Camino Lebaniego by bike
A different Camino: it does not go to Santiago, but to the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, which guards the Lignum Crucis. Around 73 km from the Cantabrian coast to the Picos de Europa.
Route: San Vicente de la Barquera (Cantabria) → Monasterio de Santo Toribio de Liébana
About this route
The Camino Lebaniego has a feature that makes it unique: it does not lead to Santiago, but to the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, in Cantabria, which guards the Lignum Crucis, considered the largest surviving fragment of the cross of Christ. It is one of the holy places of Christianity, alongside Jerusalem, Rome, Santiago and Caravaca. Its 73 km start on the coast, in San Vicente de la Barquera, where it splits from the Northern Way, and head inland towards the Picos de Europa.
Cruceros, not pilgrims to Santiago
Those who travel the Lebaniego are not after the Compostela, but the Lebaniega, the certificate of this pilgrimage. Its pilgrims are called cruceros. The monastery celebrates the Lebaniego Holy Year each time 16 April falls on a Sunday, when its Door of Forgiveness is opened.
The Camino Lebaniego by bike
By bike it is completed in 1 or 2 days, but do not be fooled by its short distance: it has significant elevation, especially on the stretch between Cades and Cabañes, which accumulates more than a thousand metres of climbing. The scenery rewards the effort, going from the shores of the Cantabrian Sea to the mountains of Liébana.
Which bike to use
An MTB is the most advisable because of the gradients. Technically it is not one of the most complicated routes, but it demands stamina for the climbs. There are enough hostels and rural guesthouses, although it is wise to carry water, because there are not always fountains nearby.
Best time to go
From spring to autumn, with the Cantabrian mountain climate as a factor to watch. The closeness of the Picos de Europa makes the final stretch one of the most beautiful of the route.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Camino Lebaniego go to Santiago?
No. That is the unique feature that sets it apart: it leads to the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, in Cantabria, which guards the Lignum Crucis.
How long is it?
Around 73 km, from San Vicente de la Barquera to the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana.
How many days does it take by bike?
1 or 2 days, depending on your fitness. It is short but with steep elevation, especially between Cades and Cabañes.
What certificate do you get?
The Lebaniega, not the Compostela. The pilgrims of this route are called cruceros.
Which bike is best?
An MTB, because of the gradients. It is not technically very difficult, but it demands stamina on the climbs.
What is the best time to go?
From spring to autumn, bearing in mind the mountain climate as you approach the Picos de Europa.