Walking the Camino de Santiago: All You Need to Know

Are you considering walking the Camino de Santiago but not quite sure where to begin? It’s natural to have many questions before taking on such a unique and personal journey. To support you in preparing for this experience, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions. These will help you understand what to expect, how to plan, and what you might need along the way. Whether you’re curious about the route options, accommodation, daily walking distances, or the spiritual aspect of the Camino, this guide offers a helpful starting point to take your first steps with greater confidence and clarity.

1. What Does It Mean to Walk the Camino de Santiago?

The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is made up of several walking routes that stretch across Europe. Each of these paths eventually leads to Santiago de Compostela, a city in the north-western region of Galicia, Spain. This network of trails attracts walkers and pilgrims from around the world, all heading toward a shared destination.

Since the Middle Ages, pilgrims have followed these routes to reach the Cathedral of Santiago. This sacred site is believed to be the final resting place of St. James, one of Jesus’ apostles. The spiritual and cultural significance of the Camino remains strong to this day. If you’re curious about its past, you may wish to explore more on the History of the Camino de Santiago.

While many refer to the entire experience simply as ‘The Camino’, there are actually several different routes to choose from. The Camino Francés is the most well-travelled path, known for its vibrant pilgrim community and traditional waymarkers. However, the Camino Portugues Coastal route is becoming increasingly popular, especially among walkers who enjoy sea views and a fresh coastal breeze.

Approximately 65% of all Compostela certificates, awarded by the Pilgrim Office in Santiago, are given to those who walk the Camino Francés. Still, there are many other routes available, each offering its own unique landscapes, culture, and pace. Whether you’re seeking solitude, scenic variety, or a less-trodden path, there’s a Camino to suit your journey.

2. Do I Need to be Religious to Walk the Camino?

No, you don’t need to be religious to walk the Camino. Each year, people from over 150 countries and many different backgrounds take part in the journey. The Camino welcomes everyone, regardless of their beliefs or motivations.

While some pilgrims walk for religious or spiritual reasons, many others do so for personal growth, adventure, or simply to take a break from everyday life. The experience is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

In 2020, statistics from the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago showed that only 27% of pilgrims walked the Camino purely for religious reasons. This highlights how diverse the motivations can be among walkers.

Every pilgrim has their own unique Camino. Whether your reason is spiritual, personal, or practical, it is equally valid and meaningful.

3. Where is the Start of the Camino de Santiago?

How long you walk the Camino depends entirely on your chosen route and the distance you wish to cover. One of the most wonderful aspects of the Camino is its flexibility – you can walk as much or as little as suits you.

For example, the Camino Francés begins in the French town of St. Jean Pied de Port, located at the foot of the Pyrenees. This full route stretches approximately 800km to Santiago and typically takes around 35 days to complete at a steady pace.

However, you don’t need to walk the entire trail. Many pilgrims choose to begin in Sarria, which is 100km from Santiago. Starting the Camino Francés from Sarria takes about one week of walking, and still qualifies for the Compostela certificate upon arrival in Santiago.

Another popular route is the Camino Portugués, which begins in Lisbon. It is the second most walked Camino route and offers a variety of starting points depending on how long you’d like your journey to be.

4. How Long Does it Take to Walk the Camino?

Walking the Camino de Santiago can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the route and starting point.

Here are estimated times for some of the most popular routes:

• Camino Francés from St. Jean Pied de Port – approximately 5 weeks
• Camino del Norte from San Sebastián – approximately 5 weeks
• Camino Portugués from Lisbon – approximately 4 weeks
• Camino Portugués from Porto – approximately 2 weeks
• Camino Inglés from Ferrol – 1 week

Several French routes also connect with the Camino Francés. For example: The Chemin du Puy and other trails lead to St. Jean Pied de Port. You can even begin your journey from central France or Paris

Many pilgrims choose to start closer to Santiago, adapting the length of their journey to match their fitness level and available time. This flexibility makes the Camino accessible to all types of walkers.

Cycling is also a great option for those with experience. It allows you to cover longer distances but requires confidence and good preparation due to some of the trail’s more challenging sections. For more details on route durations, visit our dedicated blog post How Many Days Does it Take to Walk the Camino de Santiago?

5. Which Route of the Camino de Santiago Should I Choose?

The choice of route is entirely yours, but if you’re walking the Camino for the first time, you may enjoy the sense of community and welcoming atmosphere found on the Camino Francés or Camino Portugués. These routes are popular, meaning you’re likely to meet other pilgrims along the way and share in the journey together.

