Main Camino Routes in Spain and Portugal
The Camino de Santiago is an exciting adventure that starts before you leave your home. First you need to choose which route, then which section on that route. Here are some tips to help you decide which route suits you best.
The French Way is the most popular and regarded as the friendliest, most inclusive walking trail in the world. If you are looking to have a fun, social experience and to meet other pilgrims, this is the route for you, particularly if you are walking solo. It is very well signposted and has a great range of services (cafes, restaurants) for rest breaks, ideal for walkers new to the Camino experience.
For those looking for a quiet trail and seeking time to reflect, we recommend the English Way or the Lebaniego Way. Both trails offer stunning scenery and less pilgrims enabling time to be mindful and get away from the noise of every day life.
The Northern Way from San Sebastian and the Portuguese Coastal Way from Porto provide breathtaking trails along the coast past stunning beaches, rugged coastlines and quaint fishing villages.
The Northern Way from San Sebastian to Bilbao is the best option. From chic San Sebastian, the former summer retreat for the royals, to the arty and sophisticated city of Bilbao – which boasts many contemporary buildings most notably the famous Guggenheim Museum. The Basque Country is world renowned for cuisine with San Sebastian being the second city in the world to have the highest number of Michelin stars per square metre, after Kyoto in Japan.
You’ve got the bug and want to walk some more! The Portuguese Coastal Way and the Northern Way are the popular next options after the French. That is assuming you have walked all the way to Finisterre. If you haven’t, we highly recommend you walk to the ‘End of the World’ to witness the most beautiful sunset in the world at Cape Finisterre.
The final section of the French Way from Sarria is ideal as it has accommodation to cater for large group numbers, unlike on other trails where it may be difficult to keep your group in the same accommodation each night.
In order to receive a Compostela you need to walk a minimum of 100km and end in Santiago. Your options are the French Way from Sarria, the Portuguese Way from Baiona or the English Way from Ferrol.
That is a great idea! The French Way from Saint Jean Pied de Port or the Northern Way from San Sebastian are ideal places to begin your Camino ‘at the start’. These routes can be easily broken into weekly walking sections, which can be picked up and continued at a later date that suits you.
If you would like further information about our different Camino trips or a copy of our free Camino Guide, email us at info@magichillholidays.com.