Walking the Camino de Santiago begins with a few decisions: which route to take, where to start, how many days to walk and how to organise the trip. And there is something important to understand from the outset: there is no single Camino. Different routes lead to Santiago de Compostela, and each offers a different experience in terms of scenery, difficulty, atmosphere and duration.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to choose your Camino and prepare your trip step by step: the main routes, distances and stages, the best time to go, preparation, what to pack, accommodation, logistics, the Pilgrim Passport and the Compostela.
Discover the Camino de Santiago in this video
What is the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago is a historic network of pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia, home to Santiago Cathedral. Although we usually refer to “the Camino” in the singular, there are different routes starting in Spain, Portugal and other parts of Europe. This means that walking the Camino does not require completing an entire route or starting from a specific place: you can choose the itinerary and starting point that best suit the time you have available.
The differences between the Caminos go far beyond distance. The scenery, elevation, climate, services and pilgrim atmosphere all vary. Choosing the right route is therefore one of the most important decisions when planning your trip.
The origins of the Camino de Santiago
Pilgrimages to Santiago date back to the Middle Ages, following the discovery in the 9th century of a tomb that Christian tradition identified as that of the Apostle James. Over time, Santiago de Compostela became one of Europe’s major pilgrimage destinations.
This heritage remains visible today in the churches, bridges, former pilgrim hospitals, historic centres and Jacobean symbols found along the routes. The tradition is also linked to the Xacobeo Holy Years, which are celebrated whenever the Feast of Saint James the Apostle, on 25 July, falls on a Sunday.
Why people walk the Camino de Santiago today
The religious and spiritual dimension remains part of the Camino, but today people’s motivations are much more varied. Some are looking for a personal challenge, nature, heritage, time to disconnect or simply a different way to travel.
What changes from one pilgrim to another is the experience they are looking for. And much of that experience begins with choosing the right route. From here, let’s look at which Camino de Santiago routes exist and what makes each one different.
Main Camino de Santiago routes
The Camino de Santiago is not a single route. The scenery, elevation, services, atmosphere and number of days required vary considerably from one itinerary to another. These are the main options to help you find the one that suits you best.
Four Caminos, four different personalities
There is no best Camino. There is the one that suits you.
Other routes worth discovering
Some Caminos are chosen precisely because they are different. More mountains, more silence, a slower pace or a few extra days beyond Santiago.
Each Camino offers a different experience, but your choice will depend above all on how many days you have, your fitness level and the type of experience you want. Let’s see which one suits you best.
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Which Camino should you choose based on your profile?
There is no single Camino de Santiago that is best for everyone. Your choice depends on how many days you have, your fitness level, the scenery you are looking for and the type of experience you want.
Do you already have one or two routes in mind? The next step is to turn that choice into a real itinerary: how many days you have and how many kilometres you want to walk.
Distances, stages and duration
The Camino de Santiago does not have a single fixed distance. The number of kilometres depends on the route, the variant and, above all, where you decide to start. That is why it is more useful to combine two factors when planning: how many days you have available and what distance you can walk sustainably each day.
How many kilometres are usually walked each day?
Many Camino stages are approximately 20–25 kilometres per day, although there is no set distance that every pilgrim must complete. Two stages with the same number of kilometres can have very different levels of difficulty. Elevation, terrain, weather, your fitness level and accumulated fatigue after several days of walking can matter just as much as the distance itself.
If this is your first Camino, it is usually better to plan a pace you can comfortably maintain for several days rather than design the trip around the maximum number of kilometres you can walk in a single day.
How much time do you have?
The more days you have available, the further from Santiago you can place your starting point without having to make the stages excessively long.
100–160 km
With around seven days, your starting point becomes crucial. These are some of the most common options for reaching Santiago.
160–320 km
With more than a week, you can start considerably further away and experience a longer sequence of stages.
+700 km
With several weeks available, the Camino takes on a completely different scale and becomes a true long-distance journey.
How to choose your starting point
Once you know how many days you can dedicate to the Camino, your starting point should fit the route, the difficulty of the stages and the transport connections for getting there and returning home. It is also worth checking the applicable requirements if you want to obtain the Compostela and allowing enough time for travel before and after the walking portion of your trip.
