Camino de Santiago

Europe's great historical and cultural trail

Walking Spain’s Camino de Santiago is a ‘bucket list’ experience you will never forget!

The French Way (or Camino Francés) is the most popular of the many pathways leading to the historical and spiritual city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in north-western Spain.

Spanning almost 800km across rural Spain, this is the most well-known Camino de Santiago route. As you’d expect, it offers an enormous variety of landscapes, terrain and culture. This Camino route is not particularly strenuous overall, but you’ll need physical and mental stamina. It can take 40+ days to walk the full Camino.

It is an incredible journey that will immerse you not only in Spain’s grand history, food and culture but most importantly the extraordinary camaraderie that exists along this route.

People today choose the Camino de Santiago as a personal gift of time. To connect with their dreams, beliefs and values, to be in nature, to find inner strength and wisdom, or simply to travel slowly through fascinating landscapes and cultures.

TOP 25 QUESTIONS ASKED BEFORE A TRIP

See our Camino FAQs for everything you need to know!  

Camino de Santiago

The RAW Travel Difference

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AUSTRALIA'S MOST EXPERIENCED CAMINO OPERATOR

More people travel with RAW Travel to the Camino than any other operator in Australia and NZ. We take care of all the details: accommodation, luggage transfers, maps, breakfasts and transport. You can just relax and concentrate on your Camino knowing you have a secure booking each night with luggage transfers, so all you carry is your daypack.

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DIRECT OPERATIONS & LOCAL ON-GROUND SUPPORT

We don't outsource your trip so we maintain full quality control over your experience. We also have our own ground managers in-country at key points along the Camino to give you any assistance you might need it. You can't beat having local back-up on your Camino when you need it.

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FLEXIBLE TRIPS TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS

Flexibility is at the heart of our offer. We listen to what you want and tailor the daily walking distances to your ability and timeframes, giving you the experience you want. We can vary the length of stages and find the accommodation that best suits your individual needs and budget.

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UNIQUE & HISTORIC ACCOMMODATION

We book all our arrangements directly. With our long-standing relationships with hotels, you'll be well looked after. You'll stay in authentic, quality accommodation from grand Parador hotels to charming casa rurales. We have chosen the most interesting and centrally located lodgings right along the Camino route.

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Camino de Santiago trips

Older Camino walkers near Pamplona
41 Days

Camino de Santiago

The Full Camino

770km Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • Self-guided walking trip; set your own pace
  • Enjoy Spain’s rich legacy of history, culture, food and art
  • Ideal for single travellers who like the details of their trip well planned
  • Country roads, forest tracks over old villages, cities born from the Camino trail
from

$6,390.00

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Camino de Santiago
41 Days

Camino de Santiago

The Full Camino: Womens and Group Trips

For Women Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • Follow in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims
  • Walk the full 800km of the French Camino Trail
  • 1,000 years of history on the world’s greatest historical trail
  • Pamplona; former centre of a fiercely independent kingdom
from

$6,750.00

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Backpacker man pilgrim looking at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral standing on the Obradeiro square (plaza) - the main square in Santiago de Compostela as a end of his Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
35 Days

Camino de Santiago

The Full Camino: Walk and Cycle

Moderate Self-Guided Walk & Cycle
  • Enjoy a sip of wine at the famous wine fountain of Irache!
  • Bring a rock from home to leave at the Cruz de Ferro
  • Indulge the tastebuds, visit the Museo del Chocolate in Astorga
  • Finish your pilgrimage walk into the city of Santiago de Compostela
from

$6,790.00

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Camino highlights
15 Days

Camino de Santiago

The Highlights Trip – Camino

Challenging Self-Guided
  • Walk the best sections of the Camino
  • Use trains to visit other cities along the route
  • Follow in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims
  • Dedicated local support person in Spain
from

$2,690.00

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Camino de Santiago
11 Days

Camino de Santiago

The Camino Stage 1. St Jean Pied de Port to Logrono

Challenging Food and Wine History Self-Guided
  • Cross the imposing and beautiful Pyrenees from France into Spain
  • Enjoy a sip of wine at the famous wine fountain of Irache
  • Soak up the history and vibrant basque culture in Pamplona
  • Join a tapas or pincho tour in the streets of Pamplona and Logrono
from

