So, you’ve heard about the Camino and want to know more, or are confused about all of the different routes. You’ve felt the pull of adventure, history, or maybe just the promise of unlimited tapas and cheap wine. But now comes the big question: Which route do you take?

Because here’s the thing—the Camino isn’t just one trail. It’s a vast network of paths, all leading (or connecting) to Santiago de Compostela, each with its own personality, challenges, and quirks. Some routes are bustling with pilgrims; others feel like you’ve stepped into the Middle Ages. Some are physically grueling; others will test your patience with endless, flat, unshaded roads.

And while there are a few well-known routes, last time I counted, there are actually 57 named Camino routes, many with official variants. Some lead directly to Santiago. Others are ancient connector routes, funneling pilgrims from remote corners of Spain, Portugal, and beyond into the larger, well-traveled paths.

The Camino isn’t just a Spanish phenomenon. It’s a vast network stretching across Europe and beyond. Pilgrims have started from Paris, Rome, Vienna, and even Jerusalem. The scallop shell symbol, seen all over Spain, marks trails that weave through Germany, Belgium, Poland, and the Netherlands. Some modern pilgrims even begin walking from their own front doors, turning the entire journey into a personal pilgrimage.

And let’s get one thing straight—your Camino does not start in Spain. It starts the moment you decide to go. It starts at your front door. Because this is more than a walk. It is a journey that, in some ways, begins long before your first step on a trail marked with a scallop shell.

1. The Camino Francés: The Classic Experience

Best for: First-timers, social butterflies, and those who want a “Camino Greatest Hits” experience.

If you’ve heard of the Camino, chances are you’ve heard of the Camino Francés. It’s the most famous route, starting in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, and stretching about 500 miles (800 km) to Santiago. It’s the trail of legends—scenic mountain passes, rolling vineyards, medieval villages, and, yes, plenty (perhaps crowds) of fellow pilgrims.

Type: Main Route

Pros:

•Well-marked and easy to navigate.
•Plenty of albergues, cafés, and rest stops.
•The best chance of making lifelong Camino friends.

Cons:

•It gets crowded, especially in the last 100km.
•Some stages (looking at you, Pyrenees) are physically demanding.
•If you’re seeking solitude, this may not be your best bet.

2. The Camino Portugués: Coastal Beauty & Cultural Charm

Best for: Those who want a slightly shorter walk, fewer crowds – but ever-present – and the option to stroll along the Atlantic Ocean.

The Camino Portugués starts in Lisbon (if you’re ambitious) or Porto (if you prefer the most scenic part) and runs 380 miles (600 km) from Lisbon or 160 miles (260 km) from Porto. It’s flatter than the Francés, less crowded, and packed with Portuguese and Galician charm.

But here’s the fun part: The Camino Portugués actually has three main variants, allowing you to tailor your experience to what suits you best. Whether you prefer the salty breeze of the Atlantic, the rolling countryside, or a deeper spiritual experience, there’s a path for you.

2A. Camino Portugués Interior (Central Route)

This is the most traditional of the three Portuguese routes, following the historical inland path used by medieval pilgrims. It passes through rolling farmland, vineyards, and some of Portugal’s most picturesque towns. If you want a classic Camino experience with more historical charm and cultural depth, this is your route.

Type: Main Route

Highlights:

•Rich history, with stops in Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, and Tui.
•More albergues and pilgrim infrastructure than the coastal route.
•Authentic countryside charm, with vineyards and stone villages.

Things to Consider:

•Warmer temperatures in summer, as you’re away from the ocean breeze.
•More hills compared to the Litoral route (especially around Ponte de Lima).
•Fewer ocean views, if that’s what you were hoping for.

2B. Camino Portugués Litoral (Coastal Way)

If walking beside the sea sounds like your idea of paradise, this is the route for you. The Litoral Route follows the Atlantic coast, treating you to breathtaking ocean views, fishing villages, and endless golden beaches. It starts in Porto and follows the shoreline for much of the way, sometimes merging with the Senda Litoral (a beachside path that sticks even closer to the water).

Type: Main Route (Variant)

Highlights:

•Spectacular ocean views almost every day.
•Charming seaside towns like Vila do Conde, Viana do Castelo, and A Guarda.
•Cooler temperatures in summer due to the ocean breeze.

Things to Consider:

•More road walking compared to the inland route.
•Some detours required when the tide is high.
•Fewer historical sites compared to the interior route.

