The Celtic Camino

What is it about the Celtic Camino that wins over pilgrims from Ireland and the British Isles?

Everyone speaks wonders of this route that weaves together 25 km (15.5 miles) through the green trails of their homeland with the 75 km (46.6 miles) from A Coruña to Santiago, completing the 100 km (62 miles) required to earn the longed-for Compostela.

Of all the routes leading to the tomb of the Apostle, the Celtic Camino stands out for connecting two sister lands and Celtic nations: Ireland and Galicia. This has been made possible thanks to the efforts of the Camino Society Ireland CLG and the Pilgrim’s Welcome Office in Santiago de Compostela, through an agreement between both institutions that highlights the value of this historic route and allows pilgrims to certify their pilgrimage on the Celtic Camino. It’s worth noting that the same applies to official routes in England.

To obtain the Compostela by walking from A Coruña, you must follow these steps:

• In Ireland, walk at least 25 km (15.5 miles) on any of the official Celtic Camino routes designated by Camino Society Ireland CLG, collecting the corresponding stamps in the Irish Pilgrim Passport (or another official credential). Once completed, present your pilgrim passport to the Camino Society Ireland CLG to receive your official Celtic Compostela. Take a photo and keep it safe.
• If departing from the United Kingdom, walk at least 25 km (15.5 miles), certified with the corresponding stamps in the British Pilgrim Passport (or another official credential), on any of the official routes designated by the Confraternity of Saint James, UK.
• In Spain, walk the 75 (46.6 miles) km from A Coruña to Santiago de Compostela, collecting the necessary stamps in the same Pilgrim Passport, along the historic Celtic Camino/Camino Inglés.

By presenting your stamped credential (and your Celtic Compostela if you walked in Ireland) at the Pilgrim’s Welcome Office in Santiago de Compostela, you will receive your Compostela.

If you want to live the experience of walking the Celtic Camino:

1. 1. Get physically ready… without stress
      A couple of weeks before, go out walking with your backpack a few days, 10–15 km each time, to get your feet and back used to it, as preparation is very important. Well-worn shoes, trekking poles, and a light rain jacket will be your best allies against the Atlantic drizzles.
   2. Take your first steps in Ireland or England on the Celtic Camino
      Start from home by walking at least 25 km on any of the approved routes – think Bray Coastal Route, Boyne Valley Camino, Kerry Camino, St Kevin’s Way, Finchale Camino, St. James Way… – to get into the mood, enjoy the green countryside, and connect with the Celtic tradition linking Ireland and Galicia. Don’t forget to stamp your credential and collect your Celtic Compostela (for routes in Ireland)!
   3. Head to A Coruña
      From Ireland or England, catch a flight to Santiago or directly to A Coruña and take a stroll around the harbor and the Tower of Hercules: this way you’ll feel the historical heartbeat of the medieval pilgrims who arrived by sea before continuing inland.
   4. Walk the 75 Galician km in 4 comfortable stages
      The A Coruña section of this Camino is hilly but manageable for almost everyone, and in just 4 stages you’ll arrive in Santiago de Compostela.
   5. Savor your arrival in Santiago
      Let yourself be moved by the emotion that fills the Praza do Obradoiro. Take your time to celebrate the experience, share stories with other pilgrims, and of course, toast with a cold beer or a crisp glass of Albariño.

The Celtic Camino is truly special for these and many other reasons:

• Connecting two Celtic worlds
  Relive the ancient maritime journey that linked Ireland and the United Kingdom with Galicia—an experience that celebrates centuries of shared history and connects you with the roots of both cultures.
• You complete the 100 km required for the Compostela
  By combining the Irish or British kilometers with the Galician ones, you reach the minimum distance required—arriving in Santiago with the satisfaction of having achieved your goal… and ready to raise your certificate high in the Praza do Obradoiro!
• Flawless signage and a safe route
  Yellow arrows, stone markers, and information panels guide you every step of the way. Plus, the Celtic Camino—both in Ireland/the UK and Galicia—is peaceful and well-maintained, perfect for those seeking tranquility without sacrificing comfort.
• Stunning Atlantic landscapes
  Oak and chestnut forests, meadows dotted with cows, granite hamlets, and the distant echo of the ocean—each stage offers postcard-worthy views and a lush greenery that refreshes body and mind.
• Services every step of the way
  You’ll find all kinds of accommodation, bars with pilgrim menus, pharmacies, taxis, and other helpful services.
• Pure Galician authenticity
  Savor freshly baked empanadas, grandma’s caldo, octopus á feira, and a chilled glass of Albariño at the end of your stage. Chat with locals, explore small Romanesque churches, and feel the warm hospitality that makes this Camino famous.
• Picture-perfect rest stops
  When you need a break, sit under the shade of a forest, cool your feet in one of the streams along the way, or relax on a café terrace while getting your next stamp. Here, resting is also part of the journey.

