Every year, a ton of everyday and regular people walk the Camino de Santiago to the famous cathedral in Spain, and not everyone is an athlete; the secret lies in the route you choose.
Here are some of the best options:
The Most Popular Choice for Newbies: The French Way
By far one of the most popular Camino de Santiago routes is the French Way; chances are that someone that if someone tells you they walked the Camino, they usually mean they did route. This level of popularity comes with a ton of benefits but also its drawbacks.
The route holds the title of the busiest and most famous route, and this is true. The whole trail is usually packed with people; you won’t feel alone here. On the other side, it has a lot of amenities too, and the trails are well taken care of. You can find more bathrooms, restaurants, and places to sleep.
Now, the route stretches across the north side of Spain and starts from France. The whole route is around 500 miles, but don’t worry, you don’t have to walk it entirely. Most beginners choose to do just the last 60 miles, which is enough to get the Pilgrim Certificate, and you still get the whole experience.
This stretch is called Camino Frances from Sarria, and takes about six or seven days of steady walking to complete. There you will be able to spot the rolling hills of Galicia filled with dairy farms, ancient stone walls, and tiny churches.
Walking the Coastline: The Portuguese Way
If, on the other hand, you’re looking for something less crowded and quieter than the French Way, then your best option is the Portuguese Way, and even better, this one gives you two different flavors to choose from.
You can walk along the Atlantic coast, or you can take the inland path. Both are equally amazing, but like the other route, if you don’t want to do the whole trail, then you can choose the inland Camino Portuguese from Tui.
Tui is a stunning town sitting on the border of the two countries; it’s located right on the river that separates Portugal and Spain. Starting here will offer you the perfect 70-miile distance to get to Compostela in six days and still get the Certificate.
The trail is mostly flat, making it very soft on your knees and ankles compared to the rocky hills on other trails.
A Shorter Option: The English Way
Now, another great option is The English Way, especially if you’re looking for an even shorter version. Not only that, but it is also a route with an incredible history. Hundreds of years ago, pilgrims from northern Europe would sail down to the Spanish coast and walk the rest of the way.
Today, this short trail gives modern walkers a great alternative. You start in the port city of Ferrol, and from there the trail takes you inland toward the cathedral, covering about 70 miles. You can easily finish this walk in just four to 5 or 6 days.
Conclusion
The Camino de Santiago is a break from busy travel. Instead of rushing, you just walk. It’s simple and clear, and you can finally relax. That’s why choosing a route that fits you is so important.
The French Way is social and easy to follow, while the Portuguese Way is flat and peaceful, but the English Way is quick and full of history. All routes end at the same famous cathedral. Travel light, take your time, and enjoy the journey. The path gives you space to think and see Spain in a new way.