If walking by the sea appeals to you, consider the Portuguese Coastal Camino, which offers stunning ocean views and fresh coastal air. You’ll also find beautiful coastal stretches along the Camino del Norte, as well as on the scenic trail to Finisterre and Muxía, which extends beyond Santiago.

For a quieter, more solitary experience, there are many less-travelled routes that offer peace and a deeper connection with nature. In this case, the Camino de Invierno is a wonderful alternative, offering a more reflective and less crowded pilgrimage.

To explore your options further, check out our dedicated page on Camino de Santiago Routes for more in-depth information on all of the available paths.

6. How Fit Do I Need to Be to Walk the Camino?

The Camino is open to everyone, but if you’re planning to walk a longer section (more than a week), it’s important to be in good physical condition. Preparing in advance will help you enjoy the experience and avoid injury. We recommend starting a regular walking routine and slowly increasing your distance over time.

For helpful advice on building up your fitness, visit our Camino Fitness Plan, which is packed with useful tips for all levels. You can also download our Camino fitness guide eBook for more detailed, step-by-step guidance.

If you’re looking for additional training tips, be sure to read our blog post, “How Do You Train to Walk the Camino?” It offers practical insights to help you feel confident and ready for your journey.

7. What Types of Accommodations Can I Find Along the Camino?

Along the Camino Francés, you’ll find a wide variety of accommodation, including public and private hostels, guesthouses, and hotels. This makes it one of the most accessible routes in terms of places to stay. However, on less-travelled Camino paths, accommodation options can be more limited and spread out.

Many walkers choose to stay in simple hostels or ‘Albergues’, while others prefer the comfort of private rooms. On several routes, you’ll also find more exclusive choices, including luxurious Paradores, boutique hotels, and Casas Rurales, offering a more relaxing and personalised experience after a day of walking.

For those seeking extra comfort, we offer our Superior Hotels Collection, which consists of 4- and 5-star hotels, or beautifully restored country houses that showcase local charm and hospitality.

To explore the full range of options, have a look at our blog post: Camino de Santiago accommodation options, where we explain the types of places available and what to expect from each.

8. What is the ‘Pilgrim Passport’?

The credential, also known as the pilgrim passport, is an essential document issued by the Cathedral or your local St. James Association. It allows you to collect stamps along your Camino journey and must be presented at the Pilgrims Office in Santiago in order to receive your Compostela certificate.

If you begin your Camino in Galicia—for example, by walking the final 100 km of any route—you’ll need to get your credential stamped twice daily. Stamps are available at many places along the way, including hotels, hostels, restaurants, churches, and shops.

This passport isn’t just a requirement for certification; it also becomes a treasured memento of your journey, filled with memories from each stop and town along the route.

To learn more about how the Camino passport works and the certificates you can receive at the end of your walk, visit our guide: Camino pilgrim passport.

9. Where Does the Camino de Santiago End?

While the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela marks the spiritual end of the Camino, many pilgrims choose to continue their journey to Cape Finisterra. This coastal destination, once thought to be the end of the known world, holds a special significance for walkers seeking reflection and closure.

Walking to Cape Finisterra usually takes around 5 days, following a peaceful and scenic route through Galician countryside and coastal villages. This extension is known as the Camino Finisterre, offering a meaningful way to end your pilgrimage by reaching the Atlantic Ocean.

10. I’m Interested in Walking the Camino de Santiago. What Services Do You Provide for This?

Our role is to take care of the logistics involved in planning a Camino journey, so you can walk stress-free and focus on the experience. Most of our clients prefer self-guided tours, and we support them with detailed itineraries, pre-booked accommodations, luggage transfers, and all the essential information in our online Client Portal.

We also offer a selection of guided tours that depart on specific dates throughout the year. In addition, we can arrange airport transfers and tailor services for groups with special requirements. Of course, some pilgrims enjoy organising their Camino independently. Our aim is to make the journey easier, so you only need to lace up your walking shoes and look forward to an unforgettable adventure.

We have many useful tools to help you get ready for walking the Camino:

• Download Camino eBooks
• Get Camino tips
• Register for our monthly Camino Newsletter

We trust you found our article on ‘All You Need to Know to Walk the Camino’ informative and enjoyable. Should you require more details about walking the Camino, please feel free to contact us.