The 75 km (46.6 miles) that separate A Coruña from Santiago de Compostela are too few for those who do not live in the municipality of A Coruña to qualify for the Compostela. That’s why this beautiful route often goes unnoticed. However, for countries like Ireland and the United Kingdom, starting the Camino there is part of their pilgrimage tradition.

Today, anyone can walk an approved route of more than 25 km (15.5 miles) in one of those countries, obtain certification of completion, and then continue from A Coruña. In Ireland, it is known as the Celtic Camino, while in England it is still called the English Way.

For this option to be valid, the pilgrim must:

• Use official credentials (from Spain, Ireland, the UK, France, etc.).
• Get them stamped along the chosen route.
• In Ireland, obtain the Celtic Compostela and bring it from A Coruña to present it at the Pilgrim’s Office upon arrival in Santiago.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to receive your Compostela without any issues after walking from A Coruña!

A Coruña is an Atlantic city in the far northwest of Galicia, famous for its seafront promenade, the Tower of Hercules, and a historic center full of charming terraces. It is also the capital of the province of the same name, and the second most important city in Galicia.

Modern and well-equipped with services, it has an international port, an intermodal station (bus and train), and its own airport, making it very easy to plan your Celtic Camino. Whether you arrive by land, sea, or air, you’ll find fast and convenient connections to start your adventure to Santiago de Compostela.

• Direct flight from Ireland or the UK
  Several airlines fly weekly to A Coruña (about 2 h from London) or to Santiago (about 2 h 10 min from Dublin or London). From Santiago, a bus or train will take you to A Coruña in under 1 h 15 min.
• Stopover in Madrid + high-speed train
  If your international flight lands in Madrid-Barajas, take the AVE/Alvia train from Chamartín station: in about 3 h 45 min you’ll reach A Coruña comfortably. The Cercanías train connects Terminal 4 with Chamartín in 20–25 min.
• Bus from Santiago or Madrid
  From Santiago Airport, a bus departs every hour; you’ll be in the center of A Coruña in 60–70 min. If you prefer to travel by road from Madrid, day and night services take 7–8 hours.

Pilgrim tip! Sometimes flying to Santiago and taking the bus up to A Coruña is cheaper than landing directly in A Coruña.

Learn more: How to get to A Coruña.

We offer Private Transfers to A Coruña from various locations, such as Santiago Airport, the city of Santiago, and many other places. Whether you plan to do the Camino from Sarria alone or with family or friends, our service is perfect for you. Discover more details on our dedicated page for Private Transfers.

Likewise, if you arrive in A Coruña with your own vehicle, we can also provide an exclusive Private Vehicle Transfer service from A Coruña to Santiago de Compostela. That way, when you finish your Camino and arrive in Santiago, your car will be waiting for you, safely stored. To learn more, visit our page about Private Vehicle Transfer.

Once you set foot in A Coruña, it’s time to discover everything this vibrant Atlantic city has in store for you: historic heritage, seafaring culture, and an atmosphere that captivates you from the very start. Here are our must-sees to help you kick off your adventure with a great first impression.

Start in Plaza de María Pita, the historic heart of the city and home to countless terraces where you can enjoy a coffee with views of the majestic City Hall. From there, wander leisurely through the cobbled streets: you’ll come across medieval arcades, Romanesque churches, and corners steeped in seafaring legends. It’s the perfect way to soak up the spirit of A Coruña before setting off on the Camino.

This Roman lighthouse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been guiding sailors for nearly two thousand years. Climb its 234 steps—don’t worry, there are resting spots—and enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the Atlantic coast. At its base, the Sculpture Park blends contemporary art with the salty sea breeze.

Just steps from the square, this small Romanesque gem from the 12th century is the oldest church in the city. Its granite walls preserve an intimate, pilgrim-like atmosphere that connects deeply with the spirit of the Camino. Take a moment to admire its carved doorway and offer your first prayer before the journey begins.

