The Camino de Santiago is undoubtedly the world’s most famous walking route. Having attracted pilgrims for thousands of years, it continues to captivate people with its promises of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and spiritual enlightenment.
If you’re considering embarking on this epic journey, we’ve created the ultimate Camino guide for 2025. The team at Walk the Camino have completed numerous Camino routes and supported fellow pilgrims on their trips since 2004. Our El Camino Tours in Spain are some of the most popular and accessible ways of completing the Camino, informed by our years of expertise and experience!
In this guide, you’ll find information on everything you need to know, from choosing your Camino route to accommodation options and how to budget. And if you need any further advice for your Camino, don’t hesitate to contact us!
A Short History of the Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, is one of the most important Christian pilgrimages in the world, drawing walkers, spiritual seekers, and adventurers from around the globe. People first began embarking on this pilgrimage in the 9th century, when the tomb of St. James was said to have been discovered in Spain. Over time, a network of routes across Europe developed, ending at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, believed to be the burial place of St. James.
In medieval times, the Camino was a strictly religious journey filled with hardship and spiritual commitment. Today, it retains its sacred roots but has grown into a multifaceted experience, attracting over 500,000 people each year — some for religious reasons, some for the challenge. In 1993, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Walking the Camino connects you not only to the countless pilgrims who came before you but also to the deep cultural and spiritual history of Spain. Passing through medieval towns and following the iconic scallop shell symbol, you’ll be one of thousands of people in history to complete the world’s most famous walking route.
If you’re interested in learning more, read our blog about the History of the Santiago De Compostela Cathedral, the breathtaking final stop of the Camino, where you receive your certificate of completion.
Why Walk the Camino
For some, walking the Camino is a spiritual calling, a chance to reflect, grieve, or heal. For others, it’s about adventure and discovery, the thrill of exploring new regions, or pushing themselves physically. Many simply want a break from the busy urban world and to reconnect with a gentler pace of life.
The Camino provides an unparalleled journey to reconnect with yourself. The physical act of walking for hours each day is itself a form of meditation, bringing clarity and calm that’s hard to find elsewhere. Each day brings fresh experiences, whether that’s encountering a historic landmark, meeting a fellow pilgrim, or tasting some of the delectable local cuisine.
Walking the Camino is also a communal experience. Pilgrims of all ages and nationalities share the path, often forming spontaneous friendships over shared meals or bunk beds. You’ll experience a spirit of humanity that has gradually been lost in modern life!
Whether you walk for a week, a month, or just a few days, the Camino will challenge you, change you, and stay with you long after you’ve returned home. Still thinking about your reasons for embarking on this journey? Read our guide to the Appeal of Walking the Camino de Santiago.
How Long Does it Take to Walk the Camino?
The Camino is not known for being a quick walk in the park. As a historic pilgrimage, it can take between days and even months to complete, depending on your chosen route and pace. How long it takes to walk the Camino is a matter of what you wish to gain from the experience, whether that’s a slow immersion or a physical challenge.
When planning your Camino, it’s important to factor in times for breaks, meals, and exploring the towns and sites along the way. You also want to factor in rest days to avoid injury or fatigue on the trail. For most pilgrims, a comfortable walking pace is 20-25 kilometres per day (roughly 12–15 miles).
It’s important not to feel pressured to walk an entire route in one go. Many pilgrims only complete the last 100 kilometres of the route, which still qualifies them to receive their certificate, or Compostela. Alternatively, some people complete their Camino in stages spread over months and years. Along your journey, you travel with a Credencial, a kind of passport that is stamped at each village and town you stop in as a record. Learn more about Credencial and Compostela with our guide!
For more insight into the time taken to complete the Camino, read our blog answering the question: How Many Days Does it Take to Walk Camino de Santiago?
Choosing Your Camino Route
Today, there are almost 200 Camino routes to choose from, offering starting points in numerous countries. There are five main routes that people embark on, each of which provides their own unique scenery, difficulty, and culture.
Camino Francés
The most well-known and popular route is the Camino Francés, which begins in the French Pyrenees and crosses northern Spain. The Classic French Way covers about 770 kilometres, taking you through gorgeous landscapes and historic towns. For those who are short on time or new to long-distance walking, the Classic French Way Last 115km is the perfect option.
Camino Portugués
The second most popular route is the Camino Portugués, which begins in Porto and has a distance of 237 kilometres. This is an especially good route for foodies, as you get to savour both Portuguese and Spanish cuisine along the way.
There are numerous variations of the Camino Portugués, which include the stunning Coastal Camino Portugués. You can browse our full range of Portugal Camino Walking Tours for more!
Camino Primitivo
Prefer rugged solitude? The Camino Primitivo, the oldest and most challenging route, offers dramatic mountain scenery and a deeply historic path. Believed to be the original Camino, first walked in the 9th century, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of some of the first pilgrims. If you’d prefer just a taste of this difficult path, we offer a Camino Primitivo Last Section, taking you 100 kilometres from Lugo to Santiago de Compostela.
Camino del Norte
If you’re looking for a less-crowded route, the Camino del Norte takes you along Spain’s Northern Coast, away from the most popular and busy trails. Walk between the mountains and the sea of the Basque Coast, immersing yourself in the peaceful beauty of this secluded route.
Via de la Plata
As the longest Camino route, Via de la Plata is a true accomplishment. Spanning 1,000 kilometres, this route crosses the entirety of Spain, taking you from South to North. For those intrigued by the challenge, we offer a Via de la Plata Camino Last 100 km that begins in Ourense.
This is just the beginning of the different paths you can take. For a full summary of our tours, check out our Route Overviews for Our Camino Walks.
