Walking el Camino de Santiago: Routes, Costs, and Maps

The Camino de Santiago is an ancient trail that leads to Santiago de Compostela. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, when the tomb of the apostle James the Great was discovered. The discovery of the remainings brought about a wave of Catholic pilgrimages eager to visit the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where its crypt is located. Although it did begin as a religious pilgrimage route, it has also played a key role in the development of the European identity, its communication, and the exchange of ideas and projects.

As we mentioned earlier, all routes lead to Santiago. However, the routes being from all directions. For example, the French Way starts in Sarria, while the Portuguese Way starts at the Spanish border with Portugal, in Tui. Below is a list of the starting and ending points for each route:

French Way: Sarria - Santiago de Compostela

Full French Way: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Santiago de Compostela

Primitive Way: Lugo - Santiago de Compostela

Long Primitive Way: Oviedo - Santiago de Compostela

Portuguese Way: Tui - Santiago de Compostela

English Way: Ferrol - Santiago de Compostela

Finisterre Way: Santiago de Compostela - Santiago de Compostela

If you are looking for a map of the different routes, here is a map by one of our trekking partners, Pilgrim Travels:

Now, this is a tough question. Most routes have a 1-week version which usually consists of the last 100 kilometers (62 miles) of that specific road. So an easy answer would be: the Camino de Santiago is 100 kilometers long and you will need 7 days to complete it. However, as we explained above, you can do the full roads too. In that case, you will need more days. The longer versions usually last 2 weeks, but if you want to be a true pilgrim, you can do the full, 31-day version of the French Way, which covers 765 kilometers (475 miles).

As mentioned above, there are several routes that lead to Santiago de Compostela. Here is a quick description of each of them:

French Way

The French Way is one of the most popular trails and it is not difficult to understand why. If you choose to start your hiking tour in France, then your starting point for this trek will be in the heart of the vineyards in France, followed by the mountains of Galicia in northern Spain and will end in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The splendid landscapes and the hospitality of the people will make your trip unforgettable. You can also start the trek withing Spain and do a shorter version of the French Way.

Portuguese Way

The Portuguese Way is a good alternative to the French Way if you are looking for an experience through more rural areas and less traveled paths. You can do the last 100 km of the Way, from the border between Portugal and Spain, or you can choose the complete pilgrimage from Lisbon. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes of the countryside, taste the best Port wine in the world, and visit historic cities and towns.

English Way

The English Way does not begin in the United Kingdom or England, as you might think. This is the traditional hiking route followed by pilgrims from overseas (from the British Isles and Ireland), starting from the Spanish port cities of A Coruña and Ferrol. It follows an epic coastal route through the forests and countryside of northern Galicia. Since this is one of the shortest routes, make sure you walk at least 100 km to receive the Official Certificate of Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

Finisterre Way

The Finisterre Route is the only route that starts in Santiago de Compostela and leads west to the Galician coast. The trek to Cape Finisterre will take you through ancient villages, forests, and along the rugged coast where you will enjoy the fresh sea breeze. Curious fact: Finisterre was thought to be the end of the world. In fact, it is the origin of the term: Finis (end) Terre (world).

Primitive Way

This route is considered the original Camino de Santiago. King Alfonso II of Asturias was the first to walk from Oviedo to Santiago to worship the remains of Santiago. In the first stage, you will walk through the same places as Alfonso II did. On the 12th day, you will join the French Way from Melide.

If you are trekking in Europe, the best season to go trekking is pretty much the same for all the treks. It doesn't matter if you are trekking in Crete or walking the Camino, Spring and Autumn are always the most advisable options, Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these seasons the weather is not too extreme and all hotels and restaurants along the Camino are open. If you prefer fewer pilgrims on the trails, you can also walk the Camino in Winter, but bear in mind that during this season, rain, wind, and frost are frequent, and it is even possible to find snow in the higher stretches, such as in Roncesvalles or O Cebreiro. Also, some restaurants and hotels choose to remain closed during these months. Summer is the most popular time to do the Camino. If you choose this season, get ready for crowded hotels and restaurants, fuller trails, and hot temperatures.

The Pilgrim's passport or credential accredits the traveler as a pilgrim and certifies his or her orderly passage through the different towns and villages on any of the Jacobean routes. It includes the personal details of the pilgrim, space for the stamps, and useful information about the Way of Saint James, with maps and routes.

You can get the Pilgrim's passport at one of the many Pilgrim's associations, hotels, churches, or in one of the Confraternities of the Apostle James. You won't have trouble getting it at the start of your trek, they are very easy to get. You can also ask at the tourist information point, they will tell you the closest place to get it.

The passport is full of blank boxes in which the pilgrim will have to put the stamps that certify their passage through the different towns of the route. You can get these stamps in hostels, Pilgrim's associations, parishes, and also at the post office of each town.

This is one of our favorite topics. You must bear in mind that you will be walking for days and you will need energy. However, try not to get too full every time you sit at a table so that when you have to get back on your feet, you won't be too heavy. It is very important to manage what you eat along the trails.

Now, let's talk about the fun part: the food. Along the trails, you will find plenty of restaurants and bistros with typical dishes from the region like empanadas, caldo Gallego, lacón con grelos, or pulpo a feira. Get ready for delicious wine, bread, and lots of seafood! We recommend taking your time to take a break from all the walking, have a chat with other pilgrims, enjoy the surroundings, and try traditional dishes each day. If you are worried about the prices, many restaurants have a special daily menu for the pilgrims doing the Camino at a reasonable price.

This trek is an easy one, people of all ages, including children and seniors, successfully complete. Let's be honest, it’s not like you’re climbing Mount Everest. However, you will be trekking for many days, so it is better if you get ready for it. Try walking a few hours a day the weeks before your trekking and try wearing the same shoes you will be wearing during the trek, that way you prevent getting blisters or hurting your feet. Another good idea is to walk with a backpack on your shoulders so that your back gets used to the weight.

You can, but you don't have to. If you want to carry your luggage in a backpack along the trails, that is fine, you can do it. However, most trekking companies arrange the luggage transfer for you from one hotel to the next. The weight limit is usually around 20 kilos per trekker. Your bags will be picked up every morning from the hotel lobby and will be waiting for you at your next stop once you get there. That way you only have to worry about enjoying the walk. Practical, isn't it?