What is the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago or the Way of St.James is a network of pilgrimage routes to the tomb of Apostle St. James (Santiago in Spanish) in Santiago de Compostela. Walking the Camino is a lifetime experience. One of the best things about it is that anybody can do it. You don't have to be an experienced hiker or good athlete to walk it.
We have the Camino de Santiago resource page where you can find all our posts dedicated to the pilgrimage. It's easy to navigate as all the posts are grouped by the topic.
As of May 2026, we've completed 12 Camino routes and several connecting and alternative routes. If you have just started planning the Camino you can follow our 10 easy steps that will help you to plan your walk.
Watch our YouTube video about things to know before walking the Camino de Santiago
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What is the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, a city in Galicia, Northern Spain. It's believed to be the burrier place of the remains of the Apostle St. James. The history of the Camino de Santiago goes back to the 9th century when Spanish King Alfonso II completed the first-ever pilgrimage from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela. Nowadays this route is known as the Camino Primitivo.
Camino de Santiago has many different routes from short 120-kilometers trails to long and challenging 1000-kilometers routes. Depending on how much time you have, what you want to see, and how far you want walk you can choose any of the existing routes.
Why is the Camino so important?
The Camino de Santiago is one of the oldest pilgrimage routes in Europe. It has been walked by millions of people over the centuries. The final point of the pilgrimage, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, is one of the three Christian temples built over the tomb of one of the twelve Apostles. People who walk the Camino for religious reasons see it as the way to seek penance and forgiveness.
If you get overwhelmed at the beginning of your Camino planning and have many questions that need to be answered we created a dedicated post answering many FAQs about the Camino de Santiago.
Many routes of the Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago is not a single route, as some people think referring to the most popular route - Camino Frances. It's a network of routes. You can start walking to Santiago from anywhere in Europe but outside the established Camino de Santiago routes it will be difficult to find a good infrastructure for pilgrims; accommodation, route markings, etc.
There are several established routes of the Camino. They start in different places in Spain and Europe and end in Santiago de Compostela.
Camino Frances (the French Way) - the most popular route. In 2024 47% of all pilgrims walked this Camino. The French route starts in Saint Jean Pied de Port, a small French town near the border with Spain. The total distance is 790 km. 65% of pilgrims who completed the route walked the last 100 km from Sarria.
Camino Portugues (the Portuguese Way) - the second popular route. It starts in Lisbon but most people start their walk in Porto or Tui. Total distance from Lisbon is 644 km, from Porto 243 km, 274 km, or 280 km, depending on the route you take, 119 km on the route from Tui. There are three routes from Porto; the Coastal route, the Litoral Way, and the Central route.
Camino del Norte (the Northern Way) - this route is very beautiful but has a lack of infrastructure for pilgrims especially in terms of budget accommodation. The Northern Way is a great alternative to the French Camino. I've walked both and liked the scenery on the Camino del Norte more. The route starts in Irún, a small Spanish town on the border with France. The total distance of the Camino is 825 km.
Camino Primitivo (the Original Way) - one of the lesser-known Camino routes, about 5% of the pilgrims. It’s relatively short, 321 km. It’s considered to be one of the toughest routes due to many steep ascents and descents. The Camino Primitivo starts in Oviedo, Spain.
Via de la Plata (the Silver Way) - one of the longest Camino routes in Spain, about 1000 km. It's one of the least walked routes, only 2% of pilgrims walk it. It’s not the best route to walk as the first Camino due to prolonged stages and great distance.
Camino Inglés (the English Way) - a shorter route, 120 km. It starts in Ferrol, Spain. 5,5% of pilgrims walk. It’s probably the best option for those who want to get a taste of the Camino before embracing a longer walk.
There are many lesser-known Camino routes in Spain. All these routes combined are walked by less than 1% of the pilgrims. You can imagine how little infrastructure they have.
There is one special route Camino Finisterre-Muxía, unlike the other routes, it starts in Santiago de Compostela and goes to Finisterre and Muxía, two coastal towns in Galicia. People usually walk it after completing one of the other Camino routes.
You can find more details on route options in our post on the Best routes of the Camino de Santiago.
How long does it take to walk the Camino de Santiago?
