Each of these five Camino routes can be completed in a week or less, making them perfect for those short on time or looking to sample the Camino experience before committing to a longer journey. But which path best suits your interests, walking style, and expectations?
Camino Francés
The Camino Francés is the best-known and most walked of all the routes, with more than 60% of pilgrims choosing it each year. It’s often what people picture when they think of the Camino: lively trails, plenty of company, and excellent infrastructure.
On the plus side, you’ll find the widest range of accommodation, cafés, and restaurants, as well as a strong daily rhythm and a clear sense of pilgrim camaraderie. If you enjoy meeting people from around the world and swapping stories along the way, this is the trail for you.
However, for those seeking quiet reflection or a more solitary experience, be aware that it can feel quite crowded during peak seasons. That said, it remains the ideal choice for first-time pilgrims, especially those new to long-distance walking.
Check out our Camino Frances Tour
Camino de Invierno
The Camino Invierno—or “Winter Way”—was historically used to avoid the snowbound mountain passes of O Cebreiro during colder months. It branches off from the Camino Francés at Ponferrada, an atmospheric town once held by the Knights Templar, and heads south through an incredibly scenic and historic landscape.
Expect to pass through highlights like the Roman gold mines of Las Médulas, the medieval town of Monforte de Lemos, and the vineyard-covered slopes of the Ribeira Sacra, before eventually joining the Via de la Plata to enter Santiago from the south.
This is a challenging and physically demanding route, but the payoff is immense: stunning scenery, peaceful paths, and a deep sense of solitude. It’s also dotted with small, traditional towns and villages. Because it’s far less busy than other routes, it’s best suited to experienced walkers, particularly those embarking on their second or third Camino.
Check out our Camino Invierno Tour
Camino Inglés
The Camino Inglés offers a compact and manageable journey, with two recognised starting points: Ferrol and A Coruña. If obtaining the Compostela certificate is important to you, start in Ferrol—only that route meets the 100 km minimum requirement.
Historically, this was the arrival point for pilgrims from Britain and Ireland, who would sail into Galicia before beginning their walk inland. The path hugs the coast early on, then moves through a patchwork of farmland, small villages, and quiet countryside before entering Santiago from the north.
It’s a solid option if you want a shorter Camino with depth and authenticity, and one that allows for plenty of time in Santiago at the end.
Check out our Camino Ingles Tour
Camino Portugués
The Camino Portugués is the second most popular Camino route after the Francés. Beginning in Tui, on the Spanish-Portuguese border, it offers a wonderfully varied experience—blending rich culture, historic towns, and lush landscapes.
Along the way, you’ll pass through places like Pontevedra, the spa town of Caldas de Reis, and Padrón, where tradition says the body of St. James arrived by boat. Much of the route follows the ancient Roman Via XIX, winding over gentle green hills and through cool eucalyptus forests.
This route is ideal for those who’ve already walked the Camino Francés and want something similar but with new scenery. It’s also highly recommended for first-time pilgrims, offering the best of both accessibility and depth.
Check out our Camino Portugues Tour
Via de la Plata
The Via de la Plata is one of our most unique and rewarding short Camino experiences. Beginning in Ourense, a historic university city famed for its Roman thermal baths, this route offers a tranquil and immersive walk through rural Galicia.
The trail winds past the majestic monastery of Oseira and through green, unspoiled countryside. What sets this experience apart is the emphasis on comfort: we include beautiful country house stays, exceptional local food and wine, and, in some cases, a driver to transfer you between accommodations and selected walking sections. This means you can enjoy a higher standard of lodging while still experiencing the essence of the Camino.
The route enters Santiago from the south, passing through the last remaining medieval pilgrim gate, a poetic way to finish your journey. This is a top choice for those who value a touch of luxury, flexible distances, and a slower pace with no compromise on authenticity.
Check out our Via de la Plata Tour
