Camino de Santiago for Beginners: Choosing the Right Route
If you’re new to the Camino de Santiago, choosing the best route for your first pilgrimage can be overwhelming. Each Camino de Santiago route offers its unique charm, but some paths are particularly beginner-friendly. In this guide, we’ll explore two popular routes— the Camino Francés and the Camino Portugués —that are great options for first-timers. These routes offer a combination of well-marked trails, moderate terrain, and excellent facilities, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience for beginners.
Camino Francés: A Beginner’s Favourite
The Camino Francés is often the top recommendation for those starting their first Camino pilgrimage. The full Camino Francés route begins in St. Jean Pied de Port in France and extends approximately 800 km or 500 miles to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. While the full route is long, don’t be intimidated—many beginners choose to walk just a section of it, with the last 100 km from Sarria to Santiago being the most popular choice. This final section meets the minimum distance required to receive the ‘Compostela’ certificate, which is awarded to pilgrims who complete the journey.
Why is the Camino Francés Ideal for Beginners?
Well-Marked Trails
One of the most significant concerns for beginners is the fear of getting lost. Fortunately, the Camino Francés is well-marked with yellow arrows and scallop shell symbols, guiding you through every twist and turn. This makes it nearly impossible to lose your way, even for first-time walkers.
Varied but Manageable Terrain
The terrain along the Camino Francés offers a mix of landscapes, from rolling hills to flat plains. However, none of the sections are overly challenging, making it accessible for people of all fitness levels. Beginners can walk at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed by steep climbs or rough trails.
Abundant Facilities
A vital advantage of the Camino Francés is the availability of facilities. Along the route, you’ll find numerous albergues (hostels), cafés, and shops. Whether you need accommodation, food, or last-minute essentials, you’ll never be far from help. This convenience removes the stress of planning every stop in detail, making it easier to focus on the experience.
Social and Supportive Community
As one of the most popular Camino routes, the Camino Francés attracts pilgrims worldwide. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet fellow walkers, creating a sense of camaraderie and support. This social aspect can be a huge morale booster, especially for solo travellers who may appreciate the company and share stories.
Camino Portugués: A Scenic and Peaceful Alternative
The Camino Portugués begins in Lisbon and spans around 620 km or 385 miles, crossing into Spain before reaching Santiago de Compostela. Many beginners opt to start from Vigo and walk the last 100 km to Santiago, which is more manageable in terms of both time and effort.
Why Choose the Camino Portugués?
Stunning Scenery
If you’re looking for breathtaking landscapes, the Camino Portugués delivers. With beautiful coastal views, lush greenery, and charming villages, this route offers a visual feast. The scenery is often one of the highlights for pilgrims who choose this path, making the walk even more enjoyable.
Gentle Terrain
The Camino Portugués is known for its relatively flat terrain, ideal for beginners. Unlike the Camino Francés, which has more varied elevations, this route is primarily gentle and easy to walk. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a less physically demanding pilgrimage.
Rich Cultural Experience
As you journey from Portugal to Spain, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in two distinct cultures. The Camino Portugués offers a culturally enriching experience from Portuguese architecture to Spanish cuisine. It’s a great way to combine walking with sightseeing, making the pilgrimage a spiritual and cultural adventure.
Camino Guided Tours
Our Camino de Santiago Guided Tours are ideal for travellers seeking companionship and the joy of sharing this meaningful journey with a group of like-minded individuals. From the moment you arrive, our experienced local guide will ensure everything runs smoothly so you can focus on the experience. They will provide insights into the history, culture, and hidden gems while offering support, advice, and guidance throughout your Camino adventure.
We offer several popular guided tours, including the Camino Francés Guided Tour, the most iconic route; the Camino Portugués Guided Tour, which follows a scenic path from Portugal; and the Camino Finisterre Guided Tour, extending beyond Santiago to the Atlantic coast, for those seeking something different, our Via Francigena Guided Tour from San Miniato to Siena. Each route is designed to offer a unique experience while providing a well-organised and supportive journey.
Important Considerations for Beginners
Before embarking on your Camino journey, a few essential factors must be considered to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Assess Your Physical Fitness
Walking the Camino involves covering significant distances daily, so assessing your fitness level is essential. While routes like the Camino Francés and Camino Portugués are accessible to most people, it’s still essential to train in advance. Start with shorter walks and gradually build your stamina to avoid injury or discomfort during the pilgrimage. To help you prepare, download our free Camino Fitness eBook!
Plan According to Your Timeframe
Time is an important consideration when choosing a Camino route. If you only have a week, the last 100km of the Camino Portugués or the final 100 km of the Camino Francés and Camino Portugués are excellent options. Completing longer sections of the Camino Francés or Camino Portugués can provide a more immersive experience for those with more time.
Choose the Right Season
Weather conditions on the Camino can greatly affect your Camino experience. Summer is the busiest and warmest, while spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds. Winter, although quieter, can bring cold and wet conditions, which might not be ideal for beginners. Check out our blog on which months you can walk the Camino for more in-depth information.
Decide on Solo or Group Travel
Consider whether you want to walk the Camino solo or as part of a group with our Guided Tours. The Camino Francés is popular for solo travellers due to its strong sense of community. However, travelling with friends or family can add to the enjoyment and provide additional support.
Final Thoughts
The Camino de Santiago offers a range of routes to suit every type of pilgrim, but for beginners, the Camino Francés and the Camino Portugués are excellent options. Whether you’re looking for well-marked trails, beautiful scenery, or a shorter journey, these routes provide the perfect introduction to the magic of the Camino.
For more information on planning your Camino, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you embark on a journey of a lifetime!
