The 10 Most Popular Camino de Santiago Starting Points
The Camino de Santiago is one of Europe’s grandest pilgrimage routes. Pilgrims walk for many reasons from religious salvation to spiritual exploration. Some may walk to cope with grief while others celebrate or take a sacred pause. No matter the motive, almost all the paths lead to Santiago de Compostela, the alleged burial place of Saint James.
The Camino de Santiago has many official paths that lead to Santiago de Compostela, which means there are many options for places to start the Camino de Santiago. This guide focuses on the most popular Camino de Santiago starting points to Santiago de Compostela.
The most popular routes are the Camino Frances, Camino Portugués (Coastal and Central), and the Camino Ingles. This list includes a handful of starting points located on these routes.
Here are the 10 most popular Camino de Santiago starting points and helpful tips for planning the beginning of your journey.
Table of Contents
- Overview of the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage Route
- Pilgrim Statistics for the Camino de Santiago
- 10 Most Popular Camino de Santiago Starting Points
- More Places to Start Walking the Camino de Santiago
- Conclusion | The Most Common Camino de Santiago Starting Points
Overview of the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage Route
Most people think of the routes through Spain and Portugal when planning to walk the Camino de Santiago. These pathways have been carrying pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela since the Middle Ages. Some believe these pathways predate the church and were used by Celtic tribes as sacred fertility paths.
Today, pilgrims follow the yellow shells and arrows for various reasons including religious, spiritual, or to enjoy a long walk with purpose.
The Camino de Santiago has multiple paths and ways to reach Santiago de Compostela. There are 281 officially listed Camino de Santiago routes that span across 29 countries. Technically, these routes consist of nearly 51, 500 miles of networked trails. I’ve been fortunate to walk numerous Camino de Santiago routes in Europe and one in the United States (the Wisconsin Way).
Camino de Santiago Guides & Tips
Planning on walking to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela? Follow the shells and yellow arrows, pack light and only carry what you need. The most important thing is to listen to your body. These are some of my best tips for first-time pilgrims.
Pilgrim Statistics for the Camino de Santiago
These Camino de Santiago statistics are collected by the Pilgrim Office and Reception Center in Santiago de Compostela. Nearly 450,000 pilgrims walked the Camino de Santiago to collect their Compostela (completion certificate) in 2023.
In order to receive an official Compostela, pilgrims must walk at least the final 100 Km (62 miles) to arrive in Santiago de Compostela. You must also collect two stamps per day in your Credencial, or Pilgrim Passport.
Stamps are found at Albergues (pilgrim lodging), accommodations, cafes, restaurants, churches, and popular attractions all along the Camino route.
Top 3 Most Walked Camino de Santiago Routes in 2023
| Camino Route | Compostelas Issued | % of Total Pilgrims |
| Camino Francés | 219,797 | 49% |
| Camino Portugués (Central & Coast) | 141,473 | 32% |
| Camino Inglés | 24,099 | 5% |
By far the Camino Francés is the most walked pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. However, in the past few years, the Camino Portugués has seen a huge influx of pilgrims, especially the Coastal route.
As these are the most popular routes, many Camino de Santiago starting points are found on the Camino Frances, Camino Central Portuguese, and the Camino da Costa (Portuguese).
Remember, not every pilgrim finished the walk in one setting. Others may walk the Camino de Santiago over time and some don’t collect their Compostela. These numbers are only for pilgrims who completed the entire way and collected their certificate.
Where is the Official Camino de Santiago Starting Point?
With so many routes, the Camino de Santiago can start from pretty much anywhere. That is the true beauty of the Camino, you may walk it however you feel called to do so.
While the following locations are statistically the most popular starting points of the Camino, some say the Camino de Santiago officially starts when you leave your home.
So, where does the Camino de Santiago start? The answer is simple. Wherever you feel like it does.
10 Most Popular Camino de Santiago Starting Points
According to the official statistics of the Pilgrim Office in Santiago de Compostela, these are the ten most common starting locations for the Camino de Santiago.
1 | Sarria Spain (Camino Francés)
Sarria is by far the most popular Camino de Santiago starting point. In 2023, nearly 31% of pilgrims started in Sarria. That’s 131,137 pilgrims! Sarria is an ideal starting point for pilgrims who don’t have a lot of time to walk the Camino, but still wish to collect a Compostela.
- Distance: Sarria to Santiago de Compostela is around 117 Km (73 miles)
- Average Duration: Most pilgrims budget at least 5 days to walk from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela
As this is the most popular Camino de Santiago starting point on any Camino route, it is by far the busiest section.
