During a vacation in Portugal in 2022, I encountered the iconic scallop shell and yellow arrow marking the path to Santiago de Compostela. These ancient symbols ignited a curiosity that blossomed into a realized dream: walking my own Camino pilgrimage. As I researched, I discovered the Camino de Santiago isn’t a single path but a network of routes, each offering unique landscapes and experiences.
This revelation sparked excitement, but it also sparked uncertainty. With seven main Camino routes to choose from, how does one decide?
In this post, I briefly overview the primary Camino paths. Instead of reinventing the wheel, I’ll point you to existing resources while offering insights and considerations. Each route provides its charm, difficulty level, and cultural experiences; I chose to walk the Camino Francès in September-October 2024. Join me as we explore the factors that influenced my ultimate choice for my Camino journey.
quick overview of the most popular routes
- CAMINO FRANCÉS (French Way)The most popular, covering 800 km (497 miles) from St. Jean Pied de Port. Well-marked, great pilgrim infrastructure with landscape variety. Over the Pyrenees and through popular historic cities, such as Pamplona, Leon, and Sarria. Although well-marked, I got lost twice. The yellow arrow pointed the way, but I got distracted, so pay attention!
2. CAMINO PORTUQUÉZ (Portuguese Way) Starting from Lisbon or Porto, Coastal views and historic towns.
3. CAMINO DEL NORTE (Northern Way): This 825-km coastal route from Irún offers stunning coastal scenery.
4. CAMINO PRIMITIVO (Original Way): The oldest route, beginning in Oviedo. Challenging.
5. VIA DE LA PLATA (Silver Way): The longest and most challenging route due to the vast distances between towns.1000 km
6. CAMINO INGLÉS (English Way): A shorter route from Ferrol or A Coruña is ideal for solitude seekers.
7. CAMINO FINISTERRE-MUXÍA: An extension from Santiago to the coast “end of the earth.” I wish I would have had more time to add this leg to my itinerary 
While the above are the most well-known, they are far from the only options. Numerous alternative routes exist, some starting in southern Spain and others in the interior of France, each offering a unique experience that showcases charming and picturesque villages. Additionally, routes extend as far as Italy, making it worthwhile to explore these lesser-known paths. It’s definitely on my list!
RECOMMENDATION: click the button below for detailed route description and maps from the ‘follow the Camino’ website
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING THE ROUTE
DURATION
Several factors can influence the duration of your Camino journey:
Fitness Level:
Consider the following questions: How fit are you? Are you accustomed to walking regularly? Have you traversed various terrains?
If you’re not yet in peak physical condition, don’t worry! Many pilgrims train for this trek months or even years in advance, while others choose to wing it—as I did—and still manage just fine. Remember, the Camino is about the journey, not just the destination!
Rest Days:
Incorporating strategic rest days into your Camino journey is an excellent way to break up the walk and give your body the needed recovery. This pilgrimage is physically demanding, and resting is essential for your body and mind. Many pilgrims opt to spend their rest days in popular cities along the route, allowing them to immerse themselves in the local culture and savor the delicious cuisine. These breaks rejuvenate you for the journey ahead and enrich your overall experience on the Camino.
Unexpected circumstances:
Unforeseen circumstances such as illness or injury can sometimes extend your schedule. Traveling exposes you to various viruses, and staying in close quarters with other pilgrims in hostels can increase your risk of catching communicable illnesses.
The communal nature of albergues—with shared sleeping spaces, bathrooms, and dining areas—means you’ll be in frequent close contact with travelers from around the world, potentially increasing your exposure to colds, flu, and other viruses. Whether it’s a twisted ankle, a fall, painful blisters, or an unexpected illness, it’s essential to take the time needed to rest and recover properly.
Building flexibility into your Camino plan allows you to address these unexpected health challenges without derailing your journey.
Walking pace:
Your walking pace can impact the duration of your Camino journey. When planning your pilgrimage, consider these factors that influence your daily walking speed:
- Do you naturally walk slow or fast?
- Do you prefer a stroll, absorbing the surroundings, and stopping to take photos?
- Do you like to take frequent breaks?
- Will you aim for an aggressive pace to reach your daily destinations quickly?
- Some Pilgrims alternate between fast and slow.
- The terrain can affect your walking pace and vary depending on the surface; uphill and downhill sections will slow your pace.
- Your physical condition will have an impact on your walking speed. If you are suffering an injury or blisters, this, too, will slow you down.
- The use of walking poles. These poles significantly enhance stability and allow for effective weight distribution while walking. I wholeheartedly recommend investing in a pair; they can make a remarkable difference.
When planning your daily distances, be realistic about your walking pace. Your pace will determine how many kilometers you can comfortably cover daily, ultimately affecting the time needed to complete your Camino journey.
Weather conditions:
The weather will differ depending on the time of year you choose, and each season offers unique experiences and challenges that can impact the duration of your walk.
Sightseeing Opportunities:
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Camino is the opportunity to walk through diverse terrains, including majestic mountains, ocean (depending on the route), bustling cities, quaint towns, and charming villages. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous opportunities for sightseeing, from local museums and historic churches to stunning cathedrals and significant landmarks. While on these remarkable routes, take advantage of local markets and shops that showcase regional crafts and delicacies. If you’re fortunate enough to be there during festivals or special occasions, you can immerse yourself in vibrant local festivities that reflect the culture of each area. These experiences enrich your journey but require intentionality—remember, it will take added time to explore and engage with the local culture.
