Camino de Santiago

As far as I know (because my uncle has done them 21 times), there are at least 18 different Caminos. The most "walked" one is the Camino Francés (the French way), but there are others that are also becoming quite popular (Northern, Primitive...). How much of it you plan to walk, which one, departing from where?

With a quick search you can find images that show the more popular routes. I guess it depends on the type experience you’re looking for.

Thank you Mike and Jaime for your replies, I really appreciate it. I am reviewing various Camino routes to Santiago de Compostela, and researching tour groups. I am gathering information about where to start, length, etc. Many thanks, Judi

We (62 &69) walked the Camino Frances (from Burgos) in October 2019 and Camino Portuguese (from Porto) with the Spiritual Variant in May 2024. We did not use a tour company but booked a variety of accommodation on our own (mostly booking.com) and arranged our own transfer of a duffel bag (Portuguese). Both were easy to coordinate.
It comes down to how much time you have, terrain you prefer (mountains passes or sea) and the experience you are hoping to have (comrades, independent, spiritual, etc).
A good resