15 years organising the Camino de Santiago

If you have already decided to embark on the Camino, it is time to start preparing for it, as the Camino de Santiago should not be undertaken without proper planning.

Preparation

Dates: The first thing to decide is the time of year when you will do it. This is a very important decision, because if you are not used to walking or dealing with adverse weather conditions, it is best to choose a time when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, and preferably dry. We understand that many of you cannot choose specific dates because your vacation time is fixed, but if you still want to proceed with your plans, it’s best to start preparing months in advance to be ready for anything.

Physical preparation: Once you have chosen the dates of your trip, the next step is to prepare physically for the event. You will need to walk many kilometers for several hours at a time on varying terrains, so training beforehand is essential. The gym, the countryside, the city, the mountains… The most advisable thing is to practice in one or all of these environments, and do so with the proper footwear—the ones you plan to wear for the Camino. But that is another topic we will cover in another post.

Camino de Santiago routes: The next step is to plan the route you will follow. Decide where you will start, which sections you will travel, how many stages you will complete, and where you will sleep and eat. Depending on the time you have available, you can plan a longer or shorter route. It’s not the same to have an entire month to complete a full route as it is to have only a week or a few days, in which case you may only complete the final kilometers. You will always find different options: traveling in groups, with family, solo, staying in albergues, hostels, hotels, etc. The important thing is to plan ahead to avoid surprises.

Pilgrim’s credential: Once you have chosen the date, are physically prepared, and have mapped out your route, it’s time to obtain your pilgrim credential. You can get it from the Church, Brotherhoods, Friends of the Camino de Santiago Associations, or other institutions authorized by the Santiago Cathedral.

Pilgrim’s luggage: Another important preparation step is packing your luggage. Remember that you will carry it for most of the Camino, so it is necessary to prioritize and include only the essentials. However, at Camino de Santiago Reservations, we include luggage transport services, so if you book with us, your journey will be more comfortable.

And, once you have all of this more or less sorted, you only need to enjoy the Camino and the experiences it will bring you.

And if you don’t have the time or the energy, remember that Camino de Santiago Reservations offers various routes organized down to the last detail, so the only thing you need to do is relax and enjoy this unique experience.

The Camino de Santiago is one of the oldest and most renowned pilgrimages in the world, attracting thousands of people each year. Below is an overview of the most notable routes so you can choose the one that best suits your interests.

The Camino Primitivo is the oldest route, first traveled by King Alfonso II in the 9th century. It requires physical preparation due to its mountainous terrain but offers a peaceful and introspective experience. Highlights include stunning landscapes, cities such as Oviedo and Lugo, and monuments like the Cathedral of San Salvador and the Monastery of Santa María la Real de Obona.

The Camino Francés is the most popular and iconic route, starting in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, and stretching 800 km to Santiago de Compostela. It traverses Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla y León, and Galicia, offering beautiful landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. Notable stages include crossing the Pyrenees and ascending O Cebreiro, as well as historical monuments in cities like León and Astorga.

The Camino del Norte follows the Cantabrian coast from Irún to Santiago de Compostela. It is known for its natural beauty and challenging stretches, ideal for those seeking fewer crowds and a deeper connection with nature. Highlights include Monte Jaizkibel, Gulpiyuri Beach in Asturias, and the Cathedral of Mondoñedo.

The Camino Portugués begins in Lisbon and covers 620 km to Santiago de Compostela. It offers beautiful landscapes and historic cities such as Tui, Pontevedra, and Caldas de Reis. A coastal variant allows travelers to enjoy cliffs and beaches. Highlights include the Ponte Sampaio and the Co-Cathedral of Santa María de Vigo.

The Camino Inglés is a short route of approximately 112 km, perfect for those with limited time. It connects the ports of A Coruña or Ferrol with Santiago de Compostela. It traverses diverse landscapes and towns like Pontedeume and Betanzos. Highlights include the Tower of Hercules and the Church of Santiago.

The Camino Sanabrés is a variant of the Camino de la Plata, connecting Puebla de Sanabria with the Camino Francés. It is an accessible route with minimal elevation changes. Highlights include cities like Ourense and landmarks such as the Sanabria Lake. It offers a blend of nature and Spanish history.

The Camino de Fisterra y Muxía begins in Santiago and extends to the Atlantic coast. Pilgrims can earn additional certificates like the Fisterrana and the Muxiana. Highlights include the Finisterre Lighthouse, the Church of Santa María in Muxía, and the Ézaro Waterfall.

Whichever route you choose, the key is good planning. To fully enjoy this unique experience, contact us at info@caminodesantiagoreservas.com or call 639 635 925. Enjoy the Camino de Santiago!

We are a Wholesaler – Retailer travel agency specializing in Camino de Santiago tours. Since 2008, we have organized trips for over 40,000 people, including individuals, groups, organizations, schools, and people with disabilities.

In recent years, the Camino de Santiago has become a highly sought-after tourist destination both nationally and internationally. Hundreds of thousands of people visit it annually, exploring its various routes across the Iberian Peninsula. It is the best-marked hiking and cycling route in Spain, with approximately 4,000 kilometers fully equipped with signage, facilities, and tourist infrastructure. Camino de Santiago Reservas has played a key role in this achievement, being the first travel agency to present its own stand at the International Tourism Fair "Fitur" 2015, promoting its services as a specialized travel agency for the Camino. Since then, Fitur has become a must-attend event for us in Hall 9. Additionally, we participate in other national and international tourism events and fairs, having become collaborators with numerous wholesaler and retailer travel agencies.