Choosing where to take your first step on the Camino de Santiago has a big impact on the entire experience: the length of your trip, the atmosphere — livelier or quieter — and even the landscapes that will accompany you all the way to the Plaza del Obradoiro. Today we take a journey from south to north and from east to west, exploring the ten most popular starting points among pilgrims across all Jacobean routes, backed by the 2024 pilgrim statistics. All these starting points cover over 100 km, which means if you begin your walk from any of them, you can earn the Compostela. Take note and, once you’ve decided where to start the Camino de Santiago, you know what to do: we’d love to walk it with you!
Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port is one of the main starting points of the French Camino
Sarria
Sarria remains the undisputed queen: over 150,000 pilgrims chose it last year—almost one third of the total. And that’s no coincidence. From here, there are just 115 kilometers to Santiago, the minimum required to get the Compostela, along the French Camino from Sarria.
The route runs through oak forests and gentle meadows; every little village has hostels, pilgrim menus and a cosmopolitan atmosphere where experienced hikers mix with those putting on a backpack for the first time. If you’re travelling in summer, start early or book private accommodation in advance: demand is sky-high, and sometimes places are fully booked before lunchtime.
A must-have photo at the Sarria sign to kick off your Camino from this town in Lugo
Oporto
The capital of the Douro is now the second biggest gateway to the Camino. From Oporto, counting both variants — inland and coastal — around 50,000 pilgrims set out. That riverside start, with tiled façades and the smell of francesinha in the air, is unforgettable.
The Portuguese Camino from Oporto (inland) (about 265 km) winds through vineyards and baroque villages before entering Galicia through Tui, while the Portuguese Camino from Oporto along the Coast (about 270 km) offers beaches, lighthouses and sunsets over the Atlantic. In practice, we’re talking about eleven or twelve days of walking — enough to feel the change of country, landscape and culture.
Oporto Cathedral, or Sé do Porto, is a unique setting to start your Portuguese Camino, inland or coastal
Tui
Facing its cathedral-fortress overlooking the Miño river, you can begin the Portuguese Camino from Tui inland. In 2024, over 36,000 pilgrims chose this route, which is usually completed in five or six days, around 120 km. From Tui, you’ll follow the ancient Roman road between Braga and Astorga (Via XIX), with old trails and cobbled bridges.
The terrain is gentle, with frequent services and beautiful views across Galicia’s Rías Baixas. A perfect route if you have a week and want to combine history, vineyard landscapes and great food at some of the region’s traditional furanchos.
From Tui you’ll enjoy beautiful views along the Roman Via XIX
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
If you dream of walking the French Camino “from start to finish”, your kilometre zero is Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, just beyond the Pyrenees. More than 32,000 pilgrims started here last year.
The first stage, climbing to Roncesvalles, is a real challenge — but also an epic experience. After that comes rural Navarra, the Castilian plains and, finally, the green hills of Galicia. Around 780 kilometres in total, translating into four to five weeks of pure adventure.
In Saint Jean Pied de Port you can enjoy the charm of French villages
Ferrol
The seafaring route of the English Camino was born from historic ports like A Coruña or Ferrol, where pilgrims arrived from Ireland, England and other northern European countries. Today, the English Camino from Ferrol begins a 114-kilometre journey across quiet estuaries, magical forests and historic towns like Pontedeume and Betanzos.
As over 26,000 pilgrims did last year, you can complete the full inland route in five or six stages, making it an ideal option for Easter break getaways or a long weekend.
On the English Camino from Ferrol, you’ll enjoy the Rías Altas
Valença do Minho
As we said, just one bridge separates Valença do Minho from its Spanish neighbour Tui, but the atmosphere feels completely different. The walled fortress provides a peaceful start, less crowded than the Spanish side. Just over 16,000 pilgrims set off from here in 2024, drawn to that tranquility.
After a night surrounded by Portuguese fortifications and a breakfast pastel de nata, you’ll cross the Miño river at sunrise and be immediately immersed in Galician woods and hamlets. A great option if you want almost the same distance as from Tui, but with a charming earlier start point (only 3 km more).
Perhaps a hidden gem on the Portuguese Camino, the fortress of Valença do Minho
Vigo
In recent years, the coastal variant of the Portuguese Camino has made Vigo a popular starting point, with 15,000 pilgrims in 2024. It’s 100 kilometres to Santiago, beginning with views of the Cíes Islands and combining cityscapes, seafront walks and small fishing villages.
Vigo’s urban stretch still has patchy signage: it’s a good idea to use a Camino app for the first couple of days to stay on track. In return, on the Portuguese Coastal Camino from Vigo you’ll enjoy octopus, oysters and postcard sunsets over the estuary.
If you’re into oysters, starting in Vigo is a very good idea
Oviedo
According to the history of the Original Camino, this was the first-ever route to Santiago, followed by King Alfonso II in the 9th century. Starting in Oviedo, in front of the Cathedral of San Salvador, is like stepping back in time. The route cuts through mountains, valleys and silence, and make no mistake: it’s tough, technical and often rainy — yet still, around 13,000 pilgrims chose it last year.
It’s roughly 320 kilometres and a little over two weeks via the Original Camino from Oviedo. After joining the French route in Melide, the emotions of arriving in Santiago are intensified. Perfect for mountain lovers looking for authenticity and solitude.
Oviedo is a city of great importance in the history of the Camino
Baiona
If you’re looking for sea, history and a slower pace, Baiona is waiting for you. From this port, where the Pinta caravel first arrived back from the Americas, you’ll “sail” — metaphorically — 120 kilometres along the Atlantic coast, passing Romanesque churches and noble manor houses.
This starting point on the Portuguese Coastal Camino, with 8,000 pilgrims in 2024, is perfect for “slow” pilgrims who prefer to end their day by the sea, with fresh fish on the table.
If you start in Baiona, don’t miss the replica of the Pinta Caravel
León
And finally, also with 8,000 pilgrims in 2024, León offers a “long” French Camino — but without the challenge of crossing the Pyrenees. From its Gothic cathedral, you’ll walk 306 kilometres that first cross the plateau, then lead to El Bierzo and climb the legendary pass to O Cebreiro before continuing on to Santiago.
These thirteen or fourteen stages combine wheat fields, monumental heritage and a grand entrance into Galicia.
Walking through wheat fields on the French Camino
So, which one will you choose?
If you only have a few days, Sarria, Tui, Ferrol, Vigo or Baiona guarantee a Compostela and varied landscapes in record time. For a longer adventure with more comfort, Oporto or León strike a good balance. And if you dream of the full experience, Saint-Jean or the Primitivo from Oviedo will take you on an unforgettable month-long journey. If you’re a first-time pilgrim or simply unsure which Camino to choose, here are 10 great options for all tastes and possibilities.
Whatever your decision on where to start the Camino de Santiago, we’re here to help you with everything you need. Get in touch and let’s design the Camino that suits you best. Buen Camino!
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