Planning: Before Starting

Should I bring a first-aid kit?

Although most towns you pass through will have a pharmacy, supermarket with a pharmacy section, or even health centers, it’s still a good idea to bring a small emergency kit. Among other things, the first-aid kit should include:

1. Sterile gauze
2. Bandages
3. Adhesive bandages
4. Anti-inflammatory medicine and/or aspirin
5. Compeed
6. Rubbing alcohol
7. Betadine
8. Sunscreen (the sun will be your companion all day, so it’s essential to protect yourself— pay special attention to your left side, which will be exposed to the sun from early morning until sunset)
9. Vaseline, moisturizing cream, or anti-chafing creams
10. Antihistamines for allergies
11. Small scissors

What clothes should I bring in summer?

Basic toiletries: a bar of solid shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrush, a comb, sunscreen, and foot cream. Basic first aid: scissors, tweezers, spray disinfectant, some band-aids, a few ibuprofen and antihistamine tablets. For walking in summer, it’s also advisable to bring some hydration supplements. In summer, your backpack should not weigh more than 5 kg without water. Here’s what you can bring:

• One set of clothes for walking
• Socks and underwear
• A very small camping towel
• A pareo to complement the small towel if needed or to cover your shoulders, etc.
• A sun hat and a scarf
• Sandals
• A small flashlight and a Swiss army knife (optional)
• A travel clothesline (optional)
• A wallet for your passport, credential, phone, and money
• Rain gear and a large umbrella
• A sleeping bag and a liner

What budget do I need?

If you want to experience the Camino de Santiago just like a medieval pilgrim, you can do so on a minimum budget. Conversely, there are also options for a more “luxury” approach. For the average pilgrim, the maximum daily amount needed is around 30€, which includes:

• Public, municipal, or parish hostel: 6-8 €/night.
• Breakfast: ~3€ (usually coffee and a pastry).
• Lunch: 8-10€ for the typical pilgrim’s menu.
• Dinner: 8-10€ for the typical pilgrim’s dinner.

It’s wise to set aside around 8-10€ a day for unforeseen expenses or unexpected purchases—like medicines, band-aids, snacks between stages, a bottle of water, laundry, a final-stage beer, or entrances to monuments—anything you might need during the day. If you find the daily amount for lunch and dinner in restaurants too high, you can form a group and buy necessary groceries in supermarkets. Almost every town along the Camino will have at least one basic store. This approach can significantly reduce your daily budget. Once you reach your starting point, the on-route expenses are minimal, but you still need to factor in any costs prior to that point, such as gear purchases: if you already enjoy hiking or cycling, you likely have the gear. Otherwise, you’ll need to invest in the necessary equipment. And if you come back wanting to explore more Jacobean routes, you’ll already have what you need. Typically, the largest single expense is good footwear—your feet are your main resource, so don’t skimp on quality boots. In addition, consider the travel cost to the start of your Camino and from Santiago back home. Two important factors: the distance between your home and the chosen starting point (depending on how well connected it is) and how far in advance you purchase tickets (the earlier, the cheaper). If your budget allows for more comfort, you’ll find a wide range of higher-quality dining options along the Camino, including rural houses, hotels, charming pazos, and even physiotherapy clinics to help you reach Santiago in top form.

Should I carry cash, or is it easy to find ATMs along the way?

In most of the towns you’ll pass through, the main banks have ATMs. Also, many establishments accept card payments. Still, it’s wise to carry some cash for small purchases or in case a store’s payment system is down.

The pilgrim’s credential: What is it? Where to get it? Where to stamp it?

The pilgrim’s credential is essentially a pilgrim’s ID. It stays with you throughout the journey to verify that you’ve traveled, on foot, by bike, or on horseback, the Camino de Santiago. You can request it at the beginning of your route from the offices of various Friends of the Camino associations, parishes, local council offices, and some public hostels in starting points. It’s recognized as an official document and is the only valid certificate for obtaining the Compostela in Santiago. The credential is a folded card with spaces for stamps from hostels, monuments, or establishments you pass each day—pilgrims are expected to get at least two stamps per day. At the Pilgrim’s Office, they only verify the dates and confirm you have completed at least 100 km on foot/horseback or 200 km by bicycle. If you lose your credential, they can’t confirm your journey, meaning no Compostela. For more information, check: The Pilgrim’s Credential.

The Compostela: What is it? Where do I apply for it?