Logistics can ultimately tip the balance between two possible starting points. If you are considering starting the Camino Francés in Sarria, our guide on how to get to Sarria explains the main options for organising your journey. Once you have decided on the route, the number of days and your starting point, there is one more decision that can significantly change the experience: the time of year you choose to walk.
What is the best time to walk the Camino?
The Camino de Santiago can be walked during much of the year, but the season you choose can significantly change the experience. Temperature, daylight hours, rainfall, the number of pilgrims and the availability of some services all vary depending on the season and the route. That is why there is no single answer to the question of the best time to walk the Camino de Santiago.
For many people, spring and early autumn offer a good balance between temperatures and pilgrim numbers, but your choice should always take the specific Camino you plan to walk into account.
| Season | Best features | Things to consider | Ideal if you’re looking for… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mild temperatures and green landscapes | Changeable weather and rain | Balance |
| Summer | More daylight hours and a lively pilgrim atmosphere | Heat and greater demand | Atmosphere |
| Autumn | Fewer pilgrims and pleasant temperatures | Less daylight and increasingly unstable weather | Peace and quiet |
| Winter | Maximum tranquillity | Cold, challenging conditions and fewer services | A more demanding experience |
The route also matters. On coastal Caminos such as the Camino del Norte or the Camino Portugués Coastal Route, Atlantic influence can bring more humidity and rapidly changing weather. On mountain routes such as the Camino Primitivo, weather conditions and altitude become even more important. On the Camino Francés and Camino Portugués, heat and pilgrim numbers can be particularly relevant factors in summer.
For many pilgrims, spring and early autumn offer one of the best balances between temperature, pilgrim numbers and daylight hours. Even so, there is no perfect time for everyone: the best dates will depend on the route, your tolerance for heat or rain and the type of experience you want. Whatever the season, check the weather forecast and service availability before setting off, as actual conditions can vary considerably even within the same season.
How to prepare for the Camino
Preparing for the Camino is not just about packing your backpack. You will be walking for several consecutive days, so your body, footwear and equipment need to be ready for the conditions you will encounter along the stages.
You do not need to be an experienced athlete. Good preparation is based on four simple ideas: train progressively, wear tried-and-tested footwear, choose suitable clothing and carry only what you really need.
Physical preparation
Build up gradually
Gradually increase the distance and duration of your walks.
Train on similar terrain
Include climbs and descents if your Camino will involve significant elevation changes.
Walk on consecutive days
Accumulated fatigue is part of the Camino. It is worth finding out in advance how your body responds.
Luggage
On the Camino, every item takes up space and can add weight. Prioritise what you will actually use during the stages.
Footwear and clothing
Try out the footwear and clothing you plan to use during the stages before travelling, and adapt your choices to the time of year.
How to organise your Camino step by step
Once you have chosen the route, starting point and dates, it is time to turn your itinerary into a real trip. You will need to decide where to stay, how to manage your luggage, how to reach the starting point and how much you want to organise before you begin.
There is no single correct way to do it. The best option is the one that allows you to enjoy the Camino without taking on logistics you would rather not manage yourself.
Where to stay on the Camino de Santiago
Along the main routes, you will find hostels, guesthouses, rural accommodation and hotels. Your choice will depend on your budget, the level of privacy you want and the type of experience you are looking for.
Hostels are part of the pilgrim tradition and encourage a more social atmosphere, while hotels, guesthouses and rural accommodation provide greater privacy and rest after each stage. During busy periods and in high-demand locations, finding accommodation at the last minute is not always easy. In our guide on where to stay on the Camino de Santiago, we explain the main options.
How to manage your luggage during the Camino
You do not have to walk every stage carrying all your luggage. A Luggage Transfer service allows you to send it from one accommodation to the next and walk only with a small daypack. You should always keep water, identification, personal medication and protection for the expected weather conditions with you. If you want to know how this service works, read our guide to Luggage Transfer on the Camino de Santiago.
How to reach the starting point
Planning does not begin at the first yellow arrow. Getting to the starting point is part of the journey, and some routes require a combination of train, bus, plane or an additional transfer. Before booking, check the transport connections, how much time you need before the first stage and how you will travel home from Santiago.
For international trips, arriving with some extra time can prevent a delay from affecting the start of your Camino. If you are starting the Camino Francés in Sarria, our guide on how to get to Sarria covers the main options.
