Variants and Complementary Routes of the Camino de Santiago

Imagine your Camino de Santiago turning into a little adventure at every step: variants that take you through legendary peaks or river crossings, and complementary routes that, in the blink of an eye, reveal secret waterfalls, hidden archaeological sites, historical trails, rivers with unique bridges, and more surprises. These alternative paths or sections add spark, scenery, and excitement without losing the pilgrim essence.

Fancy giving your Camino a different twist without losing its spirit? The variants and complementary routes of the Jacobean routes are alternatives to a specific direction (not always shortcuts, but sometimes, there’s another reward!): let’s see how we define them and how you can make the most of them.

Whichever Camino you choose, you’re sure to enjoy it

What is a variant of the Camino de Santiago?

A variant is a long detour that replaces part or all of a known stage or section. A variant may stem from historical tradition or be valued for its heritage and natural appeal; in fact, it’s often considered a route in its own right. As mentioned, it’s usually longer than the “original”, adding more kilometres, stages, and therefore, days. It generally reconnects with the main route either at some point or at the end.

Walking a variant isn’t something to improvise last minute, as it requires planning for timings, elevation, accommodation, and even boat tickets if necessary. Some famous variants of the Camino de Santiago include:

• Spiritual Variant (Portuguese Way): Around 73 km and 3 days between Pontevedra and Padrón, linking the Monastery of Armenteira, the Salnés Valley, and a boat journey through the Ría de Arousa, recreating the “Traslatio”.
• Route of the Hospitals (Primitive Way): A high-mountain stage (24 km) between Borres and Puerto del Palo, reaching 1,200 m altitude and dotted with ancient hospital ruins. We don’t usually organise this one—instead, we take the Pola de Allande route.
• Valcarlos (French Way): A winter alternative to the Napoleon Route, which is often closed from November to March. 25 km through a valley, 300 m less elevation gain, and secondary road.
• Detour via Samos (French Way): A 7 km loop from Triacastela to sleep in the Benedictine monastery and enjoy Gregorian chant, plus the beautiful surroundings.
• Vía Künig (French + Primitive): Described in 1495 by German monk Hermann Künig, it avoids the León Mountains and the climb to O Cebreiro. It heads to Lugo from the French Way, then continues on the Primitive Way from there.

These are just a few of the many variants you can find along the different Camino routes to Santiago.

On the Primitive Way, pilgrims must choose their path… La Pola or Hospitales?

And what is a Complementary Route on the Camino de Santiago?

A complementary route is a very short fork within the same stage that quickly rejoins the main route. Sometimes called “alternative”, “secondary”, or “historical” route (the naming can be a bit messy), it’s usually just a detour, though it may hide surprises or avoid annoying road sections. There can be more than one in a single stage. In any case, they don’t take much time or increase the distance significantly, and they rejoin the main route within minutes.

There are also alternatives adapted for bicycles, as some sections are too steep, rocky, or technical—unsuitable for bikes (and even dangerous when bikes and walkers share the same path). In such cases—like the climb to O Cebreiro or the descent from the Cruz de Ferro to Molinaseca, both with steep climbs and challenging descents—”bikegrims” are guided along the road.

Waymarkers and information panel at a fork on the French Way from Sarria: right leads to the Catasol River near Melide

Recent developments: new complementary routes?

The official public institutions responsible for Camino signage redefined the routes between 2011 and 2016. According to technicians, the updated Camino map “mostly follows the traditional path”, and where it was lost, “an alternative route” has been set that retains its essence and environmental quality. At the same time, complementary paths are recognised that “allow pilgrims to access meaningful places or lost sections”, ensuring heritage protection, unified signage, and a well-preserved environment.

The Most Popular Complementary Routes

Within the Galician Jacobean routes, you’ll find various forks with a main route and a complementary route. Generally, the main route shows a kilometre marker indicating distance to Santiago, while the complementary route simply says “complementary”. Often, while walking the Camino, you’ll face this decision: left or right?

Let’s explore some of the most talked-about forks among pilgrims along the most-travelled routes. We’ll focus here on officially marked ones, without getting into debates over which is traditional (main, historical, primitive, etc.).

