The Camino de Santiago has many different routes
Each one offers a unique cultural and spiritual experience. The Camino de Santiago is not a single route like many people think referring to the most popular one – the Camino Frances. It’s a network of pilgrimage routes that start in different places across Europe and finish in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. In fact, you can start walking to Santiago from anywhere in Europe.
Different pilgrimage routes of the Camino de Santiago
As of March 2024, we’ve completed 9 Camino de Santiago routes. 7 main routes: Camino Frances, Camino Portuguese (Coastal and Central Route twice), Camino del Norte, Camino Primitivo, Camino Ingles, Camino Finisterre-Muxia, and Via de la Plata. And two lesser-known Camino routes: Camino de San Salvador, and Camino de Gran Canaria. We’re planning to walk more routes in 2024. We have created the Camino de Santiago resource page where all our Camino posts are divided into relevant groups. It makes it easier to navigate and find the information you’re looking for.
Camino de Santiago routes map
Map of the main routes of the Camino de Santiago; Camino Frances, Portuguese Camino, Camino del Norte, Camino Primitivo, Via de la Plata, Camino Ingles, and Camino Finisterre
What is the most popular Camino de Santiago route?
The Camino Frances is by far the most popular Camino de Santiago route. Most people walking the Camino Frances don’t complete the entire route but only the last 100 km from Sarria to Santiago. The Portuguese Camino de Santiago is the second most popular route. Below you can see the number of pilgrims on different Camino routes according to the information from the Pilgrim’s Receptions Office in Santiago de Compostela. In 2023 in total 446,042 pilgrims arrived in Santiago de Compostela after completing one of the Camino routes.
Camino route In 2023
- Camino Francés 49.7% – 219,787 pilgrims
- Camino Portuguese (Central + Coastal routes) 32% – 141,465 pilgrims
- Central route: 20% – 88,718
- Coastal route: 12% – 52,747
- Camino Ingles 5.4% – 24,094 pilgrims
- Camino Primitivo 4.7% – 20,714 pilgrims
- Camino del Norte 4.6% – 20,583 pilgrims
- Via de la Plata 1.8% – 7,964 pilgrims
The Pilgrim’s Reception Office in Santiago doesn’t have exact numbers for the Camino Finisterre-MuxÃa. People usually walk this route after finishing one of the other (longer) Camino routes.
What is the best Camino route for beginners?
We often get this question. I’d say one of the most popular Camino routes e.g. Camino Frances or Camino Portuguese from Porto is the best route for beginners. Why? Simply because these routes have a very good infrastructure which means it’s easy to find accommodation, support, and help. The easiest option is to walk the last 100 km to Santiago de Compostela on one of the two routes from Sarria on the Camino Frances or from Tui on the Camino Portuguese. If you want to complete a longer route then the Portuguese Camino from Porto (the Coastal or the Central route) is probably one of the best options.
What is the hardest Camino de Santiago route?
Out of the seven main Camino de Santiago routes I’d say the Via de La Plata is the toughest route. First of all, because it’s the longest route. Second, because distances between towns are very long sometimes you walk 20-25km though nothing which means you have to carry a lot of water and some food with you. Third, it gets very hot in summer and quite cold in winter in that part of Spain you have to find the perfect time between the two seasons. In my opinion, the Camino del Norte is the second toughest Camino de Santiago route because of its long distance and many ascents and descents on the route. The part of the Portuguese Camino from Lisbon to Porto is quite challenging as well because of the long distance between towns and limited accommodation options.
Which Camino route is the best for you?
Which Camino route is the best? is one of the most frequently asked Camino questions we get. It depends on several aspects. Decide how far you want to walk – short, middle, or long-distance route. You always can start a route not from its official beginning but from the point on the route that suits you the best. Choose the best route for the month you want to walk – not too hot, not too much rain. Determine what you want to see; coast, beach, forest, mountains, historical cities. Decide if you want to walk a busy and very social Camino route or rather have a solitary walk.
