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How to Choose a Camino de Santiago Route

How to Choose a Camino de Santiago Route

Find the best Camino route for you with our guide to the Camino Francés, Portuguese, del Norte, Primitivo and more walking vacations to Santiago.

By Kirsty Schneider
June 16, 2026
11 min read

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Choosing the best Camino de Santiago route can feel overwhelming. With historic pilgrimage paths stretching across Spain, Portugal and France, every Camino offers something different - from lively social trails and dramatic coastlines to mountain adventures and quiet countryside hiking.

This guide compares the most popular Camino routes to help you decide which Camino is best for you based on distance, difficulty, scenery, duration, hiking style, and travel preferences. Whether you're planning your first Camino, searching for the best Camino route for seniors, or looking for a more challenging pilgrimage, this guide will help you choose the right journey.

What Is the Camino de Santiago?

The Camino de Santiago - often simply called the Camino - is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain, where the tomb of St James is believed to rest.

For over 1,000 years, pilgrims have walked these routes for religious devotion, personal reflection, cultural discovery, or simply the joy of slow travel. Today, the Camino is just as much about landscapes, food, local culture, and shared experiences as it is about the final destination.

Want to learn more about the Camino’s origins, traditions, and symbols? Read our History of the Camino de Santiago guide.

How Many Camino Routes Are There?

There are dozens of recognized Camino routes across Europe, but most hikers choose from a core group of well-established paths with excellent waymarking, accommodations, and pilgrim facilities.

This guide focuses on eight of the most popular Camino de Santiago routes:

Each offers a very different Camino experience.

Camino Frances - female backpacker sitting on the Obradeiro Square

Camino Route Comparison Table

Route	Distance	Difficulty	Terrain	Best For	Typical Duration	Best Time to Walk
Camino Francés	780 km	Moderate	Rolling hills & mountain pass	First-timers	40-57 days	Apr-Oct
Camino Portuguese Central	641 km	Easy-Moderate	Vineyards, woodland & cobbles	Culture & food lovers	30 days	Mar-Oct
Camino Portuguese Coastal	287 km	Easy-Moderate	Coastal boardwalks & promenades	Scenic, gentler walking	14-22 days	Mar-Oct
Camino Inglés	113 km	Moderate	Rural Galicia & rolling countryside	Shorter Camino	7 days	Mar-Oct
Camino Primitivo	311 km	Challenging	Mountain trails & rugged paths	Experienced hikers	16 days	Apr-Oct
Camino del Norte	825 km	Moderate	Coastal cliffs & hills	Scenic long-distance walkers	42 days	Apr-Oct
Camino Finisterre	89 km	Moderate	Coastal countryside	Camino extension	6 days	Mar-Nov
Le Puy Camino	742 km	Moderate	Rural France & volcanic landscapes	History & culture lovers	38 days	Apr-Oct

How to Choose the Best Camino Route

When deciding which Camino route is right for you, consider:

Your Available Time - Some routes take over a month to complete, while others can be walked in under a week. Many longer Camino routes can also be completed in stages over several trips.
Difficulty & Terrain - Certain routes are gentler and better suited to beginners, while others involve mountain terrain, steep ascents, and long walking days, which cater to the more experienced.
Atmosphere - Do you want a lively social Camino or a quieter, more reflective experience?
Scenery - Choose between dramatic coastlines, vineyards, mountains, medieval villages, or rolling countryside.
Getting There - Some Camino routes are easier to reach internationally, particularly those beginning in Porto, Santiago, or major Spanish cities.

Camino Routes Explained

Camino Francés

The Camino Francés is the most famous and well-supported Camino route. Starting in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France, it crosses northern Spain before finishing in Santiago de Compostela.

Route Overview

Distance: ~780 km / 485 miles
Typical Duration: Full route: 40-57 days | Shorter stages: 7-15 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Rolling countryside, vineyard paths, and a mountain pass
Start Point: St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France
End Point: Santiago de Compostela
Getting there: Easy access via Biarritz airport.
Facilities: The most developed Camino route, with frequent accommodations, cafés, shops, pharmacies, and excellent waymarking throughout.

