Most Popular Camino de Santiago Walking Routes.

Most Popular Camino de Santiago Walking Routes. | The Camino de Santiago is an ancient network of routes in Europe that attracts thousands of walkers every single year. These routes are famous for their rich history and spiritual significance, as the Camino offers its visitors a chance to reconnect with the nature and achieve personal growth. 

In this article, we will explore some of the most popular Camino de Santiago walking routes.

Camino Francés

The Camino Francés (the French Way) is by far the most famous Camino de Santiago route, starting from Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port in France. Covering a distance of approximately 800 km, it typically takes 4–5 weeks to complete. The route passes through the iconic city of Pamplona and the historic towns of León and Burgos, with numerous attractions and architectural marvels along the way. 

The Camino Francés is well-suited for both beginners and experienced pilgrims, having a mix of well-developed infrastructure and diverse landscapes. Walkers can also complete a smaller section of this route, making it much shorter and easier, but just as rewarding.

The Fisherman's Trail

The Fisherman's Trail (Trilho dos Pescadores) is a coastal alternative to the traditional Camino routes, following the picturesque Portuguese coast. Starting from Porto Covo, it covers approximately 89 km before reaching Odeceixe, and takes only 7 days to complete. 

The route offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, pristine beaches, and charming fishing villages. Its lesser-travelled paths provide a more intimate and reflective experience for those seeking solitude. The Fisherman's Trail is perfect for pilgrims who want a unique Camino experience along the coast, avoiding the crowds of the more traditional routes.

Camino del Norte

The Camino del Norte is a scenic coastal route along the northern coast of Spain, starting in the Basque Country and converging with the Camino Francés near Arzúa. This route covers approximately 820 km, and it takes you through breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, lush green landscapes, and historic towns. 

The Camino del Norte is less crowded compared to the Camino Francés, making it an attractive option if you would like to complete a traditional Camino in a more tranquil environment. However, it is also considered more challenging due to its hilly terrain and occasional lack of facilities, so it is better suited to more experienced pilgrims.

Camino Portugués

The Camino Portugués is another beautiful route for a walking holiday in Portugal. It starts from either Lisbon or Porto in Portugal and leads to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The route from Porto covers approximately 240 km and takes around 2 weeks to walk, making it a popular choice for self-guided pilgrims with limited time. This route offers a rich cultural experience, passing through historic cities like Porto and Pontevedra, and allowing you to explore both Portuguese and Spanish cultures. 

The Camino Portugués is known for its beautiful landscapes, including lush forests and rolling hills, so it is the perfect chance to connect with the nature. The route’s shorter distance and relatively flat terrain also make it an accessible option for people of all experience levels.

Final word

Each Camino de Santiago route offers a unique experience, catering to different preferences for distance, scenery, difficulty levels, and cultural immersion. Whether you want the classic Camino experience or a different alternative, there is a perfect route for every pilgrim out there!