Cycling day trip from Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela

This cycling route is a memorable one! Starting in the charming old town of Pontevedra, you’ll roll out through quiet roads and some scenic country tracks, steadily heading northward across Galicia. Pontevedra itself is famous for its pedestrian-friendly historic center and lively tapas bars—definitely worth a stroll before you set off.

The ride to Santiago de Compostela—one of Spain’s most iconic pilgrimage cities—serves up roughly 82 km of varied terrain. Expect a good bit of climbing (almost 1850 meters up!), but you’re mostly rewarded with quiet roads for the majority of the route. There’s a real mix of surfaces: you’ll be on paved and asphalt sections most of the time, but watch for some gravel and unpaved tracks, so a sturdy bike is recommended.

As you approach Santiago, the anticipation builds; the silhouette of the cathedral is a legendary sight for cyclists and pilgrims alike. Plan a celebratory stop in the old town—you’ve earned it!