What is the shortest route to do the Camino de Santiago?

If you’re looking for the shortest Camino de Santiago route entirely on the Iberian Peninsula, the answer is the English Way. This route starts in Ferrol and spans approximately 113 kilometers to the Santiago Cathedral. It’s ideal for those who want to complete a full route in just a few days, as it can be done in about 5 or 6 stages.

Another short alternative is the Finisterre and Muxía Way, which starts in Santiago de Compostela and leads to the famous Cape of Finisterre. This route is about 90 kilometers long and can be completed in just 3 or 4 days. If you also head to Muxía, you would need to add another 30 kilometers, which can be done in one or two stages, making a total of around 120 kilometers.

Another short route is the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Way, which is about 100 kilometers from Pontevedra. It can be completed in four stages, one of them by boat if you wish. However, this is not an official route and does not qualify you for the Compostela by itself.

Nevertheless, you can always walk the last 100 kilometers of any official long route and still earn your Compostela.