Camino de Santiago Routes

Which Camino de Santiago route should you choose? A guide for pilgrims

Camino de Santiago isn’t a single trail, but a network of pilgrimage routes through Spain, Portugal and France, all leading to the ancient city of Santiago de Compostela. Each route has its own character, terrain, history and rhythm, and choosing the right one is one of the most important decisions you’ll make before lacing up your boots. Whether you’re doing your first ever Camino, a single section or are returning to do a new route, we can help you find a Camino that fits your plans.

RAW Travel is Australia and New Zealand’s leading Camino de Santiago specialists. For almost 15 years, we have organised and supported thousands of walkers on ‘The Way’ with carefully planned self-guided Camino itineraries. Our long established relationships with trusted Camino accommodation providers ensure quality stays in handpicked hotels and guesthouses.

Below you’ll find an overview of the routes we specialise in, along with the details to help you compare and decide which one is the best for you.

Destination Guide
Camino marker on a stone cobbled path
Woman looking at Roman Bridge near Astorga
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hiker looking out over the mountains in Spain
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Camino pilgrims in Santiago
Aerial view of San Sebastian in Spain's Basque Country showcasing the beach alongside its vibrant town.
A wooden sign inscribed in yellow with the words 'Camino de Santiago' and a scallop shell.
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Young female backpacker piligrim sitting on the Obradeiro square (plaza) in Santiago de Compostela
Walkers in town in Spain
Two young hikers hold up their compostela (certificate of completing the Camino pilgrimage) in front of the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
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Cyclist along The Camino
Two female Camino pilgrims crossing a medieval bridge in Leon (Spain) on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
A woman arms outstretched with the Camino del Norte in the background.
People in square in Santiago
Camino trail marker
Walking the Camino Primitivo
A female hiker points to a wooden sign showing the way to Lauzerte (27km).
Italian warmth & hospitality
Rear view of a male pilgrim in he main square of Santiago de Compostela looking up at the famous Cathedral.
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Pilgrim sign along the Camino
Santiago Cathedral by night
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Walkers along the Camino de Santiago
A wooden sign on Le Puy Camino pointing the way to Lascabanes.
Delicious seafood is a regular meal along the Camino de Santiago - Northern Way
Hikers Camino de Santiago Spain

Camino Frances

Camino Francés – Spain’s classic Camino route

The Camino Francés, or French Way, is the world’s most iconic pilgrimage route, and the most popular route on the Camino. Stretching almost 800km across northern Spain from the Pyrenees to the cathedral city of Santiago de Compostela, it offers an extraordinary mix of landscapes, history, food and culture. But more than anything, it’s the people you meet along the way that make it unforgettable. The camaraderie of fellow pilgrims on the Camino Francés is unlike anything else in walking travel.

This is also one of the most accessible long-distance routes in the world, suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. It’s not particularly strenuous overall, though you’ll need both physical and mental stamina for the full journey. There are options to either walk the full route or choose from multiple sections of the Camino Francés. 

Distance: ~790km (St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela)

Highlights: The dramatic crossing of the Pyrenees on day one, the vast open plains of the Meseta, the medieval cities of Pamplona, Burgos and León, the lush green valleys of Galicia, the arrival at the Plaza del Obradoiro.

Difficulty: Moderate-Challening, depending on the section length and difficulty

Best time to walk: Spring (March to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer the most comfortable walking conditions. July and August are hotter and significantly busier.

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People walking along Porto's picturesque riverfront

Portuguese Camino

Portuguese Coastal Camino – breathtaking walk along the Atlantic Coast

The Portuguese Coastal Camino is the perfect route for lovers of coastal scenery and those with a slightly more adventurous spirit. Heading north along the Atlantic coast from Lisbon or Porto, it passes through historic Portuguese towns and fishing villages before crossing into Spain and continuing to Santiago de Compostela. It’s a wonderful alternative for walkers who love the ocean, good seafood and a warmer Mediterranean-influenced climate.

The coastal track offers a choice of two paths: one hugging the shoreline across beaches and headlands, the other following older inland routes. Signage is lighter than on the Camino Francés in Portugal, though it improves once you cross into Spain at Redondela. The locals are exceptionally welcoming, and the pace of life along the route has a warmth and ease that’s hard to resist.

Distance: ~260km (Porto to Santiago), ~620km (Lisbon to Santiago)

Highlights: The historic city of Porto, long Atlantic beaches, the pilgrimage town of Viana do Castelo, fresh seafood at every stop, the local communities along the way.

Difficulty: Moderate, or Moderate-Challenging

Best time to walk: The walking season runs from April through to October. June to August are the ideal months for this walk.

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Le Puy Camino France

Le Puy Camino

Le Puy Camino – a route through the countryside in south-west France

If the Camino Francés is Spain’s great walk, the Le Puy Camino (also known as Via Podensis) is France’s answer, and many who’ve walked both consider it the more beautiful of the two. Beginning in the volcanic highlands of the Auvergne at Le Puy-en-Velay, this 745km route winds through the heart of rural south-west France before finishing in the Basque foothills at St Jean Pied de Port where it merges with the Camino Francés.

