We take a look at more Camino pilgrimage options - the Camino de Levante, Camino Ingles and Camino Finisterre.
Which of these options is best for you? Get more insight here:
Camino de Levante
Camino de Levante route
The Camino de Levante is arguably the most intensive and longest of all the individual Camino routes in Spain. It takes 1100km to reach Santiago de Compostela from Valencia on the Mediterranean coast. From the Mediterranean Coast the route makes its way through barren and remote landscapes of La Mancha, passing through the ancient city of Toledo, and joining the Via de Plata route at Zamora (400km from Santiago de Compostela).
Pros:
- Long distance journey through the heart of Spain.
Cons:
- Attempting the southern part of this route in the height of summer is dangerous. (You should be especially meticulous while planning this route
- Way marking is basic and some stages of the route are unmarked.
Camino Ingles
Camino Ingles Route
The Camino Ingles route has two starting points ACoruña and Ferrol on the Galician coast. In the middle ages, the news of the Camino de Santiago spread all over Europe and Pilgrims from the UK and Ireland would sail down to A Coruña and Ferrol to start their pilgrimage to Santiago. It is common for pilgrims to travel the route from Santiago, and travel the Camino to either of the two coastal towns. The slightly longer 110km route from Ferrol is enough to gain a Compostela in Santiago.
Pros:
- The route has some excellent views.
- Travel on busy roads and through industrial areas is kept to a minimum.
Cons:
- You will not gain a Compostela from the starting point in ACoruña...
Camino Finisterre
Camino Finisterre Route
Traditionally walking to Finisterre, at the very edge of the Galician Coast, was seen as the completion of the Camino de Santiago. Finisterre was historically known as "the end of the earth". The route to Finisterre is 87km long and walked over 3-4 days, gives the pilgrim a peaceful excursion over Galician mountains to the Port of Finisterre.
Pros:
- Many parts of the route are on small country paths.
Cons:
- The large distances between the stages of the Camino Finisterre make it a tiring 3-4 days extension to the Camino Francés.
Visit Macs Adventure's website for the full selection of Camino walking tour packages, or download our comprehensive guide to the Camino which includes information on the culture and history of the Camino, plus useful kit advice to help you pack!