About Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James)
The Camino is not one road but a web of routes converging on Santiago de Compostela. The most popular, the French Way, starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at the foot of the Pyrenees and runs about 780 km through Pamplona, Burgos, the wide Meseta and León before climbing into green Galicia. Scallop shells and yellow arrows mark the way, and hostels called albergues offer simple beds to walkers carrying a pilgrim passport.
Medieval pilgrims walked for penance and healing; modern walkers come for faith, grief, adventure or simple curiosity. The rhythm of daily walking, shared meals and village churches creates a strong sense of community. Other major routes include the Portuguese Way, the coastal Northern Way and the Primitive Way from Oviedo.
What to see
- Pyrenees crossing to Roncesvalles
- Burgos Cathedral
- The Meseta's open wheat plains
- Cruz de Ferro, where pilgrims leave a stone
- O Cebreiro mountain village in Galicia
Visiting Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James): practical guide
- Best time
- May to June and September to early October
- Hours
- Walkable year round; many albergues close in winter
- Entry
- Free; pilgrim passport about 2 to 5 EUR; albergues about 10 to 20 EUR a night
- Dress code
- Broken in walking shoes, layers and sun protection
- Nearest airport
- Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ), 55 km from the French Way start
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Collect stamps in your credencial each day
- Walk at least the last 100 km to earn the Compostela
- Book beds ahead in July and August
Festivals and special days
- Feast of St. James (25 July)
- Jacobean Holy Years
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Christianity tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches, cathedrals and monasteries.
- Men usually remove hats indoors, while some Orthodox churches ask women to cover their hair.
- Avoid sightseeing in the main aisle during Mass or services.
- Check whether photography and flash are allowed before taking pictures.
- Keep your voice low and switch phones to silent.
- Only receive Communion if you understand and follow that church's rules.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James)?
Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) is in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela, Navarre to Galicia, Spain, Europe. GPS coordinates: 43.1636, -1.2373. The nearest airport is Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ), 55 km from the French Way start.
What is the best time to visit Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James)?
May to June and September to early October
Is there an entry fee for Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James)?
Free; pilgrim passport about 2 to 5 EUR; albergues about 10 to 20 EUR a night Opening hours: Walkable year round; many albergues close in winter
What should I wear when visiting Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James)?
Broken in walking shoes, layers and sun protection
Which religion is Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) sacred to?
Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) is sacred to Christianity. Active place of worship. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