Sarria is also unique as it offers pilgrims who are a little unsure of the journey to be fully supported. There are tour companies that provide logistics and accommodations for the entire final 100 Km walk, like this one.
In Sarria, there is plenty of infrastructure for pilgrims. There are lots of accommodation options, restaurants, and services.
Where to Get the Credencial in Sarria
If you need a Credencial, most albergues in Sarria have them available for purchase or donation. The Church of de Santa Mariña and the Albergue Municipal de Peregrinos de Sarria can issue last minute credencials.
Popular Albergues in Sarria
- Albergue Barullo – Cubículos – Literas – Habitaciones
- Albergue HR
- Obradoiro
- Albergue San Lázaro
- Albergue Oasis (Outside of the Center)
➤ Municipal Xunta Albergue in Sarria / 40 Beds / €10 / Does NOT Accept Reservations / Must have a Credencial Pilgrim Passport
2 | Tui Spain (Camino Portuguese Central)
Tui is the second most popular Camino de Santiago starting point with 32,855 pilgrims starting their journey from here. That’s only 8% of the total pilgrims who collected their Compostela.
- Distance: Tui to Santiago de Compostela is around 120 Km (75 miles)
- Average Duration: Most pilgrims budget at least 6 days to walk from Tui to Santiago de Compostela.
Tui is located on the Minho River just across the border of Portugal. In fact, on the other side of Tui is Valença, another common starting point.
Tui is a fantastic hilltop city filled with historical sites. It is also a popular starting point on the Camino de Santiago because it is well connected to both Portugal and Spain.
While there are only 120 Km to Santiago, Tui is an excellent place to start because it’s still possible to add the incredible Camino Variante Espiritual route. Those walking the Camino Espiritual are literally taking the same route as the Apostle James stone boat.
Tui is a bustling medieval town and offers attractions like the Tui Cathedral, a lovely riverside promenade, and plenty of lively tapas bars.
Where to Get the Credencial in Tui
If you need a Credencial, the Tui Cathedral sells the pilgrim passport. If they are closed, check in at the Municipal Albergue in Tui run by the Xunta of Galicia.
Popular Albergues in Tui
➤ Municipal Xunta Albergue in Tui / 36 Beds / €10 / Does NOT Accept Reservations / Must have a Credencial Pilgrim Passport
3 | Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port France (Camino Francés)
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is the third most popular Camino de Santiago starting point with 31,672 pilgrims taking their first steps from this small hamlet at the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains. Surprisingly, that’s only 7.5% of the total pilgrims who collected their Compostela.
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port France is famous for being the official starting point of the Camino de Santiago – Camino Frances. Pilgrims arrive at the hamlet to embark on their journey that will cross the Pyrenees Mountains into Spain.
This famous route passes by historical cities, charming towns, through the La Rioja Region, onto the vast Meseta, with the final stages twisting through the mystical region of Galicia.
- Distance: SJPDP to Santiago de Compostela is around 779 Km (484 miles)
- Average Duration: Most pilgrims budget 4 to 6 weeks to walk from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela
- There are plenty of Camino Frances detours that are worth adding to your walking itinerary, especially if you feel comfortable in the mountains (Camino Dragonte)
The Camino Frances has the best infrastructure of any Camino de Santiago route, but it is also the most popular. One draw of the Camino Frances is that most pilgrims don’t walk the entire route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, so it does get busier the closer you move to Santiago de Compostela.
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is easily accessible by train from Bayonne France. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port also has lots of accommodation options so it’s ideal to arrive the day before you start walking.
Where to Get the Credencial in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
If you need a Credencial, the Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port Pilgrim Office is the place to go. The volunteers at the Saint Jean Pied de Port Pilgrim Office speak multiple languages and can give useful trail updates and weather forecasts. They can also help answer questions about the Camino de Santiago and provide tons of support. A majority of these volunteers have walked one or multiple Camino de Santiago routes.
The Pilgrim Office can be busy, especially in the evening. Try to make this your first stop when arriving in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port. It’s also nice to register here to be included in the official statistics!
