Plan Your Ideal Camino de Santiago from the United States
Ready to Embark on a Life-Changing Experience Walking the legendary Camino de Santiago?
If you’re in USA and dreaming of exploring this historic route, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re seeking a spiritual journey, an adventure surrounded by nature, or a personal challenge, we’ll guide you on how to plan your trip from USA to the most iconic routes of the Camino de Santiago.
With us, you’ll discover the best options, the most popular Camino routes, and practical tips to make your journey unforgettable. Start planning your adventure today and let the Camino de Santiago transform you!
Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to the Camino de Santiago.
In the following lines, you’ll find all the essential information to organize your Camino from the USA—a unique adventure through incredible places filled with history, leading to the city of Santiago de Compostela.
Explore the different routes available, the various ways to embark on this pilgrimage—whether on foot, by bike, on horseback, or even by boat—and practical tips to make your journey an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re drawn to the culture and history of the regions along the routes, the stunning natural landscapes of the Camino, or simply the challenge of testing your physical and mental endurance, the Camino de Santiago has something special to offer every adventurer.
Discover your ideal route below and start your pilgrimage journey today!
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Map of the Camino de Santiago
Main Routes of the Camino de Santiago
Below, you’ll find all the essential information about the different routes of the Camino de Santiago.
Camino de Santiago French Way
The French Way is one of the most popular routes of the Camino de Santiago, typically divided into 32 stages and completed in 31 to 35 days. The most common starting points are Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port or Roncesvalles, covering approximately 780 kilometers (485 miles), or Somport, which extends the journey to 937 kilometers (582 miles).
This quintessential Jacobean route passes through numerous cities and towns, offering opportunities to enjoy local gastronomy, admire stunning landscapes, and explore the rich history of each region. Highlights along the way include Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos, and Sarria, all leading to the majestic city of Compostela.
Camino de Santiago Portuguese Way
The Portuguese Camino de Santiago, also known as the Central Portuguese Camino (to differentiate it from smaller variants), is the main pilgrimage route connecting Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela.
Spanning approximately 600 kilometers (373 miles), the route can be comfortably completed in about 24 days, averaging 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) per day. While the official starting point is Lisbon, most pilgrims begin their journey in Porto (240 km/149 miles from Santiago) or Tui (119 km/74 miles away).
This route offers a picturesque rural experience with gentle, undemanding terrain, and is rich in historical landmarks, making it a fantastic option for pilgrims seeking beauty, culture, and tranquility.
Camino de Santiago Portuguese along the coast
The Portuguese Coastal Camino de Santiago is likely the second most popular route for pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela and undoubtedly one of the most scenic itineraries. The journey starts in Porto.
This route spans approximately 270 kilometers (168 miles) to reach Santiago de Compostela. However, many pilgrims choose to cover just the final 100 kilometers (62 miles), starting from towns like Baiona, Vigo, or A Guarda. Notably, upon reaching Redondela, this path merges with the Central Portuguese Camino.
Historic cities such as Porto, Viana do Castelo, Pontevedra, and PadrĂłn enrich this route, offering a blend of history, culture, gastronomy, and tradition that makes it truly unforgettable.
Camino de Santiago English Way
The English Way (Camino Inglés) owes its origin to pilgrims who historically traveled by sea to Galicia, arriving at ports like A Coruña and Ferrol, with smaller numbers coming through Viveiro and Ribadeo.
This is one of the shortest Camino routes, consisting of just 5 stages. Pilgrims can choose between two main starting points: the 73-kilometer (45-mile) route from A Coruña or the 120-kilometer (75-mile) journey from Ferrol. Both paths converge in Bruma, continuing the final 40 kilometers (25 miles) together to reach Santiago de Compostela.
Its manageable distance and historical significance make the Camino Inglés an appealing choice for those seeking a shorter yet fulfilling pilgrimage experience.
Camino de Santiago Primitive Way
As its name suggests, the Camino Primitivo is the first and oldest pilgrimage route to Santiago. This historic path connects Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela, following ancient Roman roads and tracks. It was frequently traveled by pilgrims from the Asturias and Galicia regions during the 9th and 10th centuries, and later attracted walkers from other parts of northern Spain and Europe.
