Camino de Santiago Routes, Stages, and Maps of the Paths

Frequently asked questions about the Camino Routes

• How many stages does the Camino de Santiago have?

  The Camino de Santiago is a network of routes with varying lengths and durations, and each route can have more or fewer stages. Here’s a breakdown of how many stages each of the main Camino routes has:

  • French Way: 33 stages.
  • Portuguese Way: 27 stages.
  • Portuguese Coastal Way: 12 stages.
  • Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino: 4 stages.
  • Finisterre and Muxía Way: 5 stages.
  • Northern Way: 36 stages.
  • Primitive Way: 14 stages.
  • English Way: 5 stages from Ferrol, 4 from A Coruña.
  • Sanabrian Way: 13 stages.
  • Vía de la Plata: 38 stages via the French Way, 36 stages via the Sanabrian Way.
  • Winter Way: 10 stages.

  Keep in mind that each pilgrim can make a personalized division of stages, though there is a standard division that many follow.

• 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.

• What is the hardest stage of the Camino de Santiago?

  Determining the hardest stage of the Camino de Santiago is complicated, as it’s subjective and highly personal. However, here are 10 of the most talked-about stages due to their physical difficulty, with their challenging sections and climbs. Many consider these to be among the toughest stages of the Camino de Santiago.

  • Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port – Lepoeder Pass (French Way)

  The stage between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Roncesvalles features the legendary Lepoeder Pass. Over a distance of about 20 km, you climb from 150 m to around 1,450 m. This official section, known as the "Napoleon Route," is a tough but beautiful stretch that has an alternative via Valcarlos, which is shorter and less strenuous. Any pilgrim walking this stage between November and March must take the Valcarlos route due to extreme weather conditions and snow. Fines are imposed for non-compliance.

  • Cizur Menor – Alto del Perdón (French Way)

  Continuing along the French route, the stage between Pamplona and Puente La Reina includes one of the most famous climbs among pilgrims: the ascent to Alto del Perdón. Between Cizur Menor and this iconic point, known for its famous Camino sculpture, there are about 8.5 km where you ascend roughly 300 m.

  • Hospital – O Cebreiro (French Way)

  For some, this is the most demanding stage and one of the hardest on the Way. The stage between Villafranca del Bierzo and O Cebreiro is considered the "Queen Stage," as it has the highest ascent on the French route. After covering around 20 km, the final challenge is a steep climb of about 600 m over 8 km.

  • Boente – Arzúa (French Way)

  To finish off the French Way, we can’t forget the infamous “leg-breaker,” the stage between Melide and Arzúa. This section of the last 100 km of the French route is a constant up-and-down, where the legs, ankles, and knees take a beating. Though the gradients aren’t too steep, the final 8 km can be tough, especially for those starting from Palas de Rei.

  • Codesal – Alto da Portela Grande de Labruja (Portuguese Way)

  While the Portuguese Way is relatively flat and accessible for any pilgrim, it does have a notable climb. On the stage between Ponte de Lima and Rubiães, walkers face the ascent to Alto de A Portela Grande in Labruja. Over 4.2 km, you climb about 300 m through forests and beautiful scenery on a short but demanding stage.

  • Combarro – Armenteira (Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Way)

  Still on the Portuguese Way, but taking the Spiritual Variant in its first stage from Pontevedra to Armenteira, pilgrims face another tough climb. After reaching the beautiful seaside town of Combarro, known for its traditional granaries, you ascend about 400 m over 7 km.

  • Pola de Allande – Puerto del Palo (Primitive Way)

  On the Primitive Way, the stage between Pola de Allande and La Mesa includes a challenging climb. The stage starts with a gradual ascent, from 525 m to nearly 1,200 m at Puerto del Palo over 8.4 km.

  • Augapesada – Trasmonte (Finisterre and Muxía Way)

  On the Finisterre and Muxía Way, the first stage between Santiago de Compostela and Negreira features an interesting climb. Starting at Augapesada, pilgrims face a moderately tough ascent of about 200 m over 2 km. Midway through the climb, you can refresh yourself at a fountain before descending to Pontemaceira, a beautiful reward on the Way to Finisterre.

  • Vao – As Travesas (English Way)

  On the English Way from Ferrol, the stage between Betanzos and Hospital de Bruma includes a brief but steep ascent between Vao and As Travesas. In about 1.5 km, you climb roughly 125 m to reach the highest point of the last 100 km on this route.

  • Oseira – Villarero (Sanabrian Way)

  Lastly, on the Sanabrian Way, the stage between Cea and A Laxe-Lalín, within the last 100 km from Ourense, includes a notable climb. This is a longer variant of the 11th stage, offering a challenging ascent starting from the Oseira Monastery, well worth the effort to visit. After exploring the monastery, you face a climb of 180 m over 2 km.

• How much money do you need to do the Camino de Santiago?

