The Camino de Santiago is a well-liked pilgrimage route in Europe. Yearly it attracts hundreds of individuals from everywhere in the world. There are various routes of various lengths and difficulties that result in Santiago de Compostela. Not everyone has the likelihood to finish the Camino de Santiago; most of them require between two weeks and one month. That’s why many individuals select to stroll the final 100 km to Santiago.
Three hottest Camino routes to stroll the final 100 km
Out of a number of routes that you may stroll the final 100 km on these three Camino are by far the preferred.
- Camino Frances from Sarria – 55 792* individuals or 315% of all pilgrims who arrived in Santiago in 2021 began strolling from Sarria.
- Camino Portuguese from Valença/Tui – 15 169 individuals or 8,5% of all pilgrims
- Camino Ingles from Ferrol – 10 574 individuals or 6% of all pilgrims
*In accordance with the Pilgrim’s Reception Workplace in Santiago
When you’ve got a while after finishing the Camino I’d counsel spending a few days exploring the town and its environment there are numerous superb things to do in Santiago de Compostela.
Why 100 kilometers?
There are not any precise guidelines for strolling the Camino. The final 100 km to Santiago de Compostela is the required strolling minimal for getting the Compostela, a certificates issued by the Pilgrim’s Consideration Workplace in Santiago that anyone can get for finishing not less than the final 100 km on any Camino de Santiago route. As a affirmation of the finished Camino, each pilgrim will need to have a Credential (a pilgrim’s passport) with stamps collected from totally different albergues, church buildings, eating places, and so on. alongside the route.
In the event you’re not considering getting the Compostela you possibly can stroll the Camino any approach it fits you. The route is marked and accessible for anyone. You’ll be able to stroll for less than someday, two weeks, beginning within the center, stroll it in the other way, and so on. Simply keep in mind should you’re planning to remain at public albergues you’ll want a Credential with stamps to verify that you simply’re a pilgrim. For staying at personal albergues and resorts alongside the Camino you don’t really want it.
Two stamps per day for the final 100 km
For getting a Compostela certificates it’s required to acquire two stamps per day for the final 100 km on the Camino to Santiago regardless if a pilgrim walks the whole route or solely the final 100 km. On the favored Camino routes, it’s very simple to get two stamps per day; one stamp at an albergue or lodge the place you keep and one stamp at a restaurant/cafes/bar.
Many locations on the Camino supply stamps. For instance on the route from Sarria (Camino Frances) one can accumulate many stamps in someday stopping at each restaurant/cafe alongside the route. On much less well-liked routes you possibly can stamp your Credential on the identical albergue (lodge) twice at check-in and check-out.
In the event you’re planning to cycle the Camino it’s vital to do not forget that the required biking minimal distance is the final 200 km to Santiago with 2 stamps per day.
The most effective time for strolling
Since all of the routes undergo the Galicia area in Northern Spain the climate is just about the identical on all of them. The climate in Galicia is unpredictable, it’s one of many areas with probably the most rain in Spain. In fact, the probabilities of rain are a lot larger in autumn/winter than in summer season however you should all the time be prepared for rain. The summer season months, June to August, and the primary half of September weather-wise is one of the best time for strolling the Camino. The times are lengthy, it’s heat some days it’d even get sizzling within the afternoon.
Remember the fact that July, August, and the start of September are the busiest months on the favored Camino routes with a whole lot if not hundreds of pilgrims strolling them. In 2021 178 912 (this quantity is considerably decrease than in a traditional pre-pandemic 12 months) pilgrims arrived in Santiago. 115 000 or about 64% of all pilgrims arrived within the months of July, August, and September.
In the event you determine to stroll one of many much less well-liked Camino routes there may be nothing to fret about there received’t be many individuals even within the peak season.
Completely different Camino routes to stroll the final 100 km to Santiago
There are various Camino de Santiago routes that begin in several components of Spain and Europe basically. Most of them merge with one of many main routes someplace alongside the best way. You’ll be able to stroll the final 100 km on seven totally different Camino routes; Camino Francés, Camino Portuguese, Camino Inglés, Camino del Norte, Camino Primitivo, Camino Sanabrés, and Camino de Invierno.
The seven Caminos come right down to 4 routes that enter Santiago de Compostela; Camino Francés (Camino Primitivo merges with the French route in Melide, Camino del Norte merges with it in Arzúa), Camino Portuguese, Camino Inglés, Camino Sanabrés (Camino de Invierno merges with the Sanabrés in A Laxe).
