Camino Sanabrés by bike
The Galician variant of the Vía de la Plata: from Granja de Moreruela towards Ourense through Sanabria, avoiding Astorga. Around 365 km of nature, silence and very few pilgrims.
Route: Granja de Moreruela (Zamora) → Santiago de Compostela
About this route
The Camino Sanabrés, also called the Mozarabic Way, is the branch into which the Vía de la Plata splits at Granja de Moreruela (Zamora): instead of carrying on towards Astorga and the French Way, it turns towards Galicia through the lands of Sanabria and enters the province of Ourense. It is around 365 km of great beauty and solitude, crossing Puebla de Sanabria, A Gudiña and Ourense, one of the least crowded routes there is.
The Camino Sanabrés by bike
It is a perfectly cyclable route done in about 5 to 7 days, with stages of around 50–70 km. Its great appeal is the peace and quiet: you will ride for kilometres without crossing paths with anyone, among the mountains of Zamora, the valleys of Sanabria and the rural Galicia of pazos, cruceiros and hórreos.
The flip side of that solitude is the logistics: there are stretches with very limited services, especially between Granja de Moreruela and Ourense, so it is wise to set off with water, food and cash.
The Verín variant, better for the bike
Near A Gudiña the Camino offers two options. The traditional route via Laza is beautiful, but it includes technical descents with loose stone that get complicated with panniers. The variant via Verín and Xinzo de Limia is safer for the cyclist, as it runs more on the road, although with some monotonous tarmac stretches.
Which bike to use and the Compostela
The MTB, gravel or e-bike are the advisable choices. For the Compostela by bike you need 200 km: from Ourense it is only around 109 km (enough on foot), so the cyclist must start earlier, for example in Puebla de Sanabria.
Best time to go
Spring and autumn. It is best to avoid July and August because of the heat in the Zamora and Ourense areas, where the temperature can exceed 35 degrees with little shade. The Sanabria section is mountainous and cooler.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Camino Sanabrés?
Around 365 km from Granja de Moreruela (where it splits from the Vía de la Plata) to Santiago.
How many days does it take by bike?
Between 5 and 7 days, with stages of around 50–70 km.
What is the difference from the Vía de la Plata?
The Sanabrés is its Galician branch: at Granja de Moreruela, instead of going to Astorga and linking with the French Way, it turns towards Ourense and Santiago through Sanabria.
Which bike is best?
MTB, gravel or e-bike. For the technical sections, such as the descents at Laza, the Verín variant is preferable, being safer on wheels.
Where should you start for the Compostela by bike?
You need 200 km. From Ourense (109 km) is not enough, so it is best to start earlier, for example in Puebla de Sanabria.
What is the best time to go?
Spring and autumn. Avoid summer because of the heat in Zamora and Ourense.