AlanSpeak Travel

Camino de Santiago

Waymarker image: from you to Compostela

From San Sebastián to Santiago

36 days/35 nights.

What is it about the Camino de Santiago that makes it one of the things you have to do at least once in your life?

There are many roads to Santiago — and many ways to enter Galicia. But the truest way is on foot, along the Camino de Santiago. There are as many meanings as there are pilgrims. For some, it is a spiritual journey. For others, a physical challenge, a cultural experience, or a moment of personal reflection. But at its core, the Camino is the route walked by those seeking to reach the tomb of the Apostle Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. Since the 9th century, it has been one of Europe’s most important Christian pilgrimage routes, weaving together the kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula and uniting people from across the continent. The Camino is not a single trail — nor does it retrace a route taken by Saint James himself. Rather, it is a network of paths that span the continent like veins, all converging on the city of Santiago. It is a route shaped by faith, history, legend, and countless footsteps. The Camino is unlike any other pilgrimage. It lives in its stories, its silences, its encounters. It is a way marked not only by arrows, but by meaning.

THE DIFFERENT CAMINOS TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

THE NORTHERN CAMINO

This historic route was followed by pilgrims from across northern Spain and beyond — including travellers from England, Flanders, Germany, and Scandinavia who arrived by land or sea. After the Primitive Way, the Camino del Norte gained importance during the late Middle Ages as it traced the rugged Asturian coast and entered Galicia via the Ribadeo estuary.

Its prominence grew at a time when maritime pilgrimages were thriving and the Jubilee of the Holy Cross began to be celebrated in Oviedo. Many pilgrims were drawn to the relics of the Sanctuary of San Salvador de Oviedo as well as the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. The route remained vital until the 18th century.

This Camino has attracted notable pilgrims throughout the centuries. According to tradition, Saint Francis of Assisi journeyed to Oviedo and Santiago in 1214. In the late 15th century, the Armenian bishop Martyr of Azerbaijan completed both the outward and return pilgrimage. Jacob Sobieski, father of Polish King John III, followed in the 16th century, and in the 18th, the Frenchman Jean Pierre Racq left a written record of his travels.

After Castropol, the last town in Asturias, the Camino enters Galicia via the scenic Ribadeo estuary. Some pilgrims historically avoided crossing the river Eo by skirting around it to reach the bridge at Santiago de Abres. Today, the modern Ponte dos Santos unites the regions and marks Ribadeo, in the province of Lugo, as the starting point in Galicia. From there, it is 189 km to the cathedral in Santiago.

The Camino del Norte is marked with ceramic scallop plaques and yellow arrows — a welcome guide for walkers. In 2015, the route was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Along the way, pilgrims are treated to the beauty of landscapes designated as Biosphere Reserves, including the Eo River estuary and the Terras do Miño.

A route of wild coastlines, deep heritage, and quiet devotion, the Camino del Norte offers a less crowded but richly rewarding path to Santiago.

THE ENGLISH PILGRIM'S ROUTE

In the Middle Ages, the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela drew people from across Europe — even from what was then considered “distant Europe.” Pilgrims came from Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland) and above all from the British Isles and Flanders. The English, Scots, Irish, and Flemish all contributed to what we now call the English Way.

These pilgrims arrived by sea, disembarking at Galician ports such as Ferrol, A Coruña, Viveiro, or Ribadeo. The strategic location of A Coruña and Ferrol in particular helped to establish and sustain this route. Once ashore, they continued their journey on foot toward Santiago.

Today, the English Way has two recognised starting points in Galicia. The route from A Coruña is shorter — 73 km — while the one from Ferrol measures 112.5 km. Both are rich in heritage and natural beauty, converging in the village of Bruma to share the final 40 km into Santiago.

Historical records show that pilgrims were walking this route as early as the 12th century. In 1147, a crusading fleet of English, Germans, and Flemish pilgrims visited the tomb of Saint James en route to the Holy Land. Part of this expedition also helped the first King of Portugal in the conquest of Lisbon.

Evidence of the English Way’s deep historical roots comes from a range of sources: a written account by the Icelandic monk Nicholas Bergsson; coins and pottery from England found in cathedral excavations; and documented offerings made by pilgrims to the Apostle.

During the Hundred Years’ War, when land routes were unsafe, many British pilgrims resumed sea travel to reach Santiago. The legacy of these travellers is still felt today in the towns along the route. Ferrol and A Coruña remain the gateway cities, while Pontedeume and Betanzos are key stops for anyone seeking to understand the cultural tapestry of the English Way.

