7 Camino de Santiago Routes for Every Traveler

It starts with a strange craving. Maybe you saw a photo — someone with a backpack, standing in a quiet village at sunrise. Or maybe you heard a friend talk about “walking the Camino” with this odd mix of exhaustion and joy in their voice. And now… you’re curious. Not quite ready, maybe, but something’s tugging at you.

The Camino de Santiago isn’t one single path. It’s a whole network of trails, winding through Spain (and sometimes France, or Portugal), all leading to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.

For centuries, people have walked Camino de Santiago Routes for spiritual reasons… or just to disconnect, reflect, or challenge themselves.

But here’s the thing: there’s not just one Camino. There are several — and each has its own flavor. Some routes are quiet and rugged. Others are social, full of pilgrims and cafés. Some feel ancient. Others feel like a long countryside stroll with strangers who slowly become something else entirely.

Exploring Camino de Santiago Routes

This guide isn’t about convincing you to walk the Camino. That part’s kind of personal. But if you do feel that itch — even just a little — here are seven routes to explore. One of them might just be yours.

1. Camino Francés – The Classic Route

This is the one most people picture when they think of the Camino. The Camino Francés starts in St. Jean Pied de Port, nestled in the French Pyrenees, and stretches about 780 km across northern Spain. It takes most folks 4 to 6 weeks, depending on pace (and, let’s be honest, how many café con leches you stop for).

You’ll pass through postcard-worthy towns like Pamplona, Burgos, and León, each with its own rhythm and charm. But the real highlight? The people. This route is by far the most popular, which means you’re almost never alone — for better or worse. You might end up sharing dinner with someone from Japan one night and Brazil the next.

Some call it the social Camino. If you’re craving connection, or it’s your first time walking, this is a comforting place to start.

Everything’s well-marked, albergues (pilgrim hostels) are frequent, and you’ll rarely go more than a few kilometers without seeing another pilgrim. If you’re looking for help organizing your route, you can explore guided or self-guided Camino options through Santiago Ways — they offer support with booking, logistics, and more.

Pro Tip: Start early in the morning. The best conversations (and the best light) happen before 10 a.m.

2. Camino Portugués – A Softer Path with Coastal Options

Want a gentler terrain with fewer crowds but still a strong sense of Camino spirit? The Camino Portugués might be your sweet spot. It begins in Lisbon, though many pilgrims start from Porto, especially if you’re limited on time. From there, it’s around 240 km to Santiago.

There are two main branches: the Central Route, which winds through charming inland towns and eucalyptus forests, and the Coastal Route, which — as the name suggests — hugs the Atlantic for much of the way.

It’s quieter than the Francés but still has enough infrastructure to feel supported. Plus, Portuguese hospitality is something else… warm, generous, and slightly addictive.

One unexpected thing? The food. Simple, hearty, and usually exactly what your tired body needs. There’s something special about sitting down to a steaming bowl of caldo verde after walking all day in the wind.

A Side Note: You might fall in love with Porto. Don’t rush your start. Let yourself linger a day or two. The blue tiles… the river… it’s worth it.

3. Camino del Norte – Wild Coastlines and Fewer Footsteps

This one’s for the daydreamers who imagine walking beside cliffs, hearing waves crash somewhere below. The Camino del Norte, or Northern Way, follows Spain’s northern coast — beginning in Irún, near the French border, and winding about 825 km westward through San Sebastián, Bilbao, and Oviedo, eventually merging with the Francés near Arzúa.

It’s beautiful. Like, achingly beautiful in parts. Think green hills, fishing villages, moody skies, and the kind of beaches that make you stop and just… stare.

But a heads up — it’s not easy. The terrain is more rugged, and there are some long stretches between services. You’ll need to plan ahead, especially outside of summer when some albergues close. That said, if you’re looking for a quieter, more introspective walk with some seriously dramatic scenery, this might be it.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you feel the vibe:

Pro Tip: Pack light but bring solid rain gear — northern Spain gets wet, and soggy socks ruin everything.

4. Camino Primitivo – The Oldest and Arguably the Toughest

Let’s say you’re craving something raw… maybe even a little primal. The Camino Primitivo could be calling. It’s the original route — the one King Alfonso II took in the 9th century when he heard rumors of the Apostle James’ remains in Galicia. So yeah, it’s got history. But it’s also got hills. Lots of them.

Starting in Oviedo, the Primitivo runs about 320 km through the mountains of Asturias and Galicia. It’s steep, isolated in parts, and not ideal for first-time walkers who aren’t reasonably fit. But the payoffs? Sweeping valleys, misty forests, and a real sense that you’re walking something ancient.

The infrastructure is improving, but it’s still less developed than the Francés or Portugués — which means fewer pilgrims and more quiet moments with just you, the trail, and maybe some cows.

