What are the most common options of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela?

If you are thinking of living the experience of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela, you should know there are a lot of routes and roads to reach the city of Santiago. So many that it can be a real madness to decide!

We completely understand how you feel, there are so many and so different options that it is difficult to choose but don’t worry, we are here to help you.

Therefore, we bring you all the information about the most chosen routes among pilgrims, so you can choose between the best options to get on your trip. It depends on the time you can spend doing it, so keep this in mind.

Popular routes among pilgrims

 To begin with, you should know which routes are the most frequently walked among pilgrims to arrive in Santiago de Compostela.

“Camino francés” (French Route):

Without a doubt, it is the most known and popular route, recognized worldwide, so it is the busiest. Thousands of tourists a year come to Santiago through this route.

Being so well known, it is the route that has the best infrastructure; it is easy to find a full option of accommodation and a well-marked path along with all the trails.

Famous perhaps for the beautiful environment that accompanies pilgrims at all times, where the street villages, fascinating medieval bridges, incredible monuments, exquisite cuisine, and film-like landscapes stand out. Please check here.

“Camino Portugués” (Portuguese Route):

It is also one of the busiest routes, as it allows you to travel to two countries to reach the city of Santiago, as it starts in Lisbon and ends in this Spanish city.

Also, it is known for being a simple route, well signposted, and for breathtaking views.

Through this path, you will go through Portugal, the famous Rías Baixas de Galicia, known for its exquisite cuisine and its dream places.

Despite being well known, it is not as crowded as the French Way, so it is easy to find accommodation. Check this link.

Best starting points for the Routes of Santiago de Compostela

Now that you know the most common routes check out the most chosen starting points to start the journey according to data collected from the official statistics of the Pilgrim’s Office in 2018.

Departure from Sarria

 The highest percentage of pilgrims leave from the town of Sarria, located in the Lugo province.

This route belongs to the French Way, and it is the connection point with the Northern Route, the path has an extension of 114 kilometers, just the minimum distance to get the Compostela.

Departure from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

This place is the starting point of the French Way that is why many pilgrims choose to complete this path entirely.

It has 781 kilometers; it is one of the favorites since the experiences it brings to the pilgrims are magical, with beautiful landscapes, small charming villages, and a large number of experiences until reaching Santiago City.

Departure from Porto

If you choose to do the Portuguese Way, the most popular starting point is Porto City.

This route has 231 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela City, without a doubt, the most chosen by the pilgrims who choose the Portuguese Way.

Departure from Tui

Finally, one of the most chosen options for the Portuguese Route is to leave from Tui, in Pontevedra.

This is because it is the shorter Way to get to the famous Compostela, having the trail 115 kilometers in total.

Now that you have everything you need to know about the most chosen routes among the pilgrims and the top 4 of the most popular starting points, you are prepared to decide which one you prefer to do. Make your Way to the Routes of Santiago de Compostela, any of these starting points will make you live an unforgettable experience.