Camino Routes in Europe courtesy of Wikipedia

Deciding when, where, and how to walk the Camino de Santiago is a significant decision. Your first step? Choosing the route that suits you best.  With dozens of historic paths across Europe all leading to Santiago de Compostela, there’s a Camino for every schedule, fitness level and travel style.

From rugged mountains to rolling vineyards, bustling cities to peaceful countryside, each route offers its blend of scenery, history, culture, cuisine, solitude and comfort.  Whether you’re seeking adventure, reflection or connection, your Camino awaits.

Camino Frances

The Most Popular Route

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure?

The most popular Camino route, the Camino Francés, begins in the charming French town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and winds its way across northern Spain. You’ll climb the majestic Pyrenees, stroll through the sun-drenched vineyards of La Rioja, cross the wide-open plains of the Meseta, and ascend into the misty mountains of León—before reaching the magical hilltop village of O’Cebreiro and finally descending into Santiago de Compostela.

This journey isn’t just about walking—it’s about discovery. The Camino Francés is rich with history, culture, and connection. Along the way, you’ll pass through medieval towns, vibrant cities, and peaceful villages, all equipped to welcome pilgrims with albergues (hostels), cafés, and centuries of tradition.

If you’ve seen The Way, Six Ways to Santiago, or explored YouTube clips, you’ve already had a taste of the Camino’s magic. But nothing compares to experiencing it for yourself.

Time is your guide.

Many pilgrims break the Camino Francés into three manageable two-week stages:

• Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Burgos
• Burgos to León
• León to Santiago

If you’re short on time or focused on earning your Compostela certificate, here’s the latest update as of 2025:

You must now complete at least 100 continuous kilometers anywhere along the same route into Santiago, by foot or horseback, plus the final stage leading into Santiago’s Cathedral—as recognized by the International Pilgrim’s Reception Office system.

For example, you could start in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, walk 100 kilometers, then jump ahead to O Pedrouzo or O Piñó and walk the final stage into Santiago—still qualifying for your Compostela under the new guidelines.
No matter where you begin, the Camino promises adventure, insight, and a sense of belonging that you’ll carry long after your boots come off.

There are benefits of walking the Camino alone and with others. No way is right or wrong but it depends on your comfort level and what you want your experience to be.

If you want the Camino to be an internal learning experience and if you are expecting to have solitude then walking alone might be a better option for you.  There are always pilgrims not to far off so the feeling of being totally alone is not a reality.  There are hundreds of pilgrims walking in your stage each day.  However, if you want the camaraderie of friends, meet new people, or want to share the experience and form stronger bonds with family then walking with others is something you might consider.

The when where how decisions you make about walking the Camino are the right way for you.  Everyone walks their own Camino.

Things to keep in mind when walking alone.

• You will have to navigate the route on your own.
• You can stop and rest or explore at your will.
• You will meet dozens of people from all over the world and maybe form a small group with some.
• If you get ill you will be on your own with no support from family, however, your new Camino family will likely be there to help.
• It is easier securing one bed.