Anecdotal Moment: I met a guy who swore he saw a wolf at dawn on the Primitivo. Was it real? Who knows. But when you’re walking alone in that kind of wild silence, it’s easy to believe in old stories.

Pro Tip: Don’t rush this one. It’s a route for soaking in solitude, not chasing distance.

5. Via de la Plata – Long, Quiet, and Sun-Drenched

If you’re someone who doesn’t mind being alone with your thoughts — like, really alone — then the Via de la Plata might be your trail. It’s the longest of the major Camino routes, starting way down south in Seville and stretching nearly 1,000 km north through Mérida, Salamanca, and eventually merging with other routes near Santiago.

You’ll walk through olive groves, empty plains, Roman ruins, and sun-soaked medieval towns. And also… silence. There are days when it’s just you, the horizon, and whatever’s rattling around in your head.

It’s less traveled and less serviced, so you’ll want to plan a bit more carefully — especially in the early stages. Summer? Honestly, don’t. It gets scorching hot in the south. Spring or autumn is a much better bet.

What Makes This Route Special?

• Roman history is everywhere — you’ll cross ancient roads and bridges still holding up after 2,000 years.
• Solitude is almost guaranteed. If you’re seeking a meditative walk, this delivers.
• It’s more challenging to find food or lodging spontaneously — so a little structure helps here.

Pro Tip: A walking app or GPS can be a lifesaver on this route. Waymarks are decent… but not always enough, especially in rural stretches.

6. Camino Inglés – A Shorter Option with a Seafaring Past

So maybe you’re short on time, or not sure you’re ready for a 4-week commitment. That’s okay — the Camino Inglés is like a weekend sampler of Camino life. It starts in Ferrol (or A Coruña, though the Ferrol route is needed to qualify for the Compostela certificate) and covers around 115 km. Enough to count. But not so much that you burn out or blister up.

Historically, this was the route for pilgrims from the British Isles who arrived by sea — hence the name, “English Way.” It’s a quiet, green, and hilly path through Galicia with misty mornings and sleepy stone villages.

Expect:

• Shorter daily stages, perfect if you’re easing into long-distance walking.
• Fewer pilgrims, which can feel peaceful… or a bit too quiet, depending on your mood.
• Gentle hills and lots of eucalyptus trees (the scent kind of follows you).

This Route Might Be Right for You If…

• You only have a week off.
• You want to test the Camino experience before committing to something longer.
• You’re craving quiet but still want a taste of that Camino magic — the kind that shows up in a shared smile, or a warm café on a cold afternoon.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip Pontedeume — it’s one of those towns that catches you off guard with its charm.

7. Camino de Finisterre – When You’re Not Quite Ready to Stop Walking

This one’s a little different. Technically, the Camino de Finisterre isn’t a route to Santiago… it’s the one that goes beyond it.

After reaching the grand cathedral, some pilgrims keep walking — about 90 km more, westward, all the way to Finisterre (literally “the end of the earth”). And honestly? It kind of feels like it is. Craggy cliffs, endless sea, and sunsets that hit different after you’ve been walking for weeks.

There’s something symbolic about it too. Like you finished the journey, but there’s still more to explore. Or maybe you’re not quite ready to go home yet. You reach the lighthouse, stare out at the Atlantic, and… well, it’s hard to explain. It just feels right.

Some even burn an old sock or a scrap of clothing there — a tradition that’s less about fire and more about letting go of something. A burden, maybe. Or a version of yourself you’re ready to leave behind.

Why Walk Finisterre?

• It adds a soft epilogue to your Camino story.
• The landscapes shift — more coastal, more dramatic.
• Fewer crowds, deeper conversations, and a kind of quiet that stays with you.

Pro Tip: Spend a night in Muxía too, just a little beyond Finisterre. It’s peaceful, raw, and less visited… like a secret final page to the story.

So… Which Camino Is Yours?

There’s no “best” route when it comes to exploring Camino de Santiago Routes. That’s the beauty (and the headache) of it. It really depends on what you need — or maybe what you didn’t know you needed until now.

Here’s a rough cheat sheet, just in case you’re still undecided:

• First-timer & social butterfly? Camino Francés.
• Short on time, long on curiosity? Camino Inglés.
• Craving solitude and sea air? Camino del Norte.
• Chasing ancient echoes? Camino Primitivo.
• Looking for sun, space, and a challenge? Via de la Plata.
• Want a gentler vibe with good food? Camino Portugués.
• Finished but not quite done? Camino de Finisterre.

You don’t have to choose perfectly. Whatever trail you pick, it’ll surprise you somehow — with its people, its silence, its strange rhythm. Just… bring good shoes. And maybe a journal.

Because no matter how far you walk, parts of it will stay with you. Long after the blisters fade.

Frequently Asked Questions