Best Time to Walk

April to October bring longer days and blooming landscapes, with shoulder months typically quieter and cooler than the hotter summer season. Some itineraries are also available in March and November, though the opening stages from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port over the Napoleon Pass are generally only recommended between April and October.

Best Suited For

First-time pilgrims
Solo travelers
Social walkers
Those wanting the classic Camino experience

Why Choose the Camino Francés?

Most iconic Camino route
Strong pilgrim community
Excellent Facilities
Rich history and culture

Learn more with our Camino Francés guide >

Discover our Camino Francés itineraries >

Camino Portuguese Central Way

The Camino Portuguese Central - also commonly referred to as the Camino Portugués - blends culture, history, and gentle walking, particularly from Porto northwards.

Route Overview

Distance: ~641 km / 399 miles
Typical Duration: Full route: 33 days | Shorter stages: 8-14 days
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Woodland trails, cobbled streets, vineyards
Start Point: Lisbon or Porto, Portugal
End Point: Santiago de Compostela
Getting there: Excellent via Porto Airport or Lisbon Airport
Facilities: Well-established from Porto onwards, with regular accommodations, cafés, and supermarkets in most towns and villages.

Best Time to Walk

March to October offers pleasant walking conditions. Spring and fall are cooler and quieter, while July and August are warmer and busier.

Best Suited For

Walkers wanting a quieter alternative to the Francés
Food and wine lovers
Cultural travelers

Why Choose the Camino Portuguese Central?

Historic towns and villages
Fantastic Portuguese cuisine
Welcoming atmosphere
Gentler terrain overall

Learn more with our Camino Portuguese Central guide >

Discover our Camino Portuguese Central itineraries >

Camino Portuguese Coastal Way

The Camino Portuguese Coastal follows the Atlantic coastline from Porto to Santiago, combining sea views with flatter walking terrain.

Route Overview

Distance: ~287 km / 178 miles
Typical Duration: Full route: 15-22 days | Shorter stages: 7-10 days
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Coastal paths, boardwalks, promenades, sandy stretches
Start Point: Porto, Portugal
End Point: Santiago de Compostela
Getting there: Easy via Porto Airport
Facilities: Excellent facilities along the coast, with plentiful hotels, restaurants, cafés, and easy-to-follow boardwalks.

Best Time to Walk

March to October, with Atlantic breezes helping keep temperatures comfy in summer.

Best Suited For

Seniors
First-time Camino walkers
Coastal scenery lovers
Leisurely walkers

Why Choose the Camino Portuguese Coastal?

Stunning ocean views
Flatter daily walking
Fresh seafood and beach towns
Cooler summer climate

Learn more with our Camino Portuguese Coastal guide >

Discover our Camino Portuguese Coastal itineraries >

Man walking on the beach on the Camino Portuguese Coastal Way

Camino Inglés

The Camino Inglés is one of the shortest Camino routes that still qualifies walkers for the Compostela certificate.

Route Overview

Distance: ~113 km / 71 miles
Typical Duration: 7 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Rural Galicia and rolling countryside
Start Point: Ferrol or A Coruña
End Point: Santiago de Compostela
Getting there: Easy via Santiago Airport and rail links
Facilities: Good facilities with regular accommodations and food stops, though slightly fewer options than the Francés.

Best Time to Walk the Camino Inglés

March to October is the best time to walk the Camino Inglés. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and quieter trails, while July and August bring warmer weather and a livelier atmosphere.

Best Suited For

Limited-time travelers
Beginners
First Camino experiences

Why Choose the Camino Inglés?