Saint Jean Pied de Port Pilgrim Office | Find it Here: 39 Rue de la Citadelle | Open Year Round / Daily: 7:30 – 12:00 / 13:00 – 20:00 | Official Website
Popular Albergues in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
- Gîte Bidean
- Gîte Le Chemin vers l’Etoile
- Gite Izaxulo
- La Vita e Bella
- La Coquille Napoléon (Outside of Center)
➤ Saint-Jacques Municipal Pilgrim Hostel / 34 Beds / €12 / Does Not Accept Reservations / Must have a Credencial Pilgrim Passport
4 | Porto Portugal (Coastal & Central Camino Portuguese Way)
The Camino Portuguese route starts from Lisbon, but a large percentage of pilgrims opt to start in Porto. From Porto, the Camino Portuguese has three different route options: the Litoral, the Coastal, and the Central Way.
- Litoral – This route literally follows Portugal’s coastline. This route sees fewer pilgrims and has fewer yellow arrow markers.
- Coastal – The Camino da Costa hugs the coastline and has sections of boardwalks and fishing villages, but also can move a little inland to villages, and forests.
- Central – The Caminho Central has the most structure of the three routes and includes small villages, trails through vineyards, and spectacular river valleys. There are more detour options on the Camino Central route, since it has the second best infrastructure.
There are a few connecting routes that make it possible to move between the three routes fairly easy.
The Camino da Costa and Camino Central are the two most popular Camino Portugués Routes with 46,273 pilgrims beginning their journey from Porto. Of that, 27,907 opted to walk the Portuguese Central Route with 18,371 chose the Camino Portuguese Coastal Way. That accounts for a combined total of 11% of total pilgrims that start in Porto.
Camino Portuguese Central Route
- Distance: Porto to Santiago de Compostela is around 252 Km (157 miles)
- Average Duration: Most pilgrims budget around 10 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela or around 2 weeks with the Espiritual Variante Route
Camino Portuguese Coastal Route
- Distance: Porto to Santiago de Compostela via the Coastal Way is around 280 Km (174 miles)
- Average Duration: Most pilgrims budget around 12 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela on the Coastal Way but buget a few extra days for the Spiritual Variant
Porto, is ideal for starting the Camino Portuguese Way. As it is Portugal’s second city, find a strong pilgrim infrastructure, an international airport, and numerous public transportation options.
The Camino Portuguese is a fantastic alternative pilgrimage route for those who don’t have the time to complete a longer Camino route like the Camino Frances.
Where to Get the Credencial in Porto
The Porto Cathedral is one place to pick up a Credencial del Peregrino or Pilgrim Passport. There is no need to preorder the passport, simply head to the Sé do Porto and pay the 2 Euro fee for the Credencial.
Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral) | Find it here: Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto | Hours: Daily, 9:00 – 18:30 / Winter closes at 17:30 | Closed Christmas Day & Easter | Admission: €3 to Visit Cathedral / €2 for Credencial
Albergue de Peregrinos Porto also sells the Camino Portugués Credencial for €2.
Popular Albergues in Porto Portugal
- The House of Sandeman
- The Central House Porto Ribeira
- Travel & Live Porto Hostel
- Nice Way Porto Hostel
- Being Porto Hostel
- Best Guest Porto Hostel
- Porto Wine Hostel
➤ Albergue Peregrinos Porto / €16 Bed / Inquire about reservations by contacting the property directly / Must have a Credencial Pilgrim Passport
5 | Ferrol Spain (Camino Inglés)
Ferrol is the official Camino de Santiago starting point of the Inglés Way for those looking to receive a Compostela in Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims who live in A Coruña can actually start the way from here, but for visitors, A Coruña is under the 100 Km distance requirement to qualify for an official Compostela.
In 2023, 22,958 pilgrims started their Camino journey from Ferrol, which is 5.5% of total pilgrims.
- Distance: Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela is around 116 Km (72 miles) / A Coruña to Santiago de Compostela is 75 Km (47 miles)
- Average Duration: Most pilgrims walk the Camino Inglés in 4 to 6 days.
The Camino Inglés was the official route for pilgrims arriving from current day Ireland and Britain. They would arrive by boat in A Coruña or the port city of Ferrol to walk to Santiago de Compostela.
Today, the Camno Inglés is a popular route for those who are short on time and would like to get a taste of the Camino de Santiago. As this way is rather short, most pilgrims opt to combine this route with the Camino Finisterre Muxia to the “End of the World.”
Where to Get the Credencial in Ferrol
In Ferrol, the Ferrol Co-Cathedral sells the Credencials. You may be able to pick one up at the Ferrol Tourist Information Center or at the Municipal Tourism and Pilgrim Attention Office near the marina.
A few of the Ferrol hostels and accommodation options may also offer a chance to purchase a credencial.
