Pilgrimage Walks in Europe

Which European pilgrimage walk is right for you?

The Camino de Santiago is sociable, well-signed and full of fellow pilgrims - brilliant for first-timers. The Via Francigena is quieter, more varied in terrain and takes you from Bourg-Saint-Pierre right through to Rome. Both are extraordinary. The Camino suits those who want community; the Francigena suits those after solitude.

When should you go?

Spring (April - June) and autumn (September - October) are the sweet spots for most European pilgrimage routes. Temperatures are comfortable for walking, the paths are quieter and accommodation is easier to book. July and August can be extremely hot on the Spanish routes. The Via Francigena is best walked in late spring or early autumn to avoid Alpine snow and summer heat.

If you love the idea of a walking pilgrimage but want to explore beyond Europe, we've got options. Japan's Kumano Kodo offers ancient Buddhist trails through forested mountains. The Kyoto Pilgrimage Walk connects the city's most sacred temples. And closer to home, the UK has some wonderful pilgrim routes - St Cuthbert's Way crosses the Northumberland hills to Holy Island. None of them require a flight to Spain.

What is the most popular pilgrimage walk in Europe?
The Camino de Santiago - specifically the Camino Francés (French Way) from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France - is the most walked pilgrimage route in Europe, with over 400,000 pilgrims completing it each year. The Camino Português from Porto is the fastest-growing route and a brilliant choice for first-timers.

How difficult are European pilgrimage walks?
It depends on the route. The Camino Inglés (7 days) and the Camino Português from Porto are accessible for reasonably fit walkers with no specific training required. The full Camino Francés (around 780km) and the Full Italian Via Francigena (around 997km in full) are multi-week journeys that require solid walking fitness. We offer stages and partial routes on most itineraries - so you can do the parts that suit you.

What is the Via Francigena?
The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrim route linking Canterbury Cathedral in England to St Peter's Basilica in Rome. It covers around 1,800km across England, France, Switzerland and Italy. Most walkers tackle it in sections - the most popular being the Tuscan stretch between Lucca and Rome, here at Macs we offer the Full Italian Via Francigena from Bourg-Saint-Pierre, or in stages.

What is the best pilgrimage walk in Europe for beginners?
We recommend the Camino Português Coastal Way from Porto (around 280km, typically walked over 15 days) for first-time pilgrims. It has well-spaced towns, clear waymarking, excellent infrastructure and a strong pilgrim community. The Camino Inglés (100km minimum, 7 days) is even shorter and a great option if you're short on time.

Are there pilgrimage walks in the UK?
Yes. St Cuthbert's Way is a 100km pilgrimage walk through the Northumberland countryside, from Melrose in the Scottish Borders to Lindisfarne (Holy Island) on the Northumberland coast. It follows the path of the 7th-century monk St Cuthbert and passes through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the north of England. We offer 5-day highlights, 7-day, 8-day or 9-day self-guided trips.