Short but rewarding
Peaceful trails
Ideal introduction to Camino walking

Learn more with our Camino Inglés guide >

Discover our Camino Inglés itineraries >

Fortaleza de San Felipe in Ferrol, Galicia, Spain

Camino Primitivo

The Camino Primitivo is considered the oldest Camino route and one of the most physically demanding.

Route Overview

Distance: ~311 km / 192 miles
Typical Duration: 16 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Terrain: Mountain trails, steep ascents, rugged paths
Start Point: Oviedo
End Point: Santiago de Compostela
Getting there: Easy via Asturias Airport
Facilities: More remote, with fewer services and accommodation options in mountainous sections, requiring a little more planning.

Best Time to Walk the Camino Primitivo

March to October is best for the Camino Primitivo, when the higher mountain sections are more accessible. Spring and fall are cooler and quieter, while summer offers warmer, longer walking days.

Best Suited For

Experienced hikers
Repeat Camino walkers
Adventure seekers

Why Choose the Camino Primitivo?

Wild mountain scenery
Deeply traditional atmosphere
Fewer crowds
Greater physical challenge

Learn more with our Camino Primitivo guide >

Discover our Camino Primitivo itineraries >

Camino del Norte

The Camino del Norte follows Spain’s spectacular northern coastline.

Route Overview

Distance: ~825 km / 515 miles
Typical Duration: Full route: 42 days | Shorter stages: 8-18 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Coastal cliffs, hills, beaches
Start Point: Irún
End Point: Santiago de Compostela
Getting there: Bilbao Airport is the best option, with limited flights to San Sebastián Airport
Facilities: Strong facilities overall, especially in coastal towns, though some rural stretches have fewer facilities between stages.

Best Time to Walk the Camino del Norte

April to October is ideal for the Camino del Norte. Summer is popular thanks to cooler coastal breezes, while spring and fall offer quieter trails and milder walking conditions.

Best Suited For

Scenic-focused walkers
Experienced long-distance hikers
Those seeking quieter trails

Why Choose the Camino del Norte?

Dramatic coastal scenery
Cooler summer temperatures
Excellent food culture
Less crowded atmosphere

Learn more with our Camino del Norte guide >

Discover our Camino del Norte itineraries >

Person walking on a coastal trail on the Camino del Norte

Camino Finisterre

Unlike other Camino routes, the Camino Finisterre begins in Santiago and heads west towards the Atlantic coast.

Route Overview

Distance: ~89 km / 55 miles
Typical Duration: 6 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Rolling countryside and coastal approaches
Start Point: Santiago de Compostela
End Point: Finisterre or Muxía
Getting There: Easy access via Santiago airport
Facilities: Well-supported with regular guesthouses, cafés, and pilgrim accommodation along the route.

Best Time to Walk the Camino Finisterre

March to November is a great time to walk the Camino Finisterre. Spring and fall are peaceful and mild, while summer brings warmer days and a more sociable Camino atmosphere.

Best Suited For

Walkers extending another Camino
Reflective or symbolic journeys
Short Camino trips

Why Choose the Camino Finisterre?

Emotional continuation after Santiago
Peaceful walking
Atlantic coastal finish

Learn more with our Camino Finisterre guide >

Discover our Camino Finisterre itineraries >

Hiking boot statue on the Camino Finisterre

Le Puy Camino (Via Podiensis)

The Le Puy Camino is one of France’s great long-distance pilgrimage routes.

Route Overview

Distance: ~742 km / 461 miles
Typical Duration: Full route: 38 days | Shorter stages: 12-16 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Rural France, volcanic landscapes, medieval villages
Start Point: Le Puy-en-Velay
End Point: St-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Getting There: Access via Lyon Airport or Clermont-Ferrand Airport
Facilities: Good pilgrim facilities throughout, with traditional auberges, bakeries, and cafés in many villages.

Best Time to Walk the Camino Le Puy

April to October is best for the Camino Le Puy, with warm weather, longer days and beautiful countryside. Spring brings wildflowers, while autumn offers golden landscapes and quieter trails.

Best Suited For