Go backpacking to Camino de Santiago

01/16/2017

Find the way to Santiago on a budget

Camino de Santiago in northern Spain is one of the world’s oldest pilgrimage routes, offering backpackers an incredible hiking experience. For over 1,000 years’ pilgrims have flocked to Apostle James the Great’s tomb at Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, where his grave was discovered in the ninth century.

Backpackers from across the world now travel to Spain to hike along the ‘Camino’ trails in search of spiritual happiness.

'The Way of Saint James' on a budget

Camino de Santiago

Image by Camino de Santiago (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Camino de Santiago Pilgrim Route popularity has soared in recent decades. Back in the 1960s, the tourist route was only frequented by around 10,000 pilgrims, but now 190,000 backpackers walk to Santiago.

Anyone planning on walking to Santiago will need to pick a suitable Camino trail. The Way of Saint James is enormous taking in 496 miles, starting in St. Jean Pied De Port, France, and finishing at Santiago de Compostela cathedral.

Most backpackers don’t trek all the way from southern France to Santiago. That’s a long way to go if you only have a week’s holiday. Fortunately, there are shorter routes to Santiago and with some pre-planning they can be done cheaply on a budget.

Where does the El Camino de Santiago start?

Most backpackers agree that the El Camino de Santiago (St. James Way) starts at Saint Jean Pied de Port, France, and takes 496 miles through northern Spain, concluding at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.

How many days does it take to walk the Camino de Santiago?

The Way

Image by aherrero (Flickr/Creative Commons)

If you go on a trek from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Santiago, then it should take you about 30 to 35 days. To complete the pilgrim route within this timeframe, you’ll need to walk around 14 and 16 miles per day.

If you don’t fancy walking for 35 days, then there are numerous routes across Spain, and backpackers can walk any part of the journey they choose. The bottom line is that you must arrive in Santiago de Compostela.

Bilbao and Santiago accommodation options

Bilbao

Image by Jacob jung (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela are two of the most attractive cities in northern Spain, but with 434 miles separating them and a sparse train network, you’re going to have to plan carefully.

We have excellent budget accommodation available in both cities. Poshtel Bilbao Premium Hostel is a boutique choice for any backpacker starting their journey in the Basque country.

Offering budget priced rooms in a converted factory and only 300 metres away from the Guggenheim Museum, this poshtel is the perfect place to unwind before a long trek west to Santiago de Compostela.

Santiago Cathedral

Image by Jose Maria Cuellar (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Once you’ve arrived in Santiago, then you’ll want a comfortable bed for a good night’s rest and some tapas. You can do this cheaply at the Mexico Pr Hostel, which is only 500 metres from Santiago de Compostela train station.

Here you can kick back in air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, safe in the knowledge that you found your way to Santiago on a budget.

Latest posts

7 hidden beaches in Sicily that have not yet been discovered by tourists

7 hidden beaches in Sicily that have not yet been discovered by tourists

These are some of the beautiful Sicilian beaches that have not yet been fully discovered by tourists. It’s time to visit them! read more

How to start uploading travel videos on tik tok

How to start uploading travel videos on tik tok

A brief guide to upload good travel content on Tik Tok read more

10 beautiful medieval walled towns in Italy to see in one day

10 beautiful medieval walled towns in Italy to see in one day

Would you hop on a tour around medieval italian walled towns? Surely yes, huh? read more

The 8 cheapest and most beautiful cities in Europe to visit

The 8 cheapest and most beautiful cities in Europe to visit

If you're planning to travel in Europe on a budget, this fascinating guide on the 8 cheapest cities in Europe will be of great help! read more

What to see in Bruges: the city that looks like something out of a fairy tale

What to see in Bruges: the city that looks like something out of a fairy tale

A weekend getaway to Bruges, the “Venice of the North”. read more

The Algarve in September - where to go and what to see

The Algarve in September - where to go and what to see

Just because you couldn't make it to the Algarve in August doesn't mean you can't go anymore! Here's a secret: temperatures around 30ºC are expected during the month of September! read more

See more articles >