The Camino de Santiago also known as the Camino Way or the Way of St.James is an epic 30-day trek through France and Spain. You’ll be pleased to know, however, that there are several ways to approach the walk that are a shorter distance and have a reduced timeframe making the pilgrimage more accessible.
Camino de Santiago Tour Operators
Given the pilgrimage’s popularity, a number of tour operators can arrange your Camino de Santiago trips to cater to your lifestyle. Providing you complete a minimum distance of 100 km you’ll also receive your Pilgrim Passport.
The better operators will arrange everything for you leaving you free to enjoy everything you discover.
Most Camino de Santiago trips involve walking part of the full 30-day pilgrimage and some great walking vacations are taking you through places that you wouldn’t see on the tourist trail.
So let’s look at some of the walks available to you.
Camino de Santiago from Sarria
This seven-day trip will take you from Sarria in Spain to Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwest Spain. The trip normally lasts seven days and along the way, you’ll come across the beauty of rural Spain, traditional historic villages, and places that most tourists ever see.
Camino de Santiago from Tui
Starting in Valencia in Portugal you will cross the International Bridge over the River Minho and into Tui in Spain. The nine-day tour is quite breathtaking as you take in amazing vistas such as Vigo and Pontevedra estuaries.
Explore historic towns and villages that will feel like you’ve gone back in time. Pontevedra which you’ll walk from south to north is full of villages from another world. You can’t help but be impressed by the historic architecture.
Just as amazing is the hot springs in Caldas de Reis.
Camino de Santiago from Baiona
Beginning in Baiona a beautiful Portuguese fishing town famous for being where the discovery of America was announced. The walk is an amazing coastal walk following the coastline until you reach Galicia.
The trek that takes you through forests and the Atlantic Coast will mesmerize you as you uncover charming historical villages and the changing land that you discover with every step.
Camino de Santiago from Leon
Leon was founded by the Roman Empire and became a medieval kingdom. Today, it is a city and this is the place where you will begin a 15-day hike of over 300km.
Beginning in France this walk is a cultural journey that you’ll discover with every place you explore, every person you talk to, and the food you eat. The route goes through the historical Astorga and Ponferrada regions where it feels like you have walked back in time. You’ll even get to explore an amazing Templar Castle.
Although this route isn’t for the beginner if you can manage it you will be rewarded with everything you see and do.
The Camino de Santiago is an amazing experience and one you should embark on at your earliest opportunity. You’ll love it!