The landscape changes constantly: volcanic plateaus give way to medieval villages, limestone river gorges, sunflower fields, rolling vineyards and the lush hills of Gascony. There are Romanesque churches, old bridges and other architecture along the route, and the food and wine of this region are among the finest in France. It’s quieter than the Spanish routes, and deeply local in its feel.

Distance: ~745km (Le Puy-en-Velay to St Jean Pied de Port)

Highlights: The cathedral city of Le Puy-en-Velay, the medieval towns of Conques, Figeac and Moissac; the Lot river valley, the Armagnac wine country, many of France’s officially designated plus beaux villages.

Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging

Best time to walk: Mid-April to mid-June and September to mid-October are the best times to walk. Hotter temperatures in July and especially August can make walking conditions more challenging.

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Tower of Hercules, Spain Camino Ingles

Camino Inglés

Camino Inglés – walk a quieter path to Santiago on the English Way

The Camino Inglés is one of the shorter and more intimate routes of the Camino de Santiago, and one that carries a fascinating history. It follows the ancient paths once walked by pilgrims from England, Ireland and northern Europe who arrived by sea at the Galician ports of Ferrol or A Coruña, then continued on foot to Santiago. 

With fewer pilgrims than the Camino Francés, the Inglés has a calm and reflective atmosphere. The walking is varied but manageable: gently rolling terrain through green Galician countryside, forests and traditional villages, with well-marked paths throughout. It’s well suited to first-time Camino walkers, those with limited time or anyone who prefers a more unhurried and personal experience of the Way.

Distance: ~120km (Ferrol to Santiago), ~75km (A Coruña to Santiago). Walking from Ferrol meets the minimum distance required to earn the Compostela certificate.

Highlights: The historic port cities of Ferrol and A Coruña, the Galician countryside and forest trails, traditional villages, uncrowded trails.

Difficulty: Moderate

Best time to walk: The walking season runs from April to October. April to early June and September to October offer quieter trails and cooler temperatures.

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Hiker Camino del Norte

Camino del Norte

Camino del Norte – Spain’s coastal pilgrim trail

The Camino del Norte, the Northern Way, is the road less travelled along Spain’s dramatic Atlantic coast. Running 817km through the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia before turning inland toward Santiago, it’s a more physically demanding route than the Camino Francés, but the rewards are exceptional. Think rugged clifftops, hidden coves, secluded beaches and a trail of vibrant coastal towns.

This is a route for walkers who want peace and tranquility. There are fewer pilgrims on the trail, and the rhythm of the walk naturally encourages reflection and contemplation. The cultural riches along the way from the Guggenheim in Bilbao to the Michelin-starred restaurants of San Sebastián to the medieval streets of Santillana del Mar add a richness to the experience.

Distance: ~817km (Irún to Santiago de Compostela)

Highlights: The culinary experiences in San Sebastián, the rugged Basque and Cantabrian coastline, the beaches and cider houses of Asturias, the Monastery of Santa María de Sobrado.

Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging. This is one of the more challenging Camino routes due to its varied terrain and rolling hills.

Best time to walk: April to October. The season officially opens on 1 April and closes 31 October, so plan your walk within this window.

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Exterior of a modest hotel made of stone with a tidy garden on the Camino Primitivo in Spain

Camino Primitivo

Camino Primitivo – The Original Way

The Camino Primitivo is the oldest of all the Camino routes. It was first walked by King Alfonso II of Asturias in the 9th century, making the journey to venerate the remains of Saint James long before the Camino Francés was established. Beginning in the city of Oviedo, it traverses 320km of rugged mountain terrain through Asturias and Galicia before joining the Camino Francés near Santiago.

This is a great route for experienced walkers seeking a less travelled route, and a more traditional and physically demanding Camino. The Primitivo is raw and demanding in places, with steep ascents and remote stretches that require solid fitness and good preparation. But the sense of achievement, and the beauty of the landscape, make the effort well worth it.

Distance: ~320km (Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela). Shorter options include the Lugo to Santiago segment for those seeking a more moderate introduction.

Highlights: The ancient cathedral city of Oviedo, the remote mountain scenery of Asturias, lush Galician countryside, a genuine sense of solitude and history.

Difficulty: Challenging-Strenuous

Best time to walk: The Camino Primitivo season starts 15 April and finishes on 15 October each year. June to September are the best months to walk. 

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Two hikers on the Finisterre coast in Galicia, Spain. They are standing next to a stone marker that has a Camino scallop shell emblem.

Camino de Finisterre

Camino de Finisterre – the final part of the Santiago

The Camino de Finisterre is the perfect way to extend your Camino experience beyond Santiago. Since ancient times, pilgrims have continued west from the cathedral city to the wild Atlantic coast to Finisterre, once believed to be the very edge of the known world. It’s a fitting contemplative end to an epic journey.

