Camino de Santiago Routes
The Camino de Santiago is comprised of a network of routes that originate from various locations, all sharing a single goal: to reach Santiago de Compostela.
Each route is divided into a succession of stages, representing the daily kilometers to be completed. Distances typically range between 20 and 30 km, making it ideal to start walking early in the morning and reach your destination by midday. The stages connect villages, towns, and cities, where you will find all the essential services needed to rest and replenish your energy among other pilgrims, including accommodations, restaurants, supermarkets, laundries, and more.
Remember, it is not necessary to walk the entire Camino or adhere strictly to the pre-established stages for each route. You can choose any intermediate point and complete the number of stages or kilometers that are perfect for starting your journey early in the morning and reaching your destination by midday.
Below, you will find the history, routes, towns, stages, hostels, and recommendations for each route of the Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
Camino de Santiago Routes & Stages
French Way
The earthly Milky Way. Follow in the footsteps of Charlemagne through the Pyrenees and travel 800 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela. A road of contrasts, cradle of medieval villages, cathedrals and bucolic landscapes where the most authentic Jacobean tradition still survives.The French Way of Santiago
Portuguese Way
An adventure that starts in Lisbon to cross Portugal from south to north until reaching Santiago de Compostela. 600 kilometers that will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, history and gastronomy of Portugal, enjoying the riverside scenery of the Tagus, Douro and Minho river basins.The Portuguese Way of Santiago
Portuguese Way along the coast
The Atlantic Ocean will guide your steps along the 250 kilometers that separate the bohemian city of Porto from Santiago de Compostela. Coastal parks, archaeological sites, idyllic beaches and charming fishing villages where you can taste the best fish and seafood from the Galician estuaries.The Portuguese Way along the coast
Portuguese Way: spiritual variant
The spiritual variant of the Portuguese Way recreates the last stretch of the famous route of the Traslatio, the journey of the remains of the Apostle Santiago by sea from Jerusalem to Galicia. A route of 73 kilometers that crosses the magical and beautiful surroundings of the region of O Salnés.The Portuguese Way: Spiritual Variant
Finisterre and Muxía Way
The Way to the end of the world. The only Jacobean route in which Santiago de Compostela is the beginning and not the goal. A mystical and spiritual journey, traveled since ancient times to contemplate the most beautiful sunset in the world from the ends of the earth. Magic and enchantment in its purest form.The Finisterre and Muxía Way
Northern Way
Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia. 800 kilometers along the Cantabrian coast in a perfect combination of mountain and sea. An unforgettable experience that will make you discover stunning landscapes and taste dishes of the most famous and awarded gastronomy of Spain.The Northern Way of Santiago
Primitive Way
The purest essence of pilgrimage. The road between Oviedo and Santiago de Compostela still preserves the Jacobean spirit of the first pilgrimages. A solitary journey of 300 kilometers, intimate and wild through the most unknown Galician and Asturian mountains.The Primitive Way of Santiago
English Way
The 120 kilometers that separate Ferrol from Santiago will give you the possibility to cross the province of A Coruña from north to south. Delve into the culture of towns of great military, naval and historical importance and make your way through paths that run through small and lonely villages in the heart of Galicia.The English Way of Santiago
Sanabrian Way
This section of the Ruta de la Plata begins in the small town of Granja de Moreruela and directs its steps through the region of Sanabria to reach the lonely mountains of Ourense. Along 370 kilometers you will discover beautiful monasteries and historic villages that have witnessed the passage of pilgrims for centuries.The Sanabrian Way of Santiago
Via de la Plata
An adventure that begins in the golden city of Seville and crosses all of Extremadura through olive groves, extensive pastures and clear oak forests. A solitary and uncrowded road that still preserves the spirit of the first pilgrims.The Silver Route (Via de la Plata)
