Looking at the main routes to Santiago de Compostela, the Via de la Plata, with around 970km, is the longest out of this network of routes.
Of the main routes to Santiago de Compostela, the shortest route is the Camino Finisterre with 118km, also the only round way, starting in Santiago de Compostela ending in Cape Finesterre / Muxia. Of course you can start at any point along a route. Just remember, to be eligible for the Compostela, you need to walk the last 100km or 200km if you are going by bike or horse.
On the Camino most people stay in the Pilgrim only Hostels (Albergues). To be able to stay in these usually inexpensive hostels, one requires the Pilgrimspassport. You can find a list of Hostels along the Camino de Santiago here: https://www.caminosantiago.org/ It is recommended to book a hostel ahead of time, read more here.
Cape Finisterre derives from the Latin finis terrae, meaning “end of the earth”. As in Roman times, it was believed to be the most western point of the Iberian peninsula and the end of the world. Although the most western point is the Portugues Cabo da Roca…
Depending on what route you take, these are the most common starting cities. Route Start City Length Time required Camino Frances Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France 783 Km 4-5 Weeks Camino del Norte Irun, Spain 815 Km 5-6 Weeks Camino InglĂ©s Ferrol, Spain 122 Km 5-7 Days Camino Portugues Porto, Portugal 232 Km 2 Weeks Camino Primitivo Oviedo, Spain 321 Km 3 Weeks Via de la Plata Sevilla, Spain 967 Km 6-7 Weeks Camino a Finisterre Santiago de Compostela, Spain 83 Km 3-4 Days Of course you can always start at any point along a route. Just remember, to be eligible for the …
In the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is the shrine for the apostle Saint James. In Christian believe he was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. more on the history of The Camino de Santiago…
Depending on the route you chose there are certain times where it is nicer to walk then other times. But if you have the right gear for the weather, you can walk all routes pretty much all year. Best time of year per route: Route best time of year Difficulty Start City Length Time required Camino Frances April – June and September – October 2/6 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France 783 Km 4-5 Weeks Camino del Norte April – October 4/6 Irun, Spain 815 Km 5-6 Weeks Camino InglĂ©s March – November 3/6 Ferrol, Spain 122 Km 5-7 Days Camino Portugues March – November …
Walking the camino can be done by pretty much anyone. But there a some roads leading steep and rural areas, that make them harder then others. Route Difficulty Start City Length Time required Camino Frances 2/6 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France 783 Km 4-5 Weeks Camino del Norte 4/6 Irun, Spain 815 Km 5-6 Weeks Camino InglĂ©s 3/6 Ferrol, Spain 122 Km 5-7 Days Camino Portugues 1/6 Porto, Portugal 232 Km 2 Weeks Camino Primitivo 6/6 Oviedo, Spain 321 Km 3 Weeks Via de la Plata 3/6 Sevilla, Spain 967 Km 6-7 Weeks Camino a Finisterre 1/6 Santiago de Compostela, Spain 83 Km …
If you don’t want to be alone, it is unlikely you will walk in solitude for too long. You will meet many people along the way. It is up to you if you want company, or want to walk alone.
For the Camino de Santiago you will definitely need a sleeping bag for the hostels. It is not necessary to bring a camping mat and tent. Though given the new situation due to corona, it is a good idea to have an alternative, if all beds in the albergues are taken.
