Return to site

3 Popular Camino de Santiago Routes

William D. Jones MD

broken image

Specializing in occupational and preventive medicine, William D. Jones MD has worked as a medical doctor in Oklahoma City, OK, for more than two decades. In Summer 2019, William D. Jones will travel from Oklahoma City, OK to Spain to fulfill a long-time desire to hike Camino De Santiago, or the Way of Saint James.

Tracing its roots to the early ninth century, Camino de Santiago is a Catholic pilgrimage to Santiago de Composte, the city where St. James the Apostle is believed to have been buried. There are many routes, and some believe the best option is to begin from one’s doorstep and hike to Santiago de Composte. That said, here are three established routes to consider.
1. The most famous route, Camino Frances welcomes more than 60 percent of all pilgrims hiking Camino de Santiago each year. It leaves from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and travels almost 500 miles. Experienced hikers typically complete the journey in around 30 days.
2. A slightly longer route, Camino del Norte typically takes 35 days for an experienced hiker to complete. It leaves from Irun, Spain, and traces the north coast through Bilbao and Santander. Note this route does not have as many accommodations along the way, so interested parties should plan accordingly.
3. The longest established route, Camino de la Plata starts in Seville, Spain, and covers 620 miles. The effort is especially worth it for those who love history, as it passes numerous historic Moorish and Roman sites.