My friend and I have 8 days to be on el Camino Norte. We’d like to cycle part or maybe the entire time. We realize this is not enough time to do the entirety so will be choosing what villages to stop at and cycle to and from, and where to travel forward by bus. We will need to rent bikes. Will we be able to rent bikes in San Sebastián and return in Santiago or sooner? Will we be able to take bikes on busses? Our plan is to begin in San Sebastián and end in Santiago making the trip via walking, biking, and busses in 8 days. Thank you!
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9221 posts
My recommendation is to visit this website as they have all the answers you need for this route.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/
Posted by
Paris
7304 posts
Buses are not necessary, there is a narrow gauge railway along most of the N coast ("FEVE") which takes bikes. It makes it easy to bypass less interesting stretches of coast such as Bilbao-Santander-Torrelavega, or between Gijon and Cudillero (if you don't go via Oviedo)
Posted by
Washington DC
28090 posts
I think the FEVE suggestion is brilliant. I've taken a lot of Spanish buses, and I've never seen a bicycle being loaded into the hold.
Posted by
OP
Boston
5 posts
Thank you for the suggestion of using the FEVE. I will research that now. Do you have any recommendations for bike rentals that will allow us to pick up the bike in San Sebastian and drop it off in Santiago? Thank you very much for your help!
Posted by
Paris
7304 posts
Unfortunately I have no idea on the rental question ! Sorry. It would save you a day of backtracking by train.
Posted by
1230 posts
You could try googling "bike rentals in san sebastián" and then email one or two to ask your questions. People who work in the business, in the region, will be well versed in the kind of planning you are think about (my hubby worked in many bike shops over the years. They are the hub for many outdoor enthusiasts and trips)
Posted by
OP
Boston
5 posts
Thank you. I will send those emails to bike shops in San Sebastian. Lots of great ideas here. Thank you all so much.