9 Camino de Santiago Routes: How to Choose the Best One

You’ve probably heard the saying, “All roads lead to Rome”.

The same goes for the Camino de Santiago routes. Regardless of the starting point of your walk, every pilgrim path leads to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.

So, which Camino route should you take?

In this guide, I’ve included detailed information about 9 different Camino routes. Before deciding, answer all questions as precisely as possible. By the end, you should know which Camino de Santiago route is the best for you.

Ready to start walking the Camino?

Let’s jump right in!

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The 9 Most Popular Camino de Santiago Routes Overview

What to Ask Yourself to Pick the Best Camino Route for You

Now that you know which are the most popular Camino routes, let’s choose the one that suits you best. These are the questions you should ask yourself to pick the best option for your pilgrimage.

1. What Are the Most Popular Camino de Santiago Routes?

Below are the most popular Camino de Santiago routes:

• Camino frances: 780 km / 485 mi.
• Camino portugues: 640 km / 398 mi.
• Camino primitivo: 321 km / 200 mi.
• Camino del norte: 825 km / 513 mi.
• Camino ingles: 155 km / 96 mi.
• Via de la Plata: 1,000 km / 621 mi.
• Camino de Madrid: 322 km / 200 mi.
• Camino Finisterre: 90 km / 56 mi.
• Jakobsweg: 500 km / 311 mi.

These also offer the most extensive infrastructure for pilgrims. Many other Camino routes exist, as well as variations of the popular ones with different starting points and alternative paths.

They all have one in common. The destination is always the same: Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, the final resting place of Saint James.

The history of the religious pilgrimage to the burial site of Saint James at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral dates back to the Middle Ages. Nowadays, people walk the Way of Saint James (English for Camino de Santiago) for all kinds of reasons.

Travelers from all over the world embark on the Camino de Santiago in search of personal growth, new friendships, stunning landscapes, captivating history, or even tasty dishes. Whatever you’re seeking on the Camino, if you choose your route wisely, you’ll come back transformed.

Now that you know your options, let’s figure out the other aspects of the pilgrimage.

2. How Much Time Do You Need to Walk the Camino?

Your available time is the first thing you need to consider when choosing the right Camino route for you.

Here are the top Camino de Santiago routes and their duration:

• Camino frances: 5 weeks.
• Camino portugues: 4 weeks.
• Camino primitivo: 2 weeks.
• Camino del norte: 5 weeks.
• Camino ingles: 6 days.
• Via de la Plata: 7.5 weeks.
• Camino de Madrid: 2 weeks.
• Camino Finisterre: 3 days.
• Jakobsweg: 3 weeks.

As you can see, their durations vary hugely. Let’s dig into more details about each of the Camino routes.

You Need 5 Weeks for the Whole Camino Frances

You can walk the most popular Camino route, the French Way, in about 35 days. Its whole length is 780 km. It starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, and runs west over the Pyrenees and the border with Spain. Some of the bigger stops along the way are Pamplona, Burgos, and León.

Pilgrims usually spend from 31 to 35 days walking the Camino frances. Consider that you need to walk approximately 25 km (15.5 mi) per day, for a month. Factor in some free time to give your feet a proper rest, avoid injuries, and explore the sights along the most popular Camino route.

You Need 4 Weeks for Camino Portugues

The Portuguese Way is second in terms of popularity.

It’s 640 km (398 mi) long all the way from the capital Lisbon and stretches 240 km (149 mi) from Porto, Portugal. This means that you need 24 to 28 days for the whole route and 11-12 days if you start in Porto.

Camino Portugués has at least two alternative routes after Porto. One follows the Atlantic Ocean coast, while the other goes inland. Both offer stunning vistas, but the coastal Camino route has a flatter surface.

You Need 2 Weeks for Camino Primitivo

The 321-km (200-mi) long Camino Primitivo starts in Oviedo, Spain. You can complete this Camino route in about two weeks.

Add 3 Days on Camino Finisterre to Your Pilgrimage

If you want to continue walking after you’ve reached the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, add Camino Finisterre to your Camino pilgrimage. It takes about 3 days to walk the 90 km (56 mi) route to the Atlantic Ocean.

Usually, pilgrims walk this trail after they’ve completed another Camino route. On the rugged coast, they might burn their shoes and clothes. The fire symbolizes the end of their journey and the beginning of their new life chapter.

You Need 5 Weeks for Camino del Norte

The Camino del Norte runs 825 km (513 mi) along Spain’s northern coast, starting in Irún at the French border. Most pilgrims need 32 to 35 days to complete it, following the Bay of Biscay through San Sebastián, Bilbao, and Santander before cutting inland toward Santiago. Expect a slower pace than Camino Francés — the coastal terrain has more ups and downs, and stages between accommodations can run longer.

