The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a well-known network of walking routes across Europe. Each year, nearly half a million people take on this pilgrimage trip, looking to challenge themselves or seeking personal growth. The experience is highly rewarding and, once you have tried it, it can be addictive too – you’ve been warned!
If that sounds like the perfect adventure for you, but you are not sure where to get started, keep on reading. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, here’s how to pick the best Camino route for you.
Factors to Consider
Each Camino de Santiago route offers something unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all option. Instead, several factors will help you decide what it is that you are looking for:
Physical Fitness Level
The most crucial thing to consider is your fitness level. Some routes are fairly easy and even children-friendly, while others have mountainous sections with steep inclines. Not only that, the length of the routes varies as well – some can be completed within 5–10 days, while the more challenging trips will take 2 weeks to a month. While it is always great to challenge yourself, you also have to be realistic about your abilities, otherwise the trip will not be enjoyable.
If a certain route has caught your eye, but it looks too lengthy, you can always do a shorter section of it. For instance, the full Camino Frances route takes around a month to complete, but the alternative route from St. Jean Pied de Port will only take 5 days.
Preferred Scenery
Another important decision is the kind of scenery you prefer to spend your holiday in. The Camino route network offers a wide variety of settings, from nature-heavy trails to city escapes and a mix of both. If you have a strong preference, this will help you further narrow down the most suitable options for you.
Cultural and Historical Interests
In addition to walking from A to B each day, Camino de Santiago also provides opportunities to visit various attractions and places of cultural significance along the way. Some of the routes will include more of that than others. For instance, the Camino Primitivo, also known as the Original Way, is the oldest route in the network and, therefore, has the deepest links with the history of pilgrimage journeys.
Accommodation Choices
Lastly, the type of accommodation you want to stay in may also have an impact on which route you should choose. If camping is your ideal option, you will have to choose a route that has plenty of campsites available along the way, since wild camping is not allowed in Spain.
For a true pilgrim experience and socializing opportunities, you can stay in one of the Albergues (pilgrim hostels), the most common in more popular routes. If you are happy to stay in any hotel or hostel, then most Camino routes will have plenty of options available.
Planning your Camino de Santiago trip
If you need further help choosing the route or sorting out the logistics of your walking holiday, consider using a Camino de Santiago agency.
With an excellent Google customer rating, Santiago Ways is the leading agency in the industry. It specializes in organizing both guided and self-guided pilgrimage experiences. Their services also include 24/7 support throughout your trip, ensuring a stress-free experience.
Have a wonderful trip, my friends!
