The Camino Ways
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 recommendationsfor each route of the Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
All the Camino de Santiago Routes
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The French Way
124 Stages 768 KmsFrom Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela. Follow the most recommended route of the Camino.
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The Portuguese Way
45 Stages 620 KmsFrom Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy a Camino through the basins of the Tagus, Douro, and Miño rivers.
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The Portuguese Way along the coast
38 Stages 194 KmsFrom Porto to Santiago de Compostela. The Atlantic Ocean will guide your steps along the Portuguese and Galician coastline.
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Portuguese Way: spiritual variant
7 Stages 81 KmsFrom Pontevedra to Padrón. Relive the final stretch of the Apostle Saint James’s posthumous journey.
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Route to Finisterre and Muxía
19 Stages 120 KmsFrom Santiago de Compostela to Muxía. A mystical and spiritual journey to the ends of the Earth.
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Northern Way
58 Stages 820 KmsFrom Irún to Santiago de Compostela. An unforgettable experience with breathtaking landscapes.
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The Primitive Way
30 Stages 268 KmsFrom Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela. It follows the first Camino de Santiago, tracing the footsteps of Alfonso II.
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The English Way
13 Stages 113 KmsFrom Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela. Immerse yourself in the naval and historical heritage of a truly unique Camino.
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The Sanabrian Way
15 Stages 265 KmsFrom Granja de Moreruela to Santiago de Compostela. Cross the region of Sanabria and the mountains of Ourense.
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The Winter Way
0 Stages 120 KmsFrom Ponferrada to Santiago de Compostela., through the regions of Valdeorras and Ribeira Sacra.
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Father Sarmiento Way
9 Stages 142 KmsThe Father Sarmiento Way links Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela, offering a scenic journey through beautiful landscapes.
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Way of the Lighthouses
9 Stages 200 KmsFrom Malpica to Finisterre. A 200-kilometre journey along the coast and through the wildest nature.
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What route to choose on the Camino de Santiago?
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11 days / 10 nights
Camino de Santiago Map
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The English Way Map
The map of the English Way shows the historical route that connects Ferrol with Santiago over 122 kilometers and five stages. It is a well-equipped path, with an accessible profile and great international tradition, ideal for those seeking a different and complete pilgrimage.
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Map of the Route of Padre Sarmiento
The Route of Father Sarmiento, a variant of the Portuguese Way, begins in Pontevedra and covers 148 km along the coast of the Rías Baixas, passing through places with rich gastronomy, seafood, and wines. Although the route has good access to services, it is important to consider the scarcity of services in some sections. Enjoy the excellent food in areas such as O Grove, Illa de Arousa, and Cambados, famous for its Albariño. It is recommended to start in Tui and join this variant for an alternative experience.
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The Way of the Lighthouses Map
The map of the Lighthouse Way in Viajes Camino de Santiago shows the coastal hiking route that runs along the Galician Costa da Morte, connecting Malpica de Bergantiños with Cape Finisterre in about eight stages and approximately ~195 km alongside the Atlantic Ocean, featuring lighthouses, cliffs, beaches, and spectacular landscapes as the main highlights of the journey.
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The Winter Way Map
The Winter Way is an alternative route from Ponferrada that avoids O Cebreiro, crossing landscapes such as the Ribeira Sacra. With 8 stages, it stands out for its beauty and tranquility, although it requires planning due to the limited availability of accommodations.
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Vía de la Plata (Silver Route) Map
The map of the Silver Way shows a long, solitary Jacobean route that is very different from the northern paths. It crosses half the peninsula through open landscapes and scattered villages, ideal for those seeking introspection, challenge, and authentic pilgrimage.
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The Sanabrian Way Map
The Sanabrés Way is a tranquil variant of the Silver Way, ideal for those seeking to avoid large crowds. With 365 km and 13 stages, it crosses Castilla y León and Galicia. Although it has few services, the route is accessible if provisions are carried for long stretches, especially in stages of more than 30 km. It is recommended to start in Puebla de Sanabria or Ourense, but it is important to be prepared due to the scarcity of infrastructure. Avoid doing it in summer due to the heat and lack of shade.
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Portuguese Way Map: Spiritual Variant
The Portuguese Way: Spiritual Variant is a mystical and less traveled alternative to the traditional Portuguese Way that begins in Pontevedra, traverses paths of forests, monasteries, and the "Route of Stone and Water", and follows the legendary Traslatio by sea to Padrón, where it joins the main route towards Santiago de Compostela.
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Camino Finisterre and Muxia Map
The Camino to Finisterre and Muxía starts from Santiago and covers approximately 120 km in 5 stages to the Galician coast. Well signposted and with frequent services, it is a historic extension ideal for reaching the symbolic "end of the world".
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Camino Primitivo Map
The map of the Primitive Way shows the oldest Jacobean route, from Oviedo to Santiago, through mountains, forests, and valleys. It is an intimate and demanding path, ideal for those seeking authenticity, solitude, and a deeply scenic and spiritual pilgrimage experience.