2C. Camino Portugués Espiritual (The Spiritual Variant)

For those who want a mix of Camino history, scenic beauty, and a deeper connection to the journey, the Camino Espiritual is a must. This diversion from the Central Route begins near Pontevedra and takes pilgrims along a three-day detour through stunning Galician countryside, past monasteries, and across an estuary—by boat! This section is often referred to as the “Traslatio”, mirroring the legendary final journey of St. James’ body by sea to Santiago.

Type: Variant

Highlights:

•Visit the Monastery of Poio and the Church of Armenteira, two important pilgrimage sites.
•Walk through the mystical “Ruta da Pedra e da Auga”, a serene riverside forest path filled with ancient stone mills.
•Boat journey along the Arousa Estuary, an unforgettable way to approach Santiago.

Things to Consider:

•Requires a bit more planning, as the boat trip needs to be arranged in advance.
•Less infrastructure, since it’s a lesser-traveled route.
•A bit longer, adding a few extra days to your Camino.

3. The Camino del Norte: For the Rugged and Adventurous

Best for: Hikers who love coastal views, fewer crowds, and don’t mind a bit of a challenge.

This one hugs Spain’s northern coastline, running 510 miles (820 km) from Irún to Santiago. It’s breathtaking—cliffside trails, sweeping ocean views, and cities like San Sebastián and Bilbao—but it’s also tough. The daily elevation changes will make your legs beg for mercy.

Type: Main Route

Pros:

•Jaw-dropping scenery along Spain’s rugged coastline.
•Cooler temperatures in summer.
•Fewer pilgrims—more peace and quiet.

Cons:

•The elevation gains are no joke. Be prepared for steep climbs.
•Fewer albergues and long stretches without services.

4. The Camino Primitivo: The Original & Brutal One

Best for: Pilgrims who want a hardcore experience, historic trails, and mountain solitude.

The Camino Primitivo (The Original Way) is the oldest recorded Camino route, dating back to the 9th century. It starts in Oviedo, covering 200 miles (320 km) and merging with the Francés near Santiago. It’s breathtaking—but it will break you if you’re not prepared.

Type: Main Route, Connector Route between Camino del Norte and Camino Frances

Pros:

•A true off-the-beaten-path Camino.
•Stunning mountain scenery.
•A deep historical feel—this was the original Camino.

Cons:

•Some of the most challenging terrain on any Camino.
•Weather can be unpredictable.
•Limited albergues—plan your stops carefully.

5. The Camino Inglés: The Quick & Historic Route

Best for: Pilgrims with limited time or those who want a taste of the Camino.

The Camino Inglés (The English Way) was historically used by medieval pilgrims from England and Northern Europe who arrived by boat. It’s a 5-day route (120 km) starting in either Ferrol or A Coruña.

Type: Main Route

Pros:

•Quick and perfect for those with limited time.
•A great intro Camino for beginners.
•Historic—this was a key medieval pilgrimage route.

Cons:

•Some parts feel very urban.
•Not the deep, immersive Camino experience of longer routes.

6. The Camino Olvidado: The Forgotten Way

Best for: Pilgrims seeking solitude, history, and rugged terrain.

The Camino Olvidado (The Forgotten Way) predates the Francés and was used by early medieval pilgrims who feared Moorish-controlled areas in Spain. It winds through northern Castilla y León, offering mountain passes, small villages, and a deep sense of history.

Type: Main Route, connects to Camino Frances

Pros:

•Almost no crowds—true solitude.
•Deep historical significance.
•Gorgeous, untouched landscapes.

Cons:

•Limited infrastructure—requires careful planning.
•Some sections are very remote.

7. The Camino de San Salvador: Short, Sweet, and Stunning

Best for: Pilgrims who love mountains and want a short but epic trek.

This 5-day route (120 km) runs from León to Oviedo, offering breathtaking mountain scenery. It’s a hidden gem for those who want a short, challenging, and spectacular Camino.

Type: Connector Route between  Camino Primitivo, Camino Olvidad, and Camino Frances

Pros:

•One of the most beautiful Caminos.
•A great short trek before or after another route.
•Ends in Oviedo, home of the stunning San Salvador Cathedral.

Cons:

•Steep climbs—this is a tough one.
•Not a direct route to Santiago (you’ll need to connect to another Camino).