THE VÍA DE LA PLATA VARIANT

The Vía de la Plata (Silver Route) links the southern spirit of Andalusia and Extremadura with the far reaches of Finisterre in Galicia. It traces the course of an ancient Roman road that once connected Emerita Augusta (Mérida) with Asturica Augusta (Astorga), before stretching further north towards Santiago. Despite the name, the ‘Silver Route’ is not named after the precious metal. The term likely derives from the Arabic word Bal’latta, used to describe wide, paved roads — routes with solid foundations that enabled travel to the Christian north. However, it’s worth noting that this road was later used to transport silver from the Americas, which arrived via the docks of Seville. It was along this road that the Moorish leader Almanzor advanced northwards in 997, carrying off the bells of Santiago Cathedral — which were later returned after the Christian reconquest of Córdoba in 1236. From the late 13th century onward, the Vía de la Plata saw growing numbers of pilgrims from Andalusia and Extremadura heading for Santiago. Some followed the route as far as Astorga, where they joined the French Way. Others branched off through Puebla de Sanabria and A Gudiña, with further options through Laza or Verín to reach Ourense and Santiago. A third route led pilgrims through northeast Portugal to Verín. Among the notable figures who walked the Silver Route are Don Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba — the Great Captain — who journeyed in fulfilment of a vow, and Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo, who studied canon law at the University of Santiago in 1568 before becoming Archbishop of Lima and eventually canonised in 1726. Crossing into Galicia via A Mezquita, the Vía de la Plata is the longest pilgrim route to Santiago. It passes through some of Galicia’s richest natural and ethnographic landscapes — from the mountainous province of Ourense to the pastoral region of Deza and the lush valley of the river Ulla. Several inland Portuguese routes also connected to this network, including the road from Chaves to Verín via Feces de Abaixo. The Silver Route is more than a way north — it is a journey through history, landscape, and devotion.

WINTER CAMINO

The Winter Camino is the natural gateway into Galicia from the Castilian plateau — a route already used by the Romans. Thought to have emerged as a seasonal alternative to the snowbound peaks of O Cebreiro, this Camino offers a gentler but no less striking way to approach Santiago in colder months. Stretching just under 250 kilometres, the Winter Camino crosses all four Galician provinces and passes through regions rich in culture and character, such as Valdeorras, Ribeira Sacra, and Deza. It begins in Ponferrada, in the Bierzo region of León, where pilgrims turn left instead of continuing along the French Way. The path closely follows the mighty river Sil through Valdeorras (Ourense), before passing through the south of Lugo and the region of Deza (Pontevedra), eventually arriving in Santiago de Compostela. Historians trace its origins to Roman times — a secondary road is known to have run from the gold mines of Las Médulas to Via XVIII, carrying precious metals through Valdeorras. One of the most enduring landmarks from that era is the Roman tunnel of Montefurado. Throughout history, this route has served many travellers — including, in the 19th century, Napoleon’s invading army. Later, in 1883, it became the path of Galicia’s first railway line to the rest of Spain. Pilgrims choosing this Camino are treated to a wealth of heritage and natural beauty: the trail begins at the UNESCO-listed Las Médulas; it winds through wine regions where vineyards cling to improbable slopes; Romanesque churches and monasteries dot the route; and the Ribeira Sacra — recognised by the Council of Europe for its cultural value — offers stunning scenery and spiritual depth. Highlights include the monumental town of Monforte de Lemos, the terraced wineries of Chantada, and the summit of O Faro, where you can see across all four Galician provinces. The route meets the Vía de la Plata in Lalín, from where both trails continue together to Compostela. Divided into nine stages, the Winter Camino is peaceful, under-travelled, and rich in story — perfect for pilgrims seeking a more tranquil, contemplative path to Santiago.

