👋 – I made this website to help you plan your Camino.
At the heart of the site is a guide to the Camino Francés. There is just something magical about this route. I think it is the perfect path for your first Camino. There is a reason so many books and films, from the 12th-century Codex Calixtinus to Martin Sheen’s The Way, follow it. For me, the Francés will always be the heart of the Camino. It is iconic, welcoming, and draws you back. Once you have walked it, you will understand.
In this guide, rather than using the usual stages with set stops, I’ve broken the route into stretches, like Pamplona to Logroño or Logroño to Burgos, and I’d encourage you sometimes to skip the busy stages and instead stop and stay in some of the quieter villages along the way.
Also, there are no turn-by-turn directions either; the yellow arrows are all you need. But I have added a few detours if you are up for a bit of adventure, like the Dragonte route.
And, I have not listed every place to stay, just the ones that really stood out for me. Just a note, I especially love the donativo albegues.
Finally, for fun, I have put together a bunch of top ten lists, like ten unforgettable albergues, or ten books to read before you go.
I hope it helps with your planning, and if you have tips to share, I would love to hear them.
Buen Camino
Gerard Forde
So you’ve made it. You’ve got your Compostela certificate, you’ve celebrated your journey and your achievement, but don’t rush off just yet. Santiago is special, and after weeks of walking, you deserve time to enjoy it properly.
One of the things that makes the Camino really special are the donativo albergues. They can be a bit rough around the edges. Usually no reservations, and they probably won’t entertain you sending your bags ahead. They are old school, often simple and frugal, but full of love and generosity. They really capture the true spirit of the Camino.
The final 113 kilometres from Sarria to Santiago wind through shady woods, past stone-walled farms, and tiny Galician villages where cows often have more right to the road than you do.
Discover the Camino Aragonés. Starting at Somport, this route takes you through the Pyrenees, Jaca, and historic villages before joining the main Camino.
Planning to walk the Camino Francés?
Here are 10 top tips to help you avoid the bed race and enjoy more solitude and peace along the way.
Planning to walk the Camino Francés?
Here are 10 top tips to help you avoid the bed race and enjoy more solitude and peace along the way.
The last 100 kilometres of the Camino Francés are often much maligned. After nearly 700 kilometres of walking from Saint Jean Pied de Port, the sudden influx of new pilgrims starting in Sarria can feel very overwhelming.
The final 113 kilometres from Sarria to Santiago wind through shady woods, past stone-walled farms, and tiny Galician villages where cows often have more right to the road than you do.
From Ponferrada to Sarria is about 100 km. You’ll cross Bierzo’s vineyards, pass through Villafranca, and tackle the climb to O Cebreiro before descending into lush Galician hills.
From Astorga to Ponferrada is 53 km through mountain villages like Rabanal and Foncebadón. Highlights include the Cruz de Ferro, river swims in Molinaseca, and Ponferrada’s Templar castle.
The 48 km walk from León to Astorga is flat and peaceful. Take the Villar de Mazarife route, enjoy quiet villages, Hospital de Órbigo’s bridge, and Astorga’s Gaudí palace.
From Carrión to León is about 95 km through the Meseta. Pass the Camino halfway point near Sahagún and enjoy a stunning, remote walk along an old Roman road.
There are two types of people who walk the Camino. First, there are those who have a life-changing, or at the very least, a life-affirming, experience. And then, there are those who have that experience, but also find themselves utterly hooked, returning again and again. I fall firmly into the latter group.
I’ve mostly stuck to the French Way so far (bit obsessed with it, to be honest), but the Camino del Norte is next on my list.
I’m from Ireland, and have a passion for hiking, photography, and writing, and the Camino provides the perfect canvas for all three. I also have a deep love for everything Spanish, the history, the food, the Rioja, the stories, and the language. When I’m not hiking across Spain, I run a software company, Bizimply.com.
The Camino has become a lifelong journey for me, a place of discovery, connection, and endless inspiration.
Gerard Forde
