Pilgrims arrived at Santiago from different directions (different parts of Spain, Portugal, France, and northern Europe ) and walked different Camino de Compostela routes on their way to Santiago. Camino del Norte is considered the most beautiful Camino de Santiago route. The 7 most popular Camino routes are arranged according to their popularity. Hi Here you can read also about the best time to do the Camino de Santiago depending on which Camino route you choose.After choosing the Camino route, I suggest reading my Camino de Santiago packing list which will help you prepare for your Camino adventure. Short, relatively easy route within Galicia. On from Santiago to the end of the earth. Camino Ingls (the English Way) Va de la Plata (the Silver Way) The Camino de Santiago or the Way of St. James is . Now, we know that trying to choose the ideal route can be a little bit overwhelming, so weve taken some of the work out of your hands and listed the best Camino routes depending on your interest. Giedre, Lithuania, @Milijana, dear, thank You for this heartful response! This route takes you through peaceful forests that wrap you in vivid greenery, rich farmlands, and lovely historic towns with plenty of stories to tell. Although the Camino is actually a network of trails, its most popular route, the Camino Francs, spans from the city of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at the base of the French Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. I am physically fit and will not struggle with harder routes. I am 62 years old and I am in fairly good shape. Learn the best ways to get around the city, whether youre looking for speedy service, eco-friendly travel or transport that offers panoramic views. Despite its rich history, this route is not as popular as the French Way. Im not a super experienced hiker, but I enjoy and plan to get better over the next few months. Theres an expression that says Camino provides . Camino Way Markers Original Camino Way markers made in bronze. The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. Nevertheless, it is a bit of a solitary route. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. I do not want to be on a tour, but I do enjoy meeting people. As every history lover knows, theres nothing quite like walking in the footsteps of those whove come before us. Where to fly to start Camino Via de La Plata?Seville International Airport (San Pablo Airport). The best-known route is the French Way but there are other popular Camino de Santiago routes like the North and Portuguese Way. Summer is the season when northern Spain gets the least of rain. Where do I fly into for the Camino Primitivo? My concern is what airport would we fly into and fly out of . So I choose between those two. Home to both Michelin star dining and more casual fare, as well as seafood and everything in between, you wont want to miss the food here. Some information about walking the Camino. Hello! Safety recommendations and restrictions during a pandemic can change rapidly. Camino Frances has also the best infrastructure (many pilgrims hostels, bars, restaurants, shops along the route)of all of the Camino de Santiago routes. Which Camino de Santiago route is right for you in 2022? On our Self-guided caminos, you walk on your own but we book all your accomodations and take care of your luggage transfers so that you can focus on enjoying the Camino. The Portuguese Way, second-busiest of the Caminos de Santiago, runs more than 600km (373mi) from Lisbon to Santiago (about 3 weeks), but the most popular starting points are the enticing city of Porto in northern Portugal (some 240km/149mi from Santiago, about 10 days) and Tui, where the route enters Spain (115km/71mi). I would like to sleep outside. Camino de Santiago Frances is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. This information will surely make your decision easier. This way is probably the easiest regarding ascends and descends from all the Caminos, making it easy on your knees. Camino Inverno is walkable all year round, but still, spring and summer are the most preferred seasons for lush green landscapes and pleasant temperatures. Do you have a been there, done that attitude when it comes to walking into Santiago? Everyone will help you. Here are some of the differences between these fantastic routes. From 580.00 All Tours 41 Days 8 Tours 40 Reviews Camino del Norte Walk from San Sebastian along the north coast of Spain to Santiago de Compostela. In 2013, more than 215,880 pilgrims walked it. Ending in Santiago is not a priority, especially since the original cathedral is closed; Id just love a week of amazing views, being outdoors with good food. Hiking the Kumano Kod: Japan's ancient pilgrimage route, Best foot forward: hiking your way around the world, The