There are several Camino de Santiago routes to the tomb of the apostle Saint James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Although the French route (Camino Francés) attracts the most pilgrims, several other pilgrim routes have emerged through northern Spain over the centuries. But which Camino de Santiago route is most suitable for you? Based on these questions, I will help you choose your Camino de Santiago route.
I would like to meet as many other pilgrims as possible. Which Camino de Santiago route is most ideal?
If the social aspect of the Camino de Santiago and meeting fellow pilgrims is important to you, then the Camino Francés is the best Camino de Santiago route for you. The Camino Francés, or the French Way, starts in Saint Jean Pied de Port in France. This route is the most popular route to Santiago, making it ideal for those who have never walked a Camino de Santiago route before. It takes 36 days to walk from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela, but you can also walk shorter sections and add rest days as well.
I’ve limited time, so which Camino de Santiago route would be best for me to walk?
You do not have to start walking from Saint Jean Pied de Port. In principle, you can start in any place and build a Camino de Santiago route adapted to the time you have available. In general, many pilgrims start their pilgrimage route from Sarria, in Galicia, to walk the last stretch (111 km) of the Camino Frances. This usually takes about a week. An alternative is the last 100 km of the Camino Portugués, in which you also walk from Tui to Santiago de Compostela in a week.
If you have two weeks, you can also walk a slightly longer stretch, for example from Leon to Santiago de Compostela. Another idea is not to end in Santiago, but to start there. You will then walk the Camino to Finisterre and Muxia in 6 days, towards the Atlantic Ocean.
I already did the Camino Francés, what other routes are also an option?
If you are already familiar with the ‘classic Camino’, the Camino Francés, there are plenty of other routes on the Camino the Santiago to explore. For example, you could opt for the Camino Portugués, the second most popular or the alternative Portuguese ‘coastal Camino’. If you want to try something completely different, you can walk another ancient path, such as the Via Francigena or St Francis Way in Italy.
I am a very experienced hiker, I love a challenge!
Even for the experienced hiker are plenty options and routes. For example, if you are looking for a Camino de Santiago route along the coast, there are some wonderful options. In particular, the Portuguese Camino along the coast, starting in Porto, is highly recommended. This pilgrimage route follows the Atlantic coastline to Baiona. You can also choose the Camino to Finisterre and Muxía, the only pilgrimage route that not ends, but starts in Santiago. Or you can start in Ferrol and walk the Camino Inglés. And if are really up for a challenge take a look at the Camino Primitivo. A route with many challenges rewarded with beautiful nature and scenery
I would like to walk a Camino de Santiago route along the coast, but do not necessarily need to arrive in Santiago.
There is also an option for these hikers. The Camino del Norte will then perfectly suit your needs, especially the stretch between the cities of San Sebastián, Bilbao and Santander. Along the way, the cliffs and deep blue sea stand out brightly against the snow-capped peaks of the Picos de Europa. Occasionally the path swings inland into the forested hills, but it never takes long before you descend back to the ocean. And the views? That is unsurpassed on the Camino del Norte!
I need some peace and quiet. What is the best Camino de Santiago route for me?
Sometimes it’s good to give yourself a break. To give yourself time to reflect, you could opt for one of the quieter walking routes. There are thousands of kilometres of pilgrim routes across Spain, Portugal and France, so there are many options for those looking for peace and quiet. Consider, for example, the Camino de Invierno. Many of the most popular pilgrim routes are also quieter between October and March. Keep in mind, though, that there are fewer accommodations available and the weather is also a lot more variable.
If you want the best of both worlds, start your Camino de Santiago itinerary in the city of Lugo: you’ll walk the Camino Primitivo for a few days and then join Santiago on the Camino Francés.
I would like to walk a Camino with family or friends. Which Camino de Santiago route is the best?
Walking with family and friends can be a great experience. With friends, the family or other relatives. The Camino Francés is the perfect pilgrimage route for a group and has all the facilities needed to experience this wonderful Camino together. And to make this special journey together. Consider plenty of accommodation on the various stages.
Would you like tailor-made advice? We will be happy to help you plan your perfect Camino de Santiago route. Don’t hesitate to contact us.
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