You traverse isolated stone-built villages and sizeable cities like Pamplona, Burgos and Len, many of them full of camino history, from ancient stone bridges to huge medieval cathedrals. Few things can compare with the thrill of zooming along on a bike, its a feeling thats pretty close to freedom. Its about 86km (53mi) from Santiago de Compostela to either Fisterra or Muxa across mostly gentle countryside, and a 28km (17mi) stretch links the two places. This route has a medium-low difficulty rating. So I choose between those two. Usually, albergues are 25 km (15 miles) apart from each other, so it is best to plan each stage carefully. Camino Portuguese da Costa, Camino Portuguese Coastal, or Camino Portugues de la Costa, goes from Porto via Tui to Santiago. Camino del Norte is a coastal Santiago de Compostela route. Camino del Norte follows the northern coast of Spain, which is a rainy part of the country. So get your planner out because youre going to want to take some notes. It is said that a knight covered in shells emerged from the sea, between the coast of Porto and Vigo, which later started the tradition. A route for everyone The Portuguese Way, second-busiest of the Caminos de Santiago, runs more than 600km (373mi) from Lisbon to Santiago (about 3 weeks), but the most popular starting points are the enticing city of Porto in northern Portugal (some 240km/149mi from Santiago, about 10 days) and Tui, where the route enters Spain (115km/71mi). Which is the easiest Camino route? The stages range from 18 km (11 miles) to 33 km (20 miles). Thank you! If you take some great photos on your travels, tag us on Instagram so we can see and share your wonderful adventure with fellow pilgrims! Dont worry, if you plan your Portuguese Way Camino trip with Marly Camino, we will handle everything for you. Believe it or not, plenty of camino walkers dont want to stop when they reach Santiago. If you are a photography enthusiast, you will enjoy taking pictures of very different landscapes every day. An alternative starting point is A Corua, just two or three days walk from Santiago. The 5-day-long Camino de Santiago Inglese (the English Way) is the shortest and the easiest Camino de Santiago route. Always remember that you can customize your journey depending on your wishes and needs. lll Camino de Santiago Map: main Camino routes, stages & distance. In 2013, more than 215,880 pilgrims walked it. Don't walk the Camino in the exact stages that the guides or 'other's' do itbreak it up how YOU need to. All of the Camino de Santiago routes can and often are walked by solo travellers. Choose the Best Camino de Santiago Route for You. Its a pleasure to greet you, thank you very much for your question. You might also like:Hiking the Kumano Kod: Japan's ancient pilgrimage routeBest foot forward: hiking your way around the worldThe world's walking routes with the most traffic on Instagram. The Camino from Porto to Santiago is 162 mi (260 km). The North Coast Camino traverses 197 km (122 miles), typically divided into eight stages. The country is gorgeous. It depends a bit on what you mean by easy. We will then start our Pilgrimage to Santiago traveling through beautiful forests, charming villages and historic towns and cities such as Bilbao, Santillana del Mar, Comillas, Cangas de Onis, and Oviedo. Whether youre traveling solo, with kids or on a romantic getaway, dont miss a visit to Portos best city parks. It joins the French Way in Melide. We dont want to climb mountains, but a few hills are ok. You can either start it in Porto or in Lisbon. However, of all the Camino de Santiago routes, the Portuguese Way is perhaps the one with the most detours and options. Camino del Norte (the Northern Way) Camino Primitivo (the Original Way) Camino Finisterre-Muxa. Multiple guidebooks also cover this route. Your email address will not be published. We have a dedicated Camino for Families page with all the information you could need ahead of a walking or cycling trip. Some towns, like Sarria, live almost solely from the pilgrims, so they take great pride in their hospitality. New Zealand is currently top of her bucket list. . If youd prefer to visit the Vatican and Rome, then the Via di Francesco would be a great and unique experience. Honestly, for this one, the simple answer is all. Do you want to meet new people and explore new places with them? Last year I walked Via de la Plata from Salamanca to Santiago from the end of May until the end of June. Do you remember the first time you thought about walking the Camino de Santiago? Camino de Santiago never was only one route. Since we live in the same area I understand where you have to train. Id like to go somewhere with amazing scenery and lots of variety, but Id like to keep it less than 150 km Best for historic hills & family road trips Oakhurst-Nevada City; 200 miles. Which Camino route is the most beautiful? Pilgrims arrived at Santiago from different directions (different parts of Spain, Portugal, France, and northern Europe ) and walked different Camino de Compostela routes on their way to Santiago. Area: Begins in St Jean Pied-du-Port in France but is mostly in Spain Difficulty: Medium. Camino Frances has also the best infrastructure (many pilgrims hostels, bars, restaurants, shops along the route)of all of the Camino de Santiago routes. our only dates are 15.10-25.10, and were wondering what will be the best route for us. This route, longer than some options of the Portuguese Way, starts at Irn and takes you along the coast. Daily flights from Paris Orly, London Gatwick, Barcelona, Madrid. For example: Buen Camino, Buen Camino Lite, Camino Plus and if you want to truly see the beauty of Galicia, starting at Len, please check outThe Camino from Len to Santiago:The Galician Splendor. I am 62 