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From cultural immersions to adventurous excursions, embark on a pilgrimage filled with enriching experiences and unforgettable moments along the revered Camino de Santiago routes.
- Arriving in Santiago de Compostela at the end of your trek and feeling the tremendous feeling of accomplishment among hundreds of other pilgrims
- Meeting lifelong friends along the way
- Passing through the remote towns and villages of Northern Spain along the historic route
- Learning the many historical nuances of the trail
- Enjoying a cocktail where Hemingway's characters did at The Cafe Iruña in Pamplona
- Taking in views of the majestic Pyrenees Mountains
- Enjoying the fabulous cuisine in Pamplona
- Photographing one of the Camino's favorite sights, the octagonal Eunate church
- Touring medieval churches and admiring the tremendous architecture
- Wine tasting at small local wineries in Porto
- Crossing the Pyrenees Mountains into Spain
- Wine tasting in the Najera vineyards, a region of Rioja winecountry
- Visiting the lively Saturday market in Sahagun and its signature red-brick churches
- Exploring the ancient Romanesque bridge of Puente la Reina
- Witnessing the stunning sunrise over the rolling hills of Galicia in Sarria
- Participating in a traditional pilgrim's mass at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
- Sampling delicious local cheeses along the route
- Marveling at the intricate Gothic architecture of the Burgos Cathedral
- Immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling markets in Leon
Camino de Santiago Tours & Travel Guide
Camino de Santiago Attractions & Landmarks Guide
The Camino de Santiago is a classic trip for hikers, trekkers, and religious folk. This network of pilgrimage routes dating back to the 9th century can be followed in many ways, though the main trail spans an impressive 500 miles from Biarritz on the west coast of France to Santiago, Spain. The path is marked along the way with a distinctive yellow shell shape, which also indicates establishments for food and lodging.
How Long Have People Been Traveling the Camino de Santiago?
Historians believe people have been walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrim route for over 1,000 years. Santiago, or Saint James, one of the original 12 Apostles, was spreading Christianity through the Iberian Peninsula.
It is said that upon his death, his body was laid in a boat, which ultimately landed on the coast of Spain. This spot was west of today's Santiago de Compostela. King Alfonso II ruled that Saint James' remains be buried in a special chapel. This became Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the site that attracts pilgrims from across the world to walk this pilgrimage route each year.
During the Middle Ages, some 250,000 pilgrims made the journey annually. The route traveled today, the Camino Frances (the French Way), was founded by Father Elias Valina, a Galician priest from O Cebreiro, in the 1980s. He marked the Camino de Santiago with the yellow scallop shell symbol on a blue background, the iconic waymarker of the route.
What Countries Does the Camino Walk Pass Through?
Several different Camino de Santiago routes exist, including those starting in France, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, and Finland. Look for tour operators offering guided and self-guided Camino tours beginning in any of these countries and varying in length, depending on your preference and timeline.
How Many Camino de Santiago Routes Are There?
The Camino de Santiago is not, in fact, just one path from point A to point B. It's a network of paths, all culminating in Santiago de Compostela. Most Camino de Santiago tour operators focus on 8 to 10 of the most popular ways to walk the path.
Camino Frances: The Most Famous Camino Route
Camino Frances (French Way) starts in Roncesvalles and covers 775 kilometers before arriving in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. This route has the most historical tradition and, to some, represents the most authentic pilgrim experience.
You'll pass by Gothic and Roman monasteries and temples along the way. This route is also the most well-marked, so whether you choose a self-guided or guided tour, you'll have adequate directions and maps.
You won't be alone on the path anyway — more than 100,000 pilgrims and travelers walk this UNESCO World Heritage trail annually. It's a great way to meet like-minded travelers along the Camino de Santiago and give your tour a convivial ambiance.
Trails are marked in places with the iconic scallop shell, said to be an ancient connection to St. James. Beyond the trail, you'll see the Camino de Santiago scallop shell in countless souvenir forms, on backpacks, on hotels and hostels, and more.
