Travel plans and routes...

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pagheca

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Hi folks!

I am currently traveling in northern Spain with my wife and our cat. They are beautiful places, we literally fell in love with this region that stretches to the far west of Europe. One thing that has struck me is the remarkable amount of bicycle paths in the cities and countryside. Like this one in A Coruña (Galicia):

1714586940209.png


The place is so pleasant and livable that my wife ... is now considering to buy a (e)bike and take a long ride around here in a few months, either on foot or by bike. ;) There is a famous route here called "Camino de Santiago de Compostela", actually made of many routes, coming all the way to Finisterre (from latin "finis terrae" = end of the world) from various directions. Famous as a pilgrimage, but even atheists and agnostics like us are allowed: no questions asked :LOL: ... Maybe with ebikes and a trolley attached (wife's suggestion) to carry our inseparable cat with us. Still thinking...

Everywhere you see people of all ages and genders doing it, walking sometime for 900 km, on foot or by bike. We even saw a lady walking alone with a 6-7 year old child (and a BIG bakpack :eek:). There was also a sign indicating a 5600-kilometer bike route across Europe... https://en.eurovelo.com/ev3

I'm thinking about it.... :cool:
 
Good choice @Chuy!

Try https://www.caminodesantiago.gal/en/inicio : this is the official one.

People here told me that July and August is VERY busy (hostels hard to find etc), and September for rich people (top hotels and restaurants busy). Also, some hikers I talked to told me they like to stop for a day in nice places to rest and look around: the villages and coastline are literally amazing, with many "rias" and pristine white sand beaches everywhere.

And don't worry about the food and wine :): just fantastic. Local mariscos and pescado (seafood and fish) are the best in the world. Meat too (lots of cows roaming around). Local people are incredibly friendly to travelers.

A really funny restaurant chef I chatted with (the best food I tried here) told me they did it five times with a rule: 15,000 steps = 1 stop to drink and eat at will! :D

Last but not least: Spain is a *very* Catholic country, and relatively poor (80% GDP per capita of Italy, for example), but I found it to be the most tolerant, organized and peaceful country in Western Europe (I spent five and a half years here after living, working and traveling all over the world). They really enjoy diversity and inclusion. No problem if you are a jew, a muslim, an atheist or a zoroastrian :D . They just go about their business!
 
Interesting...

I am an agnostic and I will ask for a certificate with a big question mark on it.
My wife, an atheist, will ask for a non-certificate.

:ROFLMAO:
 
You have found another work assignment there then, and will be moving off of your little island and trading your eMTB for a city bike?
...and learning Spanish? (I believe you speak English and Italian...)
 
Hola Smaug! :)

I speak Spanish too (and French in the past, but I mainly lost that). I spent more than 12 years in Spanish-speaking countries (Chile and Spain).

Yes, there is the problem of bringing the ebike there, and I have been thinking hard to find a solution. So far I could:

1) go from my island to Spain with a Ferry. I did it in 2021 ago with my car, with which my wife and I embarked on a long road trip that took us almost all the way to the North Cape.... passing through Italy and many other places (almost 14,000 km, with a ... Kia Picanto :D ) and 12 other European countries. It is a very nice and relatively cheap ferry, and the trip from the Canary Islands to Spain takes 3 days. In this way I could start from Cadiz or Huelva (Southern Spain) and ride all the way to the North of Spain through Portugal. Funny fact: the very same day I left the Island a new volcano erupted 6 km away from my home. Upon my return I found all the property covered with a thick layer of black ash... :eek:. I spent the next months shoveling...

2) take a flight and a train to some of the starting point of the Camino de Santiago and hike from there.

Either way would be fantastic... :giggle:

Cheers from Porto, Portugal. A really unique and fantastic town, where owning an ebike would be a must because incredibly steepy!
Driving to Lisbon today.
 