years old and I am in fairly good shape. Here are some of the differences between these fantastic routes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. These routes can be long and a real test of your endurance. I have seen references to both. The historic pilgrimage routes to the city of Santiago de Compostelain Spainishome to one of Christendoms holiest sites: the tomb believed to hold the remains of St James the Apostle (called Santiago in Spanish) inside the citys magnificent cathedral. So whether youre a food, portrait, landscape, architecture or sunset photographer, youll be able to snap fantastic shots wherever you are. Where to fly to start Camino Inglese?A Corua International Airport. This route, beginning in Assisi, has been followed by many pilgrims over the years and was inspired by the life of St Francis of Assisi. Hi there myself and my husband would like Camino Frances Guidebooks. Highlights are definitely the incredible sights in Cordoba (Mosque-Cathedral) and Granada (Alhambra). This route offers the green and beautiful landscapes of the Basque Country and the possibility of seeing the very cosmopolitan cities of San Sebastian and Bilbao. Categories SPAIN, HIKING, SPIRITUAL TRAVEL. Our Camino begins in Ferrol, a traditionally seafaring city and also a significant waypoint for pilgrims in medieval times coming from Northern Europe and the British Isles. The best-known route is the French Way but there are other popular Camino de Santiago routes like the North and Portuguese Way. I was just in Houston (Sugarland) for Easter Holy Weekfreakin' FLAT! Camino Frances is one of the easiest Camino de Santiago routes to hike. We wish you the happiest of travels for 2022! Our guided Caminos include an expert Camino guide and you come as a group, however you walk unescorted and at your own pace, there is no arrival time at the end of the stage but our guide will always be there waiting for you. Were so excited that youre about to set off on your first Camino journey. I do not want to be on a tour, but I do enjoy meeting people. What are the most recommended routes to do in winter? Skip to content MENUMENU Call Us ! The Buen Camino Lite, in particular, has shorter stages so you can feel more relaxed. CP (tbc) Mar 5, 2017. fewer crowds but enough people to share the experience with. It takes only 12 days to walk Camino Primitivo from Oviedo in Asturias to Santiago in Galicia. Thank you, Hey, want would be the best route to travel with my 4legged friend, Your email address will not be published. Thus, Camino de Santiago (the Way of St James) is a network of routes across Europe leading to the tomb of St James Apostle in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in Spain. : +353 1 687 2144 Mon-Fri 9am to 6.30pm GMT Contact us FAQs Client Login Camino Routes Camino Frances Camino Portugues Camino Portugues Coastal Route Camino del Norte It has a route close to the north of the peninsula . Home to both Michelin star dining and more casual fare, as well as seafood and everything in between, you wont want to miss the food here. Of all the Camino de Santiago routes, the French Way is the best prepared to assist the pilgrim. I feel what You say. Thank you, Alex! It is also recommended to watch El Camino before Better Call Saul, as one brief moment in Better Call Saul . +34 917 864 636 (ES) You can always choose the route and the stages that best suit you and define the distance to be walked every day and what to see. Muxia is an alternative end to Finisterre.Muxia is the end place in The Way movie. Camino Mozarabe or the Mozarabic Way is also called the Mozarabic Caminos since there are three different starting points (three different starting paths). The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. #15. Both tours cover the last 100 km (62 miles) of the route, which is enough to get the Compostela. My husband and I along with a few friends are planning on coming in mid September. We begin our journey in Europes culinary capital, San Sebastin, home of some of the worlds best restaurants. That's not much help, I know. Our North Coast Camino was carefully designed by our founders to give you an experience filled with breathtaking natural beauty, magnificent accommodations, and exquisite food. TheCamino del Norteis a great option for you and is considered the most difficult of the routes due to its multiple ascents and descents. No problem. For those of you veterans on this forum, What would you consider the physically easiest of the Camino Routes? Best for Experienced walkers. Where to fly to start Camino a Fisterra?Santiago-Rosalade Castro Airportin Santiago de Compostela. Where to fly to start Camino Sanabres?Salamanca Airport is the nearest airport to Granja den Moreruela. Thanks! Camino frances (The French Way) is by far the busiest route. It is recommended for nature lovers and foodies.Hilly Camino de Santiago Primitivo (the Primitive Way) is recommended for nature lovers and true hikers. If dramatic coastal landscapes and relaxing on a beach is more your style, be sure and consider the Rota Vicentina, also known as the Fishermans trail. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. As of March 2023, we've completed 9 Camino de Santiago routes: Camino Frances, Camino Portuguese, Camino del Norte, Camino Primitivo, Camino Ingles, Camino Finisterre-Muxia, Via de la Plata, Camino de San Salvador, an d . Of the longer Caminos, the Portuguese route from Porto to Santiago is considered to be one of the flattest routes. We are looking for beautiful views, quant villages, delicious food and maybe lots of options to stop for a rest, food, hotels. There are direct daily buses from the airport to Irun. Camino is the way in Spanish, and Santiago is Saint James in Spanish. Therefore, this Camino de Santiago de Compostela route is recommended for first-time Camino goers. Over 900km later, they're seasoned Camino travellers. Here is a list of the best Camino guidebooks by the route. Hi Nuphar, thank you so much for writing, our Camino planners will contact you very soon with all the information regarding your Camino. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Starting from Lisbon, the route is relatively flat and covers 385 miles with incredible scenery along the way. I am 55 fairly fit, and looking to cycle from Porto. Its route marking is good so you will see yellow arrows leading you all the way to Santiago de Compostela. In it, we can find not only authentic natural and landscape gems but the best of Portuguese gastronomy and, of course, Galician. If you can only walk 10km a day (a little under 6.5 miles) then do that. Can you suggest something for us? Therefore, it is recommended to watch El Camino right after finishing Breaking Bad as the movie serves as an epilogue to the show. Good luck fellow Texan. Where to fly to start Camino Mozarabe?Malaga-Costa del SolInternational Airport, or Almera International Airport, Camino Invierno, or the Winter Way, goes from Ponferrada via Lalin (where the Camino Invierno route joins Via de la Plata Sanabres route) to Santiago de Compostela. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Interested in trying to determine the best route for myself. We are in our 30s and 60s. This is your ultimate guide to choosing your perfect Camino. If you are looking at a 10-day itinerary we recommend walking the French Way from the town of OCebreiro in Galicia, which is about 150 km from Santiago, or from the town of Sarria also in Galicia, which is located about 100 km from Santiago. Some stretches are rural tracks, others run alongside busy paved roads. This Camino de Santiago path goes along the coast of northern Spain from the Basque Country via Cantabria, Asturias to inland Galicia. I would be so grateful for this essential support in my decision. Both the French and North Routes are beautiful but each one is unique, so your choice will depend a little bit on what is more important for you. With stories of 50 incredible hiking routes in 30 countries, from New Zealand to Peru, plus a further 150 suggestions, this book will inspire a lifetime of adventure on foot. Required fields are marked *. Camino Inverno is walkable all year round, but still, spring and summer are the most preferred seasons for lush green landscapes and pleasant temperatures. Camino del Norte is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. El Camino, a Breaking Bad spinoff movie, takes place after the events of Breaking Bad's finale.In fact, El Camino begins right where Breaking Bad left off. It belongs to the coastal Camino de Santiago routes, along with Camino del Norte. I cannot take time away from my business for a whole month. Lots of variables to consider. Thank you !!! Is there a better month regarding the weather? Hi Dawn, thank you for writing, we will be contacting you soon with all the details and recommendations about your dream route. Know what I mean? One of its characteristics is its great number of detour options. PLEASE READ MYDISCLAIMERFOR MORE INFO. This is the oldest of the Camino routes and was first walked by King Alfonso II in the 9th century. Take a look at our Camino de Santiago Routesto choose your favourite or select one from one of the other interests listed above. Want self guided tour. Where to fly to start Camino Frances?Biarritz-Pays BasqueAirport is the nearest airport to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. At the end of your Camino, you will obtain the Compostelapilgrim certificate! What are you most concerned with? Its within the capacity of any reasonably fit person, with few hills, though a lot of the walking is on hard surfaces (roads, pavements, cobbles) which can be tough on the feet. Experience Spain with our guide to the best places to visit that showcase its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and world-class cuisine. Camino de Santiago French Way is the best Camino route for beginners. This route runs not to Santiago but from it, to the small fishing ports of Fisterra (Finisterre) and Muxa on Galicias dramatic coast. The Va de la Plata travels along Roman roadways and natural paths, with barely any hills until reaching Galicia. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. But you can charge your phone in coffee bars in villages on your route when you make breaks for breakfast or lunch. Camino de Santiago del Norte is the Camino de Santiago most scenic route. If I did the self-guided tour, would the van be available if I had problems? It has a lot of hard surface with a mix of soft but not hills - not yet anyway - there a few coming up. Privacy Policy, 10 Awesome And Cheap European Cities To Visit Now, Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon: All The Secrets You Need To Know. Oviedo is one of the best start places for two weeks on the Camino, albeit unpopular. In 2016 I busted my little toe (in flip flops of course) bumping into the curb in SdC so I couldn't walk long stages and that's why I stayed in every available albergue on the Ingles. Bradypus said: The last 100km of the Camino Frances, the Primitivo from Lugo, the Camino Ingles, the Portugues from Tui, or the route from Fisterra to Santiago are all fairly straightforward without any big physical challenges. What is the best route to walk the Camino de Santiago? Its a short Camino (roughly 14 days). For something different, why not explore the Camino Mozarabe in Spains beautiful Andalucia region. Welcome to the Camino community. One of the problems of this route is that the network of albergues is not as big as the one on the French Way.