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Which Camino de Santiago route is right for you?

Mar 25, 2024 • 6 min read

Pick the right Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route for you with this guide © Pierre Jean Durieu / Shutterstock

Upwards of 400,000 travelers a year journey the yellow arrows and scallop-shell markers along the Camino de Santiago.

The historic pilgrimage routes lead to the city of Santiago de Compostela , Spain , home to one of Christendom’s holiest sites: the tomb believed to hold the remains of St James the Apostle (called Santiago in Spanish) inside the city’s magnificent cathedral .

Numbers on the caminos have multiplied tenfold since the late 1990s and many walkers will be seeking out less frequented alternatives to the classic Camino Francés. There are options long and short, hard and easy, to suit every pair of feet. Take note that the paths will likely be more crowded than ever and plan ahead with this handy guide to the most popular Camino de Santiago routes, making sure you're able to choose the right one for you.

Camino Francés

The classic: long and extremely popular

The Camino Francés (French Way) is the route with the richest tradition, still followed by more people than all other caminos combined. It starts at St-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the French side of the Pyrenees and crosses about 770km/478 miles (around five weeks on foot) of northern Spain en route to Santiago de Compostela.

To many people, this is the Camino de Santiago, a time-honored penitential route and a demanding challenge requiring both mental and physical stamina. It passes through the vineyards of La Rioja , across the sparsely populated croplands of the meseta (Spain’s central plateau) and over 1300m-high (4265ft) hills into the rural greens of Galicia (Spain’s northwestern region, of which Santiago de Compostela is capital).

You traverse isolated stone-built villages and sizeable cities like Pamplona , Burgos and León , many of them full of camino history, from ancient stone bridges to huge medieval cathedrals. The way can be blisteringly hot in summer and freezing cold in winter. Some stretches are rural tracks, others run alongside busy paved roads.

But only one person in five does the full distance from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, so the bulk of this camino is less busy than you might imagine. In fact, nearly half of Camino Francés travelers begin at Sarria, just 114km (71 miles) before Santiago – a modest Galician town that just happens to be the last starting point that meets the minimum 100km (62 mile) requirement for obtaining the official Camino de Santiago certificate, the Compostela .

Camino Portugués

A route for everyone

The Portuguese Way, second-busiest of the Caminos de Santiago, runs more than 600km (373 miles) from Lisbon in Portugal to Santiago (about 3½ weeks), but the most popular starting points are the enticing city of Porto in northern Portugal (some 240km/149 miles from Santiago, about 10 days) and Tui, where the route enters Spain (115km/71 miles). It’s within the capacity of any reasonably fit person, with few hills, though a lot of the walking is on hard surfaces (roads, pavements, cobbles), which can be tough on the feet.

The landscape gets greener as you proceed northward and the camino is practicable year-round, though it’s preferable to avoid the heat of July and August on the southern half. A popular variant, starting from Porto, is the Camino Portugués de la Costa (Portuguese Coastal Way) running close to the beach-strung Atlantic coast.

Camino del Norte

Five weeks near Spain’s surprising north coast

Traveled by around 20,000 people a year, the Northern Way parallels Spain’s north coast for over 600km/373 miles from Irún on the French border to Ribadeo , then heads inland across Galicia to Santiago de Compostela. Many Norte walkers are looking for a less-traveled alternative to the Camino Francés. It’s similar in length but was used by far fewer pilgrims in medieval times, as is the case today.

While some sections run alongside beautiful beaches and plunging cliffs, the majority of the route travels inland: some days you won’t see the sea at all. You pass through large cities – San Sebastián , Bilbao , Santander , Gijón – as well as pretty coastal towns like Comillas , Ribadesella and Luarca. There are a few longish stretches of road walking. The hilly early stages across the Basque Country provide some of the most beautiful scenery.

Camino Primitivo

Two weeks of gorgeous green countryside; relatively tough

The Camino Primitivo (Original Way), some 320km/199 miles long, follows the footsteps of the first recorded pilgrimage to St James’ tomb, made by King Alfonso II of Asturias from Oviedo in the 820s.

It’s considered one of the tougher caminos because of the hilly terrain of its first eight or nine days (which can make it impracticable in the snowy winter months). But the ups and downs only enhance the beauty of the landscapes, and the route is manageable for any fit walker. Numbers on this camino are relatively light, just sufficient to provide good fellowship.