The time required for completing the Camino de Santiago depends on the route. It can be from 4 days on the Camino de Gran Canaria to 45+ days on the Via de la Plata. The most popular route the Camino Frances takes on average between 30 and 35 days to complete. If you don't have time to complete one of the longer routes and still want to get the Compostela Certificate you can walk a 100 km on any Camino route.
If you want to complete one of the longer routes of the Way of St.James but don't have enough time you can split it into parts and walk them over a couple of years.
Where does the Camino start and end?
The starting point of the Camino depends on the chosen route. All Camino routes start in different cities across Spain, some in other European countries. All routes end in one place - Santiago de Compostela. There are only two exceptions: the Camino de Gran Canaria which is on the Canary Islands and the Camino Finisterre-Muxia which starts in Santiago de Compostela.
Santiago de Compostela is a great city with many things to do. If you have a couple of days after finishing the Camino I recommend spending them there.
How hard is to walk the Camino?
The Camino de Santiago is a challenging route, especially for first-timers who have never done a multi-day walk before. It's physically demanding to walk on average 20-25 km daily for weeks. Even if you walk one of the shorter routes or do only a 100 km it's still difficult. I would recommend doing some training for the Camino de Santiago.
On longer routes (from our experience) besides physical exhaustion you can get emotionally burned out. Just imagine getting up every day packing your stuff in a backpack, walking for 6-8 hours, sleeping every night in a different place often in a shared room with strangers. Of course, it's a unique experience, and the challenges that we overcome form a part of it.
How many hours a day do you walk?
You walk 20-25 km/12,4-15,5 mi per day on average. If you take an average walking speed of 5 km/3,1 mi per hour it'll give you 4-5 walking hours a day. Add to that an hour or two because you usually stop on the way to drink coffee, eat lunch, etc. Be ready to spend on the road between 6 and 8 hours a day. Some people walk slower some faster. Even on the same Camino route walking time may vary depending on the landscape; in the mountains (due to ascents and descents), you walk slower than on the plains.
What is the best month to walk the Camino de Santiago?
The best months for doing the Camino depend on the route you choose, some routes are great in summer e.g. Camino del Norte, Camino Primitivo - it's nice and warm, with no rain. On some Caminos, the summer heat is unbearable e.g. Via de la Plata, and the Lisbon to Porto part of the Portuguese Camino - it's scorching hot, dry with no shadow to hide.
The busiest time for most of the routes is May, June, July, and September. These summer months have the best weather for walking. If you want to escape crowds plan the walk for end of September beginning of October. We love walking the Camino that time of the year. It's still warm and sunny but less crowdy.
For walking the Camino de Santiago completely off-season between November and March, the French Camino is probably the best. There is more infrastructure, some albergues are open all year round.
Weather-wise winter is not the best time it can rain quite a lot and temperatures drop below 0C. Some mountain passes might be closed.
What do I need for walking?
Anybody can walk the Camino de Santiago. You don't need any special documents or permits. All you need is a pair of good shoes and a comfortable backpack for the Camino. Of course, you'll have to do some planning and preparation.
The only special thing you need for the Camino de Santiago is a Credential (pilgrim's passport) - a small book that contains your information (name, country, birth date, etc.) with special spaces for stamps. IYou collect stamps from albergues, churches, restaurants, and bars on the route. At the end of the Camino you go to the Pilgrim's Reception Office in Santiago de Compostela with your Credential with stamps. There you can get the Compostela certificate for completing the pilgrimage.
How much does the pilgrimage cost?
Walking the Camino is usually cheaper than going on a normal holiday. The cost depends on how much comfort you need. The cheapest way to walk the Camino is;
- to stay mainly in public (municipal) albergues
- to make food
- not to go out a lot
If you stick to these rules your Camino budget will be as little as 25 Euros per person per day.
Camino de Santiago one week cost, per person
- Accommodation - 10 Euro x 7 days = 70 Euro per week, per person
- Food shopping - 10 Euro x 7 days = 70 Euro
- Eating out (optional, you can buy all food in supermarkets) - 10 Euro x 7 days = 70 Euro
- Laundry - 5 Euro, can be divided between 2 or more people
- Other - 10 Euro
Total; 225 Euro pp. per week or 33 Euro pp. per day, plus transport to get to the Camino and back home. For a comfortable walk, I suggest budgeting 35 Euro pp. per day. If you cut off on eating out you can do it for 175 Euro pp. per week or 25 Euro pp. per day.
