Which section of the Camino is best for me?
At times there seem to be Caminos everywhere across Europe and indeed there are. The most popular one remains the stretch across northern Spain to Santiago, but there are other good options. And with the Camino across Spain at 500 miles, some portions are obviously going to be more interesting and more beautiful than others.
So which section is best for you? It depends on many things but mostly it depends on you.
There are three sections which we normally cover at Travel Fever Tours. We do these sections because we like them best. I’ll tell you a bit about each so you can decide which makes the most sense for you.
The Spanish Camino starting in Pamplona
This section begins only a few days over the French border into Spain. The walk is perhaps a little bit more difficult than elsewhere, but the rolling hills are what make it so beautiful, and the distances are somewhat shorter.
We pass over an agricultural landscape carpeted in winter wheat in the spring before arriving in the vineyards of the Rioja region. We particularly like the small cities we pass through on this walk, including Pamplona and Logroño and both have a great Tapas scene. And the wine is particularly good along this route. Learn More.
The Portuguese Camino starting in Porto
Portugal is the easiest section of the Camino we do, as we’re walking along the ocean first and then up a river on the border between Portugal and Spain. It’s flat, there’s normally a nice breeze, and the sound of breaking waves is in the background.
We stay in towns at the mouths of the rivers that drain Portugal into the Atlantic. They are both historic and pretty. And as we’re along the coast, there’s plenty of great sea food and the Portuguese wines are memorable. Learn More.
The final stretch of the Camino into Santiago
The last section, into Santiago de Campostela, is a bit more difficult (although not by much). There are more hills and the distances are a bit longer, although this walk is still quite manageable. We pass through wonderful scenery and finish at the cathedral in Santiago.
The region of Galicia is largely pasture land with dairy cows. It’s green since we’re starting to approach the coast. The towns are perhaps a bit less historic in nature, but the scenery is spectacular. And Santiago is a lovely place that attracts both pilgrims and casual visitors. Learn More.
There’s plenty to read online about all three of these regions, or we’re glad to answer whatever questions you may have. And don’t forget all the other parts of the Camino. They may not be quite as nice as the three mentioned here, but if time permits, you should do them all.
Interest among Travel Fever travelers in the Camino continues to grow and these trips are designed to provide very different options for those who may wish to walk on the Camino. In April, we start in Pamplona on the eastern end of the route in Spain. In September, we start in Porto, Portugal and head north. And in October, we do the final stretch into Santiago.
All these sections of the Camino are on well-maintained surfaces without rocks, roots or mud. And of course, our van is available on each of these trips to help you skip an early hill or shorten the distance in the afternoon.