Camino de Santiago Walk

Top 5 Highlights of the Camino de Santiago Walk

Camino Frances

The Camino Frances is the most traveled route of the Camino de Santiago, traditionally beginning in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. This 500-mile journey weaves through diverse landscapes, including the Pyrenees, rolling plains, and lush woodlands, passing through quaint villages and historic towns. On the Camino de Santiago Trek, you’ll pick up the path in Samos and hike in the footsteps of history on this iconic route.

Spiritual Variant

A partly coastal section of the Portuguese Camino, the Spiritual Variant pilgrimage route is considered by many to be the original path of Saint James, and therefore the origin of all the Caminos de Santiago. This less-traveled route offers a more introspective pilgrimage experience. Experience this unique section of the Camino on our Portuguese Camino Highlights tour.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of the Camino de Santiago, is a historic city in northwest Spain renowned for its stunning cathedral, which houses the reputed remains of Saint James. The city’s charming old town, with its medieval architecture and narrow streets, has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. It’s the culmination of your trek or cycle, and arriving here, surrounded by your fellow pilgrims, is an experience like no other.

The Stone & Water Route

One of the most beautiful stages of the Camino, taking a trail parallel to the River Armenteira called the Stone and Water Route (named for the 51 ancient mills and waterfalls it passes). The route is renowned for its peaceful ambiance, blending natural beauty with historical significance, as pilgrims walk through serene landscapes dotted with remnants of Galicia’s rural heritage, including stone crosses, chapels, and water mills that have stood for centuries. The lush green of the forest, the gushing cascades, flowing river, and ancient mills combine to make a particularly scenic stretch.

Compostela Certificate

The Compostela certificate is an official document awarded to pilgrims who complete at least 100 kilometers (62 miles) of the Camino de Santiago on foot, or 200 kilometers (124 miles) by bicycle. Issued by the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago de Compostela, the certificate is written in Latin and features the pilgrim’s name along with a confirmation of their completion of the pilgrimage for spiritual, religious, or even reflective reasons. Receiving the Compostela is a significant and symbolic achievement for pilgrims, marking the culmination of their journey and their participation in the centuries-old tradition of the Camino. Many of our tours are designed to earn you your certificate.

Hiking & Biking the Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a renowned pilgrimage route stretching across northern Spain, culminating at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. With origins dating back to the 9th century, it has historically attracted pilgrims seeking spiritual renewal, adventure, or cultural enrichment.

Undulating a magnificent 500 miles, the full length of the Camino trail is a beast, born from the days when the only way to travel was on foot. It was a punishing undertaking: a means of earning your place in heaven by making both a spiritual journey and a worldlier one to the Santiago de Compostela, believed to be the final resting place of the apostle St James. Modern-day pilgrims take on the Camino for various reasons—spiritual growth, personal challenge, or simply to enjoy the journey. Whether cycling or hiking, the Camino is a bucket list-worthy adventure.

Along the way, travelers traverse diverse landscapes including rolling plains, dense forests, and rugged mountains, experiencing Spain’s rich cultural heritage through charming villages, historical landmarks, and local traditions, before their momentous arrival beneath the imposing Portico de la Gloria at the entrance to Santiago de Compostela’s UNESCO-listed cathedral.

Our Best Biking & Hiking the Camino De Santiago Trips

9 Days from USD 2245

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Follow Spain's most celebrated pilgrimage route

Walking & Trekking

9 Days from USD 4500

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Follow Spain's most celebrated pilgrimage route

Walking & Trekking

8 Days from USD 2045

Self-Guided Holidays (Incl. Taxes)

Enjoy a real sense of achievement on this self-guided pilgrim walk from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela.

Walking & Trekking

11 Days from USD 2150

Self-Guided Holidays (Incl. Taxes)

Walk the first stage of the Camino Frances from St Jean Pied de Port

Walking & Trekking

15 Days from USD 2510

Self-Guided Holidays (Incl. Taxes)

Walk the Coastal Way from Northern Portugal to Santiago de Compostela

Walking & Trekking

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Our Top Destinations in Camino de Santiago

What’s special about the Camino de Santiago?

