EuroVelo Update: Galicia

By Andrew on May 9, 2026 • ( 1 Comment )

It’s a while since I’ve taken a look at the map of the EuroVelo network, but an email from the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) a few days ago prompted me to do so. I first discovered the network way back in 2008 when I first came up with the idea of cycling from southern England to southern Italy. I thought my route-finding prayers had been answered when I stumbled upon the EuroVelo 5. My high hopes were dashed somewhat when I realised that much of the route (all of the route in Italy) was, at the time, very aspirational. When I did cycle to Italy in 2010 I made up much of the route myself. I didn’t see one sign for the EuroVelo 5 although quite a bit of the journey used already exisiting regional routes so I could at least follow them.

18 years later, things are much improved. Far more of the EuroVelo network actually exists with many of the routes signposted from beginning to end on increasingly high-quality segregated paths. Some new routes have been added over the years and tweaks made to those that already existed. I am delighted to say that I have cycled all or parts of the EuroVelos 1, 3, 5, 8, 12, 15, 17 and 19. I’ve probably also travelled along some of the others without being aware that I was.

Here is the current network in an overview map produced by the ECF:

EuroVelo map showing the European cycle route network with various coloured routes connecting major cities.

Or rather, it was until the most recent update. Take a look in north-west Spain. There’s a short gap between the start / end of the EuroVelos 1 and 3. It’s just been plugged with an addition to the EuroVelo 1 which now starts / finishes at Cabo Fisterra rather than at the Portuguese border. Here is that extention in detail:

Map of the Galician coastline in Spain, highlighting key locations such as Cabo Fisterra, Muros, Noia, and Tui, along with the Atlantic Ocean.

There’s something about that extention that is very enticing, no? Having visited northern Spain both on and off the bike, it’s a beautiful part of the Iberian peninsula. The coastal hugging nature of the route must surely have some mouthwatering views to feast upon, mountains on one side, the Atlantic ocean on the other… This is what the ECF have to say about the additional 537 km of EuroVelo 1:

This new stretch… takes cyclists on EuroVelo 1 – Atlantic Coast Route from the Portuguese-Spanish border and follows the Atlantic coast through the provinces of Pontevedra and A Coruña, where it connects with EuroVelo 3 – Pilgrims Route, in the town of Cee. From there, both routes follow a shared itinerary to Cape Fisterra, considered for many centuries to be the end of the known world.

Along the way, this new stretch of route offers something for everyone: whether cyclists want to explore the stunning, quaint beaches of Spain’s northwestern coastline, or prefer to enjoy excellent food and drink in bustling port towns.

This extension brings a long-overdue connection to EuroVelo 3 – Pilgrims Route and continues the theme of exploring the Atlantic Coast on two wheels, showcasing some of the most impressive coastal landscapes the Iberian peninsula has to offer. Cyclists along the route will come into direct contact with the seafaring culture of the region and have the chance to experience the gastronomic delights of one of the “hidden gems” of Spain.

The new route extension is divided into ten sections, each of which cyclists can comfortably follow in a day. Each of the sections starts and ends in a town offering accommodation and restaurants, as well as services such as healthcare centres and bike repair. All of these towns are accessible by bus, while four of them can be reached by train – ideal for a relaxed and sustainable start and end to the trip! Detailed information on each section can be found on the website of Turismo de Galicia.

The route is fully signed with EuroVelo 1 signs, making it easy for cyclists to follow. In shared segments with The Way of St James, the signs are co-branded, with The Way of St James logo integrated into the EuroVelo 1 sign. This invites those cycling the Camino de Santiago to extend their trip and experience the Galician coastline for themselves. The route features a mix of infrastructure, ranging from cycle tracks separate from motorised traffic to quiet country roads. The surface is mostly asphalt or concrete, interspersed with sections on compacted gravel. Cyclists are able to see the coast for almost the entirety of the route, making it a perfect final stretch of a route tracing the Atlantic’s shores for over 11,000 km from the North Cape to Cape Fisterra.

Some kind of video is needed. And here’s one from the Galcia tourist office:

Could it be a destination for the summer of 2026?

Header image: Turismo Galicia

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