How to Plan a Spiritual Camino to Santiago de Compostela

Since its inception, the Camino de Santiago has been a unifying force. I would even dare to say that in the Middle Ages, all roads led to Santiago de Compostela.

While the pilgrimage to Galicia’s current capital began as an act of Christian faith, over the centuries it has evolved into a network of spiritual long-distance walking routes that allow travellers to commune with nature and immerse themselves in the cultures of the towns and cities they pass through. 

Galicia is one of my favourite regions in Spain, and I always say: Galicia is much more than just the Way of St James. Nevertheless, I believe one of the best ways to truly understand Galicia’s history, appreciate its biodiversity, and learn about Galician culture is to walk the Camino routes that traverse the region and lead to Santiago de Compostela.

In this article, I’ll provide some advice on how to prepare and plan a more spiritual Camino de Santiago, starting in the region of Galicia – in case it’s your first time or you are short on time.

Why the Camino de Santiago is a more spiritual than religious pilgrimage route

The belief that the remains of St James the Greater, who was beheaded in Jerusalem, appeared in a forest in Galicia at the end of the 9th century, was the origin of the city of Santiago de Compostela and the Christian pilgrimage towards it, known as the Camino de Santiago (St James’ Way).

In the Middle Ages, as the city and the clergy grew richer and the modest church that housed the supposed body of St James was transformed into an ostentatious cathedral, the pilgrimage also underwent a significant transformation.

Communion with nature, connection with locals and pilgrims from other countries, and the cultural experiences in the cities and towns that pilgrims traversed gradually turned the tomb in Santiago de Compostela into an invitation to embark on a journey of inner transformation through the forests, valleys, and mountains of Spain and Europe.

Although the Camino de Santiago emerged as a Christian pilgrimage, it has since evolved into a popular selection of spiritual pilgrimage routes. A pilgrimage that now attracts millions of travellers from all over the world, regardless of their beliefs.

How to prepare and plan for your Camino to Santiago de Compostela 

To prepare and plan your Camino to Santiago de Compostela, you must be fully aware of your physical abilities. You should also be clear about your priorities, the season in which you want to do it, and the time you have available. This will help you choose the most suitable route.

Physical preparation for the Camino de Santiago is necessary, especially if you are not used to hiking or do not practise sports. Can you walk at least 5, 10 or even 20 kilometres a day for a week? Have you slept in shared hostel rooms, and are you willing to be ready by 8 a.m. to walk the next stretch? Do you have suitable footwear for long walks, and are you used to travelling light?

If your answer to these questions is no, you might want to start training or consider alternative ways to make your spiritual journey to Santiago de Compostela. There is a range of boutique hotels and guest houses along many routes, offering greater comfort for those who prefer a less simple pilgrimage. 

Bear in mind that summer is the high season, so if you want to avoid crowds, it is advisable to do the Camino in spring or autumn. Particularly if you plan to stay in public albergues (pilgrim hostels) in Galicia, as reservations are not possible. Beds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

As for choosing a route, if you want to combine sea and mountains, opt for the Northern Way, the English Way or the Portuguese Coastal Way. If you are interested in history, culture and architecture, choose the Primitive Way or the French Way.

And if you can only do the Camino in winter, opt for the Winter Way, a secondary route that starts in Ponferrada, Spain (pending official designation), although you should expect to encounter setbacks and remain alert to warnings of rain and strong winds.

Which are the most popular Camino de Santiago routes?

Camino Primitivo

Length: 168.1 km via A Proba de Burón – 166.9 km via San Xoán de Padrón

Difficulty: Low

Upon receiving news of the alleged discovery of the tomb of St James the Great in the Libredón forest, King Alfonso II of Asturias travelled from Oviedo to what is now the city of Santiago de Compostela. After “confirming” that these were indeed the remains of the apostle, the king became the first pilgrim, and his itinerary established the first pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.