How much does it cost to walk the Camino de Santiago?
There is no single price for walking the Camino. Your budget will depend mainly on the duration, type of accommodation, transport, food and the services you choose to book. An independently organised trip using basic accommodation will have a very different cost structure from a journey with private rooms, Luggage Transfer and logistics arranged in advance.
That is why it is best to calculate your budget based on the specific way you want to travel.
Organised Camino de Santiago or independent travel?
Choosing between walking independently or booking an Organised Trip does not determine whether your Camino will be more or less authentic. The main difference is how much of the logistics you want to manage yourself.
| Aspect | Independent | Organised Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | You manage it yourself | Part of the logistics is arranged in advance |
| Accommodation | You find and book it yourself | It can be booked before the trip |
| Luggage | You decide which services you need and book them yourself | It can include Luggage Transfer between accommodations |
| Assistance | You deal with any issues directly | It can include assistance during the trip |
| Independence while walking | Complete | You still walk the stages independently on a self-guided basis |
Would you rather arrive at the Camino with the logistics already organised?
At Santiago Ways, we organise self-guided Organised Trips with selected hotels, Luggage Transfer, 24/7 Assistance and a navigation app, so you can walk at your own pace with an important part of the trip arranged in advance.
Pilgrim Passport and Compostela: how they work
If you are preparing for your first Camino, it is easy to confuse the Pilgrim Passport with the Compostela, but they are two different things. The Pilgrim Passport accompanies you along the route and allows you to record your progress through stamps. The Compostela, on the other hand, is the certificate you can request at the end of your pilgrimage in Santiago if you meet the established requirements.
Get your Pilgrim Passport before you start
Find out where to obtain your Pilgrim Passport before the first stage so you can correctly record your journey from the beginning.
Stamp your Pilgrim Passport along the Camino
The stamps provide proof that you have passed through the different stages. Make stamping your Pilgrim Passport part of your daily routine and keep it with you throughout the entire route.
Check the requirements for obtaining the Compostela
If obtaining the Compostela is important to you, check the official requirements before choosing your starting point. The distance, type of pilgrimage and the way you document your journey can affect whether you qualify.
Request the Compostela when you arrive in Santiago
Once you have completed the pilgrimage, you can request it in Santiago if you meet the established conditions and can provide the required proof of the route you have walked.
If you want to learn more about where to get it, how to use it and how the stamping process works, read our guide to the Pilgrim Passport.
Before you travel
Tips for your first Camino
Your first Camino usually comes with plenty of questions: whether you will be able to complete the stages, what pace you should walk at or what happens if you feel more tired than expected one day. Most of these concerns come down to one simple idea: the Camino is not about walking as far as possible, but about finding a pace you can maintain over several days. These ten tips will help you do just that.
Give yourself some margin
Plan reasonable stages, especially at the beginning. What matters is not how far you can walk today, but how you will feel tomorrow.
Walk at your own pace
You will meet faster pilgrims and see longer stages. The right pace is the one you can comfortably maintain for several days.
Look after your feet from the start
Deal with the first signs of rubbing or discomfort before they affect the following stages. The Camino is not the place to break in new footwear.
Pay attention to pain and discomfort
Tiredness is normal; pain that gets worse or changes the way you walk deserves attention. Stopping in time can save the following stages.
Eat and drink regularly
Do not wait until you are very thirsty or exhausted. Carry water and check before setting off where you can refill it or find food.
Check the weather every day
Make checking the forecast for the next stage part of your routine. Heat, rain or wind can change your departure time and how you approach the day.
Be wary of “just in case” items
Every unnecessary item will travel with you for kilometres. Bring only what you will actually use.
Decide what you want to leave flexible
Not everything has to be booked, but not everything has to be left open either. Arrange in advance whatever is important to you.
Make time to stop
Do not turn every stage into a race to the next accommodation. Part of the Camino happens precisely between the start and the finish.
Do not aim for a perfect Camino
There will be rain, tiredness or changes of plan. Knowing how to adapt is also part of the experience.
If this will be your first Camino, you can explore these recommendations in more detail in our Camino de Santiago guide for beginners, where we look more closely at the decisions worth making before you begin. And there is one concern that is especially common among those who have never experienced the Camino before: is it safe, especially if you are going to walk alone?