There may be one route the Camino Finisterre that begins and doesn’t end in Santiago. It’s a pilgrimage route however you don’t get the Compostela for strolling it as an alternative you get a special certificates (for extra info learn the paragraph about this route).
Out of those eight Camino routes, we’ve walked six: Camino Francés, Camino Portuguese, Camino Inglés, Camino del Norte, Camino Primitivo, and Camino Finisterre. The Sanabrés and de Invierno are nonetheless on our to-do checklist.
Camino Frances from Sarria, 116 km/72 mi
- Complete distance – 116 km/72 mi
- Variety of days – 5
- Place to begin – Sarria
- Common price – 25-30 Euro per particular person, per day
- Recognition – 5 out of 5*
*signifies not the recognition of the whole Camino route however of the final 100 km to Santiago de Compostela.
The French route from Sarria is the preferred path to stroll the final 100 km to Santiago. Actually, it’s the preferred Camino route general. About 50% of people that stroll the Camino Francés begin from Sarria. Its recognition has its professionals and cons. The beauty of the route is that it has good infrastructure; many albergues, resorts, eating places, and so on. It’s simple to seek out lodging and meals. The downside of the Camino from Sarria is the variety of individuals strolling it within the peak season. Generally it appears like a parade with a whole lot of individuals together with huge teams.
Portomarín is probably the most stunning city on the route. Pulpo a la Feira (cooked octopus in olive oil served with paprika) is a must-try dish in Melide, it’s one of many signature Galician dishes.
Camino Francés from Sarria strolling itinerary
- Stage 1. Sarria to Portomarín, 22 km/13,5 mi
- Stage 2. Portomarín to Palas de Rei, 25 km/15,5 mi
- Stage 3. Palas de Rei to Arzúa, 29 km/18 mi
- Stage 4. Arzúa to O Perdouzo, 20 km/12,Four mi
- Stage 5. O Perdouzo to Santiago de Compostela, 20 km/12,Four mi
Now we have an in depth put up on strolling the Camino Francés from Sarria the place yow will discover a whole lot of info for planning the route.
Camino Francés guidebooks
Portuguese Camino from Valença/Tui, 124 km/77 mi
- Complete distance – 124 km/77 mi
- Variety of days – 5-6
- Place to begin – Valença (Portugal)/Tui (Spain). The cities are situated throughout the river, about 1 km from one another.
- Common price – 25-30 Euro per particular person per day
- Recognition – Four out of 5
It’s the second hottest route for strolling the final 100 km. Valença/Tui is the preferred start line to stroll the final 100 km. Actually, from there it’s 124 km to Santiago. Redondela, the following city is about 105 km away should you actually need to stroll solely the final 100 km you can begin there. Your pilgrimage shall be 19 km shorter than from Tui and also you’ll want 5 days to finish the route as an alternative of 6.
The Portuguese Camino from Tui is considerably much less crowded in comparison with the French Camino from Sarria however there are nonetheless fairly lots of people within the peak season between June to August.
Redondela, Pontevedra and Padrón are three stunning cities and the highlights of the final 100 km on the Portuguese Camino. Pimientos de Padrón (fried inexperienced peppers) is a must-try dish. It goes effectively as a snack with beer or wine.
Portuguese Camino from Tui strolling itinerary
- Stage 1. Valença/Tui to Porriño, 19 km/11,Eight mi
- Stage 2. Porriño to Redondela, 17 km/10,5 mi
- Stage 3. Redondel to Pontevedra, 20 km/12,Four mi
- Stage 4. Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis, 23 km/14,2 mi
- Stage 5. Caldas de Reis to Padrón, 20 km/12,Four mi
- Stage 6. Padrón to Santiago de Compostela, 25 km/15,5 mi
For extra info on the Portuguese Camino learn our detailed information and strolling phases put up.
Camino Portuguese guidebooks
Camino Inglés from Ferrol, 116 km/72 mi
- Complete distance – 116 km/72 mi
- Variety of days – 5-6
- Place to begin – Ferrol. There’s a route from A Coruña to Santiago nevertheless it’s lower than 100 km
- Common price – 25-30 Euro per particular person per day
- Recognition – 2 out of 5
The beauty of strolling the English Means is that you simply get to stroll the whole Camino. The English Means is the shortest Camino route that finishes in Santiago de Compostela, it’s the right choice for individuals who need to stroll the final 100 km and skip the crowds of the favored Camino routes.
Pontedeume and Betanzos are probably the most fascinating locations on the English Means. These small cities boast stunning historic facilities, slender cobbled streets, charming streets cafes, and so on.
