The Camino de Santiago is a famous pilgrim trail running through parts of Spain, Portugal and France. But, all roads lead to Santiago de Compostela in the northwest.
There are many trails and each offers unique landscapes and challenges. Here, we rank the top 5 Camino de Santiago trails to help you choose the best path for your journey.
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Camino Francés
The Camino Francés is the most popular and well-known route. This alone means it’s likely to be the busiest, which can be good or bad depending on your personality. There’s opportunity for lifelong friendships and camaraderie, or, you may perceive it as too busy.
This route stretches approximately 780 kilometres. It begins in St. Jean Pied de Port in France and heads to Santiago. Of course, many do not do the entire trail, but some do… It has diverse scenery, passing through many quaint villages and historic towns, but it also passes landscapes from the Pyrenees to Galicia.
There’s extensive infrastructure with numerous albergues, restaurants, and amenities, making it very accessible and convenient.
Camino de Santiago from Sarria
The Camino de Santiago from Sarria is a shorter route, covering the last 115 kilometres of the Camino Francés. It typically takes seven days to complete, meaning you know you’re getting a full trail completed inside your standard holiday time.
Starting in Sarria, this route is popular among first-time pilgrims and those aiming to earn the Compostela certificate, as it meets the minimum distance requirement. There’s plenty of great infrastructure along this route in and among the scenic landscapes and historic sites, meaning it’s suited for people of all backgrounds and experiences.
Camino Portugués
The Camino Portugués starts in Lisbon and travels north to Santiago, covering approximately 610 kilometres. Another popular starting point is Porto, which shortens the journey to about 240 kilometres. This route offers a blend of coastal and inland scenery, with highlights including crossing the River Minho into Spain and passing through the medieval town of Tui.
The Camino Portugués is interesting to witness two different countries and cultures. It’s a friendly route all along the coast, meaning you’ll see some amazing beaches and excellent food. It’s a relatively easier path compared to the Camino del Norte, making it suitable for pilgrims of varying fitness levels.
Camino Primitivo
The Camino Primitivo is considered the original Camino route. It begins in Oviedo and extends about 320 kilometres to Santiago. Known for its rugged and mountainous terrain, this path offers breathtaking landscapes and a sense of solitude.
The Camino Primitivo is less travelled, providing a more intimate experience with nature and history, and something a little more self-centred than the Frances route.
Pilgrims will encounter Romanesque churches, lush green valleys, but also some challenging ascents. This route is therefore best suited for experienced hikers looking for a physically demanding but rewarding journey.
Fisherman’s Trail
The Fisherman’s Trail, part of the Rota Vicentina, spans 75 kilometres along the southwestern coast of Portugal.
It has some incredible coastal views of the cliffs and waters, along with charming fishing villages. This shorter route is ideal for those wanting a compact but comprehensive route that ventures through two countries.
Conclusion
Each Camino de Santiago trail offers its own unique experience. Ideally, you would pick one based on your fitness level first and foremost, and then your preferences regarding scenery and rurality.
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