Is the Camino de Santiago safe?
In general, walking the Camino alone is a common choice, and many pilgrims travel this way. Travelling alone does not necessarily mean walking alone all the time, especially on the most popular routes. The best strategy is simple: know the stage before setting out, follow the waymarking, check the weather and allow enough flexibility to change your plans if conditions change.
Share your itinerary
Make sure someone knows your general route and where you expect to finish the stage.
Check the stage
Review the distance, elevation, weather, water and food options, and the location of your next accommodation.
Keep the essentials with you
Your phone with enough battery, identification and personal medication should stay with you, not in transferred luggage.
Follow the waymarking
Pay attention to arrows, waymarkers and junctions, especially when entering and leaving towns and villages.
Check your position if you are unsure
If you have not seen any waymarking for a while, confirm your route before continuing.
Adapt your plans
Heat, rain, wind or poor visibility may justify shortening the stage or changing your departure time.
Stop and assess the situation
Do not continue simply to stick to the itinerary. Check where you are and decide what you need before moving on.
Ask for help when necessary
Contact your accommodation or assistance service if the issue is logistical, and seek professional medical attention if you are injured or have a health problem.
Spain and the European Union.
In urban areas or sections shared with vehicles, pay particular attention to the signs and never assume drivers have seen you. If you want to prepare this aspect in more detail, read our Camino de Santiago safety guide, where we cover navigation, emergencies, weather and precautions during the stages in greater depth.
Many uncomfortable situations on the Camino, however, are not caused by safety issues but by small planning decisions that are common among first-time pilgrims. Let’s look at the most frequent mistakes and how to avoid them.
Mistakes to avoid when planning the Camino
Many problems on the Camino begin before you take your first step. A poorly planned stage, too much luggage or a badly organised connection can affect several days of your trip.
01
Planning stages based only on distance
Assuming that two 20-kilometre stages will have a similar level of difficulty simply because the distance is the same.
Consider distance, elevation, terrain and accumulated fatigue over several days together before finalising each stage.
02
Choosing your starting point based only on the days available
Choosing where to start simply because the route fits within your holiday dates.
Also check the difficulty, transport connections, services and, if you want to obtain it, the requirements for the Compostela.
03
Carrying more luggage than necessary
Filling your backpack with “just in case” items that you will probably never use during the trip.
Bring only items that have a clear purpose. Our guide on what to pack for the Camino can help you decide what to take.
04
Assuming there will always be services nearby
Starting a stage assuming that you will find water, food, a shop or a café exactly when you need one.
Before setting off, check the towns and service points along the stage and carry enough water and food for the sections where you may need them.
05
Leaving important arrangements to chance
Assuming that leaving everything open will automatically make the Camino more authentic or flexible.
Decide what you want to leave flexible and what you need to have arranged. If accommodation is important to you, read our guide to accommodation on the Camino de Santiago.
06
Forgetting the logistics of the first and last day
Counting only the walking days without allowing enough time to reach your starting point and travel home from Santiago.
Include travel time in your itinerary before finalising the stages. If you are starting in Sarria, check how to get to Sarria in advance and how much time you will need.
With your itinerary planned, there is one final destination shared by the main routes to look towards: arriving in Santiago de Compostela.
Arriving in Santiago de Compostela
After several days following yellow arrows, passing through towns and repeating the routine of walking, resting and starting again, arriving in Santiago de Compostela brings an immediate change: there is no longer another stage ahead leading to Santiago.
For many pilgrims, that moment comes when they enter Praza do Obradoiro and find themselves standing in front of the Cathedral. But Santiago does not have to be simply the place where the final stage ends. If you can, allow yourself some time to enjoy the arrival and the city before beginning your journey home.
ObradoiroEnjoy the arrival
After so many kilometres, do not rush straight into your next plan. Arriving is also part of the Camino.
CathedralMake time to visit it
The Cathedral is the historic destination of the Camino routes and helps explain why all these Caminos converge in Santiago.
CompostelaRequest it if you want to obtain it
If you have completed the route while meeting the established requirements, have your Pilgrim Passport ready when you arrive.
SantiagoStay a little longer
Rest, explore the historic centre and enjoy the city without having to think about the next stage.