Explanatory panel showing three routes to enter Portomarín

Complementary Routes on the French Way

From O Cebreiro to Santiago you’ll encounter several forks, especially in the section of the French Way from Sarria:

• Km 113.074: leaving Sarria, most people take the main route (left), which is more worthwhile than the right-hand option, which is longer and has more tarmac.
• Km 93.745: approaching Portomarín, this fork is classic (see image above). The right-hand route is shorter via a paved path with a steep descent. The left option also uses pavement, but after 400 metres you’ll find a second fork: on the left you stay on asphalt and dirt, and on the right there’s a natural stone stair descent—great fun for the more daring (like yours truly), but not recommended in rain, with bikes, horses, etc. If you’re walking with your dog, it shouldn’t be a problem.
• Km 91.953: leaving Portomarín, the left route may be longer. Most pilgrims go right, along a beautiful uphill trail through oak trees that often features misty mornings.
• Km 84.672: 8 km after Portomarín, the left path leads through countryside, and the right follows a road, with little difference in distance. Both lead to a bar.
• Km 82.069: not an official fork, but well worth it to see the Castro de Castromaior, just a few metres away and no need to backtrack.

Sketch map of the Camino to reach the Castro de Castromaior

• Km 52.501: in the centre of Melide, a complementary route indicates how to reach the parish church of San Pedro de Melide and rejoin the Camino through the historic centre (public albergue).
• Km 50.521: leaving Melide, the right path crosses the beautiful Catasol river and its small natural bridge.
• Km 45.252: after a climb, the left path might be more scenic, with little distance difference.
• Km 22.745: take the left fork to go under the N-547 road tunnel and visit the chapel of Santa Irene.
• Km 20.145: not an official detour, but if you want to end your stage and overnight in the centre of O Pedrouzo, you’ll need to leave the Camino to the right and follow the road (with shoulder) on the left to the village. If you follow the Camino straight, you’ll arrive at the public school area and then have to backtrack to the village if your accommodation is there.

Complementary Routes on the Portuguese Way

On the Portuguese Way from Tui there aren’t as many forks, but there are some interesting ones:

• Km 110.040: heading to O Porriño, the right path goes through an industrial park, while the left is longer but prettier and shaded, with services.
• Km 71.465: the fork after the chapel of Santa Marta, on the outskirts of Pontevedra. The right route follows the EP-0002 road; the left is a bit longer but absolutely stunning through the shaded meanders of the Tomeza-Gafos river.
• Km 63.280: not a complementary route, but the beginning of the Spiritual Variant after leaving Pontevedra, which we discussed earlier.
• Km 51.070: not an official detour, but before Caldas de Reis, if you want to enjoy the beautiful Barosa waterfalls, leave the Camino to your left for a bit and refresh after crossing the N-550 road into the area. There’s a restaurant, traditional mills, and it’s a great spot to stop for lunch.
• Just past Km 3.478: on the edge of Santiago, you can go left (Santa Marta, shorter) or right (Conxo, longer).

Signpost at the fork of the Spiritual Variant

Complementary Routes on the English Way

The English Way from Ferrol offers some forks in its early stages, recently introduced. Between 2014 and 2016, its route was modified, so people still talk about the “old way” vs. the new one in some sections: of the old way, often scenic, no official signs remain, just some yellow arrows. Here are the officially marked forks today:

• Around Km 101.140: a first fork: the longer right path lets you see the Aceñas mill, while the left shortcut crosses a modern bridge to reach the Xuvia riverside and then Neda.
• Km 88.054: before reaching Cabanas and Pontedeume, a fork appears: the right option is around 4 km shorter and less steep than the left.

The curious case of the Finisterre and Muxía Way

Just after waymarker Km 29.837 from Santiago, in the village of Hospital, the Finisterre and Muxía Way splits into two legendary destinations: the detour to Fisterra (Km 29.693) and the one leading to Muxía (Km 26.589). This fork forces you to choose whether to end your adventure at the lighthouse of the “End of the World” or at the sanctuary of the Virxe da Barca, where maritime tradition meets pilgrim spirituality. Whichever you choose, the magic of the Costa da Morte is guaranteed!

The two waymarkers at the fork in Hospital, on the Finisterre and Muxía Way

Plan your Camino route wisely

If you dream of adding a dash of adventure to your Camino de Santiago, variants and complementary routes are your best allies: the former are longer detours, full of history and stunning scenery—think the boat trip of the Spiritual Variant or the epic Route of the Hospitals in the mountains—that extend your stages and enrich your experience; the latter are short forks within the same day, perfect to avoid tarmac sections or discover hidden gems like the Catasol River or Barosa waterfalls. Of course, sometimes we take these variants out of necessity too—because of our accommodation location or other circumstances—but that’s another story.

Want your Camino de Santiago to be more than just following yellow arrows? Dare to explore the variants and complementary routes—detours from the usual path that we’ll be thrilled to help you turn into an unforgettable adventure!