The Compostela is a document that indicates you’ve completed at least the last 100 km on foot or 200 km by bike of the Camino de Santiago. It’s issued by ecclesiastical authorities after verifying your stamps in the pilgrim’s credential. They’ll also ask about your reasons for undertaking the Camino—these must be religious, spiritual, or a personal quest to receive the Compostela. You can get it at the Pilgrim’s Office (Rúa do Vilar, 1. 981 568 846), where you can also request the Pilgrim’s Certificate if your reasons for walking the Camino were more touristic or sporting. There’s also an “In memoriam” document for families of those who have died along one of the Camino routes. Find more info in the section on The Compostela.

Which Camino should I choose?

The “authentic” Camino de Santiago, and the one most faithful to the historical pilgrimages, starts right at your doorstep. Modern life, however, makes that difficult, so there are now established routes and starting points. Your first decision is choosing which route. There are many Jacobean routes, all well marked by the famous yellow arrow. They guide you through wonderful places across the peninsula. The main Caminos de Santiago are:

• Camino Francés
• Camino Portugués
• Vía de la Plata
• Camino Inglés
• Camino del Norte
• Camino Primitivo
• Camino Sanabrés

For first-time pilgrims, the most recommended is the Camino Francés, because it has the most accommodation options, clearer signage, easier route, and the greatest number of monuments, culture, and history. You’ll feel more supported and safe, yet still immersed in the Jacobean spirit. After experiencing this route, you’ll be ready for any other. You’re not obliged to start on the Camino Francés, but it’s certainly the best way to discover one of today’s most significant social and touristic phenomena. When choosing which Camino, consider your budget. For instance, the Camino Francés can be done entirely in public hostels, whereas other routes often require private hostels, hostels/pensions, or hotels. Also think about your means of travel—some Caminos are better suited for specific types of pilgrims. The Camino Francés is perfect on foot, the Vía de la Plata is more ideal for horses, and the coastal routes and the Primitivo are better for cyclists.

How difficult is the Camino?

Anyone in reasonable shape can walk the Camino. You don’t need special training or to be highly athletic. For many, the first week is the biggest challenge. For those used to hiking or plenty of walking, it’ll feel easier. It’s definitely doable. If you can’t or don’t want to walk for a whole month, pick a shorter section or just the last 100 km of any route into Santiago.

When is the best time?

The busiest months on the Camino de Santiago are July and August, but the heat can be too intense. May, June, and September are ideal times because the weather is pleasant, there’s less rain, and there are plenty of fellow pilgrims. Easter can also be good—temperatures aren’t too hot or cold. You can really walk any time of year, though autumn can be quite rainy and winter rather cold.

Which is the best Camino for beginners?

It’s a personal choice depending on what you seek—community, solitude, physical challenge, etc. Here are the five most popular routes in 2021:

• Camino Francés – 55%
• Camino Portugués – 19%
• Camino Primitivo – 6%
• Camino Inglés – 6%
• Camino del Norte – 5%

The Camino Francés and the Camino Portugués offer the best infrastructure, meaning you’ll find accommodation roughly every 10-20 km, and places to eat about every 5 km. That’s good if you want the option of shorter stages. Because these two routes have more pilgrims, they also provide a greater sense of community. However, they can feel crowded in summer, making it harder to find lodging. The Camino Primitivo and the Camino del Norte are physically more demanding due to terrain and distances. Sometimes, you won’t find any cafés or accommodation for 30 km. But the scenery is spectacular, and the mountainous terrain can be incredibly rewarding. The Camino Inglés is short and not very long overall, so you can complete it in five days. If you have limited time and enjoy solitude, it might be ideal for you.

How many stages does the Camino have?

• The Camino Francés has 32 stages.
• The Camino Inglés has 6 stages.
• The Camino del Norte has 34 stages.
• The Camino Portugués has 25 stages.
• The Camino Primitivo has 14 stages.
• The Vía de la Plata has 38 stages.

Where does the Camino de Santiago start?

The most popular route of the Camino de Santiago is about 800 km long. It begins in Saint Jean Pied de Port, France, and crosses western Spain to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. The other routes start at:

• Camino Francés: Saint Jean Pied de Port
• Camino del Norte: Irún
• Vía de la Plata: Seville
• Camino Portugués: Porto or Lisbon
• Camino Primitivo: Oviedo
• Camino Aragonés: Somport

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

It depends on where you start. Common options:

• From Pamplona: about 28 days.
• From Logroño: about 25 days.
• From Burgos: about 20 days.
• From León: 12 to 15 days.
• From Ponferrada: around 8 days.
• From Sarria: 4 to 7 days.

How many kilometers do you walk on the Camino de Santiago?

The most popular route is about 800 km long, starting in Saint Jean Pied de Port, France, crossing to Santiago de Compostela, Galicia. Distances for other routes:

• Camino Portugués: 600 km
• Camino del Norte: 830 km
• Camino Inglés: 110 km
• Camino Primitivo: 260 km
• Vía de la Plata: 1000 km
• Finisterre and Muxia Way: 90 km

Want to leave from your home? Discover all the Camino variants

Medieval tradition holds that the Jacobean route started at one’s own doorstep, and many pilgrims back then also returned home on foot, lacking any other means of transportation. If you want to start from your own home, know that there are various Camino variants that eventually merge with the main routes.

• Camino de Madrid: leaves from Spain’s capital, crosses the Guadarrama Mountains, traverses Segovia, Valladolid, and León before merging with the Camino Francés at Sahagún.
• Camino Aragonés: links the Spain-France border at Somport with Puente la Reina in Navarre, where it joins the Camino Francés.
• Camino Primitivo: the very first known route, taken by King Alfonso II “El Casto” in the 9th century to visit the Apostle’s tomb. It starts in Oviedo and merges with the Camino Francés in Melide.
• Camino del Salvador: also known as Camino de San Salvador, joins León and Oviedo. Traditionally, pilgrims would divert to Oviedo to visit the Cathedral of San Salvador. Once in Oviedo, you’d follow the Primitivo until reconnecting with the Camino Francés at Melide.
• Camino de la Lana: starts in Alicante, passes through La Mancha, and reaches Burgos, linking with the Camino Francés. Little known, it likely dates back to the Neolithic era, due to the region’s involvement in the wool trade.
• Camino de Levante: starts in Valencia and crosses five regions before reaching Galicia, uniting the peninsula’s two great seas. It merges with the Vía de la Plata in Zamora.
• Camino Vasco del Interior: was historically a fundamental Jacobean axis during Roman times, as it was the main route from Irún to inland Spain. It starts in Irún and meets the Camino Francés at Santo Domingo de la Calzada (La Rioja).
• Camino de la Montaña: or Viejo Camino (“Old Way”), begins in Bilbao and joins the Camino Francés at Villafranca.
• Camino de Le Puy: also called Via Podiensis, departs from Le Puy in Velay and reaches Roncesvalles, where it joins the Camino Francés.
• Coastal Portuguese Camino: starts in Porto and heads north along the coast (you enter Galicia by ferry from A Guarda, not from Tui, pass by Vigo, and can see the Cíes Islands). It meets the traditional Portuguese route in Padrón, continuing on to Santiago.
• Camino de Invierno (“Winter Way”): chosen by many pilgrims in winter to avoid the snowy mountains of O Cebreiro. It starts in Ponferrada, crosses all four Galician provinces following the Sil River.
• Route of the Sea of Arousa and the Ulla River: this maritime-fluvial route commemorates the arrival by sea of the Apostle’s remains. Once in Pontecesures, you walk the Portuguese route to Santiago.
• Camino Baztanés: begins in Bayonne and ends in Pamplona, linking to the Camino Francés. It’s 109 km packed with history, used in medieval times by pilgrims, kings, and armies. Hence the dedicated restoration efforts by the Friends of the Camino Association.

Other variants include: Camino de Bayona, Camino del Ebro, Camino del Sureste, Camino Sanabrés, Camino de Cádiz, Camino Mozárabe, the Catalan Camino via S. J. de la Peña, Catalan Camino via Zaragoza, and so on.

Do I need to plan the route? How?

It’s recommended to leave home with a logically planned itinerary but not a completely rigid schedule, as the terrain varies and weather conditions can change. It helps to have a minimum idea of each stage and then adapt along the way. Study the difficulty of the stages, possible obstacles, accommodations, weather, and so on. With that in mind, you can make better on-the-spot decisions if anything unexpected happens. If you choose the Camino Francés, you’ll find more services and conveniences than on other routes—distances between towns (often around 10 km) are short, and there are plenty of pilgrim-oriented facilities like hostels, pensiones, restaurants, etc. Although it’s a long route, it has the most services, minimizing surprises you might encounter. How to plan the route? Once you decide your starting point, you’ll see there are pre-established stages that most pilgrims follow, but you aren’t required to do them exactly. You can adapt each stage to your physical condition and age. Usually, people walk around 20 km a day, but if you’re young and in good shape, you can do between 30-35 km daily, remembering to take a rest day every week or so. If you’re over 55, 10-15 km per day is typically recommended. If you have any medical condition, be sure to plan your stages near accessible assistance points. If you’re doing the Camino with children under 12, stages shouldn’t exceed 15 km a day, ideally mixing shorter and slightly longer ones. Note that traveling with older people or kids raises the likelihood of unforeseen issues due to their limitations, so don’t push yourself to a certain destination if energy is low; excessive fatigue or demotivation the next day can make things worse.

