If you are confused about the Camino de Santiago and you don’t know where you should start looking. Then, we have what you need to get started. This page has been created with this in mind. We named it, cheekily ‘Camino de Santiago for Dummies’. But this has everything you will need to figure out what is what.
Table of contents
History of the Camino
The Camino de Santiago or Way of St. James is an ancient pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. Legend has it that the remains of the apostle, Saint James the Great, are buried here. If you walk 100km or more you can collect your pilgrim certificate when you arrive, just be sure to get at least two stamps per day along the way.
You will find stamping stations in churches, cafes and some restaurants on the route. In the past pilgrims used to start their journey from their own home and over the years, different Camino ways have emerged, but the most popular is the Last 100km of the Camino Frances.
The Full Camino Frances
Walking the Camino de Santiago is an unforgettable experience. The Camino Francés, the most famous route, stretches more than 790 km (490 miles) across the north of Spain, passing through breathtaking landscapes and historic towns. During the Middle Ages, over 250,000 pilgrims made this journey each year, making it one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage routes.
The tradition is still thriving today. In 2023 alone, more than 446,000 pilgrims reached the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, continuing a journey that has inspired travelers for centuries. Pilgrims now walk the Camino for many reasons, reflection, personal growth, culture or the joy of exploring at their own pace.
Whether you choose a route in Spain or Portugal, we’re here to help you plan every step of your Camino adventure and make your experience truly your own.
The Camino de Santiago has been a pilgrimage route for more than 1,000 years and there is even evidence that there was a route here in pre-Christian times, way back in the 8th century. It is thought that this ancient route followed the Milky Way to what people believed at the time was the end of the Earth. It became one of the three most popular Christian pilgrimages – the other two being to Jerusalem and Rome.
Camino de Santiago for Dummies, a journey for the soul.
From the moment you start planning until you reach Santiago, our team ensures every detail is taken care of. We provide hand-picked accommodation, luggage transfers, 24-hour customer care and everything you need to make your Camino truly yours.
Why should I walk the Camino de Santiago
Over the years, the Camino has evolved into a vibrant hub of Spanish culture, attracting pilgrims from all over the world. In 2023 alone, around 446,035 pilgrims completed the journey to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Camino de Santiago for Dummies, the reason that modern pilgrims walk the ancient trail has evolved over time, and it’s now a rewarding experience for anyone who enjoys walking or cycling. There are many ways to embark on this unique challenge.
- You will meet some wonderful people along the route and take in the beautiful Spanish sites. Here are just a few things to enjoy along the way when you are out on the trails:
- Escape from your routine to enjoy discovering the outdoors.
- Visit historic sites and monuments. With every route being different you can sample a vast array of cultures.
- Enjoy the lush Galician countryside or have a swim in the Atlantic on the coastal Camino routes.
- Albarino wine is famous worldwide so be sure to sample this native grape when you are on the trails.
- Taste delicious tapas at every stopping point. In Galicia, they also have wonderful pintxos that accompany your favourite evening drink.
- Converse with other walkers from around the world. Learn about their reasons for taking on this long-loved adventure.
Not sure which route to choose? Here are the Top 5 routes
Every Camino has its own story. Some lead along the rugged Atlantic coast, while others wind through medieval villages or the green hills of Galicia. No matter which path you choose, the Camino offers a unique blend of history, culture, and self-discovery.
That’s why choosing the right route is so important, it’s the first step toward finding the version of the Camino that truly speaks to you. Whether you’re drawn to the classic pilgrimage across northern Spain, the scenic Portuguese coastline, or the tranquil landscapes leading to Finisterre, there’s a route to match every pace and passion.
To help you get started, here are the Top 5 Camino routes most loved by our travelers — each with its own rhythm, beauty, and meaning.
The most popular Camino starting points, to Start Your Camino de Santiago:
- THE CAMINO FRANCES LAST 100km
- THE FULL CAMINO FRANCES
- THE PORTUGUESE COASTAL CAMINO
- THE CAMINO DEL NORTE
- THE FINISTERRE CAMINO
10 Reasons to Book with us
- Outstanding customer service and customer satisfaction
- Handpicked hotels
- We have walked the trails and want to share the experience with the world
- 24/7 assistance number
- No intermediaries, we work closely with hotels and services
- Special dietary requirements
- Travel documents
- We are a fully licensed Travel Agent
- 5 star TripAdvisor Reviews
- Experienced English-speaking guides – on guided tours
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You’ll need to walk at least 100 km (62 miles) on foot or 200 km (124 miles) by bike, collecting two stamps per day in your pilgrim passport.
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
Absolutely! The Camino is very safe and well-marked, and you’ll meet fellow pilgrims along the way.
We also offer easy routes that are perfect if you’re new to long-distance walking or prefer shorter daily stages. These routes include gentle terrain, shorter walking distances and carefully selected accommodations at the end of each stage, so you can focus on enjoying the journey, not just finishing it.
Yes! We provide daily luggage transfers, so you can walk freely with just a small daypack.
Light clothing, sturdy walking shoes, rain gear, sunscreen and a small first-aid kit are essential.
Yes! The Camino has well-marked cycling routes. To qualify for the Compostela, you’ll need to ride at least 200 km.
You can obtain your Pilgrim Credential from official Camino associations, local churches or pilgrim offices in Spain and Portugal.
If you book your Camino with us, we’ll arrange your credential in advance and include it in your welcome pack, so you’re ready to start walking from day one.
It’s easy! You can book directly through our website or contact our team for personalized assistance.
If you’re not sure which route is right for you, try our Camino Trip Planner — it helps you choose the best route, duration and level of difficulty based on your preferences.
Once you’re ready, we’ll take care of everything: accommodation, luggage transfers, travel documents and 24-hour support along the way.
Yes! The Camino is a fantastic adventure for families. We offer child-friendly routes with shorter walking days, safe paths, and comfortable accommodations suitable for families with children.
It’s a fun and educational way to introduce kids to Spanish culture, history, and nature — while spending meaningful time together outdoors.
If you’re planning to walk the Camino as a family, visit our Family Camino Routes page to find the best option for you.
We hope that the Camino de Santiago for Dummies has been helpful, however, if you still have questions, or if you want to start planning your Camino de Santiago trip, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
