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
English Way
From Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela. Delve into the culture of villages of great military, naval and historical importance. 5 Etapas | 125 km
Father Sarmiento Way
From Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela. Total 142 km - 6 stages 6 stages | 142 km
Finisterre and Muxía Way
From Santiago de Compostela to Muxía. A mystical and spiritual journey to the ends of the Earth 5 stages | 120 km
French Way
Desde Saint Jean Pied de Port hasta Santiago de Compostela. Follow in the footsteps of Charlemagne through the Pyrenees and travel 800 kilometers along the French Way. 33 stages | 768 km
Northern Way
From Santiago de Compostela to Muxía. An unforgettable experience with breathtaking scenery 34 Stages | 820 km
Portuguese Way along the coast
From Oporto to Santiago de Compostela. Total 194 km - 8 stages 8 Stages | 194 km
Portuguese Way: spiritual variant
From Pontevedra to Padrón. Total 81 km - 3 stages 3 stages | 81 km
Sanabrian Way
From Granja de Moreruela to Santiago de Compostela. Total 365 km - 13 stages 13 stages | 365 km
Way of the Lighthouses
From Malpica to Finisterre. A 200-kilometer journey along the coast and through the wildest of nature 8 stages | 195 km
Winter Way
From Ponferrada to Santiago de Compostela. Through the regions of Valdeorras and Ribeira Sacra 5 stages | 120KmWhat 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
7 days / 6 nights
8 days / 7 nights
7 days / 6 nights
7 days / 6 nights
8 days / 7 nights
6 days / 5 nights
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)
7 days / 6 nights
8 days / 7 nights
7 days / 6 nights
11 days / 10 nights
11 days / 10 nights
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