world's walking routes with the most traffic on Instagram, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Thus, Camino de Santiago (the Way of St James) is a network of routes across Europe leading to the tomb of St James Apostle in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in Spain. Do you remember the first time you thought about walking the Camino de Santiago? El Camino, a Breaking Bad spinoff movie, takes place after the events of Breaking Bad's finale.In fact, El Camino begins right where Breaking Bad left off. Cycling the Camino will give you both an adrenaline rush and a serious leg workout. Its route marking is good so you will see yellow arrows leading you all the way to Santiago de Compostela. Youre not as concerned with the social aspect or what food might be on offer. If dramatic coastal landscapes and relaxing on a beach is more your style, be sure and consider the Rota Vicentina, also known as the Fishermans trail. The Andalusian Camino, designed by Marly Camino, includes many of the best stages of the Via de la Plata. You may see the blue ocean and green forests at the same time in many places. All of our Caminos include high quality accommodations were you can enjoy your own private room and bathroom. Additionally, if this is a concern for you, you may want to do Camino with a company that can pick you up with their private vehicle in case you need to stop and be picked up at any point (such as Marly Camino). For something different, why not explore the Camino Mozarabe in Spains beautiful Andalucia region. Some pilgrims prefer Muxia, and some Finisterre as teh place to finish their Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Where to fly to start Camino Inglese?A Corua International Airport. All of them are around 20 km per day that are covered without major difficulties by paths of little relief. The most popular Camino de Santiago route is Camino Frances (the French Way) which starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the Basque country in France. If Italian food sets your heart on fire, wed recommend the Via Francigena. We are in our 30s and 60s. Where to fly to start Camino Mozarabe?Malaga-Costa del SolInternational Airport, or Almera International Airport, Camino Invierno, or the Winter Way, goes from Ponferrada via Lalin (where the Camino Invierno route joins Via de la Plata Sanabres route) to Santiago de Compostela. In fact, in Extremadura, there are granite cubes with the arc of Caparra next to the yellow arrows. Hi Sarah, thank you for writing, we will contact you very soon, with all the information. Hi Nuphar, thank you so much for writing, our Camino planners will contact you very soon with all the information regarding your Camino. Walking the Camino de Santiago and Planning for the Laugavegur Trail: What to Expect Physically. Caminho VARIANTE ESPIRITUAL (From Pontevedra), On the Camino: One Day at a Time, one Photo at a Time 10.0, Follow up to gear recommendations from Pilgrims, Introduce yourself or list your starting date, Donate to the Forum (removing ads and support the running of the site), A selection of favorite albergues on the Camino Francs. That would be my main question. If youre more interested in cycling rather than walking, you can choose from five of our Camino routes and from as short a trip as 3 days. Why dont you join the Gulf coast Camino group in Houston? World Travel Connector Copyright 2023 | Birch on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Malaga-Costa del SolInternational Airport, Santiago-Rosalade Castro Airportin Santiago de Compostela, Starting point: Irun in the Basque Country, Spain, Finishing point: Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, Camino del Norte etapas: 36 etapas (stages) in total, Camino del Norte days: 30-34 days on average, Camino del Norte total elevation gain: 57303 ft (17.5 km), Camino del Norte total elevation loss: 79382 ft (24.2 km), Camino del Norte average elevation per km: 324 ft (98.7 m), Camino del Norte best time to go: July-August, Camino del Norte type of pilgrims: beach lovers, foodies, true hikers, solitude seekers, Percentage of pilgrims who walk Camino del Norte: about 6%, Starting point: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the Basque Country, France, Camino Frances etapas: 33 stages in total, Camino Frances min/max elevation: 249 m / 1512 m, Camino Frances elevation gain/loss: 4849 m /-4089 m, Camino Frances best time to go: April June, and September October, Camino Frances type of pilgrims: first-time Camino walkers, history buffs, social butterflies, Percentage of pilgrims who walk Camino Frances: 55 %, Finishing point: Astorga in Leon (in Astorga the route joins Camino Frances), Camino Via de La Plata length: 702 km (+ 283 km from Astorga to Santiago via Camino Frances), Camino Via de