Many people assume there is only one Camino route, often influenced by movies like The Way or stories from friends. However, the Camino de Santiago consists of many approved routes, each offering unique landscapes, challenges, and experiences. Wick and I have walked many of the routes since 2007.
Camino Francés: The Most Popular Route
The Camino Francés is the most well-known and busy route. It starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, at the foot of the Pyrenees, and stretches westward across northern Spain, ending in the destination city of Santiago de Compostela.
Why Choose the Camino Francés?
- Best Infrastructure: This route has the most extensive network of accommodations, food options, and pilgrim services.
- Frequent Pilgrim Support: There are more hostels, hotels, and albergues at regular intervals, making it easier to plan daily distances.
- Pack Transport Services: If carrying a heavy backpack isn’t an option due to health concerns or personal preference, pack transport services can transfer your belongings to your next stop.
If you’re new to the Camino or prefer a well-supported journey, the Camino Francés is a good choice.
Camino Portugués: The Second Most Popular Route
Why Choose the Camino Portugués?
The Camino Portugués has grown significantly in popularity, now ranking as the second most traveled route after the Camino Francés. Many people start walking from Lisbon or Porto, this route follows the Portuguese coast or inland paths northward to Santiago de Compostela.
Why Choose the Camino Portugués?
- Popularity and Growth: According to recent statistics, approximately 28% of all Camino pilgrims now choose the Camino Portugués, compared to over 50% who walk the Camino Francés.
- Scenic and Cultural Variety: This route offers breathtaking coastal views along the Portuguese Way, as well as historic towns and cities like Porto and Tui.
- Moderate Terrain: The Camino Portugués is generally flatter than the Camino Francés, making it a great option for those seeking a less difficult terrain.
- Increasing Infrastructure: More albergues, hostels, and pilgrim services are being developed to accommodate the growing number of walkers.
For those looking for a well-supported, but slightly less crowded Camino experience, the Camino Portugués is a good choice.
Other Popular Camino Routes: Inglés, Primitivo, Norte
While the Camino Francés and Camino Portugués remain the most popular choices, three other routes are gaining popularity among pilgrims seeking a different experience.
Camino Inglés
- Popularity: The third most popular Camino route, was chosen by approximately 6% of pilgrims in 2024.
- Route Overview: Traditionally used by English and Northern European pilgrims arriving by boat, the Camino Inglés begins in Ferrol or A Coruña and is one of the shortest routes, spanning 75-120 km.
- Why Choose It? Ideal for those with limited time who still want to earn the Compostela certificate, as walking from Ferrol meets the minimum 100 km requirement. It is less traveled than the Francés and the Portugués.
Camino Primitivo
- Popularity: Chosen by 5% of pilgrims.
- Route Overview: One of the oldest Camino routes, the Camino Primitivo starts in Oviedo, with rugged terrain and mountainous landscapes.
- Why Choose It? This route is perfect for pilgrims seeking a challenging, scenic, and historically rich journey, as it follows the original path taken by King Alfonso II in the 9th century.
Camino del Norte
Why Choose It? Best for those looking for a quieter, physically difficult walk with incredible coastal scenery and fewer crowds than the Camino Francés.
Popularity: Chosen by 4% of pilgrims.
Route Overview: Hugging the northern coastline of Spain, the Camino del Norte offers breathtaking sea views, lush greenery, and a mix of coastal and mountain trails. Steep ascents and descents are challenging. Not as much infrastructure as the Francés.
Which Route Suits You Best?
Walking the Camino de Santiago can be a life-giving experience, but planning your trip can be overwhelming. Whether you're a first-time pilgrim or you've walked a Camino in the past, choose a Camino route that seems best for you. Plan and complete the Camino that suits you.
Leave a Reply