Other Less Popular Camino de Santiago Routes
The following are less traveled but chosen routes for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage:
- Camino Portuguese (The Portuguese Route): This well-marked, second-most popular Camino de Santiago walk has more historical attractions than any other route.
- Camino del Norte (The Northern Route): This route is excellent for those seeking an off-the-beaten-track Camino de Santiago experience. It is incredibly scenic and boasts cooler weather than many southern routes.
- Camino Primitivo (The Primitive Route): This path, trod by pilgrims as far back as the 9th century, is more mountainous than other Camino routes and features Oviedo's Cathedral.
- Camino Ingles (The English Route): Pilgrims arriving by sea took this Camino de Santiago path. It's the shortest of the famous Camino routes, uncrowded, and perfect for those who want a taste of the Camino de Santiago but need more time.
- Via de la Plata: A flexible Camino route following an ancient Roman road and, depending on which route you take, the longest Camino in Spain
- The Madrid Route: If you'd like to walk a section of the Camino de Santiago that's less crowded, consider a guided tour of the Madrid Route. It's less known, and although it is gaining some traction with Camino walkers, it's still a sure bet for peace and quiet along serene footpaths and through historic towns like Segovia and Valladolid.
Camino de Finisterre and Muxia
Like to change things up? Start at the end of the Camino de Santiago and walk to Finisterre, once believed to be the most western point on mainland Europe. This route is pretty wet year-round, but this start from Santiago de Compostela features ruggedly beautiful Galician countryside. This can also serve as an extension to the traditional Camino de Santiago routes.
Hiking the Camino de Santiago
This 500-mile trail can be broken up into manageable chunks. Often, tours visiting Northern Spain hike or cycle a portion of the path.
The main accommodations along the route are called albergues. These are often bare bones with multiple people in a room. You can cook your meals or participate in a communal meal. You can also stay in hostels in rural villages along the route. They usually have private rooms available with shared bathrooms.
If you're on a guided Camino de Santiago tour, your tour operator will arrange the food and lodging. Guided tour groups are more likely to stay in a hotel along the way arranged by their tour operator.
Though the trail has religious undertones, you'll meet many people from all walks of life along the trail. It's a great place to learn about other cultures and faiths.
Must I Walk the Camino de Santiago?
It is possible to experience the Camino de Santiago by driving if you don't have the time or physical capabilities to walk one of its famous routes. You'll still be an authentic pilgrim!
- Drive the Camino Route: Travelers choose to drive the Camino for various reasons, including families with young children, older adults, and those on a tight schedule. Walk some of the Camino de Santiago and drive the rest. There are tour operators in Spain who will cater to those travelers who choose the auto Camino route.
- Biking Tours: If neither walking nor driving is your style and you prefer two wheels, many biking tours are available on the Camino de Santiago. Most cyclists do not complete the entire Camino Frances (French Way). Instead, many start in Leon and continue to Santiago de Compostela for about a week, giving them enough mileage to earn the pilgrim's certificate.
- Cycling Tours: If you have over a week to cycle the Camino, consider the route north of the Camino Frances through the Basque Country and Cantabria. During the summer and early fall, the temperature remains pleasant for cycling from May to October.
Have even longer? With several weeks at your disposal, you can bike the Camino de Santiago from Basque Country, starting at San Sebastian, to Bilbao, Cantabria, Picos de Europa National Park, Oviedo, Leon, and ultimately joining the Camino Frances.
Accommodations Along the Camino de Santiago
Where will you stay overnight when walking the Camino de Santiago? An Albergue or pilgrim hostel is among the most common accommodations along the Camino routes.
Albergues offer a typical pilgrim experience in that they're dorm-style, inexpensive, and usually first come, first served. There are many albergues along the routes, usually between 5 and 15 kilometers separating one hostel from the next.
Look for several types of allergies along the Camino de Santiago routes owned by municipalities, religious organizations and associations, private groups, and individuals.