$1,990.00

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Camino de Santiago
19 Days

Camino de Santiago

The Camino Stage 3-5. Leon to Santiago

Challenging Self-Guided
  • Walk the final 300km of the Camino Trail
  • This self-guided trip allows you to set your own pace
  • Finish in this historic city of Santiago; visit the final end point of your walk at the Cathedral
from

$2,890.00

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The Camino Stage 5. Sarria to Santiago: Womens Parador Trip
9 Days

Camino de Santiago

The Camino Stage 5. Sarria to Santiago: 9 day

Moderate Self-Guided
  • Walk the final 100km of the Camino Trail
  • Qualify for your Compostela
  • Finish in this historic city of Santiago
  • Visit the final end point of your walk at the Cathedral
from

$1,550.00

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Camino de Santiago
11 Days

Camino de Santiago

The Camino Stage 5. Sarria to Santiago: 11 days

Moderate Self-Guided
  • Walk the final 100km of the Camino Trail
  • Qualify for your Compostela
  • Finish in this historic city of Santiago
  • Visit the final end point of your walk at the Cathedral
from

$1,890.00

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Camino de Santiago
11 Days

Camino de Santiago

The Camino Stage 5. Sarria to Santiago Group Trip

Moderate Self-Guided
  • Walk the final 100km of the Camino Trail
  • Qualify for your Compostela
  • Finish in this historic city of Santiago
  • Visit the final end point of your walk at the Cathedral
from

$1,890.00

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Pilgrims on the road,  way of St. James
14 Days

Camino de Santiago

The Camino Stage 5. Sarria to Santiago: Womens Parador Trip

For Women Moderate Self-Guided
  • Walk the final 100km of Spain’s iconic Camino trail
  • Qualify for your Compostela
  • Finish in Santiago and visit the final end point of your walk at the Cathedral
  • Stay in opulent Parador hotels
from

$2,795.00

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Camino de Santiago
8 Days

Camino de Santiago

The Camino Stage 5. Sarria to Santiago: The Essentials Trip

Moderate Self-Guided
  • Walk the final 100km of the Camino trail
  • Qualify for your Compostela
  • Finish in this historic city of Santiago
  • Private accommodation, breakfasts, luggage transfers and in-country support
from

$1,190.00

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Camino Primitivo
9 Days

Camino de Santiago

Camino Primitivo

Moderate Self-Guided
  • Walk the final 109km of the Camino from Lugo
  • Qualify for your Compostela
  • Finish in this historic city of Santiago
  • Private accommodation, breakfasts, luggage transfers and in-country support
from

$1,520.00

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Finisterre, Camino
6 Days

Camino de Santiago

Camino de Finisterre – Camino

Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • A quieter less visited section that literally finishes at the water’s edge
  • Enjoy great seafood and local wine while resting in Finisterre
  • Quiet woodland paths past Galician horreos and remote moors
  • Finisterre was considered to be the “End of the World”
from

$950.00

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Madrid to Santiago
13 Days

Camino de Santiago

Madrid to Santiago – Camino

Moderate Self-Guided
  • Begin your journey in the exciting city of Madrid
  • Free time to explore Spain’s exciting capital
  • Walk the final 100km of the Camino Trail; qualify for your Compostela
  • Finish in the historic city Santiago; visit the final end point at the Cathedral
from

$2,430.00

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Cycling the Camino
19 Days

Camino de Santiago

The Camino Stage 2-5. Pamplona to Santiago: Mountain Bike

Challenging Self-Guided
  • Mountain Bike Pamplona to Santiago
  • Bring a pebble or memento from home to leave at the Cruz de Ferro
  • Indulge the tastebuds; visit the Museo del Chocolate in Astorga
  • Finish your pilgrimage walking into the city of Santiago de Compostela
from

$4,495.00

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The Camino Stage 3-5. Leon to Santiago: Mountain Bike
19 Days

Camino de Santiago

The Camino Stage 2-5. Pamplona to Santiago: E-Bike

Challenging Self-Guided
  • E-Bike from Pamplona to Santiago
  • Cover 675km of trail and roads along the Camino Frances
  • Great quality long range e-bike makes the journey easier
  • Finish your pilgrimage riding into the Cathedral plaza of Santiago de Compostela
from

