Choose your Camino De Santiago based on the level of difficulty: we help you!

2023-05-03

Comparing the difficulty levels of the different routes of the Camino de Santiago can be subjective, as it depends on each pilgrim's perspective. However, in general terms, the following can be said:

1. French Way: It is the most popular and frequented route of the Camino de Santiago. It has a length of approximately 800 km and crosses a great variety of landscapes, from mountains to plains and vineyards. Although there are sections with steep slopes, most of the way is accessible to most pilgrims.

2. Northern Way: This route follows the northern coast of Spain, offering spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea. It has a length of around 800 km and is considered more demanding than the French Way, due to its steep ups and downs.

3. Portuguese Way central route from Porto: The Central Portuguese Camino de Santiago is the second most popular Camino route after the French way. It goes from Porto (or Lissabon) to Santiago inland and almost directly northwards, encompassing many important towns and cities as well as small villages in northern Portugal and Galicia in Spain.It has a length of around 240 km and is considered one of the easiest and most accessible routes, with few ups and downs.

4. Portuguese Coastal Way: This route starts in Porto, Portugal, and follows the northern Portuguese coast before entering Galicia. It has a length of around 260 km and is considered an easy route, with few ups and downs.

5. English Way: This route originated in the Middle Ages for pilgrims coming from northern Europe and Great Britain. It starts in Ferrol or A Coruña and is one of the shortest routes, with a length of around 120 km. It is considered a moderate route, with some steep sections.

6. Primitivo Way: Considered the oldest route, it starts in Oviedo and passes through mountainous areas in the interior of Asturias before connecting with the French Way in Melide. It has a length of around 320 km and is considered one of the most demanding routes, with steep and mountainous sections.

In summary, the French Way and the Portuguese routes are considered easier, while the Northern Way and the Primitivo Way are considered more demanding. The English Way is moderate in terms of difficulty. 

We hope this has helped you in case you doubt which path to take based on its difficulty, however keep two things in mind: 1) each pilgrim must take into account their physical condition and abilities before choosing a route on the Camino de Santiago 2 ) Although, for example, the Northern Way is complicated, keep in mind that there are more and less complicated sections and that there are parts that can be better accommodated to your needs, so do not hesitate to ask us and we will help you.

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