Camino Inglés from Ferrol strolling phases
- Stage 1. Ferrol to Pontedeume, 28 km/17,Three mi
- Stage 2. Pontedeume – Betanzos, 23 km/14,2 mi
- Stage 3. Betanzos to Hospital de Bruma, 25 km/15,5 mi
- Stage 4. Hospital de Bruma to Sigüeiro, 24 km/15 mi
- Stage 5. Sigüeiro to Santiago de Compostela, 16 km/10 mi
All vital info for planning the pilgrimage on the English Means yow will discover in our put up – Camino Inglés detailed information & strolling phases.
Camino Inglés guidebooks
Camino Primitivo from Lugo, 102 km/63 mi
- Complete distance – 102 km/63,Three mi
- Variety of days – 4-5
- Place to begin – Lugo
- Common price – 25-30 Euro per particular person per day
- Recognition – 2 out of 5
The Unique Means of St.James is formally the primary Camino de Santiago route ever walked. Spanish King Alfonso II went on the journey from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela within the IX century. These days greater than 15 000 pilgrims stroll the Camino Primitivo yearly however not many individuals select it because the path to stroll the final 100 km to Santiago.
Lugo is probably the most fascinating place out of all beginning factors of the final 100 km on the Camino. It’s the solely metropolis on this planet surrounded by intact Roman Partitions. When you’ve got time I’d positively counsel sending a day or two in Lugo earlier than beginning the pilgrimage.
The Camino Primitivo merges with the French Camino in Melide, 53 km earlier than Santiago. It implies that your final 53 km to Santiago on the Primitivo would be the identical because the final 53 km on the Camino Frances from Sarria.
Camino Primitivo from Lugo strolling phases
- Stage 1. Lugo to San Romao da Retorta, 21 km/13 mi
- Stage 2. San Romao da Retorta to Melide, 28 km/17,Three mi
- Stage 3. Melide to O Pedouzo, 33 km/20,5 mi
- Stage 4. O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela, 20 km/12,Four mi
Plan your final 100 km on the Unique Means with our Camino Primitivo information & strolling itinerary put up.
Camino Primitivo guidebooks
Camino del Norte from Baamonde, 102 km/63 mi
- Complete distance – 102 km/63,Three mi
- Variety of days – 5
- Place to begin – Baamonde
- Common price – 25-30 Euro per particular person per day
- Recognition – 2 out of 5
This Camino is considered one of our favourite routes of St.James. Most a part of it goes alongside the stunningly stunning coast of Northern Spain. Sadly, the route turns inland about 150 km earlier than Santiago should you stroll solely the final a part of del Norte you received’t see the coast. The final 100 kilometers are by way of the forest and fields.
Sobrado dos Monxes is probably the most fascinating place on this a part of the route. The gorgeous monastery advanced gives lodging for pilgrims. Staying at this implausible place was one of many memorable experiences of the Northern Camino.
The Northern Means merges with the Camino Francés in Arzúa, a city 40 km earlier than Santiago de Compostela. The final 40 km on the del Norte from Baamonde is identical because the final 40 km on the French Camino from Sarria.
Camino del Norte from Baamonde strolling phases
- Stage 1. Baamonde to Miraz, 15,5 km/9,6 mi
- Stage 2. Miraz to Sobrado dos Monxes, 24,5 km/15,2 mi
- Stage 3. Sobrado dos Monxes to Arzua, 22 km/13,6 mi
- Stage 4. Arzua to O Pedrouzo, 20 km/12,Four mi
- Stage 5. O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela, 20 km/12,Four mi
Discover out extra particulars in regards to the strolling phases on the Camino del Norte from Baamonde.
Camino del Norte guidebooks
Camino Sanabrés (Through de la Plata) from Ourense, 102 km/63,Three mi
- Complete distance – 105 km/65 mi
- Variety of days – 4-5
- Place to begin – Ourense
- Common price – 30 Euro per particular person per day
- Recognition – 1 out of 5
The Camino Sanabrés is likely one of the route choices of the Through de la Plata, a route that begins in Seville. Out of all well-known Caminos, it’s most likely the least well-liked. In the event you’re in search of a solitary Camino versus the busy Frances or Portuguese routes the Sanabrés is an ideal choice.