La Plata etapas: 37 stages in total, Camino Via de La Plata days: 7 weeks on average, Camino Via de La Plata min/max elevation: 5 m / 1147 m, Camino Via de La Plata elevation gain/loss: 7857 m / 6995 m, Camino Via de La Plata best time to go: April, May, and October, Camino Via de La Plata type of pilgrims: solitude fans, inner journey seekers, long-distance trails lovers, Camino veterans (pilgrims who already walked one or more Camino routes), Percentage of pilgrims who walk Via de La Plata: about 3%, Starting point: Granja de Moreruela in Castilla y Leon, Finishing point: Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Camino Sanabres etapas: 13 stages in total, Camino Sanabres min/max elevation: 55 m/1356 m, Camino Sanabres elevation gain/loss: 7234 m/-7689 m, Camino Sanabres best time to go: April-June, September-October, Camino Sanabres type of pilgrims: crowds-avoiding nature lovers, Percentage of pilgrims who walk Camino Sanabres: less than 0.5%, Finishing point: Santiago de Compostela in Spain, Camino Portuguese etapas: 26 stages in total, Camino Portugues days: 25 days on average to walk the entire route, Camino Portuguese min/max elevation: -10 m / 475 m, Camino Portuguese elevation gain/loss: 12149 m/ -11923m, Camino Portuguese best time to go: May, June, and September (wet weather starts in mid-October), Camino Portuguese type of pilgrims: first-time Camino walkers, social butterflies, foodies, Percentage of pilgrims who walk Portuguese: about 20%, Camino Portuguese da Costalength: 260 km, Camino Portuguese da Costa etapas: 13 stages in total, Camino Portuguese min/max elevation: 0m / 256 m, Camino Portuguese elevation gain/loss: 4283 m / -4089 m, Camino Portuguese best time to go: May, June, and September (summer is too hot, winter is wet and cold), Camino Portuguese type of pilgrims: beach lovers, first-time Camino walkers (less crowded than Camino Frances and less physically challenging than Camino del Norte), foodies (Portuguese food, Porto and Albarino wine), social butterflies, Percentage of pilgrims who walk Portuguese: about 5%, Camino Inglese etapas: 5 etapas from Ferrol (4 etapas from A Coruna), Camino Inglese min/max elevation: 0 m / 461 m, Camino Inglese elevation gain/loss: 2855 m / -2610 m, Camino Inglese best time to go: March mid-November, Camino Inglese type of pilgrims: to experience Galician culture, for peoplewho have available only a short time for the Camino, Percentage of pilgrims who walk Camino Ingles: between 4-6%, Starting point: Oviedo in Asturias, Spain, Finishing point: Santiago in Galicia, Spain, Camino Primitivo etapas: 13 etapas in total, Camino Primitivo min/max elevation: 40 m / 1216 m, Camino Primitivo elevation gain/loss: 10092 m / 10076 m, Camino Primitivo best time to go: June September (to avoid the rain), Camino Primitivo type of pilgrims: true hikers, nature lovers, history buffs, Percentage of pilgrims who walk Camino Primitivo: about 5 %, Starting point: Malaga , Almeria or Jaen in Andalusia, Finishing point: Santiago ( it joins Camino Via de la Plata in Merida), Camino Mozarabe length: 1500 km from Almeria, Camino Mozarabe etapas: 27 etapas until Merida (+28 etapas via Camino Via de La Plata via Ourense), Camino Mozarabe best time to go: spring and autumn (avoid the extreme heat in summer), Camino Mozarabe type of pilgrims: solitude seekers, history buffs (interested in Moorish and Roman history of Spain), foodies (tapas in Granada), Percentage of pilgrims who walk Camino Mozarabe: a few hundred pilgrims a year, Camino Invierno etapas: 10 stages in total (the last 2 stages are of Via de La Plata Sanabres), Camino Invierno best time to go: spring, summer, Camino Invierno type of pilgrims: solitude fans, nature lovers, off-the-beaten-track Camino enthusiasts, Percentage of pilgrims who walk Camino Invierno: about 0,5 %, Starting point: Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Camino a Fisterra min/max elevation: 4m /477 m, Camino a Fisterra elevation gain/loss: 2227 m / -2368 m. Caminoa Fisterra best time to go: April-June, September-October. This route has three major starting points: Lisbon, which is about a 600 km (371 miles) walk; Oporto, which is a 240 km (149miles) walk; and Tui, which is a 150 km (93 miles) walk. Hi there myself and my husband would like Generally, most people will say that the Camino Ingles is the easiest route as it is short (around 70km from Coruna). It goes through the regions of Andaluca, Extremadura, Castilla y Len and Galicia. Camino Francs (the French Way) Camino Portuguese. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far. I could probably do between 2 and 3 weeks. Id recommend the Portuguese Way as its not steep at all. Always remember that you can customize your journey depending on your wishes and needs. The minimum for a Compostela is 'the last 100km' of any route. In spite of being mostly flat, the route is known for long walking stages,no facilities between the stages, strong summer heat, and lots of solitude. we will be traveling in the summer as 2 of my children are teachers. There are mostly easy, flat stages with a few more challenging stages through the hills, but dont worry, the routes beautiful landscape will keep you motivated. If your main source of joy on a holiday comes from experiencing all the delicious food on offer, then youre definitely a foodie. Required fields are marked *. You pass through large cities San Sebastin, Bilbao, Santander, Gijn as well as pretty coastal towns like Comillas, Ribadesella and Luarca. Area: Begins in St Jean Pied-du-Port in France but is mostly in Spain Difficulty: Medium. The vineyards and olive groves in Andaluca and Extremadura are a treat for the eyes. I have about 4 people who want me to lead them on the 100k version. Hello, Camino Inglese is the shortest Camino de Santiago route and the easiest Camino de Santiago route. For example, legend holds that the Apostles disciples docked their ship in Padrn, one of the routes villages, and brought the remains of the Apostle ashore. Hi Margaret, thank you for writing us this way, October is a wonderful time to do the Camino, one of our Camino designers will contact you with all the information and recommendations about the French Way. It has a route close to the north of the peninsula . It is well marked and has a full network of albergues. There are options long and short, hard and easy, to suit every pair of feet. It is said that a knight covered in shells emerged from the sea, between the coast of Porto and Vigo, which later started the tradition. Researching Camino de Santiago routes: which is the best Camino route, which is the most scenic Camino de Santiago route, which is the shortest Camino route, and which is the longest Camino route? nuphar. I see it is time for me. We will need accommodation for myself and my sister. Out of the Camino de Santiago routes, the French Way is the most popular one. So, dont worry, start walking your Camino and the Camino will provide everything you need! Where to fly to start Camino Frances? In 2016 I busted my little toe (in flip flops of course) bumping into the curb in SdC so I couldn't walk long stages and that's why I stayed in every available albergue on the Ingles. Have an amazing day, Buen Camino! Thank you !!! In fact, nearly half of Camino Francs travelers begin at Sarria, just 114km (71mi) before Santiago a modest Galician town that just happens to be the last starting point that meets the minimum 100km (62mi) requirement for obtaining the official Camino de Santiago certificate, the Compostela. Granja de Morerula is also 30 min by bus from Zamora, and Zamora is only 1 h by train from Madrid. If youre doing the Camino as a means of quiet contemplation and for the spirituality of it all, you can really do any of the routes. This Camino de Santiago path goes along the coast of northern Spain from the Basque Country via Cantabria, Asturias to inland Galicia. Camino Portugues Coastal Way Walk along the Atlantic coast on an interesting variation of the Camino Portuguese central route. There are dozens of other established routes from all over Spain, from Portugal, France and even beyond. It is a moderately challenging hiking trail (more difficult than Camino Frances for instance). Allowing 6 weeks. There are very likely going to be challenges no matter what any person plans/trains for. The French Way is the most historic and picturesque of all the Camino de Santiago routes. It passes through the vineyards of La Rioja, across the sparsely populated croplands of the meseta (Spains central plateau) and over 1300m-high(4265ft)hills into the rural greens of Galicia (Spains northwestern region, of which Santiago de Compostela is capital). It takes only 5 days to hike Camino Inglese. Of these two routes, would you recommend one over the other? If you are traveling with Marly Camino, please contact us and tell us what kind of experience you are you looking for. I am finding it hard to choose which route to take given potential seasonal constraints. Finisterre Lighthouse is the historical end of the Camino de Santiagopilgrimageroute in Spain. Know what I mean? This route has very diverse landscapes, but the number of pilgrims that you will find here is substantially lower than in the French way. Camino routes might seem complicated when you read about them. Why did the Christian Kings encourage the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela? All of the Camino de Santiago routes can and often are walked by solo travellers. Camino Via de La Plata is one of the longest Camino de Santiago routes (along with Camino Mozarabe). World Travel Connector is