The Camino Primitivo starts in Oviedo, covering a total of 321 kilometers (199 miles). It is usually completed in 13 or 14 stages, joining the final stretches of the Camino Francés in Melide. Another increasingly popular option is to start in Lugo and walk the final 100 kilometers (62 miles) to reach Santiago de Compostela. This challenging yet historically rich route is ideal for those seeking a deeper, more original pilgrimage experience.
Camino de Santiago Northen Way
The Camino del Norte (Northern Way) is one of the oldest and longest routes of the Camino de Santiago, covering 820 kilometers (510 miles) divided into 34 stages. This route follows the Cantabrian coast, starting in IrĂşn and ending in Ribadeo, where it veers southwest towards Santiago de Compostela. Many pilgrims also refer to this path as the “Camino de la Costa”.
Despite its length, the Camino del Norte is considered one of the most beautiful routes of the Camino de Santiago due to the stunning landscapes and the rich natural and historical heritage it traverses. It passes through the regions of Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia, offering a unique combination of coastal scenery and cultural landmarks.
Camino de Santiago Sanabres Way
The Camino de Santiago SanabrĂ©s or Mozárabe is part of the ancient VĂa de la Plata, a long historical route that was traditionally traveled by pilgrims from the south of the Iberian Peninsula. This Xacobean route spans approximately 367 kilometers (228 miles), divided into 13 stages that pass through the provinces of Zamora, Ourense, Pontevedra, and A Coruña.
The SanabrĂ©s route begins in the town of La Granja de Moreruela in Zamora, where the oldest Cistercian monastery in Spain, the Monasterio de Santa MarĂa de Moreruela, is located. The Camino SanabrĂ©s offers two main alternatives: the shorter and more popular route passing through Gudiña and Laza, and a less traveled option that enters Galicia through VerĂn.
Camino de Santiago Santiago - Sarria
Just 5 stages and 115 kilometers separate the town of Sarria in Lugo from Santiago de Compostela. This Xacobean route forms the minimum itinerary required to obtain the Compostela certificate. This short journey is designed to allow pilgrims to fully experience the Camino de Santiago, even within a brief time frame (approximately one week).
It is important to note that the Camino de Santiago from Sarria passes through several historic towns such as PortomarĂn, Palas de Rei, ArzĂşa, and Melide, giving walkers the chance to enjoy both the local gastronomy and the cultural and natural heritage of Galicia.
Enjoying the Arzúa-Ulloa cheese with its Denomination of Origin, visiting the Monastery of Samos, the Medieval Castle of Pambre, or walking through forests full of native vegetation—each stage of this route offers different challenges and landscapes, making it one of the most complete routes despite its short distance.
Camino de Santiago to Fisterra-Muxia
For many pilgrims, the adventure doesn’t end at the Praza do Obradoiro in Santiago, but continues to conquer the lands of the “end of the world,” in the Costa da Morte. The Fisterra-MuxĂa epilogue is the extension of each of the routes from Compostela to Cape Finisterre.
This short journey consists of 5 stages and an additional 89 kilometers on foot to reach the final destination. It is an ancient tradition of walking westward, following the course of the sun, to the ends of the earth.
History of the Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago has become one of the most well-known and traveled Catholic pilgrimages in the world, attracting thousands of people every year from all corners who seek to attain the Compostela. Its history stretches back through the centuries, shrouded in mysteries, myths, and legends.
Santiago de Compostela became one of the sacred places of Christianity due to the apostle after whom it is named: Saint James the Greater, also known as James the Zebedee. According to legend, the saint’s remains were brought to Galicia (then Iria Flavia, now PadrĂłn) by his disciples, in a boat guided by angels, and buried in a nearby field.
However, for some reason, the tomb was abandoned and was not discovered until the year 812. When the body of Saint James the Greater was found, King Alfonso II ordered the construction of a small chapel at that sacred site and later, a larger temple, inviting believers from around the world to make the pilgrimage to Galicia to venerate the relic.