You can find more details on the cost of walking the Camino including money-saving tips, a detailed explanation of what you can get on 25, 35, and 50 Euro per day, and a comparison of the cost of different routes in our post The cost of walking the Camino de Santiago.
Do I have to carry my backpack?
If you don't want to walk with a big backpack every day it's possible to arrange backpack delivery on the Camino. Your backpack gets picked up in the morning from your hotel and dropped off in the afternoon at your next accommodation place. Several companies offer luggage transfer services on the Camino de Santiago. The Spanish post office Correos is the main one, they cover most Camino routes. The price is around 7 Euros per backpack per stage.
Travel insurance for the Camino
Walking like any other outdoor activity involves a risk of getting an injury or losing some of the gear. It's recommended to have travel insurance for the Camino de Santiago. Though Camino is not a high-altitude hike through remote areas it's still a physically challenging experience and injuries are quite frequent. It makes the walk less stressful when you know you're covered in case of any unpredictable emergencies.
World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers, with coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
How to plan the Camino de Santiago?
These simple steps will help you in planning and preparing for the walk.
Choose which route you want to walk. Don't be afraid to choose an off-the-beaten-track route, base your choice on what you'd like to see and experience.
Book your plane, train, bus ticket, etc.
Start training for the Camino.
Check packing recommendations and make sure you have all the essentials e.g. comfortable shoes, a good backpack, etc. Don’t leave shoe shopping till the last moment, you’ll need some time to get used to new shoes.
Get the Credential in your country or check if you’ll be able to get it at the starting point of your Camino route; some albergues, cathedrals, or information offices sell them.
Make a draft of your walking itinerary (stages) based on distances. You don't have to stick to it but it's nice to have some sort of a walking plan.
Buy travel insurance that covers the period of the walk.
When you have everything ready pack your backpack and try to walk 10-15 km with it. If it feels too heavy reconsider your luggage and leave unnecessary stuff at home. It's important to pack light for the Camino to make your walk easier.
One of my main Camino de Santiago tips is don’t stress out - as pilgrims say “The Camino provides”. Everything will work out in the end and you'll be fine.
Where do pilgrims stay?
Hostels for pilgrims are called albergues. They can be municipal (public) or private. The municipal albergues are run by the municipality with the help of volunteers. Private albergues belong to a person or organization. In high season municipal albergues on the popular routes fill up quite quickly if you want to get a spot you must be there before 1 pm and wait in the queue. Even if you don't get a spot there will be one or two private albergues where you can stay for 5-7 Euros more.
There are albergues for a donation they can be private or public. They don't have an established price, and pilgrims donate as much as they want. Donation albergues are only for pilgrims with Credentials, they can't be booked.
Of course, there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses on the Camino. It works out a lot more expensive to stay in private every night, especially on longer routes. We try to stay in private at least once or twice a week to have better rest.
Municipal albergues
- The average price is 10 Euros per person.
- They are exclusively for pilgrims (you need a Credential to stay there).
- Can’t be booked, first come first serve principle.
- Check-in usually starts between 1 pm and 3 pm.
- Check out by 8 am the next morning.
- Don't allow to stay for more than one night.
- Usually, have disposable bedding included or for 1 Euro extra.
- Normally have a kitchen, sometimes without utensils or cutlery.
- Usually, they are quite big.
Private albergues
- Price 15-20 Euros.
- Not only for pilgrims but the majority of people who stay there are pilgrims.
- They can be booked in advance through online booking system or over the phone.
- Normally open for check-in from 1 pm.
- Check out before 9 am-10 am.
- Allow staying as long as you want.
- Usually have better facilities than public albergues.
- Disposable bedding is included, some places have normal bedding.
- Usually have a kitchen.
- Normally they are smaller than public albergues.
How do I find albergues on the Camino?
You don't have to worry about it. The way to municipal albergues is always marked, just follow the arrows and you will end up at the albergue. Most private albergues have indications pointing their way (they want you to find them), some might be slightly off the route but usually, they are located pretty close to the Camino.