Stretching over thirteen kilometers, the seafront promenade offers continuous views of the ocean and the glassy silhouette of the iconic Marina galleries—those “windows to the sea” that give the city its fame. Walk the promenade at sunset: between the sound of the waves and the city lights flickering on, you’ll understand why A Coruña proudly calls itself “the city where no one is a stranger.”

Just a stone’s throw from the city center, these two wide urban beaches with fine sand are perfect for a quick swim in summer or a long walk the rest of the year. Watch the surfers, fill your lungs with Atlantic air, and recharge your energy before continuing your exploration.

Take a taxi, bus, or the panoramic elevator to enjoy the best 360º views of the A Coruña bay. Surrounded by massive historic cannons, manicured gardens, and a glass viewpoint suspended over the sea, you’re guaranteed a perfect postcard photo with two big cannons!

This former defensive fortress in the middle of the harbor is now home to the Archaeological Museum. Its sea-facing walls and the treasures inside—from Celtic torcs to shipwreck relics—immerse you in A Coruña’s military and maritime history. Sunset here is pure magic.

The temple of fresh seafood. Among barnacles, velvet crabs, and spider crabs, you’ll understand why Galician cuisine wins everyone over. You can buy your seafood and have it cooked on the spot at nearby bars—an authentic culinary experience that will energize you for the Camino.

On the outskirts of the city, this Celtic settlement from the Iron Age awaits you—a testament to pre-Roman Galicia. Walk among restored circular structures and ancient ramparts, imagine life 2,500 years ago, and connect with the deepest roots of the land you’re about to walk through.

End your day with a tapas feast of pulpo á feira, creamy tortilla, and chilled Ribeiro wine. In these taverns, pilgrims and locals mingle with no fuss—it’s the perfect setting to toast to the adventure that lies ahead.

Every June 23rd, A Coruña quite literally lights up: the beaches of Riazor and Orzán fill with bonfires, the air smells of grilled sardines, and the sound of bagpipes sets the mood as hundreds of brave souls jump over the flames to bring good luck. At midnight, during the Night of San Juan, a spectacular fireworks display lights up the Atlantic, and the celebration goes on until dawn.

Along the Celtic Camino route from A Coruña, you’ll find an endless array of services: bars, restaurants, food shops, and souvenir stores appear throughout all the stages, where you can stop to rest, have a drink, eat, or buy a keepsake and everything else you need for your journey.

There are many dining options in A Coruña for pilgrims, and they are located in two very special settings:

• Historic Center: Estrella, Olmo, and Galera streets run through the city center, where you’ll find various restaurants and tapas bars to eat or grab a snack.
• Plaza de María Pita and surroundings: In the square itself and nearby areas, you have great gastronomic alternatives at different price ranges.

There are also many options for breakfast in A Coruña. Being a large city, you will find cafés open from early morning where you can have breakfast. We recommend doing so in one of the cafés in the historic center or in Plaza de María Pita itself, so you’ll already be on your way.

The Celtic Camino from A Coruña covers about 75 km entirely within the province of A Coruña, blending the Atlantic breeze with the peaceful inland valleys. The route starts near the Church of Santiago and follows coastal walkways and the O Burgo estuary before entering a landscape of meadows, oak forests, and granite villages.

Along the way, pilgrims pass through small towns such as Sigrás and Carral (famous for its bread), the historic site of Hospital de Bruma, and the town of Sigüeiro, whose medieval bridge crosses the waters of the Tambre River. The path features Romanesque churches like the Church of Santiago de Sigrás, centuries-old stone crosses, the Chapel of San Lorenzo de Hospital de Bruma, and many other silent witnesses to centuries of Jacobean pilgrimage.

Streams such as the Mero and Barcés cool the way, while cornfields, traditional granaries called hórreos, and eucalyptus groves form a deeply Galician rural mosaic. Don’t forget to stop at Casa Avelina, the temple of hospitality on the Celtic Camino – Camino Inglés in Galicia. The final stretch leads through oak groves like the Enchanted Forest to the historic center of Santiago de Compostela, where the majestic cathedral awaits the pilgrim to put the perfect finishing touch on this Celtic experience that connects sea, forest, and spirituality.