Winter Way
The Camino de Invierno is the route formerly used by pilgrims to avoid the snow on the high summit of O Cebreiro. A route of 263 kilometers, solitary and little crowded in which you will have the opportunity to discover the wonders of the region of Valdeorras and the Ribeira Sacra.The Winter Way of Santiago
Father Sarmiento Way
Recreates the pilgrimage route that Fray Martin Sarmiento made to Santiago de Compostela. A spectacular route of 190 kilometers that passes through the most attractive coastal towns of Galicia. Endless sandy beaches and paths by the sea.The Father Sarmiento Way
Way of the Lighthouses
A journey of 200 kilometers through the coast and the wildest nature. The Way of the Lighthouses will reveal spectacular and lonely beaches, beautiful trails through cliffs, lighthouses and fishing villages witnessing the wreck of ships protagonists of legends and amazing stories.The Route of the Lighthouses
The French Way of Santiago
The Portuguese Way of Santiago
The Portuguese Way along the coast
The Portuguese Way: Spiritual Variant
The Finisterre and Muxía Way
The Northern Way of Santiago
The Primitive Way of Santiago
The English Way of Santiago
The Sanabrian Way of Santiago
The Silver Route (Via de la Plata)
The Winter Way of Santiago
The Father Sarmiento Way
The Route of the Lighthouses
What route to choose on the Camino de Santiago?
To fully embrace the Camino de Santiago, it’s best to journey without rush or stress. We suggest dedicating at least a week to immerse deeply in the experience.
The last 100 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela are known as the final stretch of the journey. This part, all in Galicia, is made up of easy stages perfect for first-timers. Walking this section is more than just the steps; it’s a chance to see beautiful places, try delicious local food, and feel a part of something bigger.
Plus, finishing these last 100 kilometers means you can get the Compostela certificate. It’s a way to remember your journey, showing you’ve done something amazing.
French Way from Sarria (110 km)
If this is your first time on the Camino this itinerary is the perfect choice. It’s the most popular and sought-after route by pilgrims, owing to the diverse natural, historical, and cultural resources you’ll encounter along the way, as well as the quality of its infrastructure, including accommodation, restaurants, shops, and laundries. The stages are relatively easy, making it an ideal route for any time of the year.
Portuguese Way from Tui
This is the second most demanded option by pilgrims, an itinerary that crosses the province of Pontevedra from south to north, winding through a multitude of small villages and beautiful natural landscapes. While featuring slightly more asphalt than the French route, the Portuguese Way will captivate you with a delightful travel companion—the sea—accompanying you during certain stages, offering breathtaking views of the Galician estuaries.
More routes of the Camino de Santiago that you can do in just one week
If you have already done the french or portuguese and you want to explore other routes, here are some other popular options.
- Road to Finisterre and Muxía (118 km)
- Primitive Way from Lugo (102 km)
- English Way from Ferrol (122 km)
- Sanabrés Way from Ourense (110 km)
- North Way from Vilalba (120 km)
- Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Way (98 km)
One week routes
Having this time will allow you to immerse yourself much more in the pilgrimage experience and feel the essence of the Camino. You will have a much wider range of possibilities among the routes to choose from, with more opportunities to explore new places after completing each stage. Additionally, you’ll have the flexibility to add extra nights to visit Santiago de Compostela once your journey is complete.
- Road to Finisterre and Muxía (118 km)
- French Way from O Cebreiro (154 km)
- French Way from León (308 km)
- Portuguese Way along the coast from A Guarda (150 km)
- Portuguese Way from Oporto (240 km)
- North Road from Ribadeo (190 km)
- Primitive Way from Oviedo (250 km)
- Winter Road from Ponferrada (263 km)
- Route of Padre Sarmiento (190 km)
With one month at your disposal, you will have enough time to enjoy the pleasure of pilgrimage with total tranquility and experience the gratification of completing the entire Camino de Santiago. Therefore, routes consisting of approximately 30 stages each are ideal for this purpose.
- French Way from Roncesvalles
- Portuguese Way from Lisbon
- North Road from Irun
- Silver Route from Seville