Great Camino Routes For The End of Summer/Autumn
Looking for a fantastic Camino route for the end of Summer 2024? August to October offers mild temperatures and quieter paths, making it one of the best times for a walking adventure.
While September is particularly busy on the Camino de Santiago, especially the last 100km of the Camino Frances, many great Camino routes remain for the end of Summer and Autumn. Let us guide you through some of our favourites.
You will find fewer pilgrims on these Camino routes but still enjoy the same camaraderie that makes the Camino such a unique journey.
Camino Finisterre to Muxia
Why choose this Camino route?
This is a unique Camino route as it is the only one starting in Santiago de Compostela. The trail takes pilgrims all the way to Cape Fisterra, by the Atlantic Ocean, and then to the fishing village of Muxía, along the rugged and magnificent Costa da Morte coastline, home to pristine sandy beaches, picturesque lighthouses and superb seafood.
Muxía’s iconic sanctuary by the ocean hosts its most important festival in early September. It is an opportunity to discover Fisterra’s fascinating traditions, which mix religious and pagan myths and rituals, such as those associated with the rocking stones by the sanctuary, believed to have curative powers.
On this route, you can start in Muxia or Finisterre, known as the ‘Edge of the World,’ and finish in Santiago de Compostela.
When is the best time to go?
In early September, catch the unique Virxe da Barca festival in Muxía village and swim at Lires Beach.
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Camino Primitivo From Lugo
Why choose this Camino route?
The Original Way or Camino Primitivo is the oldest Camino route, taken by King Alfonso II in the 9th century on his pilgrimage from Asturias. The second section of this Camino route starts in the walled city of Lugo, home to a spectacular UNESCO-listed Roman wall wrapped around its historic centre.
Lugo is known for its famous wall, its great food (including free pinchos in many of the bars in the old town), and the San Froilán festival in October. Originally an agricultural fair, San Froilán is still one of the unique places to try Galician-style octopus or ‘fair-style octopus’ (as it is known in Galicia).
When is the best time to go?
In early October, you can experience the traditional San Froilán celebrations in the city.
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Via de la Plata From Ourense
Why choose this Camino route?
The last 100km of the Via de la Plata from Ourense to Santiago is probably one of the most rural, peaceful, and beautiful sections. With the city of Ourense experiencing some of the hottest summer temperatures in the country, the best time to discover this section is in Autumn or Spring.
Before your trip, you can take a day to enjoy the city’s famous outdoor hot springs (termas), as Ourense is Galicia’s spa capital. If you travel in November, arrive in time for the city’s ‘Magosto’. It’s a traditional chestnut roasting event on November 11th, St Martin’s Day.
When is the best time to go?
October for mild temperatures, or arrive in Ourense in early November to participate in the ‘Magosto’ chestnut festival.
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Via Francigena in Tuscany
Why choose this Camino route?
The Via Francigena is an epic pilgrim route that starts in Canterbury and covers nearly 2000km to Rome. The section across Tuscany from Lucca to Siena is one of the most beautiful (and well-marked) Via Francigena routes. Autumn is undoubtedly the best time to walk in this magnificent part of Italy.
Picturesque medieval towns, trails across rolling hills and lush vineyards await you as you walk in the mild temperatures. The magical town of San Gimignano is a highlight of the trip. Delicious food and wine are also instrumental to the Tuscan experience on the Via Francigena.
When is the best time to go?
September and October. Go in November if you’d like to catch the white truffle festival in San Miniato.
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- Via Francigena in Tuscany from Lucca to Siena in 1 week
- Full Via Francigena From Lucca to Rome
- Easy Via Francigena from San Miniato to Siena in 1 week
Rota Vicentina in Portugual
Why choose this Camino route?
The Rota Vicentina coastal route, also known as the Fisherman’s Trail, takes walkers along the magnificent coastline of southern Portugal. This route boasts stunning panoramic ocean views, majestic cliffs, peaceful tracks, and quaint coastal villages.
With average temperatures in the low 20s, this route is a fantastic option for September and October. You can still dip in the ocean if you are up for it. Cabo de Sao Vicente (Cape St Vincent) is also a brilliant bird-watching spot, so bring your binoculars.
When is the best time to go?
September and October, especially if you are interested in bird watching.
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Camino Portugués From Porto
Why choose this Camino route?
You will likely already be familiar with the Camino Portugués and all its popular offerings. Along the coast of Portugal, the temperatures are quite mild; therefore, Autumn is still an ideal time to walk this route.
Starting in Porto, you can keep the coast on your side as you travel to Santiago. The challenge of the Camino Portugués from Porto to Santiago is much more manageable with a nice sea breeze and the cooler Autumn temperatures.
You can also walk just part of the route, but even a shorter trip will still be a treat for the eyes, thanks to the gorgeous Portuguese coastline.
When is the best time to go?
This route is great year-round, and the weather should still be pleasant in late September and October.
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- Full Camino Portugues Coastal from Porto to Santiago
- Camino Portugues Coastal from Vigo to Santiago last 100km
Guided Tours
Guided tours are a great way to experience the Camino de Santiago with like-minded individuals. This is a wonderful option for those setting off on their first Camino or for those solo travellers who would like the opportunity to meet some new people and gain an insight into the Camino’s culture and history thanks to the expertise of a local guide.
Autumn is one of the best times of the year to walk the Camino, and we still have some availability on some of our Autumn 2024 guided tours:
- Camino Frances Last 100km: August 18th, September 8th, September 15th, September 22nd (Women Only) and October 13th.
- Camino Portugues Last 100km: August 24th, September 7th, September 14th, September 28th, October 5th and October 12th.
- Camino Finisterre: September 1st and October 6th.
We hope you enjoyed this article and found some inspiration for your next Camino. For more information about any of our Camino routes or help planning your perfect Camino adventure, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
You can also use our Camino planner to customise your ideal tour.
