Let's go through some of these trails! Note that these don't start in Madrid, but with lovely weather, cheap fares, and perfect dates aligning, you'll get the most bang for your buck if you're willing to stretch out over the area. We suggest taking trains or buses to reach the start of these trails.
Camino Primitivo (12–15 days)
Starting with the OG of Caminos, this one isn't as long as the others, but definitely still a challenge. Starting in either Oviedo or Santander, you'll trek a distance of 321km through vast, remote forests and epic valleys just begging to be movie locations
Some of the trails get pretty steep, so pack the good hiking boots. This one's often tackled in the summer as it passes over the Cantabria mountains, but still very doable in spring if you add an extra sweater too.
Via de la Plata (40–50 days walk)
If you have some serious soul-searching to do and an insatiable hunger to beat some paths, Via de la Plata is the one for you. Fair warning – this is no walk in the park, you'll have 1000km to cover from Seville.
Often considered one of the toughest Caminos, the distances between towns are long, so make sure you have equal parts stamina and a solid snack supply.
On the bright side, you'll get some seriously beautiful spots like the Sierra Norte Natural Park practically to yourself.
Your reward for conquering such a formidable route? Well, along with miles of tranquil countryside, impressive Roman ruins, it's ultimately the bragging rights for being one of the 3% of pilgrims to complete it annually!
Camino Portuguese (11–14 days walk)
If you're up for a long train ride, the Camino Portuguese technically starts in Lisbon, but most travellers set off from Porto. From here, you'll have 2 options, the coastal route (280km) or the central route (260km).
For sprouting crop fields and one of the oldest universities in the world, go central. For stunning beaches and fishing villages, go coastal—simple.
Although, any wine connoisseurs should opt for the latter, as you'll get to top up on some award-winning Albariño from the Rias Baixas region. Just don't get carried away, we don't want you staggering your way to the end :-)
Since there isn't much shade along the Camino Portuguese, it's best taken during the fall after the summer temperatures have eased off, but before the winter chill sets in.
Accommodation
Before setting off on your voyage of self-discovery, you might be wondering where you’ll lay your head each night. There’s a simple answer: albergues!
These hostels are specifically designed for pilgrims, so they’re well signposted along the route. And, above all, they’re suuuuper cheap, at around $15 a night. You’ll be staying in a dorm, and sharing a kitchen, but that’s allll part of the experience.
