Walking the Camino in 8 Days

The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage that sees walkers converge on Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Santiago de Compostela has been the focus of pilgrim trails since the tomb of St James was unearthed in the 9th century, and walks spiderweb through Spain, Portugal, and France to get to there.

The longest trails can take well over a month to complete and have been compared to child birth – one of the most challenging yet rewarding things you will do in your life! However, it certainly doesn't have to be that gruelling. If you have less time on your hands (or don’t want to face a month in hiking shoes), you can still have an amazing experience on the Camino from seven to eleven days.

The last 100 kilometres (62 miles) can be covered on one of the below tours from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela in eight days, with only six of them walking days. Along this leg there is some undulating terrain and while it is scenically hilly, there are no really steep ascents or descents to tackle. A reasonably good level of fitness is required to complete the walk and enjoy all the scenery and charm along the way (of which there is plenty!).

You will follow the yellow guidance arrows and shell symbols that line the path, stopping for a picnic lunch or checking out the charming village markets along the way. You’ll pass through rich agricultural farmland and oak groves, over old stone bridges, and wind along trickling streams as the countryside unfolds before you.

Quaint villages sit along the trail showcasing local handicrafts, regional produce, and architecture aplenty. Admire the old churches, the lively town squares, and the street side cafes where you can rest your feet and get to know the locals.

There are also plenty of rest areas for walkers where you can swap stories and share a deep sense of camaraderie with people from all over the globe drawn to this same pocket of the world as you.