Great Camino Routes For Autumn
Longing for a great Camino route for Autumn, whether it’s this year or next? Mild temperatures and quieter tracks make autumn months, particularly September and October, possibly the best time of the year for a walking adventure.
September is a very busy month on the Camino de Santiago, especially the last 100km of the Camino Frances. However, there are many great Camino routes for autumn and we’re going to take you through our favourites.
Along these Camino routes, you will encounter a much smaller number of pilgrims but the same sense of camaraderie that makes the Camino such a special 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 on 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 the region’s fascinating traditions, mixing religious and pagan myths and rituals; such as those associated with the rocking stones by the sanctuary, believed to have curative powers.
Best time to go?
Early September catch the unique Virxe da Barca festival in Muxía village and go for a swim in Lires Beach.
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 but also for its great food (including free pinchos in many of the bars in the old town) and for the San Froilán festival in October. Originally an agricultural fair, San Froilán is still one of the most unique places to try Galician-style octopus or ‘fair style octopus’ (as it is known in Galicia).
Best time to go?
Early October to experience the traditional San Froilán celebrations in the city.
Via de la Plata From Ourense
Why choose this Camino route?
The last section of the Via de la Plata route is probably one of the most rural, peaceful and beautiful. With the city of Ourense getting some of the hottest summer temperatures in the country, the best time to discover this section starting is 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, make sure you arrive in time for the city’s ‘Magosto’. It’s a traditional chestnut roasting event taking place on November 11th, St Martin’s Day.
Best time to go?
October for mild temperatures or arrive in Ourense in early November to take part in the ‘Magosto’ chestnut festival.
Via Francigena in Tuscany
Why choose this Camino route?
The Via Francigena is an epic pilgrim route starting in Canterbury and covering nearly 2000km to Rome. The section across Tuscany from Lucca to Siena is one of the most beautiful (and well-marked) of the whole Via Francigena route and autumn is undoubtedly the best time for walking 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 is also an instrumental part of the Tuscan experience on the Via Francigena.
Best time to go?
September and October. Go in November if you’d like to catch the white truffle festival in San Miniato.
Rota Vicentina in Portugual
Why choose this Camino route?
The Rota Vicentina coastal route takes walkers along the magnificent coastline of southern Portugal. Also known as the Fisherman’s Trail, 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 the months of September and October, as you will still be able to go for a dip in the ocean if you are up for it. Cabo de Sao Vicente (Cape St Vincent), is also a brilliant spot for bird watching so make sure you bring your binoculars.
Best time to go?
September and October, especially if you are interested in bird watching.
Camino Portugues From Porto
Why choose this Camino route?
You will already likely be familiar with the Camino Portugues and all this popular route has to offer. Along the coast of Portugal, the temperatures are quite mild and therefore, autumn is still an ideal time to walk this route.
Starting in Porto, you can keep the coast on your side as you make your way to Santiago. The challenge of the Camino from Porto to Santiago is much more manageable with a nice sea breeze and the cooler temperatures of autumn.
You can also choose to just walk part of the route but even a shorter trip will still be a treat for the eyes thanks to the gorgeous Portuguese coastline.
Best time to go?
This route is great year-round and the weather should still be pleasant in late September and into October.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are a great way to experience the Camino de Santiago with a group of 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 2023 guided tours:
Camino Frances Last 100km: August 6th, September 3rd, September 10th, September 24th, September 30th, October 8th and October 22nd
Camino Portugues Last 100km: September 3rd, October 8th, October 15th
Camino Finisterre: September 9th (limited availability)
Via Francigena in Tuscany: September 9th
We hope you enjoyed this Camino routes for autumn article and managed to find some inspiration for your next Camino. For more information about any of our routes or for help planning out your perfect Camino adventure, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can also use our Camino planner to customise your ideal tour.
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