You Need 6 Days for Camino Inglés

If you’re short on time but still want the full Compostela experience, Camino Inglés is your shortest realistic option at 155 km (96 mi), starting in Ferrol. Most pilgrims finish in about 6 days, walking roughly 25 km per day. Historically, this was the route taken by English and Irish pilgrims arriving by ship — a detail that still gives it a distinct character from the inland routes.

You Need 7-8 Weeks for Via de la Plata

The Via de la Plata is the longest of all Camino routes at 1,000 km (621 mi), starting all the way south in Seville. Plan on 40 to 45 days of walking. Because it runs through some of Spain’s least-populated regions, pilgrim infrastructure is thinner here than on Camino Francés — fewer albergues means more planning ahead, but also far fewer crowds.

You Need 2 Weeks for Camino de Madrid

Starting in the Spanish capital, Camino de Madrid covers 322 km (200 mi) and takes about 2 weeks to walk. It’s one of the quieter routes, eventually joining Camino Francés at Sahagún for the final stretch into Santiago. A good option if you want to start your pilgrimage from a major international airport without an extra transfer.

You Need 3 Weeks for Jakobsweg

The Jakobsweg is the most popular German starting point for the Camino, beginning in Görlitz and covering roughly 500 km (311 mi) before crossing into the established Camino network in Spain. Most pilgrims budget around 3 weeks. It’s a good fit if you’d rather ease into the pilgrimage gradually through Central Europe before joining the more traditional Spanish routes.

How Long Do You Need to Walk to Receive the Camino Compostela?

The Camino Compostela is the official certificate that proves you’ve finished the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

You will receive your pilgrimage certificate at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral if you’ve walked at least 100 km (62 mi) to the burial site of St. James. Alternatively, you can claim your Compostela after cycling or riding a horse for at least 200 km (124 mi).

So, now you know your minimum distance goal!

That’s the reason Camino inglés is considered the shortest Camino route. It’s 155 km (96 mi) long, and you can walk it in approximately 6 days.

3. How Much Does the Camino de Santiago Cost?

Before deciding on your route, the next big question is: what will it actually cost you?

The good news is that the Camino de Santiago is one of the most affordable long-distance hikes you can do. Your two biggest expenses are accommodation and food, and both can flex a lot depending on how much comfort you want along the way.

Rough Daily Budget

Most pilgrims fall into one of two spending styles:

• Budget pilgrim (€30-45/day): Sleeping in public albergues (€10–15/night), buying groceries or eating pilgrim menus (€10–15/day), and covering small extras like laundry, coffee stops, or the occasional entrance fee (€5–10/day).
• Mid-range pilgrim (€50-75/day): Mixing in private albergues or budget hotels (€25–60/night), eating out more regularly, and adding conveniences like luggage transfer between stages.

If you’re walking a route for multiple weeks, these daily differences add up fast. The gap between a budget and mid-range Camino Francés, for example, can mean a total difference of €500-800 or more over a month of walking.

✔️ Tip: You don’t have to pick one style and stick to it the whole way. Most pilgrims mix it up. They stay in a public albergue most nights, then treat themselves to a private room every few days when their body (or their patience for snoring dorm-mates) needs a break.

Cost Differences by Route

Not all Camino routes cost the same per day, mainly because of how much pilgrim infrastructure each one has:

• Camino Francés is the cheapest route to walk. It’s the most popular Camino by far, which means public albergues, pilgrim menus, and budget-friendly options are everywhere. You can comfortably plan a trip around €35-45/day.
• Camino del Norte, on the other hand, tends to run more expensive. It’s quieter and follows the coast, which means fewer public albergues and more reliance on pricier private accommodation. Plan to spend €40-55/day.
• Camino Primitivo, despite being remote and mountainous, is surprisingly budget-friendly. Pilgrims report averaging around €33/day, since the route has decent (if sparse) budget albergue coverage.
• Via de la Plata, Spain’s longest and least-crowded route, sits similarly to Francés in daily cost, though public albergues run slightly higher (around €12/night vs. €10 on the Francés).
• Less-trafficked routes in general (Via de la Plata, Camino de Madrid, the quieter sections of Camino Portugués from Lisbon) often end up costing a bit more per day because there are fewer public, budget-priced albergues to choose from.

The takeaway: the most popular Camino routes aren’t just easier to plan. They’re usually the cheapest too, since demand has built a more budget infrastructure over the decades.

