Santiago Compostela is an ancient city that dates back to the 8th century and remains an important pilgrimage site for Christians. However, you do not have to have a religious purpose for visiting this historic site. Embark on a challenging and scenic bicycle trip to Santiago Compostela on a seven-day route from the city of Leon. The route covers 185 miles and takes you through rolling farmland, over O'Cebreiro pass and finally to the cathedral in Santiago Compostela. When you arrive, the Pilgrim's Office will give you a certificate confirming you as an official pilgrim.
A self-guided tour from Portbou, on Spain's northern border with France, will take you down the coast to Barcelona. The area is dotted with small fishing villages and hilly terrain. At the half-way point on the first leg to La Bisbal, you will reach the town of Figueres; visit the Salvador Dali Museum here. From La Bisball it is 61 miles to Barcelona. Along the way, you'll pass through the small town of Blanes, which has a Roman castle ruin.
The journey from the village of Ripoll in the Spanish Pyrenees to San Feliu de Guixols on the Mediterranean coast takes six days. The first portion of the trip takes you through forests and old villages. When you reach Olot, visit the Romaneque monastery. After Olot, go through the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcanica de la Garroxta where you'll see extinct volcanoes. The large city of Girona has Arabian baths, a cathedral and ancient city walls.
The Granada to Ronda bike trip takes you past southern Spain's white villages, through national parks, over mountains and past lakes. Stop and look into El Chorro gorge and visit a Moorish fort. You'll see views of the Mediterranean Sea as you go through Zafaraya. The town of Ronda, built over a deep gorge, is your final destination--a place close to the heart of the American actor Orson Welles.
