Camino de Santiago: Los 10 puntos de inicio más elegidos

Camino de Santiago

The starting points that most pilgrims choose on the Camino de Santiago

If you are planning to walk the Camino de Santiago for the first time, surely you have already heard that there are multiple routes to get to Santiago de Compostela. The most common and popular routes, such as the French Way , the Portuguese Way or the Primitivo can be followed from multiple starting points, therefore it is logical that doubts arise if we are going on a pilgrimage for the first time. 

You can start from where you prefer the Camino de Santiago; it all depends on the time you want or can dedicate to walking (and your budget). However, so that you have several references when starting your search, we share with you the 10 locations most chosen by pilgrims to begin their journey. The data is taken from the official statistics of the Pilgrim's Office and corresponds to the spring of 2018:

Start from Sarria

26% of pilgrims choose this point (1 out of 4). Province of Lugo, 114 km from Santiago. French Way and connection point with the Northern Way. Minimum distance necessary to request la compostela at the Cathedral of Santiago.

The Camino de Santiago from Sarria is closed. It is considered one of the most important and popular routes or starting points among pilgrims. Part of his fame is due to the scarce 114 kilometers that separate him from the city to obtain the compostela. In turn, the start from Sarria offers beautiful rural landscapes, picturesque villages and forests that will delight all those pilgrims who choose this route; in addition to a good and large conglomerate of hostels, shelters and restaurants in which to rest.

Start fromSaint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

11% of pilgrims choose this point to start. Department of the Atlantic Pyrenees (France), 781 km from Santiago. Starting point of the Camino Frances and one of the most complete experiences that the Camino de Santiago provides us. 

Another of the most popular starts among pilgrims has a  Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port as a starting point. Of course, unlike the start from Sarria, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port offers much more challenging stages. Located within the French Way, this route leaves us with some of the most incredible postcard views of the Camino de Santiago, with mountains, valleys, cities, towns and landscapes worthy of a story.

Camino de Santiago | Envato

Start from Porto

 10% of pilgrims choose this point to start. North Region of Portugal and second largest city in the country, 231 km from Santiago. It is the most chosen starting point of the Camino Portugués. 

Known as the Camino Portugués, the start from Porto is another of the most popular routes among pilgrims. It is approximately 240 kilometers long, stretching from the Portuguese city to Santiago de Compostela, crossing important historical sites, rural landscapes as well as rural landscapes. like towns and cities.

Start from Tui

5% of pilgrims choose this city for their pilgrimage. Pontevedra, 115 km from the city of Santiago along the Camino Portugués. From Tui, the minimum distance is covered on this route to request the compostela at the end of the pilgrimage.

Located in the province of Pontevedra, the city of Tui is located on the border between Spain and Portugal, being a key part of the Portuguese Way. With approximately 120 kilometers to go from Tui to Santiago, the pilgrims will cross places with a unique charm and in which the towns, landscapes and mountains are great protagonists. An ideal route to immerse yourself in both the local culture of Portugal and Galicia.

Start from León

4% of pilgrims choose this city to start. Castilla y León, 309 km from Santiago de Compostela along the French Way. León has the privilege of housing one of the most emblematic cathedrals in Spain. 

As part of the Camino Frances, León is also a popular starting point for pilgrims who want to complete the Camino de Santiago from this historic city. Choosing this route we will find ourselves on a trip whose approximate length is 300 kilometers, offering a very varied experience in terms of cultural heritage and landscapes.

Start from Ferrol

Chosen by 3% of all pilgrims to start. North of the province of A Coruña, 117 km from Santiago. One of the two starting points of the Camino Inglés. Minimum distance of the English Way to request the compostela in Santiago at the end (although for months now it can be requested if we start in the city of A Coruña). 

The Camino de Santiago starting in Ferrol is one of the most popular routes within the Camino Inglés, being one of the traditional points for pilgrims who wish to complete this route and obtain the compostela. It is approximately 120 kilometers long, a somewhat shorter distance than usual compared to other routes. Although it is a shorter trip, it is still a significant and enriching experience, where the beautiful Galician landscapes will be very present, as well as the wonderful landscapes of Galicia. like the towns.

Camino de Santiago | Envato

Start fromO Cebreiro

3% of pilgrims choose this point on the Camino Frances. O Cebreiro marks the entry of the French Jacobean route in Galicia and is one of the most emblematic points of the Camino de Santiago. It is located 156 km from Santiago de Compostela. 

We travel again to the Camino Frances, this time starting from O Cebreiro; a small town located in the mountains of Galicia and more specifically in Lugo. Although its 160km may seem short, we are facing one of the most challenging routes on the Camino de Santiago due to its numerous mountainous areas. Of course, during the different stages we will be able to enjoy impressive views of mountains that, little by little, will descend to the Galician lowlands.

Start from Oviedo

The Asturian capital is chosen by the 3% to start his pilgrimage. Oviedo marks the beginning of the Camino Primitivo (323 km), the original route of the first Christian pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. From this city, 14 stages separate us from the finish line through a hard but authentic route and little crowded with pilgrims.

We leave the French Way aside to fully immerse ourselves in the Primitive Way, the oldest and also one of the most challenging of the entire Camino de Santiago. With about 310 kilometers ahead until arrival in Santiago, this route leaves us with several of the most incredible places on the entire Camino de Santiago thanks to the natural beauty and historical richness of the places; making the trip an authentic experience.

Start from Ponferrada

This Leonese city in the Bierzo region is chosen to start by 2% of all pilgrims. It is 206 km away from Santiago de Compostela. A starting point that offers us 10 stages of the Camino Frances, a very balanced time and distance, perfect for many pilgrims. 

Located in the province of León, Ponferrada is another of the favorite starting points for many pilgrims who want to walk the French Way. This route has an approximate distance of about 200 kilometers. During it, pilgrims will find all kinds of towns, rural landscapes and various enclaves loaded with great historical importance.

Start fromValença do Minho

2% of pilgrims choose the last Portuguese town before crossing into Galicia to start walking. The town borders on Tui on foot by crossing the famous International Bridge, so if we are going to walk the Camino Portugues walking the minimum distance to obtain the compostela, it makes no difference if we start in one or another location.  

We end with the Camino Portugués and more specifically with the route that starts from  Valença do Minho, on the other side of the Miño river and in front of Tui. This route offers us a total of 120 kilometers ahead; a short trip but full of great views that will delight all pilgrims who want to visit it.