There are a few apps that help plan your daily stages. I used and recommend ‘The Buen Camino’ app.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
The Camino routes vary in difficulty, and considering this aspect will help you select the best path for your journey.
Below is a straightforward breakdown of the different route difficulty levels to guide your decision-making process:
Terrain: The type of landscape and path surface significantly impacts difficulty. Routes include dirt and country roads, mountain tracks, and large roads. Flatter terrain is generally more straightforward, while mountainous sections are more challenging.
Distance: The length of daily walks and overall route distance affect difficulty. Longer distances require more endurance and time.
- Elevation: Altitude gain and loss play a crucial role. Routes with significant elevation changes, especially steep climbs and descents, are more demanding.
- Weather conditions: Routes with milder, more predictable weather are typically more straightforward than those with extreme or variable conditions.
- Infrastructure: The availability of services such as accommodations, food, and medical facilities can impact a route’s overall difficulty.
These factors often categorize Camino routes into difficulty levels such as Easy, Moderate, and Challenging, helping you choose a path that matches your physical abilities and preferences:
SEASON
OPTIMAL SEASON FOR DIFFERENT ROUTES
- Camino Francés: Manageable year-round, but avoid winter or mountain sections
- Camino Portugués: Great in spring and summer, especially the coastal route
- Via de la Plata: Best in spring and autumn to avoid extreme heat
- Camino del Norte: Ideal in summer months due to its coastal location
FURTHER CONSIDER:
- Personal Preferences: Consider your tolerance for heat, cold, and rain.
- Flexibility: Choose shoulder seasons like late spring or early fall for a balance of good weather and fewer crowds.
- Local Events: Research local festivals or events that might enhance your journey.
- Climate Change: Unexpected weather patterns.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Infrastructure ensures a safe and enjoyable journey when selecting a Camino route, especially for first-time pilgrims. Here are key factors to consider:
Accommodation
- Availability of albergues, hostels, and hotels along the route
- Frequency and capacity of lodging options
- A range of price points, including donation-based
Services
- Locations of restaurants, cafes, and shops for food and supplies
- Availability of water sources and rest areas
Emergency Support
- Proximity and access to hospitals, urgent care facilities, and pharmacies
Trail Conditions
- Quality of path maintenance and Camino markings
- Terrain difficulty and accessibility
Pilgrim Traffic
- Balance between available services and number of pilgrims
- Potential for overcrowding during peak seasons
Specific Route Infrastructure
- Camino Francés: Well-developed infrastructure with frequent services
- Camino del Norte: Less crowded with improved facilities
- English Way: Shorter route with adequate support for its length
Funding and Maintenance
- Regional governments primarily fund infrastructure maintenance
- Local “Friends of the Camino” associations assist with way-marking
- EU regional funds may support larger projects
- Non-profit organizations like American Pilgrims on the Camino provide grants for improvements
By thoroughly researching, you can choose a route that aligns with your comfort level and expectations, ensuring a more fulfilling pilgrimage experience.
TIP: Walk in Stages.
Many pilgrims favor this approach for several reasons:
- Flexibility: Breaking your journey into manageable segments in order to fit your schedule.
- Reduced Physical Strain: Walking shorter distances over multiple trips can ease the physical demands on your body. This method helps prevent fatigue and injuries.
- Deeper Exploration: By focusing on specific sections, you can take the time to immerse yourself in the local culture, history, and landscapes.
- Easier Logistics: Planning shorter walks can simplify accommodation and transportation arrangements. You can stay in one place longer.
Choose Your Sections: Research the different Camino routes and select the stages that interest you most. Consider factors such as terrain, scenery, and cultural sites.
Why I Chose the Camino Francès and What I Would Do Differently
My research and personal experience confirmed that the Camino Francés is an exceptional route for first-time pilgrims seeking a comprehensive Camino experience. However, if I were to do it again, I would approach it differently.
- Extended Timeframe: I would allocate double the amount of time for my journey or opt for a more spontaneous approach, allowing me to add extra days wherever I wanted to linger longer.
- Shorter Daily Distances: I would aim to walk no more than five to eight miles each day. This slower pace would provide opportunities for sightseeing, visiting museums, and enjoying meals with fellow pilgrims without feeling rushed.
- Rest Days: I would prioritize scheduling extended rest days to fully recharge and take advantage of the incredible experiences along the route. These breaks would allow me to explore local attractions and truly immerse myself in the culture.
By adopting this revised strategy, I believe I could enhance my Camino experience significantly, making it not just a physical journey but also a rich exploration of the beautiful landscapes and vibrant communities along the way.
Stay Tuned for More Camino Posts!
In my upcoming posts, I’ll be diving into essential topics to help you prepare for your Camino journey, including:
- Packing Essentials: Discover what to bring for a comfortable and enjoyable pilgrimage.
- Safety Tips: Learn to stay safe and secure while walking the Camino solo.
- Best way I found to keep in touch with family and friends.
Stay tuned for valuable insights and advice to make your Camino experience unforgettable!
How about you?
Which route and season call for you? What is your first instinct?
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