Vía de la Plata by bike
The longest Camino and the only one that crosses Spain from south to north: nearly 1,000 km from Seville along Roman roads, dehesas and vast silences. A long-distance route for experienced cycle tourers.
Route: Sevilla (Andalucía) → Santiago de Compostela
About this route
The Vía de la Plata is the only Camino that runs across Spain from south to north, following the route of the old Roman road that linked Mérida with Astorga. From Seville to Santiago it adds up to nearly a thousand kilometres through Andalusia, Extremadura, Castile and León and Galicia, passing through monumental cities such as Mérida, Cáceres, Salamanca and Zamora. It is a route of solitude and nature, perfectly cyclable, designed for those who enjoy long distances.
The heat: the big factor
If there is one thing that defines the Vía de la Plata, it is the heat of the south. The dehesas of Extremadura and Andalusia are brutal in summer, with long stretches exposed to the sun and no shade. That is why the advice is clear: avoid the summer months and do it in spring or autumn.
In addition, the distances between towns are greater than on other Caminos, so you have to plan your water and supplies carefully before each stage.
Two endings: Astorga or the Sanabrés
At Granja de Moreruela (Zamora) the Camino forks. You can carry on towards Astorga to link up with the French Way, or take the Camino Sanabrés, which heads to Ourense and Santiago across the mountains.
The Sanabrés variant includes the passes of Padornelo (over 1,350 metres) and A Canda before entering Galicia, the highest points of this route.
Which bike to use
The MTB, gravel bike or an e-bike are the advisable options. The surface combines dirt tracks and tarmac sections, and along much of the route you can choose low-traffic road alternatives. Because of its length and long stages, it is a route for cycle tourers with experience of big distances.
The Compostela by bike
As on the other Caminos, by bike you need at least 200 km. From Ourense it is around 110 km (enough only on foot), so cyclists wanting the certificate must start earlier: for example from Ponferrada (the Astorga variant) or from Puebla de Sanabria (the Sanabrés variant), which exceed that distance.
Best time to go
Spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) are the best seasons, with good weather and green landscapes in the south. Summer is not advisable because of the extreme heat, and in winter there can be snow and rain on the Galician passes.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Vía de la Plata?
Nearly 1,000 km from Seville to Santiago (around 970 km depending on the route and the final variant chosen). It is the longest Camino.
How many days does it take by bike?
Usually between 15 and 18 days, depending on your pace. Some long-distance cycle tourers compress it into fewer days with stages of 80 km or more.
What is the best time to go?
Spring and autumn. It is best to avoid summer because of the extreme heat of the southern dehesas, exposed and without shade.
Which bike is best?
MTB, gravel or e-bike. It combines dirt tracks and tarmac, with low-traffic road alternatives. It is a route for cyclists experienced in long distances.
Where does it end, Astorga or the Sanabrés?
At Granja de Moreruela the Camino forks: towards Astorga to link with the French Way, or via the Camino Sanabrés towards Ourense and Santiago, the latter with mountain passes.
Where should you start for the Compostela by bike?
You need 200 km by bike. From Ourense (110 km) is not enough; it is best to start earlier, for example in Ponferrada or Puebla de Sanabria.
Is it very hard?
Its difficulty is moderate to hard, but more because of the length, the heat and the long stretches without services than the terrain itself. It requires good planning and stamina.