  Knowing how much money you need to do the Camino de Santiago is relative, as it depends on several factors:

  • Distance and duration of the route: The more kilometers, the more stages, days, and nights.
  • Mode of pilgrimage: Whether you walk, bike, or ride a horse can affect your expenses.
  • Type of accommodation: The cost varies depending on whether you stay in a pilgrim hostel, guesthouse, pension, or hotel.
  • Type of food: It depends on whether you always eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner in bars or restaurants, or if you save money by cooking at the hostel or having a picnic.
  • Transportation to and from home: Getting to the starting point and returning home is another significant expense.

  These are the main factors that influence the cost, but we can estimate a minimum daily average for the Camino (accommodation and meals). In general, the daily expense for staying in a private hostel and eating in bars and restaurants along the Camino might be:

  • Accommodation: Between €15 and €20 per night.
  • Food: Depending on your choices, if you always eat in bars or restaurants, expect to spend about €5 for breakfast and €10 for each meal. That's around €25, which can be rounded to €30 to include water and snacks during the stage.

  If you stay in public hostels and eat in bars and restaurants, the total daily cost would be around €50. Of course, this is a daily estimate that can vary depending on your preferences and circumstances. You should also consider transportation costs to and from home, as well as any potential purchases of gifts or souvenirs, etc.

• Is it recommended to add rest days between stages?

  Absolutely! You can include rest days in your Camino de Santiago itinerary. These days are ideal for relaxing, exploring nearby areas, or simply recharging your energy. We can help you plan and strategically distribute these rest days along your route to fit your needs and preferences. Make your Camino unique and tailored to you!

• Can I shorten or split a stage that is too long?

  Of course! You can customize your itinerary on the Camino de Santiago according to your needs and preferences. If any stage seems too long or short, we can adapt it to fit your pace and level of comfort. Flexibility is key to fully enjoying your experience on the Camino. We'll do everything possible to make your journey perfect for you!

• How is the Camino de Santiago signposted?

  All along the pilgrimage routes, you will find a multitude of elements and indicators that will help you to find your way around, making it practically impossible to get lost. The yellow arrow: the primary and most prevalent marker along the Camino de Santiago. It's strategically placed every few meters, painted on various surfaces such as trees, house facades, power poles, the ground, churches, rocks, and vertical signs. Its vibrant color ensures it stands out, making it easily noticeable and recognizable along the route. Milestones or kilometre markers: these stone and concrete constructions are the second most important signpost along the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago de Compostela. ypically adorned with the yellow arrow, the scallop shell, and occasionally displaying the distance remaining to Santiago de Compostela, these markers provide essential guidance to pilgrims along the way. Although they are similar, their design and frequency of use may vary from one region to another. In Galicia, for example, you will find a milestone every 500 meters. These not only provide directional guidance but also highlight places of historical, religious, or monumental significance along the route. Traffic signs and information panels: they may vary in design depending on the autonomous community you are in along the Camino de Santiago route. Scallop shell: following the yellow arrow, the scallop shell is the symbol of the Camino per excellence. Typically displayed against a blue background, it signifies the Way as a European Cultural Itinerary. In many towns and villages, you will find the bronze-plated scallop, which, along with other signs, guides pilgrims out of the city.

• How many days do I need to do the Camino de Santiago?

  As you know, there isn't just one route for the Camino de Santiago, and moreover, there's no obligation to complete it within a set timeframe. To qualify for the Compostela, the minimum distance required is 100 kilometers on foot or 200 kilometers if traveling by bike. In both cases, allowing at least one week should suffice to complete the journey in stages of 20 kilometers per day for walkers or 50 kilometers per day for cyclists.

• What is the best time to undertake the Camino de Santiago?

  The most recommended time is from April to October, with May, June, and the second half of September being particularly pleasant due to the good weather and lower influx of pilgrims.

  In July, August, and the first half of September, it is also a good option, although there is more heat and more pilgrims.

  From November to February, it is not the most advisable due to cold, rain, and fewer hours of daylight.

  👉 More information: consejos-peregrinos/mejor-epoca-camino-santiago/.

• What is the easiest route of the Camino de Santiago?

  Choosing the easiest and most suitable route depends on your physical condition and other factors. However, there are two specific routes that are considered the most popular and easiest to undertake.

  If you are looking for the easiest route of the Camino de Santiago, the French Way from Sarria is the most recommended option. This route covers the last 100 kilometers of the French Way, the minimum required to obtain the Compostela.

  This section stands out for its moderate terrain, well-marked paths, available hostels and services for pilgrims. Furthermore, as it does not have extremely long or difficult stages, you can enjoy the Galician landscape at a comfortable pace.

  Another option to consider is the Portuguese Way from Tui, which also covers around 100 kilometers. It is relatively flat, with a well-developed infrastructure for walkers and good signage.