The route has no major elevation changes and does not cross high mountains, as it follows the Ría de O Burgo, Galician countryside, and hills. The maximum altitude will be 450 meters above sea level at As Travesas (Carral), while the minimum is practically 0 meters above sea level in the city of A Coruña. In total, the accumulated positive elevation gain will be about 810 meters, while the descent will be around 430 meters.

Most pilgrims walking the Celtic Camino from A Coruña to Santiago de Compostela divide the route into 4 stages. These stages are arranged as follows:

Stage 1. A Coruña – Sergude (20 km / 12.4 miles)

You will start the first stage at the Church of Santiago, founded in the early 13th century. The stage begins right in the historic center of the city, which deserves a leisurely visit. From here, continue to Puerta Real and along Avenida de la Marina with its iconic 19th-century glass galleries until you reach Los Cantones. After passing through Cuatro Caminos square, you will head towards Culleredo via the area of O Portazgo, then follow the O Burgo seaside promenade—a much nicer and less urban environment—where you can see the Romanesque Church of Santiago and the 12th-century mills of Acea de Ama. Later, you will enter the municipality of Carral via San Martín de Tabeaio and pass through the towns of Corpo Santo and Belvís until you reach Sergude, a village halfway through the stage where you can rest.

Stage 2. Sergude – Hospital de Bruma (13 km / 8.1 miles)

This stage runs through a rural and sparsely populated area. You will cross a small section of the neighboring municipality of Abegondo before re-entering Carral. Only a short stretch separates you from As Travesas, where the route joins the main Ferrol variant. Be aware of a notable uphill section with a 400-meter elevation gain leading to the Ordes plateau, leaving behind the Barcés river valley. This small climb is the prelude to the end of your stage at Hospital de Bruma, nestled in a picturesque rural setting.

Stage 3. Hospital de Bruma – Sigüeiro (24.5 km / 15.2 miles)

Today you head to Sigüeiro, and Santiago is just a step away. You will pass through small villages mostly centered around Sigüeiro, the “capital” of your stage’s endpoint. Sigüeiro is a small town known for the Tambre river and the Church of San Andrés de la Barciela. It’s highly recommended to explore the town, have dinner, and rest early to prepare for your final stage.

Stage 4. Sigüeiro – Santiago de Compostela (16.6 km / 10.3 miles)

Last day of your Camino from A Coruña! As we always say, it’s best to start early to make the most of your day in Santiago de Compostela. Today’s stage will fly by amid the excitement and nerves of your imminent arrival.

You’re in Santiago! Feel happy and proud of having completed your Celtic Camino from A Coruña. Now it’s time to rest and get ready to explore the city. Don’t forget to collect your Compostela certificate and enjoy an unforgettable day discovering the charming Galician capital.

The Celtic Camino is, so to speak, open all year round, although the best time to do it is between spring and autumn. You have to consider the weather you might face in winter, with cold, rain, and even snow.

Therefore, the Camino de Santiago has its high and low seasons, and here we explain the advantages and disadvantages of walking it in each:

• High season: from March to October, when spring and summer weather is very good, although there can be hot spells and occasional summer rains. These months see the highest number of pilgrims, so in high season you can make many pilgrim friends.
• Low season: from November to February, when the cold and rainy autumn and winter climate means fewer pilgrims, allowing you to enjoy a more solitary walk. During this period, it’s also easier to find accommodation without prior booking due to the lower demand.

Most pilgrims prefer good weather and plenty of company, so they choose to do the Camino de Santiago during the high season months. This means there can be difficulties finding accommodation, as those who take the risk of embarking on their pilgrimage without booking in advance may face problems in this regard.

The same applies to luggage transport and other services needed during the Camino de Santiago. Although there is a wide range of accommodations and services on the Celtic Camino, the number of pilgrims in summer is even higher, so it is highly recommended to book everything in advance before experiencing a journey on this ancient route.

For this, Viajes Camino de Santiago is the best solution for doing the Celtic Camino. With us, you will be guaranteed a unique travel experience, with all the comfort and security of being in the best hands.

Now that we know the what, when, and how, only the why remains—and that comes from within. Embrace your pilgrim spirit and join the Celtic Camino with Viajes Camino de Santiago.

This is how our pilgrims see the Celtic Camino. Thank you for sharing your photos!

• City Council of A Coruña
• A Coruña Tourism
• A Coruña on Wikipedia