Once out of the hills, you reach the city of Lugo, encircled by 2.2km (1.4 miles) of wonderfully preserved Roman walls and later join the Camino Francés for the final 55km (34 miles) to Santiago.

Camino de Muxía-Finisterre

On from Santiago to the “end of the earth”

This route runs not to Santiago but from it, to the small fishing ports of Fisterra (Finisterre) and Muxía on Galicia’s dramatic coast. Believe it or not, plenty of camino walkers don’t want to stop when they reach Santiago. Three or four additional days to Fisterra or Muxía (four to six days for both places) can be the perfect coda to your odyssey.

The name Fisterra/Finisterre means Land’s End: cliff-girt, lighthouse-capped Cabo Fisterra (Cape Finisterre) certainly has an end-of-the-earth feel. At Muxía an 18th-century church on the rocky seashore marks a spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in a stone boat.

It’s about 86km (53 miles) from Santiago de Compostela to either Fisterra or Muxía across mostly gentle countryside, and a 28km (17 mile) stretch links the two places.

Camino Inglés

Short, relatively easy route within Galicia

The “English Way” runs about 115km/71 miles (five days) to Santiago from Ferrol in northern Galicia. It owes its name to medieval pilgrims from Britain, Ireland and other northern locations, who would sail to ports like Ferrol then complete their journey to Santiago overland.

Practicable year-round, this is an obvious choice if you have limited time, and the Inglés’ popularity has mushroomed in the last decade with around 15,000 walkers a year. It combines stretches along picturesque rías (coastal inlets) with sections across green countryside and through the medieval towns Pontedeume and Betanzos. An alternative starting point is A Coruña , just two or three days’ walk from Santiago.

Other Caminos

The caminos mentioned here are just the most popular ones. There are dozens of other established routes from all over Spain, from Portugal, France and even beyond. Two excellent resources for finding out more are this Camino de Santo forum and the blog Trepidatious Traveller by Maggie Woodward.

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Breaking Down The El Camino Real Route in California

El Camino Real is one of the many iconic routes in California that shows off the state's beauty and history. Here's what to expect to see.

June 11, 2024

The El Camino Real, or "The Royal Road," is more than just a historic pathway; it is a journey through California's rich heritage. This legendary route, stretching approximately 600 miles from San Diego to Sonoma , was originally established to connect the Spanish missions , presidios, and pueblos during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Today, El Camino Real offers travelers a fascinating exploration of California’s diverse landscapes, culture, and history.

A Journey Through History

El Camino Real's origins date back to the Spanish colonization of California. Between 1769 and 1823, Spanish missionaries, led by Father Junípero Serra, established 21 missions along the route. These missions served as religious and cultural hubs aimed at converting the Indigenous peoples to Christianity and integrating them into Spanish colonial society. Each mission was spaced approximately a day's journey apart by horseback, creating a network that facilitated travel and communication across the region.

Landmarks Along El Camino Real

Southern california: san diego to los angeles.

Starting in San Diego, travelers can visit the first of the California missions, Mission San Diego de Alcalá . Established in 1769, it stands as a symbol of the birthplace of Christianity on the West Coast. Heading north, Mission San Luis Rey de Francia in Oceanside offers stunning architecture and serene gardens. As you approach Los Angeles, the historic Mission San Gabriel Arcángel , founded in 1771, provides a glimpse into the early days of California’s urban development.

Central California: Los Angeles to Monterey

Continuing through the sprawling urban landscapes of Los Angeles, the route leads to Mission San Fernando Rey de España , known for its beautiful convento building and rich history. As you travel further north into Central California, the lush vineyards and rolling hills welcome you to Mission San Buenaventura in Ventura, the last mission founded by Father Serra. In Santa Barbara, the Mission Santa Barbara , often called the "Queen of the Missions," boasts stunning views and a meticulously maintained garden.

Heading into the Central Coast , travelers encounter Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, known for its unique bell tower and vibrant community atmosphere. Further north, Mission San Miguel Arcángel and Mission San Antonio de Padua offer insights into the region’s agricultural heritage. Arriving in Monterey, the second-oldest mission, Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, stands as a testament to Father Serra’s dedication, serving as his final resting place.

