Camino de Santiago Options
The Many Roads to Santiago
Most people are familiar with the French Way, the most popular Camino route, winding through historic cities like Burgos and León—my home for over twenty-eight years. But the Camino de Santiago is more than just one path; it is a vast network of journeys, each with its own history and spirit.
The first recorded pilgrimage to Compostela came not from France but from Asturias, when King Alfonso II, the Chaste, set out in the early 9th century, shortly after the discovery of the Apostle’s remains. The Asturians, proud of their own sacred heritage—including the Holy Shroud and the magnificent Cathedral of the Holy Saviour—looked with some disdain at the French pilgrims who traveled via Burgos and León. By the 12th century, a popular saying had emerged:
“Quien va a Santiago y no al Salvador, visita al lacayo, pero no a su Señor.”
“Whoever goes to Santiago and not to the Saviour, visits the servant but not his Lord.”
Yet, while Alfonso II may have been the first to walk the Camino, countless others have followed in his footsteps, each with their own purpose and story. There are many Caminos—some well-trodden, others quiet and solitary. However, no matter which route you take, every step offers a chance for reflection, whether your journey is spiritual, personal, or simply an adventure.
Camino de Santiago
French Camino
Sarria to Santiago
7 days/6 nights
Walk the final stretch of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria to Santiago over 7 days and 6 nights. Journey through Galicia’s lush landscapes, picturesque villages, and historic landmarks, all while following in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims. Dive into the rich culture and traditions of the region. Every path converges on Santiago Cathedral, the ultimate destination of this life-changing pilgrimage.
Camino de Santiago
French Camino
Sarria to Santiago
8 days/7 nights
Take your time on the final stretch of the Camino de Santiago with an extra night in Mélide, renowned for its traditional Galician cuisine. Walk from Sarria to Santiago at a relaxed pace, soaking in Galicia’s lush landscapes, medieval villages, and centuries-old pilgrim traditions. This extra night offers a deeper connection to the journey and a well-earned pause before reaching the Cathedral of Santiago.
Camino de Santiago
French Camino
O Cebreiro to Santiago
10 days/9 nights
Embark on a transformative 10-day Camino, starting from the historic village of O Cebreiro. Walk some 150 kilometres through Galicia’s green landscapes, villages, and cultural landmarks. Each step offers a deep connection to centuries of pilgrimage tradition, culminating at the revered Santiago Cathedral. This route provides a physical challenge ando an opportunity for reflection.
Camino de Santiago
Portuguese Camino
Tui to Santiago
8 days/7 nights
Start your Camino in Tui, home to its striking medieval cathedral, and walk through the heart of southern Galicia. Pass through the vineyards of O Porriño, the thermal town of Caldas de Reis, and the historic Pontevedra, with its charming old town. Follow ancient stone paths and wooded trails to Padrón, the legendary arrival point of St James, before completing your journey at Santiago Cathedral.
Camino de Santiago
Portuguese Camino (Coast)
Baiona to Santiago
8 days/7 nights
Begin in Baiona, where Columbus’ ship La Pinta first brought news of the New World. Walk along the rugged Atlantic coastline through Vigo and the oyster-rich town of Arcade. Wander the elegant streets of Pontevedra and cross medieval bridges to reach Padrón, famed for its peppers and Jacobean history. Your pilgrimage ends at the magnificent Santiago Cathedral, where past and present pilgrims converge.
Camino de Santiago
English Camino
El Ferrol to Santiago
8 days/7 nights
Follow the historic English Way, once taken by medieval pilgrims arriving by sea. Begin in Ferrol, a maritime city with deep naval heritage, and walk through the countryside, passing medieval bridges, Romanesque churches, and charming towns like Pontedeume and Betanzos, known for their noble past and rich gastronomy. Cross rolling hills and tranquil farmlands before reaching the magnificent Santiago Cathedral.
Camino de Santiago
Primitive Camino
Lugo to Santiago
7 days/6 nights
Start in Lugo, a city wrapped in impressive Roman walls, and follow the oldest Camino route through Galicia’s heartland. Walk ancient stone paths through misty forests, cross medieval bridges, and explore charming villages like A Ponte Ferreira and Melide, famous for its pulpo (octopus). As the terrain softens, the journey leads to Santiago de Compostela, where the pilgrimage finds its grand finale.
Camino de Santiago
Primitive Camino
Oviedo To Santiago
16 days/15 nights
Embark on the Camino Primitivo, the first-ever pilgrimage route to Santiago. Begin in Oviedo, home to the stunning San Salvador Cathedral, and cross Asturias’ rugged landscapes, from valleys to mountain passes. Cross into Galicia, where misty forests and medieval towns like Lugo and Melide pave the way towards Santiago. This route is a test of endurance but rewards with breathtaking scenery and a deep sense of tradition.
Camino de Santiago
Via de la Plata Variant
Orense to Santiago
8 days/7 nights
Walk the final stretch of the Via de la Plata, an ancient Roman trade route turned pilgrimage path. From Ourense, a city famed for its hot springs, journey through rolling vineyards, medieval monasteries, and charming stone-built villages. Cross the historic Ponte Mandrás, pass through Lalín, the heart of Galicia, and reach the sacred city of Santiago de Compostela, where centuries of history converge.
Camino de Santiago
Traslatio Variant
Padre Sarmiento's Camino
11 days/10 nights
Follow the footsteps of Padre Sarmiento, an 18th-century monk who documented this coastal route. Begin in Pontevedra, walking the stunning Rías Baixas coastline, with stops in villages like O Grove and Cambados, the Albariño wine capital. Enjoy ocean views, historic monasteries, and charming fishing ports before turning inland towards Santiago, where land and sea unite in pilgrimage tradition.
Camino de Santiago
French Camino by Bike
León to Santiago
8 days/7 nights
Cycle the iconic French Way, covering 300 km from the medieval city of León to the grand Santiago Cathedral. Ride past the epic Cruz de Ferro, soar through the green valleys of El Bierzo, and climb to the picturesque O Cebreiro, a village steeped in legend. The journey winds through historic towns like Sarria and Melide, making for an exhilarating mix of tradition, culture, and nature.
Camino de Santiago
Primitive Camino by Bike
Oviedo to Santiago
8 days/7 nights
Take on the rugged beauty of the Camino Primitivo by bike, starting in Oviedo, the birthplace of the Camino. Tackle Asturias’ mountain landscapes, ride through dense forests, and pass through historic towns like Tineo and Lugo, famed for its UNESCO-listed Roman walls. This demanding yet rewarding route leads to Santiago de Compostela, offering an unforgettable mix of adventure and pilgrimage.
Camino de Santiago
Portuguese Camino by Bike
Porto to Santiago
7 days/6 nights
Cycle from vibrant Porto, through Portugal’s lush Minho region and into Galicia, following the legendary Portuguese Camino. Pedal past the fortress town of Valença, cross into Spain over the majestic International Bridge, and ride through historic towns like Tui and Padrón, where St James’ remains were said to arrive. This scenic journey blends cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and the thrill of the open road.
Camino de Santiago
The Traslatio
A Maritime Camino
7 days/6 nights
Follow the legendary final journey of Saint James along the Traslatio Route, the only maritime Camino. Setting sail from the Arousa Estuary, retrace the route taken by the Apostle’s disciples as they transported his remains to Galicia. Navigate the scenic Ulla River, passing the world’s only maritime Way of the Cross, before continuing on foot toward Santiago. A unique pilgrimage blending history, legend, and breathtaking landscapes.
Camino de Santiago
French Camino
Roncesvalles to Santiago
44 days/43 nights
Embark on the full Camino Francés, tracing the footsteps of millions of pilgrims across Spain. From the Pyrenean gateway of Roncesvalles, or even Saint Jean Pied de Port, journey through the medieval towns of Pamplona, Burgos, and León, across the vast Meseta, and into lush Galicia, ending at the majestic Santiago Cathedral. A once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage through history, culture, and self-discovery.
Camino de Santiago
North Camino
San Sebastián to Santiago
36 days/35 nights
Follow the wild and untamed beauty of the Camino del Norte, a coastal pilgrimage from the elegant San Sebastián to the sacred city of Santiago. Experience the Basque Country’s rugged cliffs, and delicious pintxos, Cantabria’s golden beaches, and Asturias’ lush green valleys before joining the Camino Primitivo or continuing along the northern shores of Galicia. A true odyssey of landscapes, gastronomy, and tradition.
Camino de Santiago
North Camino: Stage 1
San Sebastián to Bilbao
7 days/6 nights
Walk the stunning first stage of the Camino del Norte, from the Basque jewel of San Sebastián to the vibrant city of Bilbao. This coastal trek weaves through rolling green hills, fishing villages, and sun-drenched beaches, with highlights including the spectacular Zumaia flysch cliffs, the picturesque port of Lekeitio, and the renowned Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. A perfect blend of nature, culture, and Camino spirit.
Camino de Santiago
Advice for the camino
Preparing for the Camino de Santiago is as much about mindset as it is about the gear you bring with you. Choosing the right route, packing light, and breaking in your footwear are crucial for a smooth journey. Whether walking the French, Primitive, or Portuguese Camino, understanding daily distances, accommodation options, and terrain will enhance your experience. Respect for fellow pilgrims, local customs, and, most importantly, your own limits is key. Above all, embrace the unpredictability—the Camino has a way of providing exactly what you need.
Disclaimer
All images on this page are sourced from Pexels.com, with credit and sincere thanks to the respective photographers for their incredible work and contributions to the community.
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