The route heads through the green hills and quiet villages of Galicia, with the landscape gradually opening out toward the sea. From the lighthouse at Cape Finisterre, the most westerly point in mainland Europe, you can stand at the cliff’s edge and look out over the Atlantic.

Distance: ~90km (Santiago de Compostela to Cape Finisterre). 

Highlights: The peaceful Galician countryside beyond Santiago, the charming fishing town of Finisterre, the lighthouse and cliffs at Cape Finisterre.

Difficulty: Moderate

Best time to walk: April to October. The route can be walked in around three to four days, making it an easy add-on to any Camino itinerary.

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Camino Routes

Why walk with RAW Travel

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Australia's most experienced Camino operator

We've been organising Camino trips for almost 15 years, and in that time we've supported thousands of walkers across every major route. We take care of all the details, including accommodation, luggage transfers, maps and transport, so you can simply focus on the walk.

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Direct operations and local on-ground support

We don't outsource your trip. That means full quality control over your experience, and our own ground managers at key points along the Camino routes ready to provide support when you need it.

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Flexible trips tailored to you

Every Camino is different, and every walker is different. We work with you to design a trip that suits your dates, fitness level, preferred daily distances and budget. Whether you're walking your first Camino or returning to complete another section, we'll help you get it right.

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Handpicked accommodation throughout

We book everything directly with our long-standing accommodation partners along each route. You'll stay in authentic, characterful properties, from grand Paradors and historic hotels to charming casa rurales and quality guesthouses, all carefully selected and located right on the Camino path.

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO ROUTES

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Camino suitable for travellers of all ages?

Yes! The Camino de Santiago’s universal appeal and variety of routes make it accessible to people from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Pilgrims of all ages, from 7 to 70+ walk the various Camino routes every year.

Is the Camino suitable for travellers of all ages?

The level of fitness required to walk the Camino largely depends on the specific route you choose and your individual health and fitness level. Walking the Camino is not a race and there are no prizes given for the fastest completion time, so you are well advised to take your time and look to build in adequate rest days for the amount of time you are walking. A good rule of thumb is to have at least one rest for each week of walking, though you may require more than that. \

Read more: How difficult is the Camino de Santiago?

How fit do I need to be to walk the Camino?

Yes! We can work with you to design your Camino trip just the way you want it so that it matches your dates, duration, fitness and interests. Our dedicated team of Camino experts have first-hand experience of all the different routes. We understand the appeal of this great walk and can give you great advice about the daily realities. 

If you’re thinking about experiencing a Camino with us, check out what our travellers have to say.

Can I customise my walk on the Camino?

We pre-book all your Camino accommodation for you! You’ll stay in authentic, quality accommodation, including charming casa rurales, historic hotels, fine guest houses and the famous Paradors. Most of the properties are located on the Camino path. With our long-standing relationships with our hotels, you’ll be well looked after. 

Find out more about the Parador Santiago de Compostela.

Do I have to book accommodation in advance for the Camino?

St Jean Pied de Port, Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos, Leon and Sarria are popular starting points for Spain’s Camino Frances or The French Way, the best known main Camino. Walking from Sarria to Santiago is the most popular section for those wanting to earn their Compostela.

To get there, you have a few options. Read more about getting to the Camino de Santiago.

What is the best time of year to walk the Camino?

For Spain’s Camino Francés the cooler months of spring (March to June) and then early autumn (September and October) are considered optimal times for walking. July and August are hotter and busier and accommodation can fill up quickly in these months, so should be booked quite well in advance.

The Portuguese Camino can be walked from March to October. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean ensures that it is perfect for walking during the European summer months (June to August).

The best time to walk the Le Puy Camino route is between April and October. Outside of these months a lot of amenities can be closed. June and July are a great time to walk because you get the maximum amount of daylight: the sun rises at about 6am and sets at about 10pm.

The Camino del Norte season starts on 1 April and ends on 31 October each year, so you need to walk within that period.

For Italy’s Via Francigena, spring (April – May) and autumn (September – October) offer exceptional times to walk in Italy. Summer can also be a nice time to visit.

Also read: Best time to walk the Camino

What are the most popular starting points for the Camino pilgrimage routes?

St Jean Pied de Port, Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos, Leon and Sarria are popular starting points for Spain’s Camino Frances or The French Way, the best known main Camino. Walking from Sarria to Santiago is the most popular section for those wanting to earn their Compostela.

To get there, you have a few options. Read more about getting to the Camino de Santiago.

Do all Camino routes end at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela?

Most Camino routes eventually culminate in the city of Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain, where pilgrims traditionally attend mass at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This cathedral is said to house the remains of Saint James and remains the spiritual heart of the religious pilgrimage to Santiago.

Top 25 questions we get asked about Walking the Camino

See more information in our Top Questions Asked Before a Camino Trip.

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