If you’re thinking about walking the Camino de Santiago for the first time, you probably have a mix of excitement, nerves, and a few lingering questions. That’s completely normal.
The Camino is a unique trip—part adventure, part personal journey—and it’s not always easy to know what to expect until you’re actually there.
If you’re planning to walk the Camino de Santiago for the first time, one of the biggest questions is:
There isn’t just one Camino. There are multiple official routes across Spain and Portugal — each with a different landscape, level of difficulty, and overall feel.
For first-time pilgrims choosing the right route makes all the difference.
Let’s walk through the best Camino routes for beginners in 2026 and 2027.
Walk the Camino at your own pace during Spain’s total solar eclipse—a rare, shared moment that turns your journey into something you’ll remember forever. Galicia’s rural darkness is the perfect setting to contemplate the Perseids meteor shower as well, adding a quiet, awe-filled finish to your Camino days. Arrive in Santiago de Compostela, visit its incredible cathedral, and receive your completion certificate at the end!
A rest day in Burgos is a gift on the Camino — a chance to slow down, explore, and appreciate one of the most historic and elegant cities on the French Way.
Burgos is compact, walkable, and full of small surprises that make it perfect for a day off your feet (or at least fewer miles!). Here are a few of my favorite ways to spend a rest day in Burgos.
Starting in the vibrant city of Porto, the Portuguese Central Camino winds its way north through historic towns, rural villages, and rolling countryside, offering a more traditional inland experience compared to the coastal path. Pilgrims pass by landmarks such as the Romanesque church of Rates, the charming town of Barcelos—famous for its rooster symbol—and the medieval quarter of Ponte de Lima, one of Portugal’s oldest towns.
The Camino isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some people walk to meet a goal. Others want to slow down and soak in the scenery. Knowing what drives you helps set the right pace and path — and helps you avoid frustrations along the way.
“Everyone walks the Camino differently — that’s part of what makes it unique.”
This guide lays out a few common “types” of Camino walkers — and at the end, you’ll find a short quiz you can take to see which style fits you best.