Confused when it comes to choosing an itinerary?

 

Follow our guide to choosing the right route to find out which itinerary will suit you best.

 

The most important point to consider when selecting a route is YOU:   Ask yourself what you want out of this journey and what you can realistically achieve.

 

Good questions to ask yourself when planning on going on the Camino are:

 

1. How long do I have?

 

Whatever the duration of holiday you are looking for we can help you:

 

• Less than 5 days: have a look at one of our Short Breaks or stay in Santiago only and do one of our day tours

 

• 1 week: almost all our routes have been divided into convenient 7 days / 6 nights section so you have plenty of choice

 

• 10 nights / 11 days: we have 3 options for you: French Way - Gentle Walk - 115 km , French Way - Long distance walk - 211km to Santiago, Original Way - Section 1 - 11 Days/10 Nights - 208 km or  you can simply add nights in Santiago.

 

• 1 month: French Way - The full 800km to Santiago

 

2. Is my goal reaching Santiago de Compostela?

 

Yes: The French Way, the English Way, the Portuguese Way, the Original Way and the Via de la Plata all finish in Santiago

However remember that in order to obtain the Compostela you will need to walk at least 100km into Santiago (200km cycling)

The Finisterre Way starts in Santiago and finishes at the lighthouse of Finisterre which was considered by Medieval pilgrim to be the end of the world

I just want to stay in Santiago: we can simply book hotels or pensions in Santiago and organise day tours for you if you do not wish to leave the city of the Apostle.

Santiago is not my priority: maybe you would prefer our other favourites the French Way Section 1, Le Puy Route Section 3, the Original Way Section 1

 

3. What level of comfort do I want?

	Only the best: Stay in our selection of 4 and 5 stars hotels in large towns including the Paradores – ask us for details
	I prefer authentic accommodation with high levels of Comfort:  Stay in our Rustic Guesthouses along the French Way Section 8 or along the Portuguese Way Section 5
	I need higher levels of comfort: all our itineraries include stays in the best 2-3 stars hotels along the way
	I want to stay in hostels but have a minimum of comfort: starting from €270 per week per person we can book you into shared dormitories in our pre-selected and approved hostels or budget hotels
	I’m on a shoe-string budget: choose walk-in Municipal Albergues and stay in shared dormitories (we do not book these accommodation for you), download our Camino de Santiago Android Smartphone Guide for free, get your luggage transferred on the hardest / longest walking days for €10 per day.

4. Do I prefer walking or cycling?

 

	I want to walk: all our itineraries are walkable
	I want to cycle: we recommend cycling the French Way. I you are looking for a more challenging itinerary, please contact us for a customisable quote.
	Other Activities: We offer horse riding, donkey camino and sailing trips just ask us for details.

5. What is my reason for walking the Camino?

 

Introspection / Spirituality:  Choose one of the quieter routes for quality time alone, i.e., the Finisterre Way, the English Way, the Original Way or the Le Puy Route.

 

Meeting new people: the full French Way or the French Way Section 8 is your best choice

 

Exercise: all our walking or cycling itineraries are great exercise but if you are looking for a bit more of a challenge have a look at this selection.

 

Local Culture: for an unique immersion into local culture we recommend the full French Way, any of the Le Puy Route Sections or of the Portuguese Way Sections.

 

Gastronomy: if enjoying delicious wine and meals on the Camino is your main motivation we recommend the Le Puy Route Section 5, the Portuguese Way Section 3, the Via de la Plata Section 1 and Section 4

 

Landscapes: if you want spectacular scenery we recommend the French Way Section 1, the Le Puy Route Section 3,  the Original Way Section 1

 

6. Do I want to go alone, with my partner or as part of a group?

 

Alone: we strongly recommend the French Way where you will never feel lonely being by yourself

 

With my partner: for a romantic feel we recommend staying in Rustic Guesthouses or the Finisterre Way ending with a night in the Lighthouse.

 

I have a pre-formed group: contact us to discuss the ideal option

or go to our group section for further details of what we can do for you.

 

I want to join a group: during the high season we have several Guided Departures along the French Way Section 8 a month, check out the available dates and join one of our English-speaking groups.

 

7. Do I prefer going through coastal, mountainous or grasslands regions?

 

Coastal Routes: The whole Northern Way, the Finisterre Way and the English Way are all by the sea 

 

Mountain Walks: we have 9 itineraries going through mountains, check them out here

 

Grasslands: you will find the flattest and easiest routes here

 

 

If this listing did not help you find which route to choose feel free to contact us by email info@followthecamino.com , to call +353 1 552221 or chat us in the live chat on the right-hand corner.

 

 

For further information about what we do go to our Individual section or read About Us.

To learn more about the Camino itself go to our Advice Section.