$4,650.00

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Camino mountain bike
10 Days

Camino de Santiago

The Camino Stage 3-5. Leon to Santiago: Mountain Bike

  • Explore the beautiful city of Leon and its incredible Gothic cathedral
  • Indulge the tastebuds; visit to the Museo del Chocolate in Astorga
  • Bring a pebble or memento to leave at the Cruz de Ferro
  • Finish your pilgrimage in the incredible city of Santiago de Compostela
from

$2,550.00

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The Camino Stage 3-5. Leon to Santiago: Mountain Bike
10 Days

Camino de Santiago

The Camino Stage 3-5. Leon to Santiago: E-Bike

Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • Tackle the climbs to the iconic Cruz de Ferro and O’Cebreiro
  • Visit Roman ruins and the Museo del Chocolate in Astorga
  • E-bike through ancient villages and towns of verdant Galicia
  • Finish your pilgrimage riding into the vibrant city of Santiago de Compostela
from

$2,890.00

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Explore

Camino de Santiago Route Map

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

This delightful mountain town at the foothills of the Pyrenees is the traditional starting point for pilgrims walking the Camino Francés. You will see many people arriving and preparing for the challenging crossing. Decide if you will take the Napoleon route (very scenic but more difficult) or the Valcarlos route (for bad weather).

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Roncesvalles

Roncesvalles (‘the valley of thorns’) is a beautiful spot still cloaked in a medieval atmosphere. Make sure you visit the beautiful 12th-century church, cloisters and museum.

Akerreta

In the small village of Akerreta, about 6km past Zubiri and 17km before Pamplona, there is a beautiful converted country house (casa rurale) that featured in the movie ‘The Way’.

Pamplona

This vibrant Spanish city is bursting with artistic, historical and gastronomical highlights! We recommend dining in the city’s award-winning restaurants that specialise in elaborately prepared ‘pinchos’ (finger foods) and doing a foodie tour.

Puenta de la Reina

The small town of Puenta de la Reina (translated as ‘Bridge of the Queen) is famous for its perfectly balanced 11th century stone bridge; it’s one of the most famous photos of the Camino. It is the point where the Camino Francés meets the Aragonese Route. As a result of the two paths crossing, Puente la Reina has been a major meeting point along the Camino for hundreds of years.

Estella

Estella is a lovely small town split in two by the Ega River and surrounded by conic, wooded hills topped with castles (or their ruins) and churches attesting to its long history as a crucial centre of commerce. Just outside of Estella you will find the famous Irache fountain that dispenses free red wine to thirsty pilgrims (courtesy of the Bodegas)!

Los Arcos

Los Arcos is another charming village situated along the Camino. It is a classical pilgrim halt that is known for its old town, with cobbled streets and well-preserved buildings. The village offers a range of services for pilgrims, including restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies and medical facilities.

Logroño

The capital of the La Rioja region is home to some of Spain’s most celebrated red wines. It has one of the most distinguished culinary traditions in Spain. There are over 50 taperías (tapas restaurants) located within a four-block area close to the town centre. The traditional tapas restaurants often serve only one tapa (such as mushroom), served as pincho (pintxo in Basque), meaning one serving. Many pilgrims also elect to include a rest day here.

Nájera

Historically important, Nájera was used by Navarran kings during medieval times after King Garcia Sanchez chose it as his base. The town is built on the banks of the river Najerilla and along its banks, you will find the Monasterio and Iglesia de Santa María La Real built in 1032. You enter this town via the modern eastern quarter and the old town sandwiched between the river Najerila and the towering rock face that acts as a spectacular backdrop with its ancient Castillo.

Santo Domingo de la Calzada

This town owes its inspiration to Saint Dominic of the Road who dedicated his life to improving the physical route for the pilgrims and built a pilgrim’s hospital (now the Parador) and a church which has now evolved into the Cathedral. Both buildings are located in the historic town square Plaza del Santo where you will find a good variety of places to eat and shop.

San Juan de Ortega

This small village in the province of Burgos is home to the Monastery of San Juan de Ortega, a Romanesque architectural gem. Setamidst beautiful forests and fields, it is peaceful and tranquil.