Northern California: Monterey to Sonoma

As you traverse into Northern California, Mission San Juan Bautista provides a picturesque setting overlooking the San Andreas Fault. Continuing north, the fertile Santa Clara Valley is home to Mission Santa Clara de Asís , now part of Santa Clara University. The historic Mission San José in Fremont, established in 1797, showcases early Californian adobe architecture.

Approaching the San Francisco Bay Area, Mission San Francisco de Asís, also known as Mission Dolores , offers a stark contrast between its historic chapel and the surrounding modern cityscape. Crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, travelers reach Mission San Rafael Arcángel in Marin County, known for its tranquil environment and historical significance.

The journey culminates in Sonoma, home to Mission San Francisco Solano , the northernmost and last of the 21 missions. Founded in 1823, this mission marks the end of the historic El Camino Real and the beginning of California’s path to statehood.

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Exploring Today

Today, El Camino Real is marked by distinctive bell markers along California highways, guiding modern travelers through this historic route. The journey offers a unique blend of cultural exploration, historical education, and scenic beauty. Visitors can explore preserved mission buildings, museums, and parks that highlight California’s rich multicultural heritage.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply seeking a scenic road trip, El Camino Real provides an unforgettable journey through California's past and present. From the sun-soaked beaches of San Diego to the lush vineyards of Sonoma, this historic route invites travelers to step back in time and experience the story of California, one mission at a time.

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Xiaomi 15 y el HyperOS 2.0 marcan el camino en la IA para la marca china

El gigante tecnológico chino Xiaomi se lanza de lleno en la inteligencia artificial (IA) con la presentación de su nuevo buque insignia, el Xiaomi 15, que llega acompañado del innovador sistema operativo HyperOS 2.0.

Este desarrollo marca un avance significativo en la estrategia de la compañía, que busca mejorar la experiencia del usuario a través de capacidades avanzadas de IA, según reveló la compañía este martes en un evento de presentación del dispositivo en Pekín.

Los detalles del Xiaomi 15, cuyo precio base comienza en 4,499 yuanes (aproximadamente 615 euros o 630 dólares), destacan por su pantalla de 6,36 pulgadas con resolución 2K y un diseño que presenta bordes ultra delgados de solo 1,38 mm, además de un peso de 191 gramos que ofrece una ergonomía superior y facilita su uso diario.

En cuanto a su rendimiento, el nuevo modelo está equipado con el potente procesador Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, que mejora significativamente la eficiencia de las tareas y la velocidad de inicio de las aplicaciones.

El dispositivo también integra una batería de 5.400 mAh con carga rápida de 90W y carga inalámbrica de 50W, lo que garantiza una autonomía prolongada.

Una de las características más destacadas del Xiaomi 15 es su sistema de cámaras.

Incluye una cámara principal de 50 MP con apertura f/1.4, una lente ultra gran angular de 50 MP y un teleobjetivo periscópico de 50 MP que permite un zum óptico de 5X. Además, cuenta con una cámara frontal de 32 MP, ideal para selfies y videollamadas.

Por su parte, el nuevo sistema operativo HyperOS 2.0 introduce una arquitectura avanzada con el núcleo HyperCore, que optimiza el rendimiento del sistema al reducir el consumo de recursos.

Esta plataforma incluye innovaciones en cuatro áreas clave, según se develó hoy en el evento de presentación, y además permitirá conectarse con los sistemas operativos de la estadounidense Apple, siempre presente durante el evento.

Poco consumo

Se destacan un rendimiento mejorado con una capacidad de procesamiento optimizada que ofrece una experiencia excepcional y bajo consumo de energía.

También se incorporan gráficos avanzados que permiten una experiencia visual más impactante, conectividad superior mediante innovaciones en la comunicación y seguridad reforzada con la implementación de tecnología de encriptación de extremo a extremo para proteger la privacidad del usuario.

Xiaomi ha registrado un crecimiento notable en su cuota de mercado, alcanzando un 14% a nivel global y logrando un crecimiento del 27 % en el primer trimestre y del 32 % en el segundo, consolidándose como una de las tres principales marcas del sector, según cifras aportadas durante la presentación por el fundador de la compañía, Lei Jun.

Pekín / EFE

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