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Portuguese Way to Santiago
The Jacobean pilgrimage from Portugal, although it presumably already existed during the high middle ages, intensified after the country's independence in the mid-20th century. XII. Since then, the Jacobean cult and the pilgrimage to Compostela have been considered one of the hallmarks of European culture, which had a very important projection in Lusitanian lands.
For centuries, the Portuguese people contributed to this collective experience with high levels of participation, always supported with singular fortune by the example of kings, nobles and high clerics. Just remember that most of Portugal's road network witnessed, from the 12th century to the present day, the journey of pilgrims from the country's various population centers: Lisbon, Santarém, Coimbra, Porto, Braga, Chaves... to the Compostela goal. . His motivations were primarily religious.
However, thanks to this dense and centuries-old flow of people who populated the Camino de Santiago created between Portugal and Galicia, fruitful ties of cultural, economic and thought exchange were also established.
Francisco Singul, Xacobeo
Walking the Camino de Santiago by bicycle is a fantastic experience for those who like to combine physical activity with cultural and ecological tourism.
And there are many who, even though they are not Catholic or religious, feel the appeal of this challenge, which also involves a spiritual component. Those who did it say that the experience is positively marked for life.
If you feel like hitting the road, see below the routes and variants of the Portuguese Way (there are also other routes, which start in France or Spain, as well as other useful information to make your pilgrimage run smoothly.
But before that, be aware that it is difficult to tell you how many days it will take to complete the journey, whether from Lisbon, Porto or another location: it will be your physical condition that dictates how many stages you will divide the adventure into. , taking into account that there may be unforeseen events, particularly meteorological events.
10 tips for doing the Camino de Santiago by bike:
1 - Assess your physical fitness
If you don't usually cycle, but want to cycle the Camino de Santiago, it's a good idea to do some training beforehand. At the gym, talk to your teacher or personal trainer and establish some exercises taking into account your preparation for this challenge.
Talk to people who have already carried out this experience and even your doctor. Knowing what your physical weaknesses or limitations are is essential to be able to plan your trip in order to successfully reach your goal.
2 - Choose the route
From Lisbon, the Camino is reasonably well marked, although it is more common for pilgrims to leave from Porto or Minho. In fact, there are three variants of the Portuguese Way.
The Central Portuguese Way starts in Lisbon, passes through Porto and crosses Minho; the Portuguese Coastal Way derives from the Central Way starting from São Pedro de Rates, in Póvoa de Varzim, traveling along the Portuguese and Galician coasts; and the Portuguese Way of the Interior begins in Viseu, crossing Trás-os-Montes and the interior of Galicia.
3Decide the time of year
Although you can do the route at any time, the best time of year to do this route is during spring, as the mild temperatures help you travel with lighter luggage and no major mishaps are expected. Furthermore, the landscape will be much more attractive so you can admire and record the best moments.
Know, however, that the most important day of the cult of Santiago is the 25th of July, in the middle of summer, being a public holiday in Galicia. When July 25th falls on a Sunday, which only happens 14 times a century, the year is called “Xacobeo”, with the celebrations taking on special importance, with even more pilgrims arriving in the city.
3 - Decide the time of year
Although you can do the route at any time, the best time of year to do this route is during spring, as the mild temperatures help you travel with lighter luggage and no major mishaps are expected. Furthermore, the landscape will be much more attractive so you can admire and record the best moments.
Know, however, that the most important day of the cult of Santiago is the 25th of July, in the middle of summer, being a public holiday in Galicia. When July 25th falls on a Sunday, which only happens 14 times a century, the year is called “Xacobeo”, with the celebrations taking on special importance, with even more pilgrims arriving in the city.
4 - Pilgrim Credential or Passport
It all starts with the Pilgrim Credential, which is only given to those who travel the Camino on foot, horseback or bicycle. It is the modern replacement for the “safe conduct” given to pilgrims in the Middle Ages.
It can only be purchased in places authorized by the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. You will find it, for example, in the Cathedrals of the towns where the Camino passes, in some hostels and tourist information points or in Pilgrims' Associations.
The Credential will then be stamped at the various stops along the Way by institutions authorized to do so, such as hostels or churches. In fact, you can only stay in free hostels with the presentation of your credential.
Only those who arrive in Santiago de Compostela, at the Tomb of the Apostle, with the completed Credential (having completed at least the last 200 km by bicycle or the last 100 km on foot or on horseback), will receive the “Compostela”: the ecclesiastical document that certifies that the Camino de Santiago was completed.
5 - Choose the best time to cycle
Although this choice depends from cyclist to cyclist or group to group, the truth is that the morning is the best time of day to cycle. And the earlier the better, as there will be less traffic on the roads and you will be able to watch the sunrise: it is a unique experience. In the afternoon you can take the opportunity to discover the places where you will spend the night, combining tourist and cultural moments with your adventure.
6 - Decide on accommodation
The best option is pilgrim support hostels. These are simple installations, but they meet basic needs. Reservations cannot be made at these facilities, so it is first-come, first-served basis that determines access to the accommodation, simply presenting your Pilgrim Credential. Although they are free, you can and should leave some monetary contribution to help maintain these spaces.
7 - What to take in your backpack
The weight of your luggage is an essential aspect for those who are going to do the Camino de Santiago by bike. Try to only take what is really necessary:
- Documents;
- Mobile phone and charger;
- Light clothes (and few changes – you can wash them);
- Light or sports towel to dry quickly;
- Pajamas;
- Raincoat;
- Repellent;
- Sunscreen;
- Toiletries (travel size)
- First aid kit;
- Flashlight;
- Bike lock
- Water and energy bars for the first day (you can purchase them later along the way)
8 - Other items to consider
In hostels, bed linen is scarce or may not be available at all, so if you want to ensure some comfort, it might be wise to bring a sleeping bag. Another kit that may be useful is a small bicycle repair kit: mini pump, spare air chamber and some basic tools. If you go in a group, divide these objects among the different members so that no one will be overwhelmed.
9 - Safety first
Comply with road safety rules and even if it is not required by law, always wear a helmet. The use of a reflective shirt or vest for some routes with reduced visibility is also essential.
10 - Use the most useful apps
Finally, in this list of tips for those who are going to do the Camino de Santiago by bike, we talk about apps that can help you on this journey of life. Technology can be a great ally in this type of experience. If you have a smartphone, download some applications. Here are some examples, so you can explore and see which ones suit you best.
Now that you know what it takes to do the Camino de Santiago by bike, all I can do is wish you a “Happy Journey”!