How long is the Camino de Santiago?

2025-05-14

If you're planning to walk the Camino de Santiago, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is: How long is the Camino? The answer is: there isn’t just one Camino – there are many different routes, each with its own length, difficulty, and walking time. In this article, we guide you through the most popular Camino routes, their total distance in kilometers, how far you typically walk each day, and how long it takes to complete them. This way, you can more easily choose the route that fits your pace, preferences, and available time.

 

How many kilometers is the Camino?

It all depends on which route you choose. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular Camino de Santiago routes and their approximate lengths:

Route	Distance (km)	Estimated duration (days)
French Way	780	30-40
Northern Way	820	35-45
Original Way	365	12-18
Portuguese Way	240- 260	10-14
English Way	118	5-7
Finisterre Way	87	3-5

 

In principle, the total distance doesn’t matter as much as you might think. Every Camino can be adapted to the time you have available. Even though the Camino del Norte is over 800 km long, don’t let that discourage you. We can easily arrange a short 4-day trip for families or friends, or a longer two-week itinerary if you want a deeper experience.

If you decide to continue your Camino another year, we simply plan your next stage from where you left off. Maybe your first walk ends in Santiago, or maybe you begin from the traditional starting point. If you walk the Camino in stages over several years and eventually reach Santiago, your Compostela (pilgrim certificate) is just as valid as if you had completed the full route in one go.

 

How far do you walk per day on the Camino?

Most pilgrims walk around 20–25 km (12–15 miles) per day, which equals 5–7 hours of walking. Some prefer shorter days to enjoy nature and culture along the way, while others walk up to 30–35 km.

At Spain is More, we can offer shorter daily stages on several Camino routes. While it’s rare to walk under 15 km multiple days in a row, we can adjust your itinerary to include 15–20 km per day, and even shorter days now and then.

 

How long does it take to walk the Camino?

That depends on the route you choose and your personal pace. And remember: you don’t have to walk the entire route in one go! Many of our travelers walk the full Camino Francés across 3 to 5 years, depending on their availability.

Here are a few average timelines:

• Camino Francés (780 km): 5–6 weeks

• Camino Portugués (approx. 240 km from Porto): 10–14 days

• Camino Inglés (118 km): under 1 week

• Camino Primitivo (365 km): 2–3 weeks

• Camino Finisterre (87 km): 4–6 days

Many people walk just the last 100 km from Sarria to Santiago – which can be done in 5–7 days – and still receive the Compostela, the official pilgrim certificate.

See our customized Camino itineraries here.

 

Can I walk the Camino alone?

Yes – many pilgrims walk the Camino alone, and for many, this is a highlight of the experience. The trails are well-marked, there are thousands of fellow walkers each day, and safety is generally excellent. Walking solo allows for reflection, peace, and personal space – but it also opens up the possibility of connection and new friendships. Whether you're seeking solitude or community, the Camino supports both.

 

Which Camino route should I choose?

That depends on what you’re looking for. We’ve written a full article on Which Camino Should I Choose? – but here’s a quick guide:

• Camino Francés – the classic route with history, culture, and community

• Camino del Norte – stunning coastal landscapes and fewer crowds

• Camino Primitivo – scenic and mountainous; more physically challenging

• Camino Portugués – shorter distance, great infrastructure, gentle terrain

• Camino Inglés – quiet, compact, and full of historical charm

• Camino Finisterre – a beautiful extension to "the end of the world"

 

Choose the Camino that fits you

The Camino isn’t a single path - it’s a network of routes, each with its own beauty, rhythm, and atmosphere. Whether you have 5 days or 5 weeks, whether you’re looking for nature, solitude, spirituality, or shared experience, there’s a Camino that’s right for you.

At Spain is More, we help you choose the route that matches your time, fitness, and interests. We offer personal advice and tailor-made Camino travel packages on all the major routes.

Back