Bike Travel

Cycling the Camino de Santiago de Compostela is becoming increasingly popular every year, particularly with international visitors. The official French Way by Bicycle booklet, available from Xacobeo or from the Santiago tourist office, warns that the approximately 800-km (500-mile) route from the French border to Santiago is a very tough bike trip—bridle paths, dirt tracks, rough stones, and mountain passes. The best time of year to tackle it is late spring or early autumn. The Asturias tourist office's booklet, Sus Rutas de Montaña y Costa, available online (www.asturias.es), outlines additional routes. For something a little less arduous, try the final leg of the Camino Francés, from Sarria to Santiago.

Bike Routes

CaminoWays.com. This tour operator can help you bike the Camino with tailor-made packages for individuals and families, child-friendly accommodations if necessary, meals, luggage transfer, and bike rental. Calle Gomez Ulla 6, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, 15702. 923/990672; www.caminoways.com.

Xacobeo. This is the definitive website for pilgrims embarking upon the Camino de Santiago, maintained by the Galicia's tourism department. www.xacobeo.es.