Pilgrimage hiking in Europe: 3 routes along the paths of Santiago to Compostela

The European routes of the St. James Way, with a total length of more than 800 km, are ancient pilgrimage trails leading to the cathedral where, according to legend, the relics of the apostle are located. A variety of amazingly beautiful roads, exploring the possibilities of their body and spirit - for centuries, travelers have been seeking self-knowledge and testing physical endurance here. And no matter how many kilometers you cover - 100 or 200 - the document of the Compostela in the form of a pilgrim certificate will be solemnly handed to you as a reward for what you have done!

For those who have already walked the Camino de Santiago with us, we have good news: we are opening a similar route in our home country. Camino Podolico is a pilgrimage route in Podillia, integrated into the European cultural context of the Way of St. James, where each day consists of a logical sequence of transitions and impressions. Spring 2026 — the start of our first groups: we will walk through eastern Podillia from the river banks to the Tovtry Mountains, accompanied by KULUAR and with well-thought-out logistics.

Features of pilgrimage tourism in Europe

Spiritual enrichment, interesting physical activity, and complete cultural immersion are the characteristics of European pilgrimage routes. One of the most famous is the El Camino "walk", also known as the St. James' Way on the Iberian Peninsula. There are several branches here, each of which will show you its own peculiarities 😉

For example, the Camino de Santiago from Porto, which passes through the southern regions of Portugal and the northern provinces of Spain. The Northern Route, which runs along the coast of the Bay of Biscay, offers stunning ocean views. Or do you prefer the French route, which stretches across picturesque plains and mountains? For adventurers, the challenging but surprisingly beautiful Asturias course stretches through the mountains of Asturias. Each of the tracks will reveal a whole new beauty! Each of them is fraught with a whole philosophy of travel! Camino helps you to look at life in a new way, leave the hustle and bustle behind and focus on the present.

The local overnight stays are worth mentioning separately. Have you ever spent the night in a monastery? No doubt, it's a cool experience, isn't it? If this is not to your taste, then you are welcome to albergues (pilgrimage hostels). Nature lovers will appreciate the campsites, especially on the northern sections of the route. What could be better than unity with nature and a lullaby under the stars? For those looking for more privacy and comfort, hotels or guest houses/casas rurales are available along the routes. This is a great choice for relaxing after a long day of travel.

St. James's Way is also a natural diversity of all kinds - from green hills and forests to rugged mountain peaks and coastal areas, you will come across numerous towns and villages, medieval cathedrals, monasteries, bridges and castles along the way. Well, welcome to the fairy tale!

Portuguese St. James Way: route from Porto to Santiago de Compostela

The Camino de Santiago and its Portuguese trail is one of the most beautiful and comfortable routes. The Santiago Trail from Portugal starts in sunny Porto and finishes in Spain. The track passes through lush vineyards, eucalyptus groves, ancient villages and the Atlantic coast. Unique architecture, hospitality of locals, and mild climate make hiking here accessible at any time of the year.

The difficulty of the route is moderate, which makes it suitable for pilgrims and tourists with different levels of training. Most of the sections run along flat roads and paths, although there are also areas with climbs, especially closer to Galicia.

Combined pilgrimage route in Spain - Camino Finisterre

The route from Ferrol to Cape Finisterre begins on the northern coast of Galicia and ends at the very edge of Europe, where the most magnificent views of the Atlantic are located. Just imagine: you will walk the pilgrim's path through quiet fishing villages, green Galician forests, majestic cliffs, while breathing in the fresh ocean breeze! This route is symbolic: it combines the spiritual beginning associated with visiting the Cathedral of St. James with the sense of completion that the view of the endless ocean near Finisterre gives.

The complexity of the route is low: most of the zones are flat, although there are ascents and descents, especially on the approaches to the cape. It will satisfy pilgrims with basic physical fitness, as well as those tourists who are looking for an opportunity to immerse themselves in a meditative atmosphere. This track is ideal for nature lovers - those who want to avoid large tourist flows.

The shortest road of St. James in Spain - the route from Tui

The route from Tui is a great opportunity to experience the magic of the St. James Pilgrimage Route in just 8 days. This fairly new route is the shortest version of the Camino. Undoubtedly, it will suit those who want to feel the atmosphere of the legendary road, but have limited time.

The starting point is a small Spanish town that will amaze you with its historical flavor, ancient streets, 12th-century cathedral, and views of the Minho River. Then the route continues along the towns and villages of Galicia, strewn with stone bridges, cozy squares and delicious-looking vineyards 😉 Yes, it's definitely worth tasting the local wine! And also fresh seafood, empanadas pies and the specialty of ground almonds - tarta de Santiago.

In terms of difficulty, this route is easier than the Spanish and Camino Portugueses. But this does not mean that it will be boring 😉 The first 2 days will be shorter distances, but on the third day, like real pilgrims, you will overcome your 20+ km.

When to go? The best season for the St. James Road

The St. James Trail through Portugal can be walked almost at any time of the year, but in winter there are long showers. By the way, all the paths of Santiago can be walked in high/low season. The most comfortable time is from March to November. At this time, the road is crowded with pilgrims, because both Portugal and Spain are quite sunny and warm. Accordingly, there are often difficulties with overnight accommodation due to the large influx of people. That's why the KULUAR team takes care of overnight accommodations in advance by booking places for their groups.

By the way, you won't see the usual change from summer to fall here. The hot 30-degree sun can suddenly wrap itself in clouds and be replaced by rain. Speaking of the tour "From Ferrol and Cape Finisterre", the situation here is changing. Summer is the best time to relax, because it is never hot in the north of Spain ;). The surrounding valleys are quite humid and with plenty of rainfall throughout the year.

What's the weather in Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela, located in northwestern Spain, has an oceanic climate with moderate temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. Summers here are mild, with temperatures ranging from +20 to +25°C, winters are relatively friendly, with temperatures around +8°C (but can be lowered). However, you should be prepared for frequent rains, especially in the fall and winter, when precipitation can be significant. So get ready for a season of muddy feet. However, they are not excluded in April-May on the St. James Way 😉

Given this feature, it is important to be prepared for wet weather, even in the summer months, as rain can occur at any time of the year.

Is it worth going to the Camino de Santiago from December to March

Winter, where most of the popular routes are located, is not very harsh, as we have already mentioned. Although the temperature can drop to 0°C, it will be felt differently due to the humidity (especially in mountainous areas). The slippery route can be unpredictable and full of "surprises". This is not the best time for those who are not prepared for cold and wet weather. But for those who are ready, the St. James Way will give you the pleasure of peace and quiet, because in winter there are very few tourists.

Important: during the cold season, some pilgrimage facilities (hostels, etc.) may be closed or operate on a reduced schedule.

Christmas on El Camino creates a special mystery. These days have their own strong spiritual atmosphere. Many Catholic churches, cathedrals and temples decorated with lights and candles create a unique mood. Special masses, prayers and pilgrimage events are also held here during this period.