Which is the easiest route?

The easiest is widely considered the Camino Inglés, in northern Galicia. Officially, there are two starting points: the port cities of A Coruña and Ferrol, located 75 km and 113 km from Santiago, respectively.

Which is the shortest route?

The shortest is also the Camino Inglés, in northern Galicia. Again, it has two official starting points: A Coruña (75 km from Santiago) and Ferrol (113 km).

Which is the longest Camino?

The Vía de la Plata is the longest Camino route. It starts in Seville, although there’s an extension from Cádiz (the Camino Mozárabe). Its total length is about 1000 km, divided into 38 stages.

What is the most beautiful part of the Camino?

The Camino Francés is the most popular and, for many, the most beautiful route. Nevertheless, of all Camino routes, the Portuguese Camino perhaps offers the most variations—coastal, central, or interior. One drawback is that the hostel network isn’t as robust as on the Camino Francés. Signage is continually being updated and improved. Don’t worry—if you plan your Portuguese Camino with Pilgrim, we’ll handle everything for you.

Which point do I start from?

As mentioned several times, the traditional pilgrimage started at one’s home, each person making their own route to Galicia. But that’s often complicated today, so there are commonly recognized starting points such as Roncesvalles, Somport Pass, Oviedo, the Puente de Santiago, and more. The first factor is how much time you have to spend on the Camino. You can decide how many days you’ll walk and pick your starting point. It’s helpful to check the stages of your chosen route and choose the departure town based on how many days you have available.

How do I get to the starting point of the route?

The “true” Camino de Santiago begins at your own home, but in most cases pilgrims travel to one of the many official starting points of the Jacobean routes. To find out the best way to reach those points, check our dedicated page, where you’ll see key arrival options and the main means of transport for each location.

Where do I sleep?

The major Camino routes have several types of accommodation, though some pilgrims choose to camp with a tent in a quiet spot along the way. Common lodging types:

1. Public hostels: municipal or parish
2. Private hostels
3. Hostals/Pensions
4. Hotels
5. Rural houses
6. “Pazos” (historic manors)

On the most popular Caminos, you’ll find both public and private hostels in nearly every town. Key differences:

• Public hostels: called municipal or parish, often staffed by public officials, volunteers, or priests. Many simply operate on a donation basis, although some charge a small set fee of around 6-8 euros. It’s not possible to book in advance—beds are assigned first-come, first-served—which matters in high season. Also note that walkers get priority over cyclists, as bikes can travel faster.
• Private hostels: charge a set fee, typically 10-16 euros per night, may offer room choices and pilgrim menus, among other services. You can reserve these.

The busiest Caminos typically have a hostel (public or private) in each town—for example, the Camino Francés has them at every stop, making it easier to find accommodation. By contrast, the Vía de la Plata has fewer hostels, and in some segments, only basic lodging is available. Many prefer to complete each stage in a more relaxed way, certain they have a room waiting with hot water and all the comforts of a rural house, pazo, or hotel.

Guided Camino or on your own?

This largely depends on your personal preferences and budget. If you’re adventurous, you can do it on your own, planning daily stops and visits spontaneously. Keep in mind that on the less-traveled Caminos, you may not always find public hostels or a variety of lodging options in every stage, and might have to move on to another town. If you want to make the most of your time, schedule visits, and secure accommodations in advance, Pilgrim can tailor-make your Camino to your needs and tastes.

Alone or in a group?

Most experienced pilgrims recommend doing the Camino de Santiago alone. One of the Camino’s aims is self-discovery, so traveling alone makes you more receptive to the things you’ll encounter. Even if you start alone, you’ll soon meet other pilgrims along the way who are in the same situation. You’ll share stories and experiences with people from all over the world. It can be quite memorable. In short, you’re never really alone on the Camino unless you want to be. Another advantage of going solo is that at public hostels, single walkers often get priority based on the traditional rules of Jacobean hospitality, where “the most vulnerable first” is favored. If you’d rather travel as a group, that’s just as valid. Whether you go alone is a personal decision, but both ways are equally good.

On foot, by bike, or on horseback?

The easiest route is known as the Camino Inglés in northern Galicia. Officially, the starting points are the port cities of A Coruña and Ferrol, 75 km and 113 km away from Santiago, respectively.

Doing the Camino de Santiago with a pet—can I take my dog?

The easiest route is known as the Camino Inglés in northern Galicia. Officially, the starting points are the port cities of A Coruña and Ferrol, 75 km and 113 km away from Santiago, respectively.

Do I need any specific physical preparation for the Camino de Santiago?