In the peak season (May, June, and September) if you want to stay in a specific private albergue (because it’s very nice or somebody recommended it to you, etc.) it’s better to book it in advance.
Find more information on accommodation on the Camino in our comprehensive post Albergues on the Camino de Santiago.
What is the food like on the Camino?
It's not a problem to find places to eat on the Camino. Most routes, especially the more popular ones, have plenty of restaurants and bars. Menu del Día or Pilgrim's Menu is the most popular meal. It's a set menu that includes salad or soup, a main dish (meat, chicken, fish), wine/water/cool drink to choose from, bread, coffee, or dessert. The menu costs 12 Euro on average and it's usually a big meal. Many restaurants, bars, and private albergues serve it for lunch.
Many bars and cafes offer breakfast. It's usually a cup of coffee with a sandwich or pastry and a glass of orange juice. In some places, you can find a big breakfast with eggs and bacon but it's not typical in Spain.
Tapas or pinchos are very popular in Spain. Tapas or pinchos can be anything; a small portion of paella, a little sandwich, a piece of tortilla, etc. Some bars give tapas for free with your drink, and some charge extra, usually 2-3 Euro. Pinchos are typical for Northern Spain (the Basque County, Navarra). You always pay for pinchos, the price is 3-6 Euro.
The main problem on the Camino is if you are on a specific diet e.g. vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc. In big cities, you find restaurants serving vegan or vegetarian menus but in smaller places, it might be difficult. The best option is to find a place with a kitchen where you can cook.
The food on the Camino de Santiago is a part of the experience. I recommend trying some of the traditional Spanish dishes and going out for tapas at least once.
How do I find the route?
All established Camino de Santiago routes are well-marked from the start to the end. The routes are marked with yellow arrows and yellow scallop shells painted on sidewalks, tiles, walls, poles, etc. In Galicia, the route markers show the distance left to the cathedral in Santiago.
We rarely had a problem finding the way. A couple of times in big cities we lost the trek because the route sometimes is marked with metal scallop shells on sidewalks, but usually, it’s very easy to follow.
Is it safe to walk the Camino?
I’ve walked four different Camino routes alone and never felt unsafe. I walked out of big cities through so-called industrial areas, through forests, fields, and along beaches. The most unpleasant for me is walking on or along the road. I just don’t like it when I hear a car or even worse a truck approaching from behind but even when I had to walk on the road it never felt like a car would drive over me.
The main “danger” on the Camino is theft, especially in big cities. Don’t leave your valuable stuff unattended anywhere; albergues, restaurants, picnic spots, etc.
Camino de Santiago planning resources
- Make sure to choose the best Camino route for you | Many routes of the Camino de Santiago - choose the right one |
- How to pack for the Camino? | Camino de Santiago packing list |
- Join the international Camino community | Camino de Santiago forum |
- Find out what churches and cathedrals on different Camino routes held masses for pilgrims | Mass on the Way |
Questions or Comments?
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The pretty half of Stingy Nomads, responsible for all our land adventures (hiking, climbing, walking the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves walking since she was a child, she prefers to walk 1000 km with a backpack rather than to do a 10 000 km road trip (actually any road trip). Alya is a big fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Every time we go away she desperately misses our dog Chile.
I am very impressed with your sites, videos and information! Wow! I tried to buy you a coffee, but it wouldn't work on my laptop; will try my mobile later. Thank-you so much for all of the detailed information; I know I will be spending hours soaking up all of your content in preparation for our March 2026 start. Thanks again!
Hello Dave. Thank you for the comment. It's great to know that our site is helpful for fellow pilgrims. If you have any questions about the Camino don't hesitate asking. All the best!
Your PDFs have two itineraries between Triacastela and Sarria. Why are there two options? I'm not sure which one to take. Other than time and distance, what are some of the differences between them?
Thank you for your great website and all your helpful information.
Hello Dan. Thank you for the comment. We have a paragraph on the stages in this post https://stingynomads.com/camino-frances-walking-itinerary/#Stage_28_Triacastela_to_Sarria_255_km158_mi. There you can find explanation.
Buen Camino
HI
When doing the camino del norte (or any camino) and want to stay in municipal albergues, do need to arrive at your destination by 1pm to ensure you get a bed?
