The Camino Frances, or French Way, is the most popular route of the Camino de Santiago. Originating in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France, it has historically been favored by French pilgrims and remains the busiest route, with over 60% of Camino travelers choosing it.
This remarkable path offers a diverse landscape, from mountainous regions to flat terrain, and showcases some of Spain's most stunning scenery. Key cities along the route include Pamplona, Leon, and Burgos, while notable pilgrimage towns such as Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Logrono, Ponferrada, and Sarria are also featured.
The final 100 kilometers of the Camino Frances are especially popular. This section is highly traveled both because it’s the most frequented part of the route and because it allows pilgrims to earn the Pilgrim Certificate. Along this segment, walkers benefit from numerous amenities like hotels, cafes, and restaurants. The Camino Frances gained further fame from the film The Way, where Martin Sheen’s character, Tom, an American doctor, embarks on this journey to honor his son, finding a transformative adventure along the way.
The Camino Portugues Coastal Way is a scenic variant of the traditional Camino Portugues, gaining popularity in recent years for its stunning Atlantic Ocean views. Currently the third most frequented Camino route, it begins in Porto and concludes at Santiago de Compostela, where you can receive your pilgrimage certificate at the Cathedral de Santiago.
This route stretches along the coastline for several days, offering beautiful seaside boardwalks and meandering through estuaries. Pilgrims will experience the charm of Baiona, a historic tourist town; Vigo, with its impressive old quarter; and the picturesque Pontevedra, the ancient capital of Galicia. The final stretch of the route moves inland through woodlands towards Padron, eventually passing through quaint villages and hamlets before reaching Santiago de Compostela. The Coastal Way is generally flatter than the original Camino Portugues, allowing travelers to choose between scenic sea views or forest trails. Follow the Camino provides four different ways to explore the Portuguese Coastal Way, whether by foot or by bike.
The Camino Portugues, or Portuguese Way, is the second most popular route to Santiago de Compostela, with over 20% of pilgrims choosing it in 2019. This route highlights vibrant cities like Lisbon, Porto, Pontevedra, Santander, and Coimbra, and offers scenic coastal views with picturesque sandy beaches.
Starting in Lisbon, the Portuguese Way heads north, passing near the renowned Catholic pilgrimage site of Fatima. It continues through Porto and further north, crossing the Spanish border at the charming town of Tui, and proceeds for just over 100 kilometers to Santiago. Ideal for those seeking a less crowded experience while still enjoying ample amenities and services, the Camino Portugues is a superb choice.
The Camino del Norte, also known as the Northern Way or Ruta de la Costa, has long been a pilgrimage route along Spain’s stunning northern coastlines in the Basque Country and Asturias. Unlike some inland routes, the Northern Way benefits from milder temperatures due to its coastal location, though it does present hilly terrain in parts. Notably, this route does not end in Santiago but merges with the Camino Primitivo for its final stretch.
Starting in Irun, the Camino del Norte takes pilgrims through dramatic coastal scenery. The journey first brings you to San Sebastian, renowned for its Michelin-starred dining, beautiful beaches, and natural harbor in the Bay of Biscay. Next is Bilbao, home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum by Frank Gehry. The route continues through forest trails, medieval towns, and coastal villages, leading to the port city of Santander, the capital of Cantabria. Travelers will enjoy panoramic estuaries, meadows, and charming villages with historic monasteries and picturesque beaches, all set against a backdrop of majestic mountains, before reaching Oviedo in Asturias with its celebrated San Salvador Cathedral. With cities like San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, and Oviedo offering world-class cuisine, this route is a culinary delight for food enthusiasts.
The Camino Primitivo, or Original Way, is a breathtaking yet challenging pilgrimage route, often considered the earliest path to Santiago de Compostela. Starting in Oviedo, Asturias, the route heads southwest for approximately 328 kilometers to Santiago. Although it features rugged terrain and fewer amenities, its historical significance and natural beauty make it highly rewarding. Established in the 9th century by King Alfonso II, who authenticated the relics in Santiago as those of Saint James, this route is a testament to early Christian pilgrimage.
Characterized by steep ascents, the Camino Primitivo appeals to those seeking a strenuous hike. The demanding climbs and descents reveal stunning valleys, mountains, and scenic vistas as the path traverses from Asturias into Galicia near the River Navia. Pilgrims journey through lush woodlands, farmlands, and quaint rural villages before reaching Lugo, renowned for its intact Roman walls. The final segment of the route converges with the Camino Frances in Melide, following the same path for the last 50 kilometers (30 miles) to Santiago.