Popular Albergues in Ferrol Spain
➤ Albergue de Peregrinos de Ferrol (Xunta) / 60 Beds / €10 / Reservations are Not Accepted / Must have a Credencial Pilgrim Passport
6 | Valença Portugal
Valença do Minho is just south of Tui Spain across the Minho River in Portugal. 14,338 pilgrims started in Valença in 2023 (a little over 3% of total pilgrims).
- Distance: Valença to Santiago de Compostela is around 124 Km (77 miles)
- Average Duration: Around 1 week of walking time to Santiago (add more days if planning to walk the Camino Spiritual Variation)
Valença is similar to Tui as it’s a lovely hilltop village. However, Vaença’s Old Town sits inside a stunning old fortress. This is a busy day trip destination and the fortress walls boast cobblestone streets lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
It’s personal preference whether pilgrims start at Valença or Tui since they are so close together. Those coming from the south of Portugal may find it easier to start in Valença and then follow the arrows across the Miño River to enter Spain via Tui.
Where to Get the Credencial in Valença
The Parroquial Church of Santa Maria dos Anjos in the fortress walls does sell the Credencial. The Valença Tourist Information Center may also be able to help locate a credencial. Additionally, the Municipal Albergue of São Teotónio can issue the Credencial.
If not, just a couple miles across the River there are numerous locations in Tui to collect a credencial. Be mindful that when you cross into Spain you will lose an hour (clocks move ahead one hour)
Popular Albergues in Valença do Minho
➤ Albergue São Teotónio (Next to the Fire Station) / 65 Beds / €8 / Reservations Not Accepted / Must have a Credencial Pilgrim Passport
7 | Oviedo Spain (Camino Primitivo)
The official starting point of the Camino Primitivo is in Oviedo. In 2023, 12,215 pilgrims started their journey from the historical city of Oviedo. That accounts of less than 3% of total pilgrims who received their Compostela.
- Distance: Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela is around 320 Km (200 miles)
- Average Duration: Most pilgrims budget around 2 weeks to walk the Camino Primitivo as it’s quite a hilly route with challenging ascents and descents
Oviedo has always been an important city for medieval pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. In fact, the first Camino route was said to start here. During the 9th century, King Alfonso II made the first pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. He followed a similar way from Oviedo to verify the relics found in the meadows near Santiago de Compostela were those of the Apostle St. James.
The Cathedral of San Salvador of Oviedo is one of the most important cathedrals in all of Spain and houses many relics, but the most significant is the Holy Shroud that covered the face of Jesus after his crucifixion. Pilgrims who walked the Camino San Salvador from León can also pick up the Salvadorana Certificate at the Cathedral, which includes free admission to the worthwhile church.
The Camino Primitivo is a fantastic route that sees fewer pilgrims and can be challenging with the many ascents and descents. It twists through the mountains and is more rural than most Camino routes.
Where to Get the Credencial in Oviedo
If starting the Camino Primitivo from Oviedo (and not diverting from other routes) you can pick up a Credencial at the Municipal Albergue de Peregrinos de Oviedo (San Salvador). The main San Salvador Cathedral and the Basilica of St. John The Regal both issue the Credencial. The Oviedo Tourism Office also sells the Credencial.
Popular Albergues in Oviedo
➤ Albergue de Peregrinos de El Salvador (Municipal) / 65 Beds / €7.50 / Reservation can be made if you contact them directly / Must have a Credencial Pilgrim Passport
8 | Vigo Spain (Camino da Costa Portugués Way)
Vigo is a popular starting point for pilgrims who want to walk the end of the Coastal Portuguese Way. Since it’s a large city on the Atlantic Coast, it makes for an ideal place to start. A little over 2% of total pilgrims, or 9,717 walkers started their journey from Vigo.
- Distance: Vigo to Santiago de Compostela is 101 Km (62 miles)
- Average Duration: Most pilgrims budget around 5 days to walk from Vigo to Santiago de Compostela.
Pilgrims starting the Camino de Santiago from Vigo will follow the Portuguese Coastal route for a day before merging into the Camino Central route. Once in Ponferrada, there is the option to take the spectacular Camino Variante Espiritual deviant route to Santiago de Compostela.
Where to Get the Credencial in Vigo
Santiago de Vigo Church sells the Credencial to pilgrims in Vigo. The Xunta Pilgrim Hostel may also carry the Credencial along with the Vigo Tourist Information Center.
