The Camino de Santiago: Spain's Classic Pilgrimage

It depends on the route you choose. The French Way, from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago, is over 800 km long. The English Way is around 120 km, and the Sanabrés about 360 km.

Most of our tours last 6 to 12 days, covering one stage of a route - perfect for experiencing the Camino without walking the full distance. We can help you find the route that best suits your time and experience level.

How difficult is the Camino de Santiago?

Difficulty varies by route:

• French Way, English Way, Portuguese Way, Northern Way - moderate, suitable for reasonably fit walkers
• Primitivo and Le Puy Routes - the most challenging, with longer stages, mountain passes, and steeper terrain
• Last 100 km from Sarria to Santiago - easy, ideal for first-time walkers

All SloWays tours feature well-paced daily stages designed to make the experience enjoyable and achievable, whatever your starting fitness level.

What kind of accommodation is included?

Unlike traditional pilgrim hostels, our tours include carefully selected hotels, pensions, and B&Bs - always with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms. We choose each property for comfort, authenticity, and its location along the trail.

Will I have to carry my backpack on the Camino?

No. Luggage transfer is included in our packages. Each morning you leave your bag at reception and it will be waiting for you at your next accommodation. You walk with just a daypack.

What is included in a SloWays Camino package?

Our packages typically include accommodation in private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, luggage transfer between stops, detailed route notes, maps, and access to our navigation app. Flights and meals are generally not included unless specified in the trip details. Every package can be customized - contact us and we'll build the right itinerary for you.

How much does a Camino de Santiago trip cost?

Prices vary depending on the route, duration, season, and type of accommodation. Our self-guided packages typically start from a few hundred euros per person for shorter stages and increase for longer or more premium itineraries.

The price shown on each trip page is an estimate. You can build your quote online and send it to us - we'll confirm the exact price before you commit to anything.

Is the Camino de Santiago well signposted?

Yes - clear waymarking is one of the great strengths of the Camino. You'll follow yellow arrows, scallop shell markers, and local signs throughout the route. SloWays also provides detailed route notes, maps, and access to our navigation app for safe and easy navigation.

Can I get the Compostela certificate?

Yes. To receive the official Compostela, you must walk at least the final 100 km to Santiago de Compostela. Walking our Sarria to Santiago tour (7 days) is enough to qualify. You'll need to collect stamps in your pilgrim credential along the way and present it at the Pilgrim Office on arrival.

Can I walk the Camino alone?

Absolutely. Many people choose to walk solo - to reflect, disconnect, or simply move at their own pace. The routes are safe, well-marked, and full of friendly fellow travellers. More popular routes like the French Way make it easy to meet other pilgrims along the way. Quieter routes like the Primitivo offer a more meditative, solitary experience.

Do I need to be religious to walk the Camino?

Not at all. Many people walk for spiritual reasons, but others do it for nature, culture, personal challenge, or quiet reflection. Whatever your motivation, the Camino welcomes everyone.

What should I pack for the Camino?

The essentials: comfortable, well broken-in walking shoes, layered hiking clothes, a refillable water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and a small first-aid kit. Because luggage transfer is included in our packages, you only need to carry a light daypack on the trail - no need to overpack.

What landscapes will I walk through?

Each route has its own character:

• Northern Way - dramatic coastlines, cliffs, and ocean air along the Cantabrian Sea
• Primitivo - remote valleys, mountain passes, and ancient forest paths through Asturias
• Sanabrés - rolling hills, historic villages, and the quiet of the Via de la Plata
• English Way - green Galician countryside, small fishing ports, and farmland
• Le Puy Route - French highlands, medieval villages, and Romanesque abbeys
• French Way / Sarria to Santiago - vineyards, oak forests, farmlands, and historic towns

When is the best time to walk the Camino de Santiago?

From April to October, with spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) offering the best balance of weather, trail conditions, and manageable crowds. Summer is popular but can be very hot on the inland stages of the French Way. The Primitivo and Le Puy routes may require more weather awareness in early spring.