The Different Stages of Camino de Santiago

A common myth is that the Camino de Santiago is a single trail. It’s instead a sprawling network of ancient routes that go across Europe, all converging at the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela (not all roads lead to Rome). 

Because the network is so expansive due to pilgrims coming from all across the continent, understanding the terrain and requirements of each path is important.

Crossing the Pyrenees and walking along the Atlantic coast are two very different experiences, and they require their own preparations.

The Iconic Camino Frances

The most famous path is the Camino Frances, starting in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the French side of the Pyrenees. This route is around 780 kilometers across the north of Spain, crossing through autonomous communities like Basque. 

It is a diverse route, with wet, grassy hills, some steep mountain passes (Navarre) and then through the flat, more arid Meseta of Castilla y León, before finishing into the lush hills of Galicia, which is rooted in Celtic culture. 

For those planning your pilgrimage itinerary, this route has the most developed infrastructure and a high density of services and historical landmarks. It has a bit of everything, but it’s very long, meaning some only walk the final segment. But its varied geographical means that you want versatile footwear with ankle support.

The Rugged Camino Primitivo

For those looking for a tougher physical challenge, the Camino Primitivo has something a little different. It’s the oldest route in the network’s history and it all starts in Oviedo.

It’s tough because it goes through the middle of the Cantabrian Mountains, and while it’s 320 kilometers, the target time to finish is 13 to 14 days of walking (meaning fewer people tackle a segment of it and instead attempt the whole trail). 

The terrain is more mountainous and demanding than the French Way – it requires a bit more experience and preparation due to steep ascents. The weather can change in moments. It merges with the French Way in Melide, around 55 kilometers before the final destination, so you will meet travellers with different experiences. 

Daily Camino Santiago Stages 

The total Camino Santiago distance depends on the starting point.

Most pilgrims divide their journey into Camino Santiago stages that average between 20 and 25 kilometers per day, this way they can easily forecast how many days they need and where the hotels must lay at the end of each day. Though, many book their Camino adventure with Santiago Ways, who take care of this organization and provide their route, hotel, and can even transfer your luggage between them.

20-25 kilometers means around 5 to 7 hours of walking a day, which helps with recovery. More is possible, but it can make the experience miserable.

The final 100 kilometers is particularly significant as this is the minimum walking distance required to qualify for the Compostela certificate – so, you can now see why some one choose the latter stages of longer routes when they are short on time.

A detailed Camino Santiago map of Camino route provides good data in terms of elevation profiles and the location of public shelters (albergues). These aren’t always available on your phone, which can also lose signal and battery. 

A great physical map can also have water points, and be shared with others. The trails are well-marked with iconic yellow shells and arrows, so for a lot of the trek, you can do just through good observations alone.