I would love it if someone would share on this thread some ideas of upcoming ebike rides.... what about that?
 
pagheca said:
Hola Smaug! :)

I speak Spanish too (and French in the past, but I mainly lost that). I spent more than 12 years in Spanish-speaking countries (Chile and Spain).

Yes, there is the problem of bringing the ebike there, and I have been thinking hard to find a solution. So far I could:

1) go from my island to Spain with a Ferry. I did it in 2021 ago with my car, with which my wife and I embarked on a long road trip that took us almost all the way to the North Cape.... passing through Italy and many other places (almost 14,000 km, with a ... Kia Picanto :D ) and 12 other European countries. It is a very nice and relatively cheap ferry, and the trip from the Canary Islands to Spain takes 3 days. In this way I could start from Cadiz or Huelva (Southern Spain) and ride all the way to the North of Spain through Portugal. Funny fact: the very same day I left the Island a new volcano erupted 6 km away from my home. Upon my return I found all the property covered with a thick layer of black ash... :eek:. I spent the next months shoveling...

2) take a flight and a train to some of the starting point of the Camino de Santiago and hike from there.

Either way would be fantastic... :giggle:

Cheers from Porto, Portugal. A really unique and fantastic town, where owning an ebike would be a must because incredibly steepy!
Driving to Lisbon today.
Click to expand...
Sounds like an ebike would be a lifesaver in Porto! I also heard Lisbon to be quite hilly, how about the rest of the country? I'm planning a trip to Portugal next year and toying with the idea of renting an ebike there too. Porto's definitely on my list, but I'd love to hear about any hidden gems reachable by an ebike. Maybe even get the services of a local guide from https://gowithguide.com/portugal/porto/guides for a few days before I set out solo on an ebike. Ever heard of them, @pagheca!?
 
pagheca said:
Hi folks!

I am currently traveling in northern Spain with my wife and our cat. They are beautiful places, we literally fell in love with this region that stretches to the far west of Europe. One thing that has struck me is the remarkable amount of bicycle paths in the cities and countryside. Like this one in A Coruña (Galicia):

View attachment 14318

The place is so pleasant and livable that my wife ... is now considering to buy a (e)bike and take a long ride around here in a few months, either on foot or by bike. ;) There is a famous route here called "Camino de Santiago de Compostela", actually made of many routes, coming all the way to Finisterre (from latin "finis terrae" = end of the world) from various directions. Famous as a pilgrimage, but even atheists and agnostics like us are allowed: no questions asked :LOL: ... Maybe with ebikes and a trolley attached (wife's suggestion) to carry our inseparable cat with us. Still thinking...

Everywhere you see people of all ages and genders doing it, walking sometime for 900 km, on foot or by bike and taxi East Grinstead to Gatwick airport. We even saw a lady walking alone with a 6-7 year old child (and a BIG bakpack :eek:). There was also a sign indicating a 5600-kilometer bike route across Europe...

I'm thinking about it.... :cool:
Click to expand...
That sounds like an amazing adventure in northern Spain! It’s great to hear that you and your wife, along with your cat, are enjoying the beautiful landscapes and the abundance of bike paths. The area’s charm definitely makes it an inviting place for outdoor activities.

The Camino de Santiago de Compostela is such a fantastic route, with its rich history and stunning scenery. It’s wonderful that it’s open to everyone, regardless of their beliefs. Considering an e-bike for the journey sounds like a fantastic idea, especially if you plan to tackle some of those longer stretches. Plus, attaching a trolley for your cat would make the experience even more enjoyable for your furry friend!

It’s inspiring to see people of all ages taking on the challenge of walking or biking those long distances. The idea of exploring a 5600-kilometer bike route across Europe adds to the excitement. Just imagine all the beautiful sights and experiences along the way!

As you continue to think about your plans, make sure to consider the logistics of traveling with your cat, but it sounds like you’re already on the right track. Wishing you all the best on your travels and future biking adventures!
 
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