If you want to visit specific areas of the Cathedral or request the Compostela, check the latest official opening times, procedures and requirements before you arrive.
Should you stay overnight in Santiago after finishing the Camino?
If your itinerary allows it, spending at least the night after your arrival in Santiago prevents the final kilometres from turning into a race against the clock. Tiredness, the weather or simply wanting to enjoy the stage may mean you arrive later than expected.
Staying overnight in Santiago allows you to finish calmly, enjoy the city and organise your journey home the following day. For international trips or journeys involving several connections, that extra margin is even more useful.
What if you do not want to stop walking when you reach Santiago?
For some pilgrims, reaching Santiago does not necessarily mean that the walking has to end. The Camino Finisterre begins here and continues towards Galicia’s Atlantic coast. It is a way to extend the experience after completing another route: Santiago stops being the destination and becomes a new starting point.
For other pilgrims, however, Praza do Obradoiro is exactly where they want their journey to end. Both endings are part of the Camino.
Frequently asked questions about the Camino de Santiago
These are some of the most common questions when you start planning the Camino de Santiago.
What is the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. There is no single itinerary: each Camino has its own route, stages and characteristics, and it can be completed in full or started from different points.
Where does the Camino de Santiago start?
The Camino de Santiago does not have a single starting point. It depends on the route and how many days you want to walk. Sarria, Tui, Baiona and Ferrol are some of the most common starting points for shorter itineraries, while other routes can begin much further from Santiago.
How many Camino de Santiago routes are there?
There are many different routes and variants leading to Santiago de Compostela. Some of the best known are the Camino Francés, Camino Portugués, Camino Portugués Coastal Route, Camino del Norte, Camino Primitivo and Camino Inglés.
How many kilometres is the Camino de Santiago?
There is no single distance for the Camino de Santiago, because it depends on the route and where you begin. You can walk around 100–120 km on some of the final sections or cover hundreds of kilometres if you choose a long-distance itinerary.
How long does it take to walk the Camino de Santiago?
The duration of the Camino depends on the route, starting point and length of the stages. You can complete a section in around one week, walk for 8 to 15 days or spend several weeks on a longer route; for example, the Camino Francés from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago usually takes more than 30 days.
How do you walk the Camino de Santiago?
To walk the Camino, start by choosing the route, calculating how many days you have and deciding where to begin. You can then organise the stages, accommodation, transport and luggage, and prepare your body and equipment for walking several days in a row.
What should you pack for the Camino de Santiago?
Your backpack should contain only what you need to walk comfortably and adapt to the expected conditions: tried-and-tested footwear, a small number of functional clothing items, protection from rain and sun, water, identification and essential personal items. Read our guide on what to pack for the Camino de Santiago for more detailed advice.
Which is the easiest Camino de Santiago route?
There is no single Camino that is easiest for everyone, because difficulty depends on distance, elevation, terrain and the length of the stages. For a first experience, the Camino Francés and Camino Portugués offer different itineraries with good infrastructure and plenty of flexibility in terms of duration.
Which is the most beautiful Camino de Santiago route?
It depends on the scenery and the type of experience you want. The Camino Francés stands out for its variety and heritage; the Camino Portugués Coastal Route and Camino del Norte for their connection with the sea; and the Camino Primitivo for its mountain landscapes. The best choice is the one that suits your preferences.
How much does it cost to walk the Camino de Santiago?
There is no single price for walking the Camino. Your budget depends mainly on the duration, type of accommodation, transport, food and any additional services you book. A trip using basic accommodation and organised independently will cost differently from one with private rooms, Luggage Transfer and organised logistics.
Your Camino begins before the first stage
Choosing the route is only the beginning. After that, you will need to decide where to start, how many days to walk, how to distribute the stages and how much of the organisation you want to have arranged before travelling. After everything covered in this guide, there is one idea worth remembering: there is no single correct way to walk the Camino de Santiago.
You can organise every detail yourself or prefer to arrive with accommodation, luggage and part of the logistics already arranged. What matters is that the Camino suits you, the time you have available and the experience you want to have.
Would you like to walk the Camino with the logistics already organised?
At Santiago Ways, we organise self-guided Organised Trips with selected hotels, Luggage Transfer, 24/7 Assistance and a navigation app, so you can walk at your own pace with an important part of the journey arranged in advance.