✔️ Tip: If budget is your main concern, Camino Francés or Camino Primitivo will stretch your money the furthest. If you have more flexibility to spend, Camino del Norte’s coastal scenery is worth the extra cost.

4. Are You Fit Enough to Finish the Pilgrimage to Santiago?

Despite being described as one of the easy hikes in Spain, the length and duration of walking is what makes the Camino so difficult.

So, when choosing your Camino de Santiago route, consider that you won’t be walking just a day or two for 25 km or 15.5 mi. You’ll need a fitness level that allows you to cover this distance for numerous days in a row.

Additionally, some routes have more challenging terrain than others.

For example, Camino frances takes you over the Pyrenees. Although picturesque, the hike in the border region might not be your cup of tea.

On the other side, Camino portugues is a coastal walk with equally stunning views but much flatter terrain. Plus, you get to explore the stunning historical cities of Lisbon and Porto!

Consider also that some of the stages will take you through towns and villages with cobblestone streets and over asphalt roads. These surfaces are much harder on your legs than nature trails.

Don’t forget the fact that you’ll be carrying your backpack for hours on end. Learn the tricks other pilgrims have used to optimize their luggage.

✔️Tip: If you don’t want to carry your luggage all the time, you can hire a service to deliver it from one accommodation to the next. This way, you can enjoy your Camino walk without worrying about your back.

5. When Should You Walk El Camino de Santiago?

One of the questions all future pilgrims ask is, “When is the best time to walk the Camino?”

You can walk most of the Camino routes all year round. However, the best time is from April to October. Keep in mind that in spring and autumn, rain is common, while in the summer months, the temperatures can be sizzling hot.

Additionally, research if accommodations and eateries are open during the season you want to walk. Many albergues and restaurants close in the winter months. You don’t want to walk for 25 km (15.5 mi) only to find out you can’t find a bed for the night or food to replenish your energy!

Here’s an idea of when to walk the most popular Camino routes:

• You can walk Camino frances almost all of the year. Just keep in mind that the first section through the mountains becomes difficult to pass in the winter months.
• The coastal routes like Camino portugues are perfect for spring and summer, from April to October, but might be too rainy and windy in winter.
• Camino primitivo takes you through mountains and along the rugged coastline. It can get muddy, windy, and cold in early spring and late autumn. Walking this route in winter is not advisable.

6. What Experiences Do the Different Camino Routes Offer?

The most important aspect of walking the Camino is the journey itself, not the destination.

Many roads will take you to Santiago de Compostela. Of course, it is important to consider the length of the route, your fitness level, and the time of the year. But so is the kind of experience you want to have.

Ask yourself, “Why do you want to walk the Camino de Santiago?”

• Are you searching for solitude and time with your own thoughts?
• Do you want to meet new people and explore new places with them?
• Do you want to disconnect from your daily life and enjoy nature?
• Are you a food aficionado trying to discover the tastiest seafood dishes?

Here are the things you need to consider when choosing a Camino route to match your personality and expectations:

Camino Primitivo: Searching for Solitude and Spirituality

If you are looking to disconnect from the world, consider walking the Camino primitivo.

The Original Way is the oldest Camino de Santiago route. Records show that King Alfonso II took this path to visit the tomb of Saint James in the 9^th century.

On this Camino route, you’ll explore sparsely populated, mountainous areas and admire breathtaking scenery. Not many pilgrims choose to walk it. Therefore, you can expect a peaceful and liberating experience.

However, since the route is less popular, it has fewer tourist attractions and restaurants than other Camino routes. Your solitude might come at a high price. So, consider both sides of the coin before venturing on your journey.

Camino Frances: Making New Friends and Discovering Places Together

On the other end of the spectrum is Camino frances. The French Way is the busiest and most popular of all Camino de Santiago routes.

If you want to meet new people, share the pilgrimage experience, and explore new places with fellow travelers, this is the right option for you. Many pilgrims consider it the most beautiful route, so you won’t run out of things to see and do. This route also has the best infrastructure for pilgrims.

However, the price you have to pay is the huge number of people roaming the streets of every charming town you’ll pass. Racing to accommodations to secure a bed for the night is also a thing on the Camino frances.

To avoid the stress of arriving at a fully booked house, you can make a reservation in advance. Check my resource on how to find cheap travel accommodation. Of course, pre-booking takes away the spontaneity of the walk, so make sure to leave some room for flexibility as well.

✔️Tip: If you select the French Way over other options but want to avoid the crowds, don’t walk it in summer.

Camino Portugues: Admiring Landscapes and Enjoying Fewer Crowds

The Portuguese Way is a nice blend of all the pros and cons of the previous two Camino de Santiago routes.