There will not be many cities or villages alongside the route you all the time have to verify to hold sufficient water and snacks. This route may require extra planning. Not like the 100 km to Santiago on the favored Camino routes right here, you received’t get a restaurant or an albergue each 5-10 km. I don’t need to discourage anyone from strolling it however I might advocate this route for individuals who have accomplished some multi-day strolling ventures earlier than. I’d counsel having an area SIM card to have the ability to telephone a tax, an albergue, emergency service, and so on.
Camino Sanabrés from Ourense strolling phases
- Stage 1. Ourense to Cea, 22,5 km/14 mi
- Stage 2. Cea to A Laxe, 32,5 km/20 mi
- Stage 3. A Laxe to Outeiro, 33 km/20,5 mi
- Stage 4. Outeiro to Santiago de Compostela, 17 km/10,5 mi
Camino Sanabrés guidebooks
Camino de Invierno from Chantada, 103 km/64 mi
- Complete distance – 103 km/64 mi
- Variety of days – 4-5
- Place to begin – Chantada
- Common price –
- Recognition – 1 out of 5
The Camino de Invierno or the Winter Means begins in Ponferrada. It’s used as a substitute for the French Camino in winter months when strolling over the cross in O Cebreiro is likely to be tough resulting from a whole lot of snow. Regardless of being an alternate route of one of the vital well-liked Caminos only a few individuals stroll it. It’s as solitary because the Sanabrés. The suggestions for this route are the identical.
The Winter Means merges with the Camino Sanabres at A Laxe, 50 km earlier than Santiago. The second half of the route is identical as on the Camino Sanabrés.
Camino de Invierno strolling phases
- Stage 1. Chantada to Rodeiro, 25 km/15,5 mi
- Stage 2. Rodeiro to A Laxe, 28 km/17,5 mi
- Stage 3. A Laxe to Outeiro, 33 km/20,5 mi
- Stage 4. Outeiro to Santiago de Compostela, 17 km/10,5 mi
Camino de Invierno guidebooks
Camino Finisterre-Muxia from Santiago de Compostela, 115 km/71,Four mi
- Complete distance – Santiago to Finisterre – 89 km/55,Three mi, Santiago to Muxia – 86 km/53,Four mi, Santiago to Muxia to Finisterre – 115 km/71,Four mi
- Variety of days – 4-5
- Place to begin – Santiago de Compostela
- Common price – 25-30 Euro per particular person per day
- Recognition – Three out of 5
As I already talked about above pilgrims don’t get the Compostela for strolling this route because it begins and doesn’t end in Santiago. We noticed some individuals on the route strolling in the other way in direction of Santiago. As of now, I can’t affirm if you will get a Compostela certificates after strolling greater than 100 km to Santiago on this route. You may get the Finisterrana in Finisterre and Muxíana in Muxía for finishing this Camino. The certificates are much like the Compostela.
Camino Finisterre-Muxía strolling phases
- Stage 1. Santiago to Negreira, 21 km/13 mi
- Stage 2. Negreira to Olveiroa, 33 km/20,5 mi
- Stage 3. Olveiroa to Muxía, 32 km/20 mi
- Stage 4. Muxía to Finisterre, 29 km/18 mi
For extra particulars on this route go to the Camino Finisterre-Muxía – an in depth information & strolling itinerary.
Camino Finisterre-Muxía guidebooks
Ultimate ideas on one of the best Camino to stroll the final 100 km
The surroundings on the final 100 km to Santiago on any Camino may be very comparable. Whichever route you select you’ll be strolling principally by way of the Galician forest and pasture fields.
For my part, out of all of the advised routes, the English Means of St.James is one of the best Camino to stroll the final 100 km to Santiago. Its whole distance is 116 km so that you get to finish the whole Camino as an alternative of strolling the final little bit of it like on different routes.
The English Means is a straightforward route with out difficult climbs or robust lengthy strolling days. It’s well-marked, has good infrastructure for pilgrims, and by far not as busy because the French Camino from Sarria or the Portuguese Camino from Tui. The English Means is an effective compromise between the busy Camino Francés or Camino Portuguese and the solitary Camino Sanabrés or Camino de Invierno.
The Camino Frances from Sarria and the Portuguese Camino from Tui have one of the best infrastructure and probably the most albergues. There’s a restaurant or an albergue each 5 km should you really feel too drained to proceed strolling you possibly can cease earlier. Each routes are simple to plan and to stroll even for a really inexperienced particular person.
Different routes like the Camino Sanabrés or the Camino de Invierno are much less developed with fewer albergues, eating places, and different companies. You’ll have to plan your pilgrimage higher. Which route to decide on is completely as much as you any route gives an ideal Camino experience.