You will easily find hotels along the Camino de Santiago if you're not a hostel fan. If your tastes run more toward a private room, they come in several shapes and sizes, depending on which Camino route you take.
Guided and self-guided Camino tours may offer fondas (rooms operated by a town's local cafe or pub), pensions (rooms in a family home), hostels (family-run hotels), and more traditional hotels and paradors (historic buildings transformed into luxury accommodations).
Advantages of Guided Tours of Camino de Santiago
Deciding whether to do a self-guided or guided tour of the Camino de Santiago comes down to your personal preferences and goals for your journey.
Choosing a guided Camino tour is advisable if you'd like to focus solely on the experience without planning and figuring out various paths, accommodations, sights to see, etc. A few other advantages of a guided tour of the famous Camino pilgrimage route include:
- Eliminates the hassle of planning
- Less likely to get lost along the way or miss out on an important historical or religious site
- Company and security of an expert guide well versed in the Camino routes
- Like a self-guided route, you can still walk at your own pace.
- Value of knowing that everything is included, from your guide to luggage transfer, accommodations to meals
- Having a bilingual local guide, helping to translate menus and at sightseeing stops
- Opportunity to meet like-minded travelers in your Camino tour group, dining and staying overnight with them and sharing stories of your walk
Top Historic Sights You'll See When Walking the Camino de Santiago
You will encounter significant ancient landmarks and cultural treasures on the Camino de Santiago. From majestic cathedrals to quaint villages steeped in tradition, each step unveils centuries of pilgrim lore and architectural marvels.
- St-Jean Pied de Port: This beautiful, old walled town is a typical starting point for the famous Camino Frances, just 8 kilometers from the Spanish border.
- Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela: Spain's most sacred Christina monument and, for most, the final destination of their Camino journey. Pilgrims pass through the Portico de la Gloria, created in 1188 and adorned with 200 Biblical characters and scenes sculptures. Below the main altar lies the Crypt of Saint James the Apostle, the patron saint of Spain and the biggest draw for Camino pilgrims.
- Hostal de los Reyes Católicos: This is an original hostel for pilgrims in Santiago de Compostela, dating back to 1499. Today's Camino walkers can join guided tours that stay here—it has been transformed into a luxury Parador hotel with comfortable accommodations and traditional Galician cuisine.
- Torres del Rio Dome: A 12th-century Holy Sepulcher octagonal church inspired by Islamic Spain architecture.
- Burgos: Home to a vast 13th-century Gothic cathedral and walled medieval town
- Fromista Church in Castile-Leon: considered one of the earlier forms of French Romanesque architecture in Spain.
- Sahagun: A diverse town dating back to the Middle Ages, reflecting its Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and European inhabitants. Home to four lovely churches: San Tirso, San Lorenzo, La Peregrina and Virgen del Puente
- Leon: Dating back to the 1st century, Leon is home to a 13th-century Gothic cathedral considered one of Spain's most French Gothic churches. Pay special attention to the stained-glass windows, which give the cathedral an ethereal glow.
- O Cebreiro: It's one of the highest points along the Camino route, with an incredible scenic vista—also the gateway to the Camino's final region, Galicia.
Food Along the Camino de Santiago Trail
As you walk along the Camino de Santiago trail, you'll work up a hearty appetite the more miles you log.
As you pass through the various towns and villages of your chosen Camino route, your self-guided or guided tour will point you toward local restaurants offering the traditional Pilgrim's Menu.
Meals typically include bread, wine, a starter, an entree, and dessert. It's easy, predictable and filling. If you're a foodie on the Camino de Santiago, consider moving beyond the main street and seeking out off-the-beaten-path restaurants for a more authentic taste of Spain.
Your tour guide can help with dining recommendations, but the following are some traditional dishes as you eat your way along the Camino de Santiago:
- Padron Peppers (pimientos de Padrón): They are usually mild, but not always! Ask the locals for tips on distinguishing the hotter ones if you want to avoid them.