This route winds through captivating landscapes, beautiful villages and pre-Romanesque, Romanesque and Gothic churches, such as those of Soutomerille, San Romao da Retorta and Santa María de Vilabade, respectively. Besides, you can stroll along the majestic Roman Walls of Lugo, preserved almost intact since their construction between the 3rd and 4th centuries CE, and visit its cathedral, featuring a mix of architectural styles ranging from Romanesque to Neoclassical.

Camino del Norte

Length: 190.3 km via Ribadeo – 184.3 km via Santiago de Abres

Difficulty: Medium

From skirting the Cantabrian Sea to discovering the interior of Galicia, starting at the mouth of the River Eo in Ribadeo. This route in Northern Spain, mainly frequented by pilgrims from northern Europe, has also been travelled by several illustrious figures, including St Francis of Assisi. 

Along this route, you will pass through beautiful hamlets and bucolic scenery, traverse the UNESCO Terras do Miño Biosphere Reserve, and visit emblematic monuments such as the Gothic-style Cathedral of Mondoñedo, the 15th-century octagonal Torre dos Andrade converted into Parador de Vilalba, and the 10th-century grandiose Monastery of Santa María de Sobrado dos Monxes.

Camino Francés

Length: 162.2 km via Samos – 155 km via San Xil

Difficulty: Medium

This is one of the most iconic and international routes, recognised alongside the Primitive Way and the Northern Way as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 for its extensive historical and artistic heritage and for serving as a cultural corridor between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe.

After crossing the Pyrenees, the four French routes described in the 12th-century Codex Calixtinus by the cleric Aymeric Picaud converge at Puente de la Reina (Navarre) and continue as one through northern Castile and León until they enter Galicia via the pre-Roman village of O Cebreiro.   

On this route, you will pass through lush chestnut and oak forests, enchanting villages such as Sarria, Portomarín, Palas de Rei and Melide, and admire several Romanesque and Gothic churches. If you don’t have much time, consider walking the Camino de Santiago from Sarria, as the final, scenic stretch can be completed in a week. 

Camino Portugués 

Length: 118.8 km inland – 163.1 km along the coast

Difficulty: Medium-Low

After Portugal gained independence from the Spanish monarchy in the 12th century, religious pilgrimages continued, and a route was established from Lisbon, branching off at Oporto to continue along the coast to A Guarda and inland to Tui. Both routes converge again in Redondela.

Highlights along the coastal route include the striking Castro de Santa Tegra, Baiona’s Parador Nacional in Monterreal Castle, and Vigo’s Old Town.

Where to stay along the Camino de Santiago?

Galicia is well known for its hospitality. Throughout the 11th and 13th centuries, during the peak of pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela, several hospitals were established along the routes to provide shelter and care for pilgrims. 

Nowadays, pilgrim hostels (albergues de peregrinos, in Spanish and Galician) fulfil this function. In Galicia, there is a public network of albergues on the Ways of St James (Red Pública de Albergues de los Caminos de Santiago en Galicia) that allows pilgrims with a credential to stay overnight for €10. 

Although you should bear in mind a few things: no reservations can be made (except for people with disabilities), places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis from 13h, you can only stay one night in each hostel, and check-out is until 8h.

If you prefer to do the Camino without rules and in luxury, that is also possible. Local tour companies, such as Viajes Camino de Santiago, can tailor hiking routes that stay in luxury hotels and include VIP services, such as luggage transfers.

What cultural experiences can travellers expect along the Camino? 

The routes of the Camino de Santiago cross the mountains, forests, plains and estuaries of the region of Galicia, allowing pilgrims to discover its rich cultural heritage during their spiritual journey. 

The Roman legacy (the walls of Lugo and the Tower of Hercules) and Santiago de Compostela’s Old Town are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and many of its cities and towns have been declared historic-artistic sites due to their uniqueness, such as Baiona, Mondoñedo, Ferrol’s Barrio da Magdalena, and A Coruña’s Old Town. 

Of all Spain’s varied itineraries, the Camino de Santiago arguably provides the most diverse cultural experience and some of the country’s most celebrated cuisine.