Backpacking in Spain: The best Camino routes
Posted: May 29 2024 | Tagged: Spain
Spain is a great destination for backpackers for many reasons, but, what makes it even greater? The fact that it is also the original home of the infamous network of pilgrimage routes - Camino de Santiago.
The Camino routes, often referred to as the Way of St. James, date all the way back to the 9th century and hold historical and cultural significance. The original routes all lead you to a cathedral in Santiago de Compostela - the burial site of St. James. However, today, the network has expanded to various other routes. So, let’s explore some of the best ones for backpacking.
The Camino routes, often referred to as the Way of St. James, date all the way back to the 9th century and hold historical and cultural significance. The original routes all lead you to a cathedral in Santiago de Compostela - the burial site of St. James. However, today, the network has expanded to various other routes. So, let’s explore some of the best ones for backpacking.
Santiago to Finisterre
The Camino from Santiago to Finisterre is often known as the “end of the world”, due to its unique location on the westernmost point of Spain. This trail is essentially an extension of Camino de Santiago and is the only route that follows the Atlantic coast. Along the way, you will make a stop at the medieval town of Negreira, enjoy breathtaking views from the Mount Aro, visit the woods of Alto do Cruzeiro da Armada, and many other places of historical significance. This trail is 90 kilometres long, taking 6 days to complete.
Camino Inglés
The Camino Inglés, or the English Way, is one of the original and most popular routes of Camino de Santiago. Historically, this route was taken by pilgrims from England that arrived to Ferrol by the sea and made their way to Santiago. Camino Inglés takes you through a selection of historical landmarks, such as ancient churches, medieval bridges, and emblematic towns - Betanzos and Pontedeume being the most notable.
This 7-day route is approximately 126 kilometers long and is one of the easiest of Camino de Santiago routes.
This 7-day route is approximately 126 kilometers long and is one of the easiest of Camino de Santiago routes.
Camino del Norte
The Camino del Norte is a route running along the coast of northern Spain, hence its alternative name - the Northern Way. This route has various starting points, but the town of Irún is the original. The path offers stunning coastal scenery along the way, passing through various well-known cities and villages, including Bilbao.
During your trip, you can take the time to visit museums and other attractions in these cities, to further enrich your experience. The full Camino del Norte is 825 kilometres long, but you can select one of its shorter sections.
During your trip, you can take the time to visit museums and other attractions in these cities, to further enrich your experience. The full Camino del Norte is 825 kilometres long, but you can select one of its shorter sections.
Camino Primitivo
The Camino Primitivo is considered to be the very first route ever taken to Santiago de Compostela, which is why it’s also known as the “Original Way”. Although it is only around 313 kilometres long, the route is certainly not the easiest of the lot. Camino Primitivo passes through rugged terrains, surrounded by the natural scenery of mountains and cliffs.
Besides the historical background, one of the most compelling reasons to choose the Original Way is its great infrastructure, with good accommodation options and correct markings. Camino Primitivo is also less crowded than some of the more popular routes, which is great during the peak season.
Besides the historical background, one of the most compelling reasons to choose the Original Way is its great infrastructure, with good accommodation options and correct markings. Camino Primitivo is also less crowded than some of the more popular routes, which is great during the peak season.
Final word
Walking the Camino de Santiago is one of the most interesting and rewarding ways to explore Spain. Each of these, routes takes you through historical sites and towns, allowing you to not only challenge yourself physically but also learn all about the local customs.