Hello Kristin. Thank you for the comment. First of all there are not many municipal albergues in the first half of the Camino del Norte.
As for your question it depends on the route you choose and on the month. If you walk the Camino Frances during the peak months (May or September) it's better to arrive early to make sure you get a bed. If you walk outside the busiest time of the year or choose a less popular route you shouldn't have any problem finding a bed in municipal albergues.
Buen Camino
Is it possible to tent camp or must you stay in facilities?
Hello Bart. In most places in Spain wild camping is not allowed and there are not many dedicated campsites along the Camino route. The campsite usually cost the same as public albergues from moneysaving point of view it's not worth it to camp. I know some people camp but most of the time you have to hide somewhere and pitch a tent after dark and break it down with the sunrise. In my opinion it's much easier and more comfortable to stay in albergues than wild camping.
Buen Camino
Hi,
I will be doing the Camino Portuguese coastal route in September. Starting in Porto. Do you know of a good beach to go to after I reach Santiago. Just want to relax for a bit prior to going home. Even an outdoor hot spring or nude beach would be great.
Thank you,
Karen
Hello Karen. There will be plenty of beaches on the route from Porto. You can see which one you like and go there after completing the Camino. Some beaches north of Porto are very nice. There are hot springs in Caldas de Reis, the town on the Portuguese Camino, 2 stages from Santiago. I think you can decide on the place after finishing the route.
Buen Camino
Thank you all the wonderful information!
A couple questions if you have time (French Route, Late September thru October)
1. Sleeping bag/sheets:
If you were planning on private hotels can you choose not to carry a sleeping bag/sheet... To the point, should you carry one anyways incase you you can't find accommodations with bedding/linens from time to time or is it alwaysgenerally possible to find a private room with bed ad linens provided?
2. If you chose to use the luggage/backpack transport service occasionally what do you suggest to carry water and necessities (snacks, windbreaker, etc, if your main pack is not with you for the day?
3. Given that water available, how much do recommend (I understand everyone is different) carrying? ... 1 liter? 1.5 Liters? (late September - October)
Thank you so much!
Hello Samuel. Thank you for the comment.
1. If you're planning to stay in private rooms in hotels you won't need a sleeping bag. I don't remember staying in a private room that wouldn't have bedding. Most private albergues and hostels have bedding as well.
2. If you use the luggage transfer service I would suggest carry a small day pack (you can get a foldable one) with water, phone, wallet, etc. Pretty much any valuable you have. You can carry snacks as well usually on the French Camino there are many places to stop for coffee and food.
3. We usually carry 1,5 l of water. You can always refill your bottle or buy more water along the route. The only part you might need more water in the Meseta part, there is one day in particular when there is nothing for almost 20 km. But in October it shouldn't be very hot 1,5 l for that stretch might be enough.
Buen Camino
Hi Guys! Great post!
I'm taking on the Camino next year sometime in June or July and I can't decide between the French and North ones. In your experience, which is overall "better" for accommodation, lower costs and sights? I want this experience to be genuine and spiritual but still need to stay within my 1200 - 1600 euros budget for 40 days. I am starting in the town of Oregue, since part of my family was from there.
Thank you!!
Hello Charlotte. Thank you for the comment. During the summer months accommodation on the Camino del Norte is very expensive. If you want to keep it low budget I'd suggest walking the Camino Frances. In my opinion the French route offers more of a spiritual experience and real Camino feeling as it's been the main Camino de Santiago route for centuries. For the Camino Frances June would be a better months it gets very hot in July especially in the part through the Meseta (the flats). We have two detailed posts on the Camino Frances where you can find more information. https://stingynomads.com/camino-frances-walking-itinerary/ and https://stingynomads.com/french-way-camino-de-santiago-guide/
Buen Camino
Hi! I've wanted to do this for so long and now that I'm eighteen I feel like I can. All this information is so helpful, thank you! Do you have any recommendation about what route might be the best one to do for the first time, solo?
Hello Naia. Thank you for the comment. We have a detailed post on the main 7 routes of the Camino de Santiago where you can find a lot of information https://stingynomads.com/camino-de-santiago-routes/. I'd say the Portuguese Camino from Porto is a good one for a first-time pilgrim. It's not as long and busy as the Camino Frances and has good infrastructure for pilgrims including budget accommodation.