THE CAMINO TO FISTERRA AND MUXÍA

This Jacobean route begins in the city of Santiago de Compostela and leads to Cape Fisterra and the Sanctuary of the Virxe da Barca in Muxía. Until the end of the Middle Ages, the Costa da Morte — the Coast of Death — was thought to be the last known stretch of land. Pre-Roman peoples believed this was where souls ascended to heaven. It was a place so mythical and powerful that even the Romans were left speechless, watching the sun vanish into the vast Atlantic. Since then, Cape Fisterra has continued to fascinate travellers, embodying the spirit of the pilgrim’s cry: Ultreia! (“Let’s go beyond!”) — answered with Et suseia! (“And we are going higher!”). This route is the most faithful expression of that sentiment. Even after reaching Santiago and venerating the remains of Saint James the Apostle, many pilgrims feel compelled to go further, to walk four or five more days — 89 km to Fisterra, 87 km to Muxía — to reach the true edge of the world. The route’s history is a tapestry of ancient pagan beliefs and later Christian traditions. From the 12th century, the Codex Calixtinus already linked this Camino to the Jacobean pilgrimage. Two of Galicia’s most cherished religious icons reside at its ends: the Santo Cristo de Fisterra, which the 16th-century chronicler Molina described as a magnet for pilgrims, and the Sanctuary of the Virxe da Barca in Muxía. This Camino offers two final destinations, hence the dual name: Fisterra and Muxía. In Olveiroa, the trail divides — one branch leads first to Fisterra through Corcubión, the other heads to Muxía. Whichever path you choose, it is well worth walking between the two, a stretch that reveals some of Galicia’s most striking coastal scenery. Pilgrims leave Santiago behind through ancient oak groves and follow the poetic river Sarela. The trail then winds through the medieval town of Negreira and into the agricultural lands of the Xallas region. Nature, legend, and spiritual depth accompany each step as you walk beyond the known world — to the ends of the earth.

FATHER SARMIENTO'S CAMINO

Follow in the footsteps of the Dominican monk through O Salnés (Pontevedra), along a route shaped by curiosity, culture, and coastlines. Fr Martín Sarmiento, an Enlightenment-era scholar and passionate defender of Galician identity, created this coastal variant of the Portuguese Camino. Returning from Madrid in 1745, he made a heartfelt pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela and meticulously recorded his 190-kilometre journey in his work Viaje a Galicia (Journey to Galicia).

The route named in his honour hugs the Atlantic between the estuaries of Pontevedra and Arousa. It begins at the historic bridge of O Burgo and threads its way through sunlit fishing villages, vineyards, and seaside towns: Poio, Sanxenxo, O Grove, Meaño, Cambados, A Illa de Arousa, Vilanova de Arousa, Vilagarcía de Arousa, Catoira, Valga, and Pontecesures. From there, it merges with the Portuguese Way and continues towards the towers of Santiago Cathedral.

What makes this Camino special is not only the scenery — the estuaries, the granite shores, the scent of salt and pine — but the spirit of discovery Sarmiento carried with him. Walkers today retrace the steps of a man who saw pilgrimage as a path to knowledge as much as devotion.

Fr Sarmiento’s Camino is a walk of quiet beauty and cultural depth — a road less travelled that rewards those who choose it with stories, sea breezes, and something close to wonder.

CAMIÑO DOS FAROS (CAMINO OF THE LIGHTHOUSES)

O Camiño dos Faros is a 200-kilometre coastal hiking route that connects Malpica with Finisterre, with the sea as its constant companion. This spectacular trail follows the edge of the Atlantic, visiting every lighthouse and major landmark along Galicia’s dramatic “Coast of Death” (Costa da Morte). The path winds through an extraordinary variety of landscapes — always westward, always facing the sea. Walkers encounter windswept lighthouses, wild beaches, shifting dunes, rivers, towering cliffs, shady forests, bird-filled estuaries, ancient dolmens, fishing villages, rocky viewpoints, and unforgettable sunsets. The scenery is as rich as it is rugged. Expect steep ascents and descents, unspoilt beaches, and a wild, untamed coastline. This is the land of the world’s finest barnacles. You’ll pass through legendary spots like O Roncudo, where brave barnacle gatherers risk their lives against crashing waves to harvest this delicacy. Along the way, you’ll also encounter places of historical and spiritual significance, such as the English Cemetery in Camariñas and the Sanctuary of the Virxe da Barca, home to the mysterious “pedra de abalar” — a rocking stone steeped in local legend. According to tradition, the stone would move only for those free of sin, and was believed to hold mystical or even divine powers. O Camiño dos Faros is unlike any other trail — a journey of raw nature, deep culture, and unforgettable emotion, etched into the coastline of Galicia.

PILGRIM INFORMATION

THE PILGRIM'S CREDENTIAL

The credential is the pilgrim’s passport, which must be stamped at each stage.

The pilgrim’s credential is a kind of passport that must be stamped at each stage of the route. It originated in the document given to pilgrims during the Middle Ages as a form of safe-conduct. To qualify for the Compostela, the credential must be stamped at least twice per day over the final 100 km (for those on foot), the final 200 km (for cyclists), or after sailing 100 nautical miles followed by walking the final kilometres from O Monte do Gozo. The only official and valid credential is the one issued by the Pilgrim’s Office. It is essential for requesting the Compostela at the end of the pilgrimage.