Burgos

Burgos is sometimes known as the Gothic capital of Spain. The Burgos Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often considered one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Spain. The city’s dining scene offers a taste of Castilian gastronomy. Pilgrims often have a rest day here.

Hornillos del Camino

In this classic pilgrim village, little has changed over the centuries. It is a great place to immerse yourself in the ancient atmosphere of ‘the way’. Once you leave Hornillos del Camino you are again travelling along the Meseta. There are few towns en route to Castrojeriz, so make sure you are well stocked with any water and supplies you may need.

Castrojeriz

Castrojeriz is the perfect place to rest for the night as it is a small sleepy town with an obsession for siestas. If you still have enough energy it is well worth the walk to the hilltop castle Castillo where you enjoy lovely views over the town and countryside. If not, relax with a beer in one of the local bars.

Frómista

Frómista is best known for the beautiful 11th century Iglesia de San Martin which was built with gorgeous mellow stone. With over 300 external corbels each carved with a different human, animal or mythical motif, this is a must-see site.

Carrión de los Condes

This fascinating town retains its medieval atmosphere with its quiet side streets. At one time it was home to no less than 14 pilgrim hospitals! The town has a variety of shops, bars and restaurants.

Terradillos de los Templarios

This small humble village of just 80 residents is the approximate halfway point of the full length Camino.

Calzadilla de los Hermanillos

This small village in the province of León is set amidst the beautiful Castilian landscapes, characterised by open plains, farmland, and the distant peaks of the Cantabrian Mountains. The scenery adds to the tranquil and rural ambiance of the place.

 

Mansilla de las Mulas

As you head towards the walled town of Mansilla de las Mulas the landscape becomes a little hillier with wine storage cellars and bodegas set into the hills. The town’s name is derived from the Latin ‘mansio’, which means ‘stopping place’. Notable landmarks include the Puerta del Sol, a medieval gate that was part of the town’s defensive walls, and the Church of Santa María, which is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.

León

León is a beautiful city with an incredible Gothic cathedral, renowned for its marvellous stained-glass windows. In the evening the narrow streets and plazas come alive when locals flood the local bodegas, cafes and restaurants. León is surrounded by picturesque natural landscapes, such as the Picos de Europa mountain range and the green, hilly countryside of Castile and León. Pilgrims often have a rest day here.

Hospital de Órbigo

The small town of Hospital de Órbigo is famous for its remarkable medieval bridge, the Puente de Órbigo. This bridge, also known as the “Passo Honroso” (the Passage of Honor), was the site of a medieval jousting tournament where knights vied for the affection of a lady. The bridge and its history are significant for pilgrims on the Camino.

 

Astorga

Astorga has a rich history dating back to Roman times and remnants of Roman walls and mosaics can still be seen in the town. The cathedral is a Gothic and Renaissance masterpiece and a must-visit. Astorga is also famous for the Episcopal Palace designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. This modernist building is a distinctive architectural gem and now houses the Gaudí Museum.

Rabanal del Camino

This village has a long history related to the Camino de Santiago. It was historically known for its hospitality to pilgrims and many pilgrims find it to be a spiritually significant place.

Molinaseca

This picturesque village offers a charming atmosphere with its cobbled streets and a medieval bridge over the Meruelo River.

Villafranca del Bierzo

This charming town is nestled in the hills that mark the border into Galicia. Both Molinaseca or Villafranca del Bierzo are great places to consider an additional rest day.

O’Cebreiro

The atmospheric hilltop hamlet of O’Cebreiro feels vaguely Irish. It’s known for its straw roof houses (pallozas) and is located on the Galicia border, about 150km from Santiago.

Triacastela

Triacastela is a charming village located in the province of Lugo. It is surrounded by beautiful Galician landscapes, including rolling green hills, lush forests, and serene rivers.

Sarria

Sarria is a busy, modern town with plenty of shops, hotels, restaurants and bars. It is bustling with pilgrims – those who began their Camino hundreds of kilometres back as well as the large number that walk the final 100km to Santiago de Compostela to qualify for their Compostela.

Portomarin

Portomarin has been inhabited for thousands of years and its importance grew with the popularity of the Camino in the middle ages. At one time it had three orders of Knights: the Knights Templar, the Knights of St John and the Knights of Jerusalem, which may go some way to explaining the castle-like edifice of the 12th century Romanesque Igelsia San Nicolas church which still stands in the square at the centre of town.

