Why it's Worth Trekking (Part of) the Camino de Santiago

Year

Round

Kilometers

Days

6d 14h 49m

FKT (Standard)

About the Route

WHY TREK IT?

The Camino de Santiago is a traditionally Christian pilgrimage that has since become more flexible in its spirituality (and starting point). Originally, in the Middle Ages, pilgrims would walk to the holy city of Santiago de Compostela from their own front doors, even from different countries. A few routes became common since it was safer to walk in groups, including the Camino Frances (from St. Jean Pied de Port), Camino Portugues (from Lisbon), Camino del Norte (from San Sebastian), Via de la Plata (from Seville), Camino Primitivo (from Oviedo), and Camino Ingles (from Ferrol).

“Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time.”

- Steven Wright

Today, the most popular route is the Camino Frances, used by around 70 percent of those who complete more than 100 km to reach Santiago de Compostela, thereby earning their ‘Compostela’. Around 15 percent follow the Camino Portugues, as the next most popular option. Some of the most popular starting points, besides the origin points for each route, include Sarria on the Camino Frances, Tui or Porto on the Camino Portugues, and León, as an extension to the Camino Frances. If you follow one of the more popular routes, expect company! Many start their journey expecting solitude for contemplation and have mixed feelings when they find out how sociable it is. You’ll often end up walking for hours with one group or another, even diverting plans to stay together. So don’t lock yourself into an itinerary upfront.