Cheers
Hello there SN's
LOVE your blog! did the Camino Primitivo last year and now I have the bug!
I am just wondering if you have done any of the Via Francigena trail, and if so, was it hard to find accommodations?
Thanks
KD
Hello. Thank you for the comment. We got the Camino bug on our first Camino de Santiago route as well. We haven't walked the Via Francigena yet. We had it planned for 2020 but had to cancel the trip dur to the pandemic. We looked into accommodation and from what we've seen the route will work out quite a bit more expensive because there are no public or even private albergues like on the Camino de Santiago routes. You'll have to stay in hotels and guesthouses maybe hostels sometimes but in bigger towns and cities. I think on some parts of the route you'll be able to camp.
Cheers
Hi
Can I bring my dog and will we be able to get accommodated?
Hello Sharon. You can walk the Camino de Santiago with a dog but finding accommodation will be a challenge. Public albergues and many private albergues don't allow dogs. There are some dog-friendly hotels but most of them are in bigger towns and cities. We met a girl who walked with her dog the Camino Frances but she carried a tent with. Every night she would put it outside the albergues she was staying and her dog would sleep there. I don't know how comfortable you're with that option. Even taking your dog on buses and trains in Spain is not that easy. It'll be challenging for you and your dog. I'd do it only if I really had no other choice. There is a site
Buen Camino
Hi
This is fantastic information - the best I have found thus far! Thank you. I am hoping to walk the final stage with my daughter at the end of December this year. Do you think we will find lots of places still open? Also we will need a luggage transfer but the only ones I can find are private and include accommodation but we prefer to book ourselves and the municipal service will be closed. Any suggestions please?
Thank you so much again!
Hello Maxine. Thank you for the comment. I'd say the end of December is not the best time for walking the Camino. It's Christmas holiday many places outside big cities including hotels and restaurants shut down between mid-December and beginning of January. It might be difficult to find accommodation and arrange luggage transfer during that time.
You can find a PDF file with a list of places to say and check online if any of them are available for your dates in this post https://stingynomads.com/camino-frances-sarria-santiago-walk/. Keep in mind that you have to book everything in advance including buses, trains, fights, etc.
As far as I know most if not all luggage delivery companies offer their services during the season (between April and October) after then it's difficult to find any because there are not enough pilgrims on the Camino it's not worth it for them to drive around with one or two backpacks. You could send your backpacks all the way to Santiago and walk for a couple of days with small day packs instead. Correos (Spanish post office) offers this service.
Buen Camino
Great information!
Looking to walk the Camino de Santiago in 2024 and find your website very helpful, thank you.
Hello Lynda. Thank you for the comment. If you have any question about planning the walk we'll be happy to help.
Buen Camino
Hi, We are thinking of doing one of the routes but just the last 100km, to get a taste for it, as we only have a week to ten days. Could you recommend the best route ? Many thanks
Hello Jane. Thank you for the comment. I think the last 100 km from Sarria on the Camino Frances or from Tui on the Camino Portuguese are the best options for first-time pilgrims. Both routes have plenty of places to stay and restaurants to stop and are well-marked. The routes are very popular so you will meet many pilgrims. The Camino de Santiago from Tui has fewer pilgrims compared to the Sarria one. If you're looking for a quieter Camino then the Camino Ingles from Ferrol is a good option. It has way fewer people. The infrastructure is good but there are fewer places to stay along the route. We have detailed post on all the route on our blog.
Buen Camino
I have heard that the Camino Frances is swamped with people this year (2023). I was goingto go in September/October, but September is supposed to be one of the more busy months. So I may wait until 2024. What month from May to September do you think will be the least crowded?
Hello David. September is a popular month for walking the Camino de Santiago. I walked the French route in September and there were many people especially in the first half of it. If you start end of September from St.Jean and walk throughout October the route won't be that busy. Weather-wise it's still a good time for walking. I'd say July and August are the least crowded month out of the summer month but I don't think it's a goodtime for walking the Camino. It gest very hot on the Camino Frances especially in the Meseta part of it. It's one of the reasons there are fewer people on the Camino. You can try June as it's less popular than May or September and it's still not that hot but if you have time this year I'd say walk it in October.