The Compostela

 
The Compostela is the official document that certifies the completion of your pilgrimage. It is not necessary to walk the entire Camino in one go — the key requirement is to follow the route continuously in geographical terms. For example, you may complete the Camino over multiple weekends, but each stage must begin where the previous one ended. Skipping a section will invalidate the certification.
 
Pilgrims who choose to continue their journey to Fisterra or Muxía can continue stamping their credential (if space allows) or request a new one. These final certificates can be obtained at the Pilgrim Information Office or at the town halls in Fisterra and Muxía, which issue their own official documents recognising the extended pilgrimage.

ON THESE CAMINOS YOU WILL ALWAYS FIND

Accommodation: You will stay in carefully selected hotels, hostels, rural houses, or guesthouses, all offering private bathrooms. If the lodging is located outside the town centre, a complimentary private transfer is included.

Meals: A reinforced breakfast is provided daily. Dinner reservations can be arranged upon request.

Backpack Transport: Your backpack will be transferred between accommodations so you can walk comfortably without carrying it.

Maps of the Caminos: Detailed route maps for your chosen Camino will be provided upon arrival at your first accommodation.

24h Emergency Phone: A 24-hour emergency contact number is available should you need assistance at any point along the way.

Pilgrim’s Scallop: You’ll receive the traditional pilgrim’s scallop — a symbol of the Camino — to carry with you on your journey.

Pilgrim’s Credential: Your pilgrim passport, ready for stamping along the route, will be waiting at your first accommodation.

Assistance Insurance: All trips include basic assistance insurance (see page 54 of the catalogue for coverage details).

Visit to Santiago: Includes a guided tour of Santiago de Compostela led by a local expert.

Transfers: Optional private transfers are available to and from your starting or ending points.

Support Car: A support vehicle can be hired to accompany you along the Camino. Ideal for additional safety and flexibility.

CONDITIONS

The retail price is per person, per package, with VAT included.

A non-refundable administration fee of €20 per person applies to any cancellation or modification of a reservation.

To confirm a booking, a deposit of €100 per booking is required. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 30 days before departure.

In certain regions, a tourist tax is levied on overnight stays in tourist accommodation. This local tax is not included in the package price and must be paid by the client upon arrival at the hotel.

GET READY FOR THE CAMINO

 
01 | BASIC TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
 
Before undertaking the Camino de Santiago, it’s important to prepare in advance with exercises that strengthen and stretch your muscles — particularly in the legs, back and neck.
 
02 | RECOMMENDED ROUTINES & EXERCISES
 
Begin with short walks on flat ground, gradually walking longer distances and introducing varied terrain to help your body adjust to the demands of the Camino.
 
03 | WALKING: LEVEL OF EFFORT
 
Begin each walk gently and with a steady rhythm. Increase intensity only after your body has warmed up. When you’ve found your ideal pace, maintain a steady, consistent rhythm.
 
04 | PREPARING KNEES, TENDONS & FEET
 
To minimise the risk of Achilles tendon injuries in preparation for the Camino, include exercises that stretch it — gradually increasing the intensity over time.
 
05 | CYCLING THE CAMINO
 
If you’re not used to cycling, you should train in advance — ideally for around two months, depending on the planned distance for each stage.
 
06 | BACKPACK WEIGHT
 
Ideally, your backpack should weigh no more than 10 kg. When choosing a backpack, look for one with padded or anti-chafing straps for added comfort.
 
07 | THINGS YOU CAN’T LEAVE AT HOME
 
Essential items include a sleeping bag, a water bottle, high-SPF sunscreen, a small first aid kit, a mobile phone with charger, comfortable shoes for relaxing, and your ID or passport.
Don’t overpack clothing — focus on lightweight, insulating layers that protect against changing temperatures.
 
08 | FOOTWEAR & THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCKS
 
Footwear should be comfortable and well broken in — new, stiff shoes can cause blisters or discomfort.
Trekking or mountain boots with ankle support are recommended, but depending on the weather, other walking-specific footwear may also be suitable.
 
09 | RECOVERING BETWEEN STAGES
 
Be sure to hydrate and eat small, energy-boosting snacks during your breaks to help replenish your strength.
 
10 | MENTAL STRENGTH
 
Taking time to appreciate the scenery, monuments and cultural surroundings can clear your mind and help you reset before continuing the next leg of your journey.

