic city to head out in and enjoy some of the local food and wine.

Day

5

52.6 km

LEON ASTORGA

This is probably one of the flattest cycling days of the entire Camino Frances, but as we are on a high plateau, it still offers some great views and you will see Astorga down in the valley long before reaching it! In Astorga, take some time to visit the Episcopal palace, the cathedral, and the old city walls.

Day

6

51.3 km

ASTORGA PONFERRADA

The last day of this section is definitely the most difficult but also the most rewarding one! We can enjoy spectacular views as we climb up to 1,500m above sea level to reach the famous Cruz del Hierro (the Iron Cross). The natural scenery and towns with rich history make this the best way to finish the section, before reaching Ponferrada: a city with a lively, and very pretty, mediaeval centre.

Day

7

km

PONFERRADA

After breakfast we bid you farewell. While you are in Ponferrada, you should visit the town’s 16,000 square metre-Castillo de los Templarios, a castle built by the Knights Templar in the 12 Century. Las Médulas, ancient Roman gold mines listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are also only a few kilometres away from Ponferrada.

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How to Get There

Getting to Burgos, Spain

There are several options to fly to and back from Spain on this section, including Bilbao, Santander, and Madrid. Madrid may be the best option if you prefer flying to and back from the same airport.

Fly into Bilbao

You can fly from Bilbao to any of the following Spanish Airports: A Coruna, Alicante, Barcelona, Badajoz, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Jerez, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Tenerife, Valencia, and Vigo. European flights to Brussels, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Lisbon, Milan, Munich, Paris, and Stuttgart are also available. At the moment, EasyJet, Iberia and Aer Lingus fly from the UK and Ireland to Bilbao. EasyJet offers daily flights from London Stansted Airport, Iberia/BA flies from Gatwick or Heathrow via Madrid and Aer Lingus operates out of Dublin. From Bilbao Airport, you can catch a shuttle into the city centre and head for Intermodal, the main bus station. From there, it’s a 1 hour and 45 minute journey on the bus to Burgos.

Fly into Santander

Ryanair is the only low-cost airline that currently offers direct flights to Santander. They offer flights from London Stansted, Dublin, Frankfurt, Milan, and Rome, as well as Reus and Madrid in Spain. Iberia offers a good selection of internal flights from Alicante, Barcelona, Gran Canaria, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Seville, and Valencia. From Santander Airport, you get on a bus into the centre of town and then find the bus station. Then, it’s a 2 hour and 30 minute bus ride to Burgos from Santander.

Fly into Madrid

Virtually every airline flies into Madrid, including Ryanair, EasyJet, and Iberia/BA from Ireland and the UK, as well as most US airlines. To get from Madrid Airport, head for the centre of the city. Then, from Avenida De América you can catch a bus to Burgos. The total journey will take between 3 hours and 30 minutes and 4 hours and 10 minutes.

Getting home from Ponferrada, Spain

To get home from Ponferrada you can catch a bus to Santiago or a train to Madrid.

Fly from Santiago de Compostela

The bus from Ponferrada to Santiago takes 3 hours 40 minutes. Then there is an easy shuttle route to the airport.

Fly from Madrid

The train from Ponferrada to Madrid takes 6 hours. Then you get a shuttle bus to the airport.

Getting to Burgos, Spain

There are several options to fly to and back from Spain on this section, including Bilbao, Santander, and Madrid. Madrid may be the best option if you prefer flying to and back from the same airport.

Fly into Bilbao

You can fly from Bilbao to any of the following Spanish Airports: A Coruna, Alicante, Barcelona, Badajoz, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Jerez, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Tenerife, Valencia, and Vigo. European flights to Brussels, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Lisbon, Milan, Munich, Paris, and Stuttgart are also available. At the moment, EasyJet, Iberia and Aer Lingus fly from the UK and Ireland to Bilbao. EasyJet offers daily flights from London Stansted Airport, Iberia/BA flies from Gatwick or Heathrow via Madrid and Aer Lingus operates out of Dublin. From Bilbao Airport, you can catch a shuttle into the city centre and head for Intermodal, the main bus station. From there, it’s a 1 hour and 45 minute journey on the bus to Burgos.

Fly into Santander

Ryanair is the only low-cost airline that currently offers direct flights to Santander. They offer flights from London Stansted, Dublin, Frankfurt, Milan, and Rome, as well as Reus and Madrid in Spain. Iberia offers a good selection of internal flights from Alicante, Barcelona, Gran Canaria, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Seville, and Valencia. From Santander Airport, you get on a bus into the centre of town and then find the bus station. Then, it’s a 2 hour and 30 minute bus ride to Burgos from Santander.

Fly into Madrid

Virtually every airline flies into Madrid, including Ryanair, EasyJet, and Iberia/BA from Ireland and the UK, as well as most US airlines. To get from Madrid Airport, head for the centre of the city. Then, from Avenida De América you can catch a bus to Burgos. The total journey will take between 3 hours and 30 minutes and 4 hours and 10 minutes.

Getting home from Ponferrada, Spain

To get home from Ponferrada you can catch a bus to Santiago or a train to Madrid.

Fly from Santiago de Compostela

The bus from Ponferrada to Santiago takes 3 hours 40 minutes. Then there is an easy shuttle route to the airport.

Fly from Madrid

The train from Ponferrada to Madrid takes 6 hours. Then you get a shuttle bus to the airport.

Start Planning your Adventure Now

Walk the Camino to experience what is set to be the biggest Camino experience of the
century so far. Embrace your freedom to explore and challenge yourself to walk the Camino.

This section of the middle of the Camino Frances passes through the Castilian meseta and is flanked either end with gentle hills so a very doable section by bike.
January	Off season
February	Off season
March	Off season
April	Good time
May	Popular time
June	Popular time
July	Good time
August	Good time
September	Popular time
October	Good time
November	Off season
December	Off season