Which Camino de Santiago Route Should You Choose in 2026?

Long-distance hikes have been gaining a lot of popularity in recent years, especially the Camino de Santiago, which is one of the most popular in the whole world. A pilgrimage that gives you the opportunity to walk across Spain, its ancient towns, and its countryside with just a backpack, but most people get surprised when they start to plan their trip because the Camino isn’t just one single road. Instead, it is a ton of old trails that are spread across Europe and end up at the grand cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.

And picking the right trail changes your whole trip since each route is different and offers unique challenges, and if you pick a path that is too hard for you, you might just get sore feet and blisters, but if you choose a route that fits your fitness level and your schedule, you will have an amazing adventure. I am here to help you figure out exactly that!

1. Camino de Santiago Starting from Sarria

While the Camino de Santiago is a safe option for most people, it’s its shorter version that attracts most people because, let’s be honest, not everyone has a whole month to complete the full route, and instead the Sarria version takes up to 7 days to complete, and that’s not even its biggest trait.

By beginning in the Camino Frances from the town of Sarria, you will walk around 71 miles in total, which is just the required distance to get you the official Compostela certificate. This trail will take you across some of the most stunning landscapes Spain has to offer; you will be able to check out the green hills of Galicia, spot ancient Roman bridges, old churches, and medieval towns.

The best part is that, because this section is so popular, you will find a ton of amenities and services available, the trails are well market and you have many top-notch places to stay along the way.

This is honestly one of the best starting points in the whole country; it gives you everything that makes the Camino de Santiago special, and it’s not particularly challenging like other routes. Not only that, it perfectly combines heritage, nature, and modern comforts.

2. Camino Portugués

Now, if you are looking for a more relaxed option or you just love the idea of starting from Portugal and walking across a border to Spain, you should check out the Camino Portugués. It ranks as the second most popular trail, and you get two different ways to choose from.

You can walk the Central Route, which takes you through old farming towns, forests, and historic streets paved with cobblestones. Alternatively, you can take the Coastal Route and walk right next to the Atlantic Ocean, which gives you flat paths, sea breezes, and great views of the water.

Most people start both of these routes from the city of Porto, but some others begin from Lisbon. Both ways are amazing, but if you decide to go from Porto, the whole Camino route takes up to two weeks to complete.

This one is also considered easier, since the whole trail is a lot flatter than the French Way, which makes it perfect for those who want to avoid climbing steep hills. Best of all, the food is amazing. You get to eat fresh seafood every single day.

3. Camino del Norte

If you are looking for a bigger challenge and stunning ocean views with cliffs and old towns, then Camino del Norte is the best option. This Camino de Santiago route runs right along the northern coast of Spain and starts in Irún near the French border, spanning over 500 miles in total.

Unlike the flat Portuguese coastal path, this route makes you climb big hills every single day. You hike straight up from the beach into the mountains and then right back down.

You definitely need to be in good shape and ready to push yourself, but the amazing views completely make up for the effort. You get to walk past cliffs, hidden bays, and green forests.

Keep in mind that since the hike takes a lot of energy, you miss the heavy crowds you usually see on the French Way and other easier trails.

Conclusion

The first step for a successful Camino De Santiago trip is choosing the right route for you; this will decide who you meet, what you eat, and how your legs feel at the end of the day.

If you want a whole month of hanging out with people and seeing classic sights, go for the French Way, but if, on the other hand, you want flat ground and ocean views, then go for the Portuguese route. While everyone can try the Camino del Norte or the Primitivo, I highly recommend you go for those if you have better fitness.

Whatever path you take, remember to start walking a few weeks ahead of your trip to get a solid start!