Walking the Camino de Santiago is a memorable way to explore Spain and Portugal on foot, combining beautiful landscapes, historic towns and the camaraderie of the trail. Whether you're drawn by the challenge, the culture or the chance to slow down and enjoy life on foot, the Camino offers an unforgettable walking adventure.

If you're considering one of the many walking holidays in Spain, the Camino is a great place to start. With different routes and distances to choose from, you can find an adventure to suit your schedule and experience. Here are our top tips for your first Camino.

The Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela, each offering a different experience. Two of the most popular options are the French Way and the Portuguese Way.

The French Way: a classic Camino experience

The French Way (Camino Francés) is the best-known Camino route, passing through historic towns, wine-growing regions, traditional villages and the wide-open landscapes of northern Spain. It's a great choice if you want to experience the classic Camino atmosphere, with plenty of fellow pilgrims, cafés and places to stop along the way.

KE offers two sections of the French Way. Our Logroño to León walking holiday takes you through the heart of the route over two weeks, while our León to Santiago walking holiday continues west towards your final destination.

The Portuguese Way: greener landscapes and historic towns

The Portuguese Way (Camino Portugués) offers a different perspective on the Camino, passing through historic towns, rural countryside and the greener landscapes of Galicia. Depending on your starting point, you'll also experience the character and culture of northern Portugal before crossing into Spain.

KE's one-week Portuguese Way trip from Tui follows the final section into Santiago, making it a good option if you have limited time. If you'd prefer a longer journey, our two-week trip from Porto lets you experience more of Portugal along the way.

Which Camino route is quieter?

The French Way generally attracts more walkers overall, particularly on its final stages. The Portuguese Way can offer a slightly quieter feel in places, although it has become increasingly popular and the paths can be busy as you approach Santiago.

Your starting point also makes a difference. Beginning the French Way at Logroño, rather than joining at one of the busier starting points closer to Santiago, can offer a different experience of the route. For either Camino, travelling outside the busiest summer months can help you enjoy a more relaxed pace.

You don't need to be an experienced trekker to enjoy the Camino, but preparing beforehand will help you get more from the experience. Start with regular walks and gradually increase your distance, aiming to include longer walks on consecutive days.

The Camino involves walking day after day, rather than completing one big hike. Practising on different terrain and getting used to spending several hours on your feet will help you feel more comfortable on the trail.

Comfortable, well-tested walking shoes or boots are essential. Wear them on training walks before your trip, and pack moisture-wicking socks, blister plasters and a small first-aid kit.

Spain can be hot, particularly during summer, so bring sun protection, a hat and a reusable water bottle. Waterproofs are also worth packing, as conditions can change.

One of the advantages of booking a self-guided Camino walking holiday with KE is that luggage transfers are included. Your main luggage is transported between overnight stops, leaving you free to enjoy each day's walk with a lighter daypack.

Self-guided walking holidays give you the freedom to walk independently while having the key arrangements organised in advance.

With KE, your accommodation and luggage transfers are arranged for you, so you can concentrate on the route and the experience rather than worrying about where to stay or how to transport your bags. It's an excellent option for first-time Camino walkers who want independence without having to plan every detail themselves.

Explore our self-guided walking holidays in Spain to discover more walking adventures.

The Camino is about much more than reaching Santiago de Compostela. Make time to explore historic towns, stop at local cafés and enjoy the changing landscapes along the way. You'll meet fellow walkers from around the world, discover regional specialities and experience the welcoming atmosphere that makes the Camino so special.

Allow yourself time for breaks and keep your daily pace comfortable. Reaching Santiago is a wonderful milestone, but the small discoveries along the way are just as much a part of the adventure.

Start planning your Camino adventure

Whether you choose a week on the Portuguese Way or a longer journey along the French Way, the Camino de Santiago offers a rewarding introduction to long-distance walking. With a little preparation and the practical arrangements taken care of, you can focus on enjoying every step.