It is neither lonely nor crowded. Its infrastructure for pilgrims is well-developed so you won’t have any problems finding places to eat and sleep. But most importantly, you’ll be spellbound by the landscapes and astonished by the historical sites.

Camino portugues has a captivating past. The first people who walked it didn’t go on a religious pilgrimage. They were creating commercial connections between their neighboring countries, which are still in use today.

Camino del Norte: Chasing Coastal Views and a Quieter Trail

If your idea of a perfect walk involves ocean views over golden wheat fields, Camino del Norte is calling your name.

Hugging the Cantabrian coast through San Sebastián, Bilbao, and Santander, this route trades the crowds of Camino Francés for dramatic cliffside paths and fishing villages.

It’s more physically demanding. Expect steeper climbs and longer stretches between albergues. The reward is some of the most striking scenery of any Camino route.

Choose this one if you want the social pilgrim experience without the crowds, and don’t mind spending a few extra euros a day for the privilege.

Camino Ingles: The Short, Historic Escape

Camino Inglés is the route for pilgrims who want the full Compostela experience without weeks away from home.

Starting in Ferrol, it retraces the path taken by English and Irish pilgrims who once arrived by ship to begin their walk to Santiago.

At just 6 days, it’s ideal if you’re testing whether the Camino is for you, squeezing a pilgrimage into a short holiday, or simply prefer a compact, historic route over a long endurance trek.

Don’t expect the same infrastructure or crowd energy as Camino Francés. This is a quieter, more personal walk.

7. Do You Want to Walk Your Camino During a Xacobeo (Holy Year)?

Here’s something worth building into your Camino planning.

2027 is a Jacobean Holy Year, also called Xacobeo or Año Santo Compostelano.

A Holy Year happens whenever July 25th (the Feast of Saint James, the Camino’s patron saint) falls on a Sunday. This only happens 14 times a century, following an irregular 6-5-6-11-year cycle.

The last one was 2021 (extended into 2022 due to the pandemic), which makes 2027 the first Holy Year to be celebrated under fully normal conditions in over a decade.

During a Holy Year, the Cathedral’s Holy Door, which is normally sealed shut, is ceremonially opened and stays open for the entire year. Pilgrims who meet the conditions can receive a plenary indulgence.

Beyond the religious significance, Galicia also ramps up cultural programming. Expect concerts, exhibitions, and festivals throughout the year.

The region also invests heavily in path restoration and infrastructure ahead of the celebration. The Spanish government has officially declared Xacobeo 2027 an Event of Exceptional Public Interest.

What This Means for Your Planning

Holy Years reliably bring a major surge in pilgrim numbers. 2025, a non-Holy Year, already saw over 530,000 pilgrims reach Santiago, a record on its own.

With that baseline heading into a Holy Year, 2027 is expected to be one of the busiest years the Camino has ever seen.

Practically, that means:

• Book accommodation earlier than usual. The most popular stages on Camino Francés and Camino Portugués tend to fill up months in advance during Holy Years, especially in summer.
• Expect a livelier, more festive atmosphere in Santiago itself, particularly around July 24-25th.
• Consider walking in 2026 if you’d rather avoid the crowds. Or, if the once-in-a-decade energy of a Holy Year is exactly what you’re looking for, start planning your 2027 Camino now rather than waiting.

✔️ Tip: If you’re set on walking during Xacobeo 2027, decide on your dates and route as early as possible. The surge in demand doesn’t just affect Camino Francés. Even quieter routes like Camino del Norte and Camino Primitivo see a noticeable bump in Holy Years.

Which Camino de Santiago Route Will You Choose?

To recap, here is what the three most popular Camino de Santiago routes have to offer:

• Camino frances:
  • the best infrastructure,
  • great sightseeing options,
  • diverse terrain,
  • walkable (almost) all year round,
  • different options for starting points along the way, and
  • many fellow pilgrims to start new friendships with.
• Camino portugues:
  • good infrastructure,
  • mostly flat terrain,
  • stunning views,
  • different starting points to suit your available time, and
  • fewer crowds but enough people to share the experience with.
• Camino primitivo:
  • solitude,
  • authentic experience,
  • diverse terrain, and
  • it can be walked in just two weeks.
• Camino del norte:
  • dramatic coastal scenery,
  • a quieter alternative to Camino frances,
  • more challenging terrain,
  • fewer crowds with still enough pilgrims for company, and
  • fishing villages and beach towns along the way.
• Camino ingles:
  • the shortest route to earn a Compostela,
  • a rich history tied to English and Irish pilgrims,
  • a compact, manageable walk (just 6 days),
  • a good starting point for first-time pilgrims, and
  • a quieter, more personal experience.
• Via de la Plata:
  • true solitude on Spain’s least-crowded route,
  • the longest Camino experience available,
  • varied landscapes through less-visited Spain,
  • a deeper immersion into local, non-touristy Spain, and
  • a serious challenge for experienced long-distance walkers.
• Camino de Madrid:
  • a convenient start from the Spanish capital,
  • a quieter, less-touristy path,
  • a good option for a 2-week Camino,
  • a chance to eventually join Camino frances at Sahagún, and
  • easier access via a major international airport.
• Camino Finisterre:
  • a short, symbolic extension after reaching Santiago,
  • dramatic Atlantic coastline views,
  • a meaningful “end of the world” finish,
  • a peaceful way to decompress after the main pilgrimage, and
  • it can be walked in just 3 days.
• Jakobsweg:
  • a gradual, scenic introduction through Central Europe,
  • a unique starting point far from Spain,
  • a longer overall journey for a deeper sense of accomplishment,
  • a chance to walk through Germany before joining the Spanish Camino network, and
  • a good fit for pilgrims wanting more time to ease into the pilgrimage mindset.

Every Camino is different.

No matter which route you choose, be open to every new experience and new person you meet. Leave all prejudice behind, forget your problems, and try to rediscover your strengths while walking to Santiago de Compostela.

Whatever you are searching for, you can find it along the way.

¡Buen Camino! Bom Caminho! Bon chemin! Bon Camiño!

FAQs About the Camino de Santiago Routes

What is the most beautiful Camino route?

In terms of natural beauty, the most beautiful Camino route has to be the Camino del Norte. The north route goes through some of the most stunning landscapes and cities of Spain, and follows the coastline of the Bay of Biscay. You’ll walk through San Sebastian, Bilbao, and Gijón, before heading to Santiago de Compostela.  

What is the best Camino de Santiago route for beginners?

In terms of logistics, the easiest Camino route to walk is Camino francés. However, its terrain isn’t the most beginner-friendly. If you want less challenging terrain, choose Camino portugués instead. The Coastal Portuguese Way is much flatter than other Camino routes, has a good pilgrimage infrastructure, and doesn’t require a high level of fitness.

How long does it take to walk the Camino de Santiago?

The entire Camino francés route requires around 35 days of walking. For the whole Camino portugués, you need about 28 days, while you can walk the Camino primitivo in 14 days. Camino del norte is walkable in 35 days and Camino inglés – in only 6 days. For the longest Camino route, Via de la Plata, you’ll need about 55 days, and for the Camino Finisterre – only 3 days.

What is the best month to walk the Camino de Santiago?

The best time to walk Camino de Santiago in terms of weather is in May and September. Fewer people are walking in these months, the rains are rare, and the temperatures are warm but not hot.

Avoid walking el camino in the summer months. The heat and the crowds will exhaust you. Some routes are difficult to pass in the winter months, and many establishments close between November and April.

What is the easiest Camino to walk?

In terms of terrain, the easiest Camino route to walk is the Portuguese Way. The coastal walk offers flat surfaces with little denivelation. If the whole route from Lisbon seems too long for you, choose the more popular and shorter option from Porto.

In terms of distance, Camino inglés is the shortest of the Camino routes. It’s 155 km (96 mi) long and takes 6 days to complete. If you can’t handle walking long distances of 25 km (15.5 mi) every day for several weeks, this is the shortest Camino route, which still lets you obtain a Compostela certificate.

Which Camino route is the most popular?

The most famous Camino route is Camino francés. It’s been featured in books like The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho and movies like The Way with Martin Sheen. It passes through stunning landscapes and beautiful historic cities in France and Spain. Unfortunately, it’s also the most crowded of the Camino routes.

How much does it cost to walk the Camino de Santiago?

Budget €30-45 per day if you stick to public albergues, pilgrim menus, and groceries, or €50-75 per day if you prefer private albergues, guesthouses, and eating out more often.

The exact cost also depends on your route. Camino francés and Camino primitivo are the cheapest thanks to plentiful budget albergues. Camino del norte tends to cost more due to fewer public accommodation options along the coast.

Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

It depends on when and where you’re walking. On popular routes like Camino francés during peak season (June-August), booking a few days ahead is a good idea, especially in busier towns.

Public albergues generally don’t take reservations and work on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving earlier in the day helps secure a bed. If you’re walking during a Holy Year like 2027, booking further in advance is strongly recommended, since demand across all routes rises significantly.