Unique Ways to Complete the Camino
While walking is the main way of completing the Camino, it’s not the only option. If you’d like to save your legs some strain, you can do the Camino de Santiago by Horseback, the same way medieval nobility once did! This is a truly unique Camino option, allowing you to bond with your faithful steed along your journey.
Want to complete the Camino on two wheels instead of two legs? You can cycle the Camino de Santiago on either a mountain bike or an electric bike, covering greater distances in a shorter amount of time.
And should your ideal Camino be spent wining and dining, why not embark on the Gourmet Camino La Rioja Tour? Situated in one of Spain’s renowned wine regions, you’ll get to stop at Michelin-starred restaurants and vineyards in between your walking.
When to Walk the Camino
The Camino is walkable year-round, but your experience can vary greatly depending on the season. Spring (March-May) is one of the most popular times, with wildflowers blooming and temperate weather across most regions. It’s perfect for those who want a balance of mild conditions and moderate crowds.
Summer (June-August) brings long days and lively energy, especially along the Camino Francés — but also the heat and higher foot traffic. If you plan accordingly by starting early and using sun protection, it can be an excellent time to walk with few fluctuations in weather.
Autumn (September-October) is a pilgrim favourite. The weather cools slightly, the trails are quieter, and the harvest season brings delicious regional produce and wine. Winter (November–March) offers solitude and reflection, though many rural accommodations may be closed.
For a more detailed overview, read our blog about the Best Month to Walk the Camino de Santiago.
How to Physically Prepare for Your Camino
Walking the Camino is a rewarding challenge — and with the right preparation, it can be a pleasure from start to finish. No matter whether you plan on completing 100 or 700 kilometres, enhancing your walking fitness can make all the difference to your journey.
Most people benefit from 6-8 weeks of walking practice before they start. Focus on building your endurance, walking 3-5 times per week, and increasing your distance gradually. It’s also important to wear the shoes and gear you plan to take with you, as you don’t want to be breaking in new shoes or learning how to adjust to a pack as you begin your journey. As you train, it’s also useful to try to include hills and uneven surfaces that mimic the Camino’s terrain.
For more tips on how to prepare, check out our advice for Walking Fitness for the Camino or even download our Camino Training Programme!
Accommodation and Services on the Camino
There are a variety of accommodation options available on the Camino, suiting different tastes and budgets. Albergues are common pilgrim hostels, which are budget-friendly, often communal, and a great way to meet fellow walkers. If you’re after more privacy and comfort, guesthouses and hotels provide private rooms and added amenities. Keep in mind that in smaller towns and villages, there may be fewer accommodation options available.
While it’s possible to walk and book as you go, allowing you to set your own pace, many prefer the peace of mind that comes with pre-booked accommodation, especially during peak seasons. With Walk the Camino, we select and book your lodging for you as part of your tour, ensuring you always have a place to rest. For an idea of the types of rooms we book, check out our Camino accommodations.
In addition to booking services, we offer daily luggage transfers, meaning you can walk light with just your daypack. We also provide maps, guidebooks, and 24/7 contact cards as part of our Camino travel packs.
Food and Drink on the Camino
The food on the Camino is hearty, nutritious, and absolutely mouthwatering. While walking for 20 kilometres every day, you can look forward to wholesome meals, coffees, and snacks to keep you fuelled, as well as multi-course meals and wines in the evenings.
Most pilgrims start their day with a simple breakfast of coffee and toast or pastries. Along the route, cafés and bars offer sandwiches, snacks, and cold drinks. At lunch or dinner, look out for the Menu del Peregrino, a three-course pilgrim menu typically priced between €10-15, often including coffee or wine.
There are numerous regional specialities to try along your journey, ranging from empanadas and paellas to Jamón Ibérico and octopus. A special treat is the Tarta de Santiago, an almond-based cake dating back to 1577! Learn about what other Foods to Try on the Camino de Santiago with our blog.
Of course, staying hydrated on the trail is essential, and you’ll find free, potable water fountains along most routes. Start with 1.5 litres each day and refill as you go, using a reusable water bottle or hydration bladder.
Budgeting for the Camino
One of the great things about the Camino is that it can be experienced on almost any budget. Whether you’re a backpacker or a comfort-seeker, you’ll find options that work for you. On a budget-friendly pilgrimage, expect to spend €25 per day, staying in albergues and eating simple meals.
For a mid-range experience, where you enjoy more private rooms and dine out more frequently, the daily cost rises to around €35. For a luxury experience, expect to spend about €50 per day on hotel accommodation and restaurant meals.
To save you some of the hassle of planning your budget, our Camino de Santiago tours already cover your accommodation, breakfasts, and baggage transfers. Just don’t forget to factor in costs like flights, visas, travel insurance, and gear!
Suggested Packing List
Packing for the Camino is all about keeping it light and smart. The general rule is to carry no more than 10% of your body weight. You’ll need at a minimum:
- A 30-40l backpack
- Two lightweight, quick-dry outfits
- Comfortable walking shoes (well broken-in!)
- A waterproof jacket or poncho
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF)
- A first aid kit with blister care
- Your pilgrim credential and key travel documents
There are pharmacies and shops along the way if there is any item you need. And if you use Walk the Camino’s luggage transfer service, you can travel even lighter!
Why Book with Walk the Camino
With our pre-booked accommodations, support packs, and baggage transfer services, booking with Walk the Camino can make all the difference to your Camino. We take the hassle out of planning and budgeting so you can focus on the walking. Browse our range of Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage Tours to find the perfect route for you, and feel free to contact us with any questions. We can’t wait to help you along your journey of a lifetime!
