A common myth about the Camino de Santiago is that there is “a route.” People might ask you if you “started from the beginning.” But these people are referring to the French Way, which is the classic and most popular route, but by no means the only one.
If you want to be truly authentic, you must start your Camino from the door of your house. That is what the original pilgrims would have done: they did not have the luxury of planes and trains to take them to the so-called principle.
For this reason, there are many routes to suit the diverse origins of the pilgrims. You don’t even need to start near Spain. There are routes as far away as Poland, which pass through Germany, Holland and France and then to Spain. You can start from wherever it is convenient for you. However, some routes are busier than others.
You may also wonder when to do the Camino de Santiago. Avoid winter, summer and Easter on your way.
Most popular routes within the Iberian Peninsula
- French Way
This is the most famous and popular route on the Camino de Santiago. Eat in Spain the best city for tapas and visit the fantastic cathedrals of Burgos and León. Also, all tapas in León are free.
Cities: Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos, León and Ponferrada. - North way
This route is a good alternative to the French Way. Enjoy unique Basque and Asturian cuisines while touring the coast. When you are in Oviedo, you can change routes and join the Camino Primitivo.
Cities: Irún, San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander and Oviedo
- Aragones way
This has a different first stage that joins the French Way in the middle. It is good for those who come from Barcelona, since they can start the walk a little earlier. However, Jaca, which is the starting point, is more difficult to get to for most pilgrims.
Cities: Logroño, Burgos, León and Ponferrada. - Silver road
This is the longest and most difficult Camino, starting from Seville. Many days it is almost 20 miles, which means you must be in good shape for this route. Avoid this route in the summer, when it will be very hot.
Cities: Seville, Cáceres, Salamanca, Zamora and Ourense.
- English Way
The shortest route Camino de Santiago, starting from A Coruña or Ferrol, this was the way the English used to walk after taking a boat to Spain.
The cities: A Coruña and Ferrol - Portuguese Way
Start your way in the fantastic Portuguese city of Porto.
Cities: Porto and Pontevedra - Primitive Way
This is a short route and starts in Oviedo. It can be treated as an alternative to the end of the Camino del Norte.
Cities : Oviedo and Lugo. - Fisterra Way
This is an alternative to the end of the route, which takes you from Santiago de Compostela to Fisterra: «end of the earth».
Cities: none. Only small Galician towns.
