Walk the Camino de Santiago in reverse: complete guide and tips

The most common way to do the Camino de Santiago is to walk towards Santiago de Compostela, following the classic yellow arrows. Depending on the route you choose, the direction will be west, north or south. However, if you have already done the Camino, you have probably seen pilgrims walking in the opposite direction, that is, people who set off from Santiago de Compostela and do the Camino in reverse. Far from being something strange, it is a more common practice than it may seem, and it also has a clear historical basis.

The origin: the Camino was also a round trip

Originally, the pilgrimage did not only involve a journey to Santiago, but also a return trip. Many pilgrims never made it back home, either because they died along the way or because they decided to start a new life elsewhere. However, the original goal was clear: to reach Santiago and return home. Today, this idea has resurfaced, and more and more pilgrims are choosing to experience the Camino from a different perspective.

Statue of pilgrims at Monte do Gozo

Why walk the Camino de Santiago in reverse?

The reasons for walking the Camino in reverse can vary greatly. In some cases, it is a practical decision; in others, it is a personal or even spiritual motivation.

For example, if you live in Galicia, it may make perfect sense to consider a round-trip pilgrimage. This is the case for towns located about 100 kilometers from Santiago de Compostela, such as Ferrol on the English Way, Villalba on the Northern Way, Lugo on the Primitive Way, Sarria on the French Way, Ourense on the Sanabrés Way or Tui on the Portuguese Way.

A pilgrim walking the Camino de Santiago in reverse on the way back home

In other cases, the appeal lies in the experience itself. Walking back to your starting point, repeating the route from a new perspective or living the Camino in a less conventional way are increasingly common motivations.

Moreover, walking the Camino in reverse has some interesting features: you will meet different people, you won’t run into the same pilgrims as before, and you will see the same landscapes from a completely new perspective.

Is it a good idea to walk the Camino de Santiago in reverse?

Walking the Camino de Santiago in reverse can be a very enriching experience, but it is not for everyone. On the one hand, it allows you to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful and personal journey. On the other hand, it requires more attention to signage and more careful planning. If you are looking for a different, more introspective and less conventional experience, it can be a very interesting option.

Which Camino de Santiago can you walk in reverse?

In reality, you can walk any Camino de Santiago route in reverse. There are no restrictions in that sense, although some options are more advisable than others.

One of the most common is the Finisterre and Muxía Way. Many pilgrims, after reaching the “end of the world,” decide to return to Santiago to obtain the Compostela certificate. The French Way is also very common, as it has the highest number of accommodations and services, making logistics easier even in reverse. Another interesting option is the Portuguese Way, which also overlaps with routes to Fátima. In this case, you will find blue arrows pointing in the opposite direction to the classic yellow arrows of the Camino.

The Portuguese Camino in reverse can take you to Fátima

What you should keep in mind

Walking the Camino in reverse is completely feasible, but it involves some challenges that you should be aware of before starting. The main one is signage. The yellow arrows point towards Santiago, so when walking in reverse you will need to pay closer attention. In many cases, the most practical option is to follow pilgrims going in the opposite direction or use GPS apps.

In this sense, using apps with Camino maps or downloaded GPS tracks can make a big difference, especially at crossroads or in poorly marked sections.

It is also important to plan your stages carefully. Although accommodations usually accept pilgrims regardless of the direction they are walking, not all services are designed for the reverse Camino. As for luggage transport, many companies operate only towards Santiago, so it is advisable to check in advance if you need this service.

Interesting cases of reverse pilgrims

Along the Camino, it is possible to come across truly surprising stories. There are pilgrims who not only walk the Camino in reverse but also link routes for years, traveling to different pilgrimage destinations across Europe and the world.

Some even connect Santiago with places such as Rome, Jerusalem or Fátima, driven by personal or spiritual motivations. This is the case of pilgrims like José Antonio García Calvo, known as “José the Pilgrim,” who embarked on his journey after making a personal promise. “I will visit all the Marian sanctuaries in the world if I survive,” he said after surviving a severe shipwreck.

There are also more alternative cases, such as pilgrims who turn their Camino de Santiago journey into a lifestyle, carrying everything they need with them.

Pilgrims chatting

A different way to experience the Camino

Walking the Camino de Santiago in reverse is a different, freer and less conventional experience. It allows you to rediscover familiar routes, avoid crowds and experience the pilgrimage from a new perspective. If this idea appeals to you, it is important to plan every detail carefully to avoid setbacks, especially regarding signage and stage organization. With proper preparation, it can become a unique and very personal adventure. ¡Ultreia!