How to Hike the Camino de Santiago (Map & Complete Instructions)

The Camino de Santiago hike is one of the world’s most iconic long-distance walks — a spiritual, cultural, and physical journey across northern Spain. Known as “The Way of St. James,” this ancient pilgrimage route has guided travelers for over a thousand years toward the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of St. James are said to rest.

This isn’t just a hike — it’s a life-changing experience. You’ll walk through rolling vineyards, medieval villages, and along the stunning Atlantic coast, meeting fellow pilgrims from around the world. Whether you choose the popular Camino Francés, the Portuguese Way, or the rugged Camino del Norte, every step carries meaning.

In this detailed guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about hiking the Camino de Santiago — route options, maps, difficulty, best times to go, accommodation tips, and a breakdown of what it’s truly like to walk the Camino.

🥾 CAMINO DE SANTIAGO HIKE OVERVIEW

Start / Finish: Multiple routes — most famously from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (France) to Santiago de Compostela (Spain)
Distance: 780 km / 485 miles (Camino Francés)
Duration: 30 to 35 days
Elevation gain: 15,000 meters (approx.)
Difficulty: Moderate (varies by route)
Accommodation: Albergues (pilgrim hostels), guesthouses, and hotels
Best time to go: May–June or September–October

🌄 ABOUT THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

The Camino de Santiago (or “Way of St. James”) is not just one trail — it’s a network of pilgrimage routes across Europe, all converging at Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.

The most famous path is the Camino Francés, starting in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at the foot of the Pyrenees and crossing through Pamplona, Burgos, and León before reaching Santiago.

Other beautiful routes include:

Camino Portugués: from Porto or Lisbon, following Portugal’s coastline and countryside.
Camino del Norte: a scenic but more challenging path along the northern coast.
Camino Primitivo: the oldest and wildest route, starting from Oviedo.

Each route has its own character — the Francés for camaraderie, the Norte for ocean views, the Primitivo for solitude, and the Portugués for coastal beauty.

🗺️ CAMINO DE SANTIAGO MAP

Below is an overview of the Camino Francés route, the classic and most popular way to walk the Camino.

Main Stages:

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port → Roncesvalles (25 km)
Roncesvalles → Zubiri (22 km)
Zubiri → Pamplona (20 km)
Pamplona → Puente la Reina (24 km)
Puente la Reina → Estella (22 km)
…
Arzúa → O Pedrouzo (20 km)
O Pedrouzo → Santiago de Compostela (19 km)

Using Maps:
You can download the full Camino route offline using Maps.me or Komoot. The trails are well-marked with yellow arrows and scallop shell symbols, so navigation is simple even without GPS.

Recommended Physical Map: Camino de Santiago – Camino Francés (Michelin Map 160).

🚶‍♀️ WHAT IT’S LIKE TO HIKE THE CAMINO

Every morning, I’d wake up early in a small albergue, pack my backpack, and start walking as the sun rose over the Spanish hills. The rhythm of the Camino is simple — walk, eat, reflect, connect.

You pass through ancient Roman bridges, vineyards of La Rioja, wheat fields of Castile, and the misty green hills of Galicia. The scenery changes daily, and so does your perspective.

The camaraderie among pilgrims is incredible — strangers become lifelong friends. There’s always someone ready to share a meal, a story, or a blister patch.

The highlight, of course, is reaching Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, where pilgrims embrace, weep, and celebrate the end of their journey.

🏞️ CAMINO DE SANTIAGO ROUTE BREAKDOWN

STAGE 1: SAINT-JEAN-PIED-DE-PORT TO RONCESVALLES (25 KM)

The first day is legendary — crossing the Pyrenees Mountains into Spain. It’s steep but stunning, with views over the French countryside. I started early (around 7 AM) and reached Roncesvalles by mid-afternoon.

STAGE 10: LOGROÑO TO SANTO DOMINGO DE LA CALZADA (48 KM over 2 days)

You’ll enter La Rioja, Spain’s famous wine region. Vineyards stretch endlessly, and you can even try free wine at the Irache Wine Fountain near Estella.

STAGE 20: LEÓN TO ASTORGA (50 KM over 2 days)

This section blends city life and countryside charm. León’s Gothic cathedral is a must-see, and the route toward Astorga is peaceful and scenic.

STAGE 33: ARZÚA TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (39 KM over 2 days)

The final stretch! The excitement builds as you see your first glimpse of Santiago. I reached the Cathedral square at sunset — the golden facade glowing in the evening light. It was emotional, surreal, and worth every step.

⏰ BEST TIME TO HIKE THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

The best months to hike are May to June and September to October — warm days, cool nights, and fewer crowds.
July and August are popular but can be hot and busy.
Winter (November–March) brings quiet trails but limited services and cold weather in the mountains.

I did my Camino in late May, and the weather was perfect — sunny but not too hot, with wildflowers blooming along the path.

🏡 WHERE TO STAY ON THE CAMINO

One of the joys of the Camino is its albergue system — affordable hostels for pilgrims, often run by volunteers.

Municipal Albergues: Basic, budget-friendly (€8–10).
Private Albergues: More comfort, sometimes include breakfast (€12–20).
Guesthouses/Hotels: Ideal for rest days (€30–60).

Tip: Always show your “Credencial del Peregrino” (Pilgrim Passport) to stay in albergues and collect stamps along the way. You’ll need these to receive your Compostela Certificate in Santiago.

🧭 GETTING TO THE TRAILHEAD

BY AIR

Fly into Biarritz (France), Pamplona, or Bilbao — all well-connected by bus or train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

BY TRAIN

From Paris, take a TGV to Bayonne, then a local train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (about 1 hour).

BY BUS

Several local and regional buses connect towns along the route. The ALSA bus network is reliable and covers major stops.

🎒 WHAT TO PACK FOR THE CAMINO

You’ll carry everything you need, so pack light — ideally under 7–8 kg.

Essential Gear:

Lightweight hiking boots or trail shoes
Quick-dry shirts and shorts
Fleece or light jacket
Waterproof poncho
Sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses
Trekking poles (highly recommended)
Refillable water bottle
Sleeping bag (for albergues)
First-aid kit (especially for blisters!)
Credential del Peregrino (Pilgrim Passport)

🧘‍♂️ WHY HIKE THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

For me, the Camino was more than a hike — it was a journey of reflection. Walking day after day through nature and history slows you down. You think more deeply, live more simply, and find beauty in small moments — a sunrise over the fields, a kind word from a stranger, a glass of local wine at sunset.

By the time you reach Santiago, you’ll have walked hundreds of miles — but more importantly, you’ll have reconnected with yourself.

🗝️ FINAL THOUGHTS

The Camino de Santiago is not about how fast you walk or how many kilometers you cover. It’s about being present — one step at a time.

If you’re planning to do it, go with an open heart and light backpack. Whether you walk for faith, adventure, or personal growth, the Camino gives back far more than it takes.

Buen Camino, pilgrim. 🌄