The easiest route is known as the Camino Inglés in northern Galicia. Officially, the starting points are the port cities of A Coruña and Ferrol, 75 km and 113 km away from Santiago, respectively.

Signage recommendations: road hazards

The easiest route is known as the Camino Inglés in northern Galicia. Officially, the starting points are the port cities of A Coruña and Ferrol, 75 km and 113 km away from Santiago, respectively.

Where does the Camino de Santiago Primitivo start?

The total distance of the Camino Primitivo is about 321 km, typically completed in two weeks. It starts at Oviedo’s cathedral and finishes in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. It’s considered the hardest of all the Camino routes because of numerous ascents and descents. The route crosses two Spanish provinces, Asturias and Galicia, and offers a great nature experience with good infrastructure. In 2019, only 4% of Camino pilgrims (around 16,000 people) chose the Primitivo route.

How many kilometers is the Camino de Santiago Primitivo?

• Distance – 321 km
• Number of days needed – 12-14
• Starting point – Oviedo, Asturias
• Average cost – 25-30 euros per person/day
• Accommodation – public and private hostels, hotels, pensions

What to see on the Camino de Santiago Primitivo?

• The cider bars of Oviedo
• The church of Santa María del Naranco
• Beautiful landscapes along the entire route
• La Ruta de los Hospitales
• The Roman wall of Lugo

Which is the toughest stage of the Camino Primitivo?

I don’t think it’s much harder than the Camino Francés. The main difference is that the Primitivo is mountainous for most of the journey, but it’s much shorter than the Francés, which has more flat stretches. For me, the Le Puy route and the Camino San Salvador were a bit more challenging. You’ll see children and older pilgrims on the Primitivo without issues—people from age 6 to 80. A bit of training beforehand usually suffices. It’s truly a gorgeous route. You’ll love it.

Where does the Camino de Santiago Francés start?

According to the Pilgrim Assistance Office, over 180,000 people walked the Camino Francés in 2019, starting from different points. 50% completed just the last 100 km from Sarria.

How many kilometers is the Camino de Santiago Francés?

The entire Camino Francés (from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela) is about 780 km. It crosses four Spanish regions: Navarre, La Rioja, Castile and León, and Galicia.

What to see on the Camino de Santiago Francés?

• Virgen de Biakorri – d’Orisson
• Alto del Perdón
• León Cathedral
• The Passo Honroso bridge at Hospital de Órbigo
• The Cruz de Ferro
• La Rioja’s vineyards
• The Templar Castle of Ponferrada
• The eucalyptus forests in Galicia
• Santiago de Compostela

Where does the Camino de Santiago del Norte start?

Nowadays, the Camino del Norte starts in Irún, a coastal Spanish town on the French border, and follows the rugged northern coast of Spain to Ribadeo, in Galicia. There, it heads inland toward Santiago and connects with the Camino Francés at Arzúa. Pilgrims wanting to combine the Camino del Norte with the Primitivo can leave the Norte soon after Villaviciosa to link with the Primitivo in Oviedo.

How many kilometers is the Camino de Santiago del Norte?

The Camino del Norte stretches about 865 km across Galicia, Asturias, the Basque Country, and Cantabria.

What to see on the Camino de Santiago del Norte?

• The Basque Coast
• San Sebastián
• San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
• San Vicente de la Barquera
• Santillana del Mar and the Altamira Caves
• Llanes
• Oviedo
• Cudillero
• Luarca
• A Coruña

Where does the Camino de Santiago Portugués start?

The total distance from Porto to Santiago depends on the route you choose: the coastal route is about 280 km, the central route is about 260 km. Another option is starting in Lisbon, making about 630 km in total up to Santiago.

How many kilometers is the Camino de Santiago Portugués?

It’s about 260 km from Porto and around 620 km if you start from Lisbon.

What to see on the Camino de Santiago Portugués?

• Pontevedra
• Tui
• Coimbra
• Tomar
• Santarém
• Lisbon
• Barcelos

Where does the Camino de Santiago Inglés start?

The Camino Inglés begins in the Galician port cities of Ferrol (118 km) or A Coruña (75 km) and runs south to Santiago de Compostela.

How many kilometers is the Camino de Santiago Inglés?

The Camino Inglés is only 120 km, starting from A Coruña/Ferrol, Spain. It’s one of the least traveled routes (3.5%) of the Camino, making it a good option if you want a short journey to get a taste of the experience.

What to see on the Camino de Santiago Inglés?

• Torreón Dos Andrade
• The Tower of Hercules (Torre de Hércules)
• Monte de Deus Viewpoint
• Betanzos