Buen Camino
Hello Nomads! Thank you so much for this awesome and full of info website that you have created based on your personal experiences.
I am planning on the Portuguese Camino from Lisbon for September this year. You indicated that the path really starts at the smaller church and not at the main cathedral? What is the distance between the two? On a city map it looks like it is up the hill from the cathedral.
Also, I am a little confused by what happens after Porto. I am planning on staying on the Central Route, but maybe would like to dip into the Coastal for just a couple days--is it possible to do that and then switch back over to the Central? It looks like on maps that there are routes that connect the two at different points, or is there one designated intersection to cross back over that people would normally take?
You responded to another writer that you would not recommend the Portuguese Way from Lisbon if this was someone's first Camino. I really do want to do the whole thing from Lisbon. The issue is distances and fewer lodging options from Lisbon to Porto?
Gracias
Hello Pete. Thank you for the comment. The Church of Santiago is indeed just uphill from Se Cathedral in Lisbon. It's really not far.
As for the part of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago from Porto, you can do one day along the coast and walk out of the city following the Senda Litoral, a coastal route. It's the most popular way of walking out of Porto. Both the Central Route and the Coastal Route go through the industrial areas or next to busy roads. After that, in Vila do Conde you can switch to the Central Route and continue on the inland route to Santiago de Compostela. If you want to stay on the Coastal Route longer the next connecting route is in Caminha, 4-5 walking days from Porto. You can find a detailed explanation of different routes from Porto in this post https://stingynomads.com/camino-portugues-stages/
As for starting the walk in Lisbon it was our first Camino de Santiago and the part from Lisbon to Porto just didn't have the same Camino spirit that other routes have. Maybe it's due to the lack of infrastructure for pilgrims there are not many albergues pilgrims end up staying in private rooms on their own. There are not many pilgrims on the route as well it's more difficult to meet people. The part from Porto is very different, with many albergues, pilgrims, and overall better infrastructure. It's our opinion and you might have a different experience.
Buen Camino
Cant wait to do
thank you! I did my Camino and I am ready for the next one. This article was extremely helpful
Hello Joanna. Thank you for the feedback. We really enjoyed our first Camino de Santiago and keep going back to it almost every year. The second Camino is easier and less stressful as you already know what to expect.
Good luck!
Thank you for all of the valuable information! Much appreciated.
Hello Meaghan. Thank you very much for the feedback. Enjoy the Camino walk.
Hi! I have enjoyed reviewing your information. I think I want to do this. I am an avid hiker, 72 years old and would like to do 30 days on the trail. I would be alone and I don't need the certificate. It is just enough to experience this special place. I was thinking about the Portugues route. Is it possible to get this planned for a May departure? It is already March but I don't want to wait another year. Your notes say that the route is very hot in June, July, August. I am not interested in crowds so I thought May might be reasonable. So I have some quick planning to do. Any tips would be appreciated. Am I too late for this year? I will read more and find out as much as I can. Your site has been very informative! Thank you!
Hello Susan. Thank you for the comment. If it's your first Camino I would suggest starting the Portuguese route in Porto rather than in Lisbon. The Lisbon to Porto part of the Camino is more challenging with less infrastructure and longer distances between towns and albergues. You can do the Porto to Santiago part in 15-17 days including a couple of rest days. In that part of Portugal and Spain, it's not too hot in June yet. May-June will be a very good time for walking the Camino. It's not too late to plan it. I would just recommend booking accommodation in advance (if you're planning to stay in private albergues and hotels) as May-June is a popular time for walking this Camino route. You can find a list of places to stay in the third paragraph of this post - https://stingynomads.com/camino-portugues-stages/.
If you have more time and want to walk more I can recommend Santiago de Compostela to continue to Finisterre. It's another Camino route that takes 4-5 days to complete. You can have some rest in Santiago and then do the Finisterre route. Here is a detailed post on the route - https://stingynomads.com/camino-finisterre-muxia-stages/.
Buen Camino
@Stingy Nomads, Thank you so much for all the information. I am trying to put this together and want to make the most of it. Your thoughts are great. I think the Santiago de Compostela sound perfect for me. Thanks.
You're welcome, Susan. I hope your Camino de Santiago planning and preparation go well.
Buen Camino