Which is the easiest Camino to walk?
Embarking on the Camino de Santiago offers transformation through self-discovery, spiritual growth, and breathtaking landscapes. The difficulty varies across routes; this blog, titled “Which is the easiest Camino to walk?”, identifies the most accessible paths for a fulfilling yet manageable pilgrimage experience.
Table of contents
Understanding the Camino de Santiago
The Significance of the Camino
The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, is a network of ancient pilgrim routes leading to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, where the apostle Saint James is said to be buried. These routes have been travelled by pilgrims for centuries, each seeking something unique from their journey.
The Various Camino Routes to Walk
There are several main routes to Santiago de Compostela, each with its own unique character and difficulty level. The most popular include the Camino Francés, Camino Portugués, and Camino del Norte, among others.
Criteria for an ‘Easy’ Camino to Walk
Assessing Difficulty
When determining the easiest Camino to walk, several factors are considered:
- Terrain: Flat or gently rolling landscapes are less physically demanding.
- Distance: Shorter daily walking distances.
- Services: Availability of accommodations, food, and medical services.
- Weather: Routes with milder, more predictable weather conditions.
The Easiest Camino Routes to Walk
Camino Portugués: The Gentle Journey
Route Overview: The Camino Portugués, offering a rustic Camino de Santiago experience, stretches from Porto along the picturesque coastline to Santiago. Historically favoured by pilgrims from Lisbon and Porto, this route weaves through charming towns and villages. It is known for its flat terrain and shorter stages.
Highlights: It boasts stunning landscapes, blending serene countryside with breathtaking coastal vistas. Coastal scenery, historical towns, and a rich cultural experience.
Why It’s Easier: It has less elevation and a well-developed infrastructure making it a top choice for beginners.
Camino Inglés: The Short and Sweet Path
Route Overview: The Camino Inglés, or “English Way,” offers a unique, compact pilgrimage experience from Ferrol or A Coruña in North-Western Spain, steeped in history and culture. Traditionally a route for Northern European pilgrims, it covers 119 kilometres from Ferrol, necessary for the Compostela certificate, and 75 kilometres from A Coruña.
Highlights: Despite its brief route, the Camino Inglés encapsulates the essence of the Camino, weaving through serene landscapes and historic villages, and offering a peaceful, authentic experience with warm Galician hospitality, maritime history and exquisite local cuisine.
Why It’s Easier: Its shorter overall length makes it ideal for those with limited time or stamina.
Via de la Plata: The Road Less Travelled
Route Overview: The Via de la Plata, or Camino Mozarabe, spans Spain’s entire length, forming its longest Camino route at over 1000km. Originating as a Roman trade route connecting Spain’s north and south, it later became a pilgrimage path during Moorish rule for North African Christians.
Highlights: Tracing the original Roman road, archaeological finds along the route testify to its historical significance. Starting in Seville, it is longer but with easy-to-navigate terrain.
Why It’s Easier: It provides spacious paths and gentle inclines, coupled with less foot traffic, offering a peaceful walk.
Preparing to Walk the Camino
Physical Preparation
Even the easiest Camino requires physical preparation. Start with short daily walks and gradually increase your distance.
Mental Readiness
The Camino is not just a physical journey but a mental one. Prepare yourself for long periods of solitude and reflection.
Packing Essentials
Pack light, focusing on essentials like comfortable footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and a first-aid kit.
Concluding Thoughts on Walking the Camino
Embarking on the Camino de Santiago is a journey like no other. Choosing the easiest route doesn’t diminish the experience but rather tailors it to your capabilities and needs. Whether you walk the Camino Portugués, the Camino Inglés, or the Via de la Plata, you are embarking on a journey of a lifetime, filled with unique challenges and rewards.
Remember, the Camino is not a race; it’s a personal journey. Take your time, soak in the surroundings, and embrace the journey with an open heart. Buen Camino!
For more information about the Camino de Santiago routes or to book your trip, contact us.
FAQs: The Easiest Camino to Walk
The Camino Inglés and the Camino Portugués are widely considered the easiest Camino routes. The Camino Inglés is the shortest at just 119 km from Ferrol (5–7 days), making it ideal for pilgrims with limited time or stamina. The Camino Portugués offers flat terrain, shorter daily stages and excellent infrastructure, especially on the section from Tui to Santiago — perfect for first-time pilgrims.
The Camino Portugués is beginner-friendly because of its gentle, mostly flat terrain, well-marked paths, and dense network of accommodation, cafés and services along the way. Daily walking distances are typically shorter than on other routes, and the climate along the Atlantic coast is milder. The most popular beginner-friendly section is Tui to Santiago (115 km), which qualifies for the Compostela certificate.
The Camino Inglés is 119 km long from Ferrol to Santiago, taking around 5 to 7 days to complete. There is also a shorter version starting in A Coruña (75 km), but it does not qualify for the Compostela certificate on its own — pilgrims walking from A Coruña need to complete an additional 25 km in their home country (the Celtic Camino) to qualify.
The Via de la Plata is easy in terms of terrain — with wide paths, gentle inclines and few steep climbs — but at over 1,000 km, it is the longest Camino route in Spain. It is best suited for experienced pilgrims who prefer a quieter, less crowded walk with cultural depth, rather than beginners looking for a short pilgrimage.
Yes. To earn the Compostela certificate, you need to walk at least 100 km into Santiago de Compostela and collect stamps in your pilgrim passport. This is achievable on all the easy routes, including the Camino Inglés from Ferrol (119 km), the Camino Portugués from Tui (115 km) or Vigo (100 km), and the last 100 km of the Camino Francés from Sarria.
Yes — even the easiest Camino requires basic physical preparation. We recommend walking for 2 to 3 hours, 3 times a week, for at least 6 to 8 weeks before your trip, gradually increasing distance. Train in the same shoes you’ll wear on the Camino, and try to walk on varied terrain. Good preparation makes the difference between enjoying every step and struggling through blisters.
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