Which route is best for the Camino de Santiago?
Walking the Camino de Santiago can be a bucket list adventure for all types of travellers. Whether as a religious Pilgrimage or a physical challenge, this long-distance walking route is world-famous for good reason.
If you’re considering taking on the challenge, you might be wondering which route is best for the Camino de Santiago. With multiple options available, you can choose the one that suits your preferences and capabilities. There is actually quite a list of variations on the Camino routes, but we will focus on the best Camino routes that we like to walk.
Since we offer self-guided and guided Camino de Santiago walking tours, we are quite familiar with these route options and the unique aspects of each. We hope this guide will help you to choose the best route for you! You’re always welcome to reach out if you have questions so we can chat about the options.
About the Camino Frances or French Way
At Footfalls Walking Holidays, we usually opt for the final 100 kilometres of the Camino Frances. In fact, we offer this route as both a guided and a self-guided walking tour! Walking at least 100 kilometres of the Camino allows you to obtain your compostela, which proves your completion of the Camino.
Along this section of the French Way of the Camino de Santiago, the path follows a less arduous route, with elevation change being particularly limited along the final 100 kilometres. The route we use begins in the town of Sarria. It makes for a fantastic Camino experience!
About the Camino Norte or Northern Route
Another route for the Camino de Santiago diverges from the Camino Frances and follows more closely along the northern coastline of Spain. This terrain is a bit more undulating and therefore more physically challenging than the Camino Frances.
If you’re keen for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with exceptional vistas as you traverse from mountains to beaches and beyond! This route also brings Pilgrims through parts of Spain that are world-famous for their cuisine, so foodies should take note.
This part of Northern Spain is lush and beautiful, so it’s likely that this route will grow in popularity as more and more Pilgrims take on the Camino de Santiago.
About the Camino Portugues or Portuguese Route
The Camino Portugues, also known as the Portuguese Route or the Portuguese Way, is the second most popular route for the Camino de Santiago.
This route begins in Lisbon or Porto, but we begin our self-guided Camino Portuguese walking tour in Tui on the Spanish/Portuguese border. That marks the final 100 kilometres of the Camino Portugues, which means you can obtain your compostela upon arrival in Santiago de Compostela!
Walking the Full Camino de Santiago
Which route is best for the Camino de Santiago?
The best route for the Camino de Santiago is the route that interests you most and the route you’re physically prepared to walk. Each route has its own characteristics and will appeal to different types of walkers, so there is no way to say any one route is the best for everyone.
The amount of time you can — or want! — to walk will also determine which route is best for you. You could take more than a month to complete the full Camino, which is more time than many folks have for a holiday.
Alternatively, our Camino walking tours are each 8 days, including arrival and departure days. We’ve found this length of time to be perfect for walkers of all levels, providing enough of a challenge without being overwhelming for most folks.
