The fantastic Camino de Santiago trails cover thousands of kilometres across beautiful regions in Portugal, Spain and France. Each year, thousands of pilgrims embark on a Camino adventure, keen to be part of Camino history and experience the fascinating culture and great scenery along the many different ways.
If you fancy a special holiday following some of the most unique trails across Europe but you can’t decide which one to take, CaminoWays.com has compiled a list of the most talked about Camino routes for 2016:
For first-time Camino pilgrims
Meet fellow pilgrims from all over the world, discover local traditions and enjoy the special atmosphere of the Camino Frances or French Way, perfect for Camino first-timers. This traditional route, which was featured in the movie ‘The Way’, stretches 800kms from France all the way to Santiago but if you don’t have a full month to travel, you can start the route at other points along the way. Most pilgrims choose to walk the last section from Sarria over a week, crossing Galicia’s green countryside, enjoying the Camino camaraderie on peaceful country trails and getting their Compostela pilgrim certificate at the end.
Price from euro 560pps for a 6-night Camino from Sarria to Santiago on the last section of the French Way.
Coastal: Camino from Portugal
Following the Atlantic Coast, the Portuguese Coastal Way commences in the colourful UNESCO-listed city of Porto and passes through picturesque towns on the way to Galicia. Experience the wild beauty of Northern Portugal as you stay in quaint fishing villages, sample delicious seafood and relax on golden beaches. This is a great alternative to the classic Portuguese Way, which takes pilgrims mostly inland. It is ideal for the Summer months and those looking for a less known Camino trail. Don’t forget your swimming gear to enjoy a swim in one of the many fantastic sandy beaches along the way.
Prices start from €781pps for a 7-night Camino from Porto.
A magic touch: Finisterre Way
Walk to the ‘End of the World’ along the awe-inspiring Finisterre Way, a trail brimming with mystery, myths and legends. The dramatic coastline, unspoiled landscapes and intriguing traditions of the region are sure to impress seasoned walkers. This Camino route to Fisterra and Muxia is unique as it is the only one which begins in Santiago.
Prices start from €545pps for a 5-night Camino to Fisterra.
A big adventure: Camino del Norte
The incredible Northern Way hugs the North Coast of ‘Green Spain’ and takes pilgrims to fabulous towns, villages and coastal cities. The whole Northern Way route from San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela covers over 800kms and takes over a month to complete, a great choice for those looking for a authentic Camino adventure. However those after a taste of this Camino can start from Bilbao, and walk to Santander; in just a week. Bilbao is famous for its Guggenheim Museum, historic old town and mouth-watering cuisine.
Prices start from €623pps for a 6-night Camino from Bilbao to Santander.
CaminoWays.com organises both guided and self-guided walking and cycling Camino tours.
Price includes: Accommodation on half-board basis, luggage transfers from hotel to hotel and holiday pack with practical information for your trip.
Price does not include: Flights, transport or insurance.
Optional: Ask the team about hotel upgrades in cities and towns, airport transfer and bike rental.
For more information and advice on the Camino routes, the best Camino de Santiago trail for you, contact the CaminoWays.com travel specialists