You’ve decided to take on the iconic Camino de Santiago? Amazing! Now comes the hard part – deciding which route to take exactly. There are dozens of different options to choose from, varying in their landscapes, length and difficulty. Today we’ll compare 3 of the most popular options.
Camino Francés
If you ask ten people which Camino to do as the first one, nine will likely say the Camino Francés from Sarria. While the original starts at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and stretches for nearly 800 kilometers, the shorter alternative from Sarria (the final 100-kilometer stretch) is often preferable by first-timers, as it can fit within a week while still being eligible for the Compostela certificate.
That’s not the only reason Camino Francés is so popular, though. The route is also praised for its well-established infrastructure, with plenty of hotels, shops, cafes and restaurants along the way, and manageable landscapes. It’s also by far the busiest (attracting nearly half of all Camino pilgrims), making it ideal for solo walkers or those who love to socialise.
Camino Portugués
Another unbeatable classic, the Portuguese Way originally starts from Lisbon and runs around 620 kilometres, crossing the border into Spain and reaching Santiago de Compostela. For a shorter alternative, the routes from Tui or Porto are a common choice, doable in 7-10 days. The trail itself is considered to be one of the easiest and gentlest in the whole network of Camino routes, while also being less busy than the French Way.
Another unique thing about Camino Portugués is that it comes with two route options: the main route and the coastal alternative. While the former starts with a coastal walk and moves inland from Porto, the latter keeps going along the coast nearly the entire way. If you prefer a breeze and open views of the Atlantic coast, you may start the alternative Camino Portugués at Baiona or Porto for a week-long trip.
Camino del Norte
For those looking for something a little wilder and more challenging, Camino del Norte (or the Northern Way) is another great option. As the name suggests, the route takes you across Spain’s northernmost coast, stretching over 800 kilometres from Irún to Santiago de Compostela. However, popular starting points for shorter sections are Bilbao or Santander, both covering under 150 kilometres.
Camino del Norte is one of the oldest of the Camino paths, known for its dramatic but certainly more demanding terrain. There’s a fair share of climbs, but walkers are treated to some of the most spectacular coastal scenery, with beautiful beaches and breathtaking cliffs. Despite only being walked by around 20,000 people each year, the route is not lacking infrastructure, since it regularly passes through larger towns and cities.
Making your decision
The most important things to consider when picking a route are your fitness level and time constraints. All three (or four, if you count Camino Portugues coastal route separately) of the above routes are suitable for first-timers, but will offer vastly different experiences: the Portugal Way being the easiest, the Northern Way the most challenging, and the French Way sitting at the middle ground between them.
Looking at the distances covered each day and places visited can also be helpful when making your decision. A specialist Camino travel agency, like Santiago Ways, will have full itineraries for all routes available on their website, and will happily answer any questions to help you pick.
Remember, there’s no right Camino, just the right choice for you.
