The Camino de Santiago is one of the world’s most iconic pilgrimage routes, stretching across Spain, France and Portugal, attracting walkers, hikers and cyclists from all corners of the globe. Whether you're hearing about this historic hiking and pilgrimage trail for the first time or already familiar with its story, this journey offers a powerful blend of adventure, personal reflection, and deep-rooted tradition.
With ever-changing landscapes and a rich cultural heritage, the Camino de Santiago (or the Way of St James in English) is more than just a walk — it’s an experience that many undertake for spiritual growth, self-discovery, or simply the joy of the journey. Hikers, cyclists, tour groups and pilgrimages alike follow the path for several days leading to the shrine of the apostle James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, northwestern Spain, where it is believed the apostle’s remains are buried.
Since 2013, the Camino has attracted more than 200,000 pilgrims each year, and the northern routes in Spain were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List due to the historical significance of this area.
Feet Do Travel introduce you to this remarkable trail, and help you explore why so many people choose to walk the Camino.
With ever-changing landscapes and a rich cultural heritage, the Camino de Santiago (or the Way of St James in English) is more than just a walk — it’s an experience that many undertake for spiritual growth, self-discovery, or simply the joy of the journey. Hikers, cyclists, tour groups and pilgrimages alike follow the path for several days leading to the shrine of the apostle James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, northwestern Spain, where it is believed the apostle’s remains are buried.
Since 2013, the Camino has attracted more than 200,000 pilgrims each year, and the northern routes in Spain were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List due to the historical significance of this area.
Feet Do Travel introduce you to this remarkable trail, and help you explore why so many people choose to walk the Camino.
One of the beautiful alley's in Pamplona, Spain
Starting from Pamplona: A Popular and Practical Option
There are many benefits of a walking holiday, and many people dream of hiking the Camino de Santiago, particularly the Camino Francés, one of the most iconic and well-travelled routes. However, organising the trip can sometimes feel overwhelming. As you will be hiking for a few days, sometimes booking accommodation for each stage and handling luggage transfers can seem daunting and are some of the tasks which hold people back.
The Camino is not only about walking – it’s about reconnecting with yourself, meeting fellow travellers, and enjoying the beauty of nature. It should not be about worrying over logistics. If you start your journey from Pamplona, we suggest arranging your adventure with Santiago Ways, so you can focus entirely on the trail ahead, especially if you are hiking solo. They can arrange your accommodation, transport your luggage, and handle the small details that make your journey smoother, giving you the opportunity to focus on enjoying the exciting adventure which awaits you.
There are many benefits of a walking holiday, and many people dream of hiking the Camino de Santiago, particularly the Camino Francés, one of the most iconic and well-travelled routes. However, organising the trip can sometimes feel overwhelming. As you will be hiking for a few days, sometimes booking accommodation for each stage and handling luggage transfers can seem daunting and are some of the tasks which hold people back.
The Camino is not only about walking – it’s about reconnecting with yourself, meeting fellow travellers, and enjoying the beauty of nature. It should not be about worrying over logistics. If you start your journey from Pamplona, we suggest arranging your adventure with Santiago Ways, so you can focus entirely on the trail ahead, especially if you are hiking solo. They can arrange your accommodation, transport your luggage, and handle the small details that make your journey smoother, giving you the opportunity to focus on enjoying the exciting adventure which awaits you.
The charming City of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
Why Begin the Camino Francés in Pamplona?
Although the Camino de Santiago has many different routes, The Camino Francés is one of the most famous and one of the most popular long-distance trails in the world. Beginning in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France, it continues through Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos in Spain and beyond, ending at Santiago de Compostela. While its French starting point is breathtaking, the first two stages (including the steep Napoleon route) are also some of the most demanding.
This is why many people choose to begin in Pamplona, Spain — you’re still walking the Camino Francés, but you skip the hardest part and start with confidence. You will walk along beautiful mountains, through areas full of vineyards, cross medieval bridges, and pass several castles and churches.
Pamplona is famously known for the week long San Fermin festival held during July in the charming city of Navarre, so starting the Camino here offers a mix of culture, history, and lush green scenery from your very first step.
Its excellent transport links also make it easy to reach from within Spain and across Europe. And before you even begin, you can enjoy exploring Pamplona’s streets and sampling pintxos — a wonderful way to ease into the experience.
Although the Camino de Santiago has many different routes, The Camino Francés is one of the most famous and one of the most popular long-distance trails in the world. Beginning in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France, it continues through Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos in Spain and beyond, ending at Santiago de Compostela. While its French starting point is breathtaking, the first two stages (including the steep Napoleon route) are also some of the most demanding.
This is why many people choose to begin in Pamplona, Spain — you’re still walking the Camino Francés, but you skip the hardest part and start with confidence. You will walk along beautiful mountains, through areas full of vineyards, cross medieval bridges, and pass several castles and churches.
Pamplona is famously known for the week long San Fermin festival held during July in the charming city of Navarre, so starting the Camino here offers a mix of culture, history, and lush green scenery from your very first step.
Its excellent transport links also make it easy to reach from within Spain and across Europe. And before you even begin, you can enjoy exploring Pamplona’s streets and sampling pintxos — a wonderful way to ease into the experience.
Prepare Yourself: Mind and Body
Starting the Camino Francés from Pamplona helps avoid some of the more difficult sections, but it still comes with challenges.
At 94km long across 6 days, this hike is still a physical and mental challenge. It’s not a race, and you don’t need to be an athlete, but some preparation goes a long way.
If you don’t already own a sturdy set of hiking boots, invest in a pair a few months before your adventure, and walk them in! Start walking a few kilometres each day in the months before your trip, and eventually build up to 10-12km without stopping. Remember that hiking the Camino will require you to do this distance day after day, so doing what you can to reduce soreness and risk of injury is very important.
Equally important is preparing your mindset. Expect long days on your feet, changing weather, and occasional fatigue. But take comfort — every step is part of a rewarding experience. The Camino is full of memorable views and meaningful encounters.
Starting the Camino Francés from Pamplona helps avoid some of the more difficult sections, but it still comes with challenges.
At 94km long across 6 days, this hike is still a physical and mental challenge. It’s not a race, and you don’t need to be an athlete, but some preparation goes a long way.
If you don’t already own a sturdy set of hiking boots, invest in a pair a few months before your adventure, and walk them in! Start walking a few kilometres each day in the months before your trip, and eventually build up to 10-12km without stopping. Remember that hiking the Camino will require you to do this distance day after day, so doing what you can to reduce soreness and risk of injury is very important.
Equally important is preparing your mindset. Expect long days on your feet, changing weather, and occasional fatigue. But take comfort — every step is part of a rewarding experience. The Camino is full of memorable views and meaningful encounters.
Conclusion
The Camino is more than just a walking route — it’s a personal journey filled with culture, nature, and quiet reflection. With the proper planning and preparation, your Camino will be both achievable and unforgettable.
The Camino is more than just a walking route — it’s a personal journey filled with culture, nature, and quiet reflection. With the proper planning and preparation, your Camino will be both achievable and unforgettable.