Why do you need to do the Camino de Santiago?
There are as many reasons to undertake the Camino de Santiago as there are people in the world. Each pilgrim has their own motivation to embark on the journey and obtain their Compostela, but if you haven’t yet found your reason, here are a few compelling ones that might convince you:
Spirituality: Many people walk the Camino for spiritual reasons. The Camino has a long history of religious devotion, and many pilgrims experience a sense of inner peace and spiritual connection as they progress along the different routes.
Personal Challenge: The Camino de Santiago can become a true physical and mental challenge for many pilgrims. Walking for several days in sometimes difficult weather conditions can be exhausting, but overcoming these challenges along the way and ultimately reaching the final goal can be incredibly rewarding.
Natural Beauty and Landscapes: Every route of the Camino de Santiago passes through breathtaking landscapes of Galicia, Spain, and even Europe, including mountainous areas, native forests, and charming coastal towns. Pilgrims can enjoy spectacular views and the natural beauty of the world while walking the path.
Discovering Other Cultures: The Camino de Santiago has also become a very social experience. Pilgrims come from all over the world, each with their own unique stories and reasons for joining the adventure. Any route provides the opportunity to meet new people, make friends, share stories and experiences, and discover different cultures firsthand.
Culture and History of the Regions: The Camino de Santiago is a historic route that has been traveled for centuries. Along the journey, pilgrims can see and visit some of the most important historical and cultural landmarks in Spain and Europe, including churches, cathedrals, monasteries, and castles, among others.
Camino de Santiago for Beginners: Is It Necessary to Be in Shape?
The great thing about the Camino de Santiago is that there is a route for every type of pilgrim. The first thing you’ll need to do is choose an itinerary that suits both your abilities and preferences. While being in good physical condition is not a strict requirement for walking or cycling the Camino, it will make the experience much easier, and you’ll be able to enjoy it on all levels the fitter you are.
For this reason, before embarking on this unique experience, we recommend starting with hiking by taking long walks and gradually increasing the distance. It will also help to invest in specialized footwear, such as trekking boots or sneakers that fit your feet properly, to avoid blisters.
As mentioned earlier, the Sarria to Santiago de Compostela route is the shortest Camino route to earn the Compostela. Generally, pilgrims who choose this option can complete the journey in just 5 to 7 days, as the total distance is around 110 kilometers.
The best place to start the Camino de Santiago depends on your preferences and fitness level. For a traditional, scenic experience, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the Camino FrancĂ©s is the most popular option, covering 780 km (480 miles) and taking about 30-35 days. If you’re short on time or a beginner, Sarria, Tui and Vigo (100 km) is ideal, and you can complete it in 5-7 days. The Camino PortuguĂ©s offers a quieter route, starting in Oporto is a good option as well and is gentler on the body. For stunning coastal views, the Camino del Norte starting in Irun (820 km) is a great choices.Â
The duration of the Camino de Santiago varies depending on the route and pace. The Camino FrancĂ©s takes about 30-35 days (780 km), the Camino PortuguĂ©s around 10-14 days (600 km), the Camino del Norte about 35-40 days (820 km), and the shorter Camino InglĂ©s can be completed in 5-7 days (73-120 km). The Camino Primitivo usually takes 12-14 days (321 km). Pilgrims typically walk 20-25 km per day, but the journey’s length depends on individual preferences and rest days, with most completing the Camino in 10 to 30 days.
The Camino de Santiago is famous primarily due to its historical, spiritual, and cultural significance. It is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage routes, leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, where the remains of Saint James are believed to be buried. Pilgrims have been walking the route for over a thousand years, making it a deeply spiritual journey for many. Beyond its religious roots, the Camino is renowned for its stunning landscapes, the opportunity for personal reflection, and the sense of community that arises from meeting fellow pilgrims from around the world. Its UNESCO World Heritage status, along with the tradition of receiving the Compostela certificate upon completion, further cements its cultural importance and popularity. The route has also gained attention as a modern adventure and self-discovery journey, drawing people from all walks of life for both its historical allure and the physical challenge it presents.