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The Northern Way Map
The Northern Way, with 820 km and 34 stages, runs along the Cantabrian coast from Irún to Santiago, crossing the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia. Although it has numerous services, there are fewer infrastructures in sections such as Lourenzá-Abadín, Ribadeo-Lourenzá, and Gernika-Lezama. If you do not have time to complete the entire route, you can start in Bilbao or Vilalba to cover the 100 km necessary to obtain the pilgrim passport. Prepare for the elevation changes, especially during the rainy season.
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Map of the Portuguese Way along the Coast
The map of the Portuguese Way by the Coast at Viajes Camino de Santiago shows the alternative coastal route of the Portuguese Way that goes from Vigo and A Guarda to the north along the Atlantic coast through marked sections up to Porto, highlighting beaches, cliffs, and fishing villages as part of the Jacobean pilgrimage.
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Camino Portugues Map
The Portuguese Way connects Lisbon and Santiago over 620 km and 27 stages, traversing Portugal and Galicia. Well marked and with abundant services, it is an accessible route, with variants and options from Porto or Tui, ideal for beginners.
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The French Way Map
The map of the French Way at Viajes Camino de Santiago presents the classic route of the pilgrimage from Saint‑Jean‑Pied‑de‑Port to Santiago de Compostela, detailing the main stages, towns, crossings, and distances, as well as points of interest and services along the most well-known and traveled route of the Camino de Santiago.
Frequently asked questions about the Camino Routes
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Are there accessible hostels for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, on the Camino de Santiago there are accessible hostels for people with reduced mobility. Accessible hostels usually have access ramps as well as adapted bathrooms and rooms for people with mobility difficulties.
It is advisable to get information in advance about the adapted hostels at each stage, as accessibility varies depending on the route and location.
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Is it necessary to book the hostels in advance?
It is not possible to book public hostels in advance, as they operate on a first-come, first-served basis and prioritize the rotation of pilgrims.
However, private hostels do allow advance reservations. If you are traveling in the low season, it is not very necessary to book, although it is always advisable. In high season, however, it is almost mandatory to book, as you may risk not finding accommodation, or finding it, but far from the end of the stage.
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What does a trip with a guide on the Camino de Santiago include?
A trip with an accompanying guide on the Camino de Santiago offers personalized assistance throughout the journey. The guide will help you with the logistics of each stage, will tell you the history and traditions of the Camino, and will solve any unforeseen events. In addition, he or she will create a fun and friendly atmosphere in the group, helping everyone to feel united. Your guide will be with you from the moment you receive the group until you arrive in Santiago, offering continuous support and making recommendations on what to see, where to eat and what to do at the end of each stage. With their expert knowledge, you will be able to enjoy the Camino to the fullest, with no worries, and with a few surprises along the way. -
How much does the luggage and bicycle transfer service cost?
The cost of the luggage and bicycle transfer service on the Camino de Santiago depends on the duration and distance of your route. Prices vary according to the number of stages you travel and the selected pick-up and drop-off points. To get an accurate rate, it is advisable to request a personalised quote based on your itinerary. This service offers comfort and allows you to enjoy the Camino without heavy loads. -
How does the use of a broom car affect the total cost of the trip?
The use of a support vehicle can increase the total cost of the trip to the Camino de Santiago, as it is an additional logistical and transportation support service. However, it is an investment that provides safety and comfort, especially for groups or pilgrims with limitations. By sharing the expenses among several pilgrims, the cost per person can be reduced, making it a practical option in certain stages or more demanding routes.
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Can I book a broom car just for a section of the Camino?
Yes, you can book a broom car just for a section of the Camino de Santiago. It is especially recommended for groups, as it provides logistical support and safety in specific stages that may be more demanding or remote. Booking this service ensures immediate assistance and comfort, adapting to the needs of your group.
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Can the broom car carry additional luggage?
Yes, the sweep vehicle can transport additional luggage during the Camino de Santiago. This service is ideal for those who prefer to walk without heavy loads, as it allows for the transfer of backpacks and belongings between stages. Additionally, having a sweep vehicle ensures logistical support in case of exhaustion or emergencies, making the Camino more comfortable and safe. Hiring it allows you to enjoy the journey without worries.
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How to coordinate the use of a support vehicle with the route of the Camino de Santiago?
To coordinate the use of a support vehicle on the Camino de Santiago, plan strategic stops at accessible points by road close to the pedestrian routes. Ensure that the vehicle is available in case of injuries or exhaustion of the pilgrims. Communication is key: use mobile phones or tracking apps to monitor the group's location. Additionally, the driver should be familiar with the different stages of the Camino and their access points. This ensures quick and safe support at any section of the route.
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¿Is it possible to arrange transportation for a group on the Camino de Santiago?
Yes, transportation for groups can be organized on the Camino de Santiago. We offer personalized transfers in private vehicles, minibuses, or buses depending on the size of the group. This service facilitates transportation to and from the starting and finishing points, as well as between stages. Booking in advance guarantees availability and better rates, especially in high season.
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How to avoid injuries on the Camino de Santiago?
To avoid injuries on the Camino de Santiago, it is important to take into account the following tips:- Prepare yourself physically with previous walks and on different types of terrain.
- Wear suitable footwear that has already been used.
- Carry a light backpack so as not to overload your body.
- Stretch before and after each stage.
- Listen to your body and rest when necessary.
- Stay hydrated, nourished and well rested throughout the walk.
- Keep a good posture while walking to avoid tensions.
