Camino de Santiago Walk

Top 5 Camino de Santiago Highlights

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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.