Camino de Santiago - The Way to Santiago de Compostela

The Camino de Santiago or Way of St. James, is the pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in north-western Spain. Here, legend has it that the remains of the apostle, Saint James the Great, are buried. It is difficult to define where exactly the Camino starts, as pilgrims used to start their journey from their own home and over the years, different "ways" have emerged.

The French Way (or Camino Frances) is by far the most popular "way". It starts in a small town in the French Pyrenees, St Jean Pied de Port and passes through some of the most magnificent towns and landscapes in north Spain. The most popular section is the "Camino Last 100km", which starts in Sarria and finishes in Santiago de Compostela in one week.

The second most popular is the Northern Way. This trail takes walkers through the Northern coast of the Basque country, Cantabria and Asturias, so you have the chance to go for a swim in the sea if you feel like. The most beautiful section finishing in Santiago (or "Last 100km"), is the final section of the Via de la Plata between the city of Ourense and Santiago, over 7 days. The most challenging route to Santiago de Compostela is definitely the Original Way Section 1 from Oviedo to Lugo, through the magnificent Cantabrian Mountains. If you are looking for a more rural experience on the Camino de Santiago, you can try the Portuguese Way Section 5 from Tui to Santiago de Compostela. Le Puy Way, through France, crosses beautiful national parks, across beautiful country footpaths. The Camino English Way is the route traditionally used by English and Irish pilgrims en-route to Santiago, arriving in the port city of Ferrol. Finally for those that wish to do more, why not continue the walk and head to the "End of the World"? above the cliffs of Cape Fisterra on the Finisterre Way, on Galicia's stunning Atlantic coast.

The Camino de Santiago, or Saint James Way, was declared the first European Cultural Route by the Council of Europe in October 1987. It is also one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.

Read our 10 Great Reasons to Walk the Camino de Santiago!