Popular Albergues in Vigo
➤ Albergue de Vigo (Xunta) / 93 Beds / €10 / No Reservations / Must have a Credencial Pilgrim Passport
9 | León Spain (Camino Frances)
León makes for a fantastic place to start the Camino Frances route. Last year, 8,175 pilgrims started their journey from this historical city (that’s less than 2% of pilgrims).
- Distance: León to Santiago de Compostela on the French Way is just over 300 Km (186.5 miles)
- Average Duration: 2 weeks to walk from León to Santiago de Compostela.
León has always been a significant city for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. The city itself holds treasures like the stunning Catedral de León (Pulchara Leonina) with its incredible stained glass windows and the Basílica de San Isidoro which houses the fantastic Royal Pantheon.
From León, pilgrims will continue to Astorga and Ponferrada and onto the rolling hillside hamlets of Galicia.
While most pilgrims start their Camino in León to walk the Camino Frances, León is also the starting point of the mountainous Camino de San Salvador route. The Camino de San Salvador connects the Camino Frances from León to the Camino Primitivo in Oviedo. This divergent route is an option for those pilgrims seeking a more challenging route with fewer pilgrims.
Where to Get the Credencial in León
The two main places to collect a Credencial in León is at the Albergue de Peregrinos del Monasterio de las Benedictinas and the Asociación de Amigos del Camino de Santiago. Be mindful you can choose the Camino Frances or the Camino de San Salvador Credencial.
Popular Albergues in León
➤ Albergue de Peregrinos del Monasterio de las Benedictinas / 96 Beds / Donativo (suggested donation €10) / Reservations for Groups of 4 or More / Must have a Credencial Pilgrim Passport
10 | Cebreiro Spain (Camino Frances)
Finally, Cebreiro is the first town on the Camino Frances to welcome pilgrims to the fertile lands of Galicia. The Galicia region in Spain is unique and has ancient ties to the Celts. The village is harder to reach via public transportation, deterring some pilgrims from starting here.
Last year, 6,735 pilgrims started the Camino de Santiago from O Cebreiro (less than 1.5% of total pilgrims).
- Distance: Cebreiro to Santiago de Compostela is around 157 Km (97.5 miles)
- Average Duration: Around 1 week to walk from O Cebreiro to Santiago de Compostela.
O Cebreiro has a special church, Santuario do Santa María a Real, where it’s possible to light a candle and sit in solitude. This ancient chapel dates back all the way to the 9th century.
While O Cebreiro is frequented by day trippers on tour buses, the small pueblo still maintains its magic. The twisting streets don’t have a single bad view and the stone buildings are enchanting. Cebreiro is a really special place to see.
Where to Get the Credencial in Cebreiro
The Santa María a Real Chapel can issue the credencial in Cebreiro.
Popular Albergues in O Cebreiro
➤ Albergue Municipal de O Cebreiro (Xunta) / 104 Beds / €10 / Reservations Not Accepted / Must have a Credencial Pilgrim Passport
More Top Places to Start the Camino de Santiago
While the above list are the most common Camino de Santiago starting points, these 4 cities are also worth a mention.
- Baiona is a fantastic medieval seaside city between A Guarda and Vigo on the Camino Portuguese Coastal Way. (6,217 pilgrims / 1.46%)
- Lugo is found on the Camino Primitivo and is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site for its impressive Roman Walls. (5,996 pilgrims / 1.41%)
- Irún is the official Camino de Santiago starting point for the Camino del Norte. This beautiful way follows along Spain’s Northern Coast and passes by historical cities like San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, and San Vicente de la Barquera. (5,656 pilgrims / 1.33%)
- Ponferrada is the official starting point of the Camino de Invierno. This route is a divergent route off of the Camino Frances and highlights include Las Medulas, the Ribeira Sacra, Monforte de Lemos, and Pico Sacro. As this route isn’t as popular as most, these are my Camino de Invierno stages. (5,198 pilgrims / 1.22%)
Conclusion | The Most Popular Camino de Santiago Starting Points
In conclusion, these are some of the most popular Camino de Santiago starting points according to the official statistics of the Pilgrim Office in Santiago de Compostela.
With the Camino Frances and Camino Portuguese routes are by far the most trotted paths, there are lots of different options and villages to start your journey.
This quick guide covers the ten most desirable starting points for the many Camino de Santiago routes. I’ve also included a few additional options for those seeking a quieter and more reflective journey.
No matter where you start, all paths lead to Santiago de Compostela, a historical city in Galicia and the supposed burial place of Saint James.
Have you walked the Camino de Santiago? Where did you start? Is there anything that needs updating in this article? Let me know in the comments below!
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