The most notable routes on the Camino de Santiago
Highlighted Routes on the Camino de Santiago
Although there are many Caminos leading to Santiago de Compostela, there is a series of routes most frequently chosen by pilgrims every year. We present them in order of preference:
1. The most travelled route is the French Way. The quintessential route, the most well-known.
The Camino de Santiago, or the Jacobean Route as it is also known, was declared the First European Cultural Itinerary by the Council of Europe in 1987. Furthermore, the route is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The so-called French Way is the quintessential Santiago route, the most famous, most travelled, and best-maintained itinerary of all.
In Spain, it starts in Roncesvalles (Navarra) and ends in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela (Galicia), covering 750 kilometres.
2. The Portuguese Way. A route designed to enter Galicia through Portuguese lands.
Although there are historical routes starting from the south of Portugal and Lisbon, they may proceed towards Coimbra via two variants.
This Way gained significance starting in the 12th century, consolidating routes and fostering cultural and economic exchange.
Portugal can be described as a "land of caminos," similar to Spain, as pilgrims came from all regions heading towards Compostela.
3. The Northern Way.
Originally the Primitive Way, it led to the Holy Site via Tineo, Fonsagrada, and Lugo, crossing the Cantabrian Mountain Range. Soon, pilgrim subjects realised that following the coastal Cantabrian route made the journey much less arduous, and thus the Coastal Way was born. As the Asturian kingdom expanded its domains, news of the Tomb’s discovery spread, and pilgrimages along the coast increased, avoiding the dangerous southern lands occupied by the Arabs.
The complete Northern Way became a common entry route for pilgrims from continental Europe entering the peninsula via Irún or arriving by sea at ports in the Basque Country, Cantabria, or Asturias, continuing westwards away from the dangers of Muslim troops.
4. The Primitive Way.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. The millenary cities of Oviedo and Lugo are the artistic and monumental highlights of this pilgrimage route, which offers true natural and cultural gems for travellers’ enjoyment. The last 100 kilometres are completed from Lugo, and for those wishing to travel the entire route, it starts in Oviedo, totalling 319 kilometres.
5. The English Way.
Starting from the port cities of Ferrol and A Coruña, it is the only route that starts and ends in Galicia. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, when pilgrims from various parts of the European Atlantic coast arrived at Galician docks, primarily in A Coruña. Most came from English ports, giving the route its current name.
6. The Silver Way.
It begins in Seville (Hispalis) and ends in Astorga (Asturica Augusta), where it joins the “French Way” to reach Santiago de Compostela. Additionally, from Granja de Moreruela (Zamora), another route diverges, known as the Mozarabic-Sanabrian Way. This route, while connected to the Silver Way, leads through Sanabria to Lubián, the last village in the Castile and León region. From there, it enters Galicia, passing through the province of Ourense and a section of A Coruña to reach Santiago de Compostela.
7. The Fisterra Route.
The connection between ancient "Finisterrae" and the Jacobean pilgrimage was established with the discovery of the Apostle’s tomb. Various versions of the transfer of Saint James’s body to Galicia mention the city of Dugium, located at the Finisterre isthmus.
In Muxía, a legend recounts how the Virgin Mary appeared in the flesh, along with numerous traditions about the unique stones in the area, believed to have magical properties.
This change is already described in Domenico Laffy’s “Journey to the West” in the 17th century.
It is worth noting that this Camino is done from Santiago to Finisterre, not the other way around. Those who complete it often burn their clothes as a symbol of rebirth and purification.
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