The Camino de Invierno, or Winter Way, is a lesser-known alternative to the Camino Frances, historically used to bypass harsh winter weather. This route guides pilgrims through lush forests, undulating hills, and charming valleys, offering a more intimate experience with nature and rural life.
The Camino Ingles, or English Way, earned its name because it was a primary route for English pilgrims who sailed to northern Spain and traveled on foot to Santiago de Compostela. However, it was also used by pilgrims from Ireland, Scotland, and Scandinavia. Today, the route typically begins in A Coruna or Ferrol, with the Ferrol option being more popular due to its length of over 100 kilometers, which allows pilgrims to earn their certificate.
Starting in the picturesque port town of Ferrol on Spain’s northwest coast, the Camino Ingles initially follows the shoreline southwards through Galicia, offering beautiful beaches and sea views. The path then moves inland, passing through rolling farmlands, ancient chapels, and lush, tree-lined trails before arriving in Santiago. Recent enhancements to the route include well-marked paths and interactive QR codes on milestones that provide information about the towns along the way.
The Via de la Plata, also known as the Silver Way or Camino Mozárabe, begins in Seville and heads north through Salamanca before turning westward towards Santiago. This route, historically known as the Mozarabic pilgrimage, was used by pilgrims from Moor-controlled Spain during the Middle Ages or by sea from the Mediterranean and North Africa. At 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), it is the longest Camino route and offers a more tranquil experience due to its lower traffic. The terrain is predominantly flat, though temperatures can become extremely hot during the summer months.
The journey starts in Andalucía and traverses the remote Extremadura region, where pilgrims encounter fewer villages but can enjoy the region’s natural beauty, including forests, lakes, and numerous Roman ruins, especially in Mérida, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route then ascends to a high plateau through oak woodlands and farmland, reaching the Renaissance city of Salamanca and its historic 13th-century university. Continuing through Castilla y León, the path features planted fields and distinctive red earth. As the route approaches the northeast corner of Portugal, it becomes hillier, with pine and oak forests leading into Galicia’s lush landscape and the charming city of Ourense, renowned for its hot springs. The final stretch moves northward through typical Galician farmland villages and hamlets. Although the terrain is generally less challenging than the French Way, the Via de la Plata involves longer walking days with fewer facilities along the way.
The Camino Finisterre, also known as the Muxia Way, is unique among the Camino routes as it starts in Santiago de Compostela and extends westward for nearly 100 kilometers to the Atlantic coast. Many pilgrims choose to continue their journey along this quieter, greener path after reaching Santiago. The route winds through medieval villages, rolling hills, and pine forests, passing through the Galician towns of Negreira and Cee before arriving at Finisterre, one of Europe's most westerly points. Historically, pilgrims collected a shell here as proof of their journey, which is why the scallop shell now symbolizes all Camino routes and is featured on waymarkers and worn by many pilgrims.
The town of Fisterra sits on the rugged Cape Fisterra, with its lighthouse guiding the final coastal stretch of the pilgrimage. Additionally, you can extend your journey to the village of Muxia, located north of Finisterre. Muxia, known for its church set against a dramatic rocky coastline and featured in the film "The Way," offers a picturesque conclusion to your pilgrimage. Contact us to learn more about adding the Camino Finisterre to your route!
The Le Puy Camino, or Via Podiensis, begins in central France and is one of the four major Camino routes traversing the country. Stretching just over 750 kilometers, it travels southwest from Le Puy, a town in the Auvergne region known for its stunning churches and monuments. The route features hilly terrain and steep ascents, adding to its challenge.
Along the way, pilgrims encounter several remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the cathedral at Le Puy-en-Velay and the bridge at Conques, making it one of the most picturesque Caminos. The Camino Podiensis meanders through serene countryside dotted with dairy cattle, charming villages, woodlands, and ancient stone buildings. It traverses the vineyards of Armagnac and enters the Gascony region, where vineyards give way to pine forests as the route approaches the Pyrenees mountain range. The journey concludes in the medieval town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, where the French Way begins, leading pilgrims over the mountains into Spain and ultimately to Santiago.