The Camino de Santiago offers a unique combination of history, spirituality, and adventure that few other journeys can match. As a pilgrimage route with origins over a thousand years old, it carries deep historical and religious significance, with countless pilgrims walking the same paths for centuries to reach the revered Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

How difficult is it to hike the Camino de Santiago?

The Camino de Santiago trail ranges in difficulty based on route, season, and your fitness level. You can expect it to be at least moderately challenging, with a mix of flat stretches, rolling hills, and occasional steep ascents. Check your trip notes for information on the activity rating of your trip, and for advice on how to physically prepare.

FAQs on Camino de Santiago Tours

How long does it take to hike the Camino de Santiago?

Our Camino de Santiago guided tours range in length from eight to nine days. All are designed to immerse you into the challenge and wonder of the Camino. On some, you will traverse the required distances to receive your coveted Compostela Certificate, while on others, you will experience the highlights of the Camino in a more relaxed way.

Is the Camino de Santiago worth it?

Yes, the Camino de Santiago is often considered well worth the effort by those who undertake it. Pilgrims and adventurers alike praise the journey for its unique blend of physical challenge, cultural immersion, and spiritual or personal reflection. Hiking or biking the Camino allows you to experience stunning landscapes and to explore historic towns and villages steeped in centuries-old traditions. Beyond the scenery, the Camino fosters a deep sense of community, as pilgrims from around the world share in the journey, creating lasting connections and memories. For many, the Camino becomes a transformative experience, offering insights, personal growth, and a profound sense of accomplishment upon reaching Santiago de Compostela. Whether pursued for religious reasons, a love of adventure, or a desire for introspection, the Camino de Santiago is widely regarded as a journey that is enriching and deeply rewarding.

Is the Camino de Santiago safe?

The Camino de Santiago is generally considered safe. Physically, the journey can be demanding, so it’s essential to prepare adequately, listen to your body, and stay hydrated.

When is the best time to hike the Camino?

The best time to hike the Camino de Santiago is generally during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). These periods offer mild weather, with comfortable temperatures ideal for walking and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. Spring brings vibrant landscapes with blooming flowers, while fall offers the beauty of changing leaves and harvest season in the vineyards.

Summer (July and August) is also a popular time, but it can be quite hot, particularly on the Meseta, the flat, open plains of central Spain, and the routes can be more crowded.

Will I earn the Compostela Certificate?

This trip blends the best of the coastal route from Porto with the stunning, lesser-known Spiritual Variant trail. Hiking over 100 km (62 miles) along the Portuguese Camino Highlights Walk was challenging but very rewarding. The coastal walks offered stunning views of the coastline and ocean and I loved walking through the quaint fishing villages along the coast. The Stone & Water trail and the Spiritual Variant trail offered stunning scenery, peaceful forests, rivers, and charming medieval villages and country towns along the way. The food was a highlight too—fresh seafood and traditional local dishes at every stop. I highly recommend trying local dishes such as Galician Pulpo (octopus), Galician scallops (in the shell), and Padron peppers! On Day 5 and 6, we stayed at Villa Covelo and stumbled upon a local restaurant called, O Recuncho do lolo, and had an incredible local experience here! The owner Graciela was so hospitable and kind that we dined there two evenings in a row! You must try her cheesecake (she sold us by telling us it was the best in the world- and it very well might be!) The accommodations at A Casa Antiga do Monte and Hotel Melo Alvim were cozy, historic, and full of character. If you’re thinking about doing a “highlights version” of the Camino, this Exodus trip is the perfect way to do it! 🙂
Lilian Kim Portuguese Camino Highlights Walk

A great group of people with a fabulous guide created a wonderful experience.

Melanie Smout Trekking the Camino de Santiago

This was a lovely weeks hiking and we were lucky to have great weather for all of our hiking days (October). It was great to start in Samos to ‘tune in’ a bit to the more busy sections of the path and having a day at the end in Santiago is essential. The distances are sometimes long, but navigation is so easy as it is so well signed, which enabled people to go at their own pace with regular meeting points for a cafe con leche. Before booking, we debated guided v unguided as it is so easy to follow but opted to go with the minimal faff option, which was good. The route was interesting and prettier than I expected, but possibly not for those who prefer more remote hiking environments and solitude.

Keith Bevan Trekking the Camino de Santiago

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