Where to Start the Camino

The first thing to know is that, to obtain the Compostela in Santiago, it is necessary to have walked at least the last 100 km or cycled 200 km.

There are many places where you can start your Camino.

Below, we indicate the most common starting points and others we propose:

FROM HOME

The Camino to Santiago de Compostela can start from your own home. If you live in Santiago, you would need to go back a few kilometres to complete it. From any other location, you can start walking and reach Santiago.

FRENCH WAY

1. From Saint Jean Pied de Port

Saint Jean Pied de Port is a town where many pilgrims begin their Camino de Santiago. It is located in France, before entering Spain, ensuring that you traverse the entire Spanish territory.

The start is challenging as the first stage involves crossing the Pyrenees.

You can reach Saint Jean Pied de Port from Pamplona or from France.

From Pamplona, buses operate between June and September, costing approximately €15-20, or you can take a taxi for €90-120 depending on the day.

You can also reach Saint Jean Pied de Port via France from Irún. Train combinations take about 2 hours. More information at www.sncf.fr

2. From Roncesvalles

Roncesvalles’ geographic location makes it a strategic starting point and one of the most iconic places to begin the French Camino.

You can get to Roncesvalles by bus from Pamplona in about 1 hour. More information at http://www.autocaresartieda.com

Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Pamplona, costing €50-70 depending on the day.

3. From O-Cebreiro

O Cebreiro is the first Galician town on the French Camino.

Located about 158 km from Santiago de Compostela, it is situated on the N-VI road.

From Ponferrada, you can take a bus to Pedrafita do Cebreiro (Monday to Saturday). Information at www.gonzalezdelariva.es

Buses also depart from Lugo (Monday to Friday). More information at www.alsa.es and www.monbus.es

From Pedrafita to O Cebreiro (4.5 km), you can walk or take a taxi.

4. From Sarria

Sarria is about 113 km from Santiago de Compostela. It is the minimum starting point for walking to obtain the Compostela. It requires 4-5 stages to complete the Camino from here and is the most popular starting point for pilgrims.

More information on how to reach Sarria.

OTHER STARTING POINTS

NORTHERN WAY

- From Hondarribia (32 stages). More information at www.hondarribia.org

- From Gijón (13 stages). More information at www.gijon.es

- From Ribadeo (7 stages). More information at www.ribadeo.org

- From Baamonde (3 stages)

VIA DE LA PLATA

- From Seville (36 stages). More information at www.visitasevilla.es

- From Mérida (28 stages). More information at www.merida.es

- From Zamora (16 stages). More information at www.zamora.es

PRIMITIVE WAY

- From Oviedo (11 stages). More information at www.oviedo.es

- From Lugo (3 stages). More information at www.lugo.es

PORTUGUESE WAY

- From Lisbon (24 stages). More information at www.visitlisboa.com

- From Porto (10 stages). More inf