ADVICE FOR THE CAMINO

PLAN THE TRIP
It is useful to get information about the route to be followed and draw up a prior calendar, to know in advance the towns to be visited, their traditions, the regions and the landscape; it is rewarding and will make the trip more beneficial. It is highly recommendable to contact an Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago, in Spain there are more than 50 distributed in almost all the provinces, whose members selflessly provide information and advice. In order to do the Camino de Santiago you do not need to be an athlete, but it is recommendable to have a certain amount of preparation. That is why we advise you to train before the Camino so you get used to walking, at a slow pace, but for many hours because in practice you will be walking all day long.

CHECK LIST

Take the essentials in addition to the clothes you wear. This could be your summer luggage:
– A one-litre water bottle or a camelback of the same capacity.
– A pair of trekking poles, if you are used to carrying them, or the classic walking stick.
– Two or three changes of clothes.
– Two pairs of short hiking socks made of polyester.
– A pair of polyester T-shirts, one short-sleeved and one long-sleeved (never cotton, as they are not breathable and take a long time to dry).
– Hiking shorts.
– A sweatshirt and a light waterproof jacket.
– A poncho with a backpack cover that is breathable. The disadvantage is that they usually weigh about 400 grams.
– A visor or hat.
– A microfibre towel. These are made of polyester and polyamide and dry quickly. They can be found in sports shops.
– Flip-flops.
– A small first aid kit with aspirin or ibuprofen, high SPF sun cream, plasters, iodine and sterile needles for pricking blisters. Anti-chafing creams for the feet and body are highly recommended. If you do the Camino in company, the most sensible thing to do is to take a joint first-aid kit and share the weight.
– Sunglasses.
– A head torch.
– Identity card, health card, credit card.
– A pocket knife.
– A mobile phone, a camera and its chargers.

 

For the colder months:
– Winter socks, T-shirts and trousers.
– Hat, a hat and gloves.
– Replace the light jacket with a waterproof windbreaker. This is the most expensive part of the kit but it is worth investing the money in quality clothing.
– Fleece tights or leggings to wear under your trousers.
– In winter you should adopt the layering system: a highly breathable thermal vest as a first layer, a long-sleeved technical T-shirt as a second layer, and a windbreaker as a last layer. Backpack on your back, poles in hand and off you go.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET

The pilgrim’s foot walks on all possible surfaces: asphalt, concrete, gravel, earthy, clay or limestone soils, etc. This gives rise to serious doubts about the choice of footwear that is best suited to each and every surface. You need footwear that is neither too light nor too heavy, flexible and that provides good stability. These characteristics are found in trekking shoes and trail running shoes used by mountain runners. Both are lighter than hiking boots and provide greater flexibility and cushioning. The sole is tougher and better able to withstand impact and the weight of the backpack than a conventional running shoe. The waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex fabric will prevent the foot from getting wet and wick sweat away. Hiking boots protect your ankles and possible impacts from stones better, but they are heavier, overheat the foot more and are very uncomfortable on asphalt. Experience suggests trying trekking or trail running shoes first.

BACKPACK

It is worth spending money on a good backpack. It is the pilgrim’s shell. It should hold between 40 and 50 litres. Once full it should not exceed 10% of the weight of the walker carrying it. Any weight that exceeds this figure will take its toll in the form of overloading or muscle contractions. It should have strong stitching, padded shoulder straps, lumbar reinforcement and adjustable waist and chest straps. It must have a system that allows it to be adjusted according to the height of each user. It is essential to adjust the straps so that the weight rests on the back and does not pull on the shoulders. A waterproof cover is essential to cover it on rainy days. Many come with a waterproof cover, but some of them don’t do their job well and get soaked quickly, so it is sometimes a good idea to buy a separate, more resistant one.

ON THE CAMINO

Plan the stages according to your physical abilities, dosing the effort and taking breaks. Remember the importance of stopping every hour, hour and a half to rest and air your feet, it will do you good. Simply take off your trainers and socks and apply Vaseline to the areas of possible chafing to ensure you don’t get blisters.
To avoid sunburn or dehydration due to excessive sweating, it is advisable to avoid walking or cycling during the hours of maximum sunlight intensity, and to use sunscreen and moisturising creams, as well as sunglasses with protection against ultraviolet radiation. Wear helmets and waistcoats for pilgrims travelling by bicycle. Drink bottled water or drinking water from a public water supply; do not drink water from streams, rivers, springs or sources of unknown purity.