Palas de Rei

This town was a favourite place of residence of the Galician nobility and the importance of the Jacobean pilgrimage in this village goes back to time immemorial.

Arzúa

This is the last large town before you reach Santiago. It has plenty of restaurants bars and cafes and a few ATMs. The 14th century Capilla de la Magdelena is the town’s main monument. Arzúa is most famous for its local cheese, Queixo, a smooth creamy cheese made from cow’s milk which most restaurants feature in some way and is definitely worth trying.

O Pedrouzo

This small busy town has plenty of shops, restaurants and bars. It is the last stage of the Camino before entering Santiago de Compostela.

Santiago de Compostela

The wonderful and historic city of Santiago is the end of the Camino journey for most pilgrims. Praza do Obradoiro and the wonderful ancient Cathedral form the city’s heart. Attend the midday pilgrims mass and watch the steady stream of pilgrims arriving into the square as they finish their epic journey. There are many enticing tapas bars and restaurants in which to celebrate your journey.

 

Finisterre

Since ancient times pilgrims have been making their way beyond Santiago to Finisterre (Fisterra in Galician) literally the ‘end of the world’. It is the most westerly point in Europe and a fitting end to the epic Camino walk. Four days of walking brings you to the sea and the rugged coastal landscapes of Galicia.

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ON THE TRAIL

Camino terrain

The Camino Frances covers a lot of different terrain over its 789km length so it’s difficult to succinctly describe all the different trail conditions you will encounter along its length, except to say there is a great variety! Sometimes you will walk on shepherd’s tracks through mountains, dirt paths through a forest or more commonly gravel tracks and roads. Often it is through rolling hills particularly in Galicia. There are three significant sets of mountains to cross with passes up to 1500m, and the great open expanse of the Meseta in the middle of the route. As you approach towns and cities you will follow roads more and footpaths in the cities.

Camino De Santiago destination guide

Exclusive Guide

Camino de Santiago destination guide

Discover inspiration, travel essentials, practical information and more in our free Destination Guide. All you need to know about walking the Camino de Santiago routes through Spain, Portugal and France!

Walking the Camino is an incredible journey that will immerse you not only in Europe’s grand history, food and culture but most importantly the extraordinary camaraderie that exists along these routes. The spirit of the Camino de Santiago is alive and well among people from all over the world. It is a ‘bucket list’ experience you will never forget!

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Camino de Santiago

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Camino de Santiago suitable for solo travellers?

Embarking on the Camino de Santiago solo is not just a journey; it’s a personal odyssey of self-discovery. The trail’s communal spirit welcomes solo travellers, creating a space for genuine connections with fellow pilgrims. RAW Travel can customise your pilgrimage so that you can walk the way you want to while immersing yourself in the supportive community along the way.

Is the Camino de Santiago suitable for all fitness levels?

The Camino is doable for most people. Whether you intend to walk the full Camino (40+ days) or smaller sections of it, your walk will be more enjoyable if you have conditioned your feet and body to walking the same distances and terrain as your daily stages on the Camino. Some sections are physically more demanding than others. RAW Travel’s itineraries can be tailored to match your fitness level.

What is the best time to walk the Camino de Santiago?

The cooler months of spring (March to June) and then early autumn (September and October) are the best times to walk the Camino. Even though there may be rainy days and cold evenings, it is 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.

Are there specific packing tips for walking the Camino de Santiago?

Waterproof walking boots with full ankle support are recommended for the Camino. Trekking poles will give you extra stability, especially when you are tired. (We definitely recommend them if you have – or have had – any issues at all with sore knees, ankles or hips.) Opt for lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing and a well-fitting day pack. RAW Travel provides detailed packing lists tailored to each route’s unique demands. Essential items include a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. Armed with our comprehensive pre-departure information, you’ll pack wisely, ensuring comfort and enjoyment throughout your Camino de Santiago journey.

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Tailor-made trips

If you don’t see the exact trip you’re looking for then consider a customised trip, individually tailored to your ideal walking distances and timeframes. Have a look at our tailor-made trips page on the link below and drop us a line:

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