WHERE IS THE MAGIC.
Thousands of pilgrims from all nationalities walk the Camino de Santiago routes each year but not all of them spend a whole month walking the 500 miles that separate St Jean Pied de Port and Santiago de Compostela. Many pilgrims start their journey further along the routes, much closer to Santiago, adapting their distance to their fitness level or indeed to the time they have available.
It is possible to experience the magic of the Camino even if you only have limited time at your disposal, here’s how to plan a great Camino in one week:
100 IS THE MAGIC NUMBER.
This is the number of kms you should complete if you are travelling on foot and you’d like to receive your Compostela pilgrim certificate once you reach Santiago. Consider this if receiving the cert is important to you! This means you’ll have to should be starting your walk from the town of Sarria in Galicia if you’d like to experience the Camino Frances, which is the most famous and popular route. Sarria is the pilgrim’s top starting point for this reason.
Over a week, you will be walking an average of 20-25 kms per day which, with a bit of training, is definitely manageable. You can also walk the Camino Portugues from Tui, from Baiona to experience the Camino Portugues Coastal, from Lugo to take the Camino Primitivo and Ferrol to walk the Camino Ingles in one week also.
ON TWO WHEELS
Cycling fans can experience the Camino de Santiago routes on two wheels and it is work considering bike pilgrims will need to cycle at least the last 200 kms into Santiago to qualify for their Compostela certificate. You can pedal your way along the Atlantic Coast of Northern Portugal from Porto to Galicia in just a week.
JOIN A GROUP
If you are looking to join a like-minded group of walkers to share the Camino experience with, consider signing up for a week-long guided tour. They are ideal for those who want to be part of a group and if you are a Camino first timer.
WALK AND COACH
The Camino Walk & Coach is the best option for absolute beginners. Departing 14th September, the Camino Walk and Coach covers more ground in the space of a week, combining sightseeing with short walks each day in some of the most scenic regions of the Camino Francés.