a popular travel blog providing smart travel guides, itineraries & travel tips for the most beautiful & interesting destinations. If you like this route, it is better to avoid July and August. The famous Camino de Santiago Frances (the French Way) is the most popular Camino de Santiago route and one of the less demanding Camino de Santiago routes. Anyway I did the whole CF. if you want to walk Camino Portuguese in one week, you need to start north of Porto somewhere close to the border between Portugal & Spain. Camino Primitivo is a UNESCO World Hertiatge Site. Pingback: Cocido Maragato, conoce el plato tpico del camino. For some people, it was a movie, a book, a friends story about their Camino experience or a profound desire to become a pilgrim. Camino Portuguese is an ideal route for a first Camino walk. What inspired you? But then - telephone charging, snacks or meals on the way - are there places to stop buy for this in de Plata? Hi Marly, To many people, this is the Camino de Santiago, a time-honored penitential route and a demanding challenge requiring both mental and physical stamina. So whether youre a food, portrait, landscape, architecture or sunset photographer, youll be able to snap fantastic shots wherever you are. Camino del Norte (the Northern Way) Camino Primitivo (the Original Way) Camino Finisterre-Muxa. Numbers on this camino are relatively light, just sufficient to provide good fellowship. so it is also the best conditioned to be able to supply the large number of pilgrims who walk on it. Camino de Santiago means the Way of St James. Before embarking on each of my Camino I did thorough researchon various Camino de Santiago routes. We hear you! Covering just 10-15km per day is ideal for first-timers or nature lovers who want to stop and look around. Camino Via de La Plata, or the Silver Way, goes from Seville via Merida, Mrida, Cceres, Salamanca, Zamora, and Ourense to Santiago. Multiple guidebooks also cover this route. The Primitive Way is the original Camino route that was established in the 9th century by King Alfonso II. In order to ensure you have the best possible Camino experience, wed often suggest that you walk either the Camino Frances or Camino Portugues for your first trip. Where to fly to start Camino Invierno?Santiago-Rosalade Castro Airportin Santiago de Compostela. I wonder where is main difficulty of this route? It is one of the most popular Camino de Santiago routes as well. Can you recommend this. At the same time, the Atlantic coast offers an incomparable setting throughout our pilgrimage to Santiago. This way, whether youre a foodie, history buff or photographer, you can be guaranteed some fun, even when the walking is over! It owes its heritage to many religious orders, among which the Templars were the most well-known. Popular Camino de Santiago Portugues (the Portuguese Way) from Lisbon is one of not so difficult Camino de Santiago routes which is also recommended for first-time Camino pilgrims. Is it manageable to go del Plata for the first time? How do I determine if I can make an easy version? If youve answered yes to either of those questions, you might need a break from the more traditional Camino routes. Granada and Cordoba are some of the popular starting points of Camino Mozarabe as well. Camino de Santiago French Way is the best Camino route for beginners. The Northern Way is also very beautiful as you will enjoy incredible coastal sceneries on the first part of the trip in the Basque Country and Cantabria as well as beautiful forests as make our way inland when we approach Santiago. Daily flights from Paris Orly, London Gatwick, Barcelona, Madrid. Therefore, this Camino de Santiago de Compostela route is recommended for first-time Camino goers. The shortest path isn't always the easiest, but in this case it is. Camino Ingles must be started in Ferrol (not in A Coruna) to be eligible for a Compostela. +1 888 508 2638 (US) The Primitive Way is the oldest of all the Camino de Santiago routes. Can you advise on what you think would be best in terms of weather, terrain, albergues and so on? Upon occasion when we saw a group of children he would blow up the ballon(s) and give them to the Hi all Thank you kindly x, All Albergues on the Camino Frances in one pdf, Favorite Albergues along the Camino Frances, Profile maps of all 34 stages of the Camino Frances, Life on the Camino - Miscellaneous Topics. Where to fly to start Camino Primitivo?Asturias International Airport. Camino Frances is one of the easiest Camino de Santiago routes to hike. Pilgrims are almost always surrounded by natural beauty and you will see very few paved roads. Required fields are marked *. Both the French and North Routes are beautiful but each one is unique, so your choice will depend a little bit on what is more important for you.