- Pil Pil Cod: Try this famous dish of the Camino del Norte. Pil Pil Cod entrees are based on cod, olive oil, garlic, and chili peppers.
- Garlic Soup: This typical dish of the famous Camino Frances is widely available in Castile and Leon. It's made with day-old bread, broth, poached egg, paprika, bay leaf, garlic and olive oil.
- Eggs a la Flamenca: Food enthusiasts walking from Seville along the Via de la Plata must try this egg dish brimming with red tomatoes, chorizo, peppers, peas, ham, green beans, garlic, asparagus, and onion.
- Migas: A traditional Spanish tapa, migas vary by geography. If you're walking through Via de la Plata, taste the migas a la Extremena in the Extremadura community — also known as "shepherd migas."
- Chilindrón Lamb: As you embark on the Camino Frances walk, you'll soon pass through Navarre. Take the chance to try the Chilindrón lamb, vegetable, tomato, and meat stew.
- Octopus a Feira: This dish is called "Octopus a la Gallega." It's a traditional delicacy in Melide, especially where the Camino Frances and the Primitivo route intersect.
- Cocido Lebaniego: Those seeking traditional flavors of the Camino de Santiago will want to try Cocido Lebaniego in Cantabria. It's a delightful blend of chickpeas, potatoes, cabbage, chorizo, bacon, and morcilla.
- Fabada Asturiana: Among the top ten dishes to try in Spain, the Aabada Asturiana is based on its namesake bean and combined with chorizo or morcilla. It's particularly hearty but well-deserved after a long day of walking.
- Scallops: Santiago de Compostela brims with seafood options, including the characteristic Galician Scallops. They're typically served in the scallop shell itself, the icon of the Camino de Santiago.
What to Pack for the Camino de Santiago
Prepare for your pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago with the essentials tailored to ensure comfort, convenience, and safety throughout your journey.
- One of the first things most packing lists for the Camino de Santiago suggest is hiking poles. These help balance your weight and relieve some of the stress on your knees.
- You'll be outside for almost the entire day. Be sure to keep your neck protected from sunburn!
- Tennis shoes are adequate for regular hikers, but occasional hikers should opt for sturdy boots. The flat trail appeals to all, yet hiking boots offer ankle support and weather resistance, which are crucial on muddy paths. Break in new shoes to prevent blisters.
- Thick wool socks help prevent blisters and keep your feet dry.
- The weather can change quickly, with occasional downpours. A rain slicker will keep you and your belongings dry and allow you to continue your trip instead of hiding out and waiting for the weather to pass.
- For long hikes like the Camino de Santiago, start early and hike till night. Expect chilly mornings and evenings, warming up during the day. Dress in layers for comfort throughout the varying temperatures.
Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage for People with Limited Mobility
On Travelstride, tours are categorized into five primary physical levels: Very Easy, Easy, Moderate, Strenuous, and Extreme, providing clarity on the level of activity involved. This grading ensures travelers with limited mobility can choose the tour most suitable for their physical ability.
You can also choose custom tours to tailor the experience to your needs. Your tour operators will make every effort to ensure a comfortable and accessible pilgrimage experience. Choose routes and activities that best suit your abilities — you don't necessarily need to walk the path to be a pilgrim. You can also easily drive the Camino de Santiago.
Camino de Santiago Reviews & Ratings
I enjoy intrepid but the style of
I enjoy intrepid but the style of travel doesn't suit everyone.
Good size group, great tour leader (on
Good size group, great tour leader (on this occasion), pretty good value for money on the whole.
good balance of guidance and free time
good balance of guidance and free time
Inexperienced leadership resulting in some wasted time.
Inexperienced leadership resulting in some wasted time. Too much time traveling in buses and small vans. Our leader was not confident in communicating information to...
Very knowledgeable, competent, personable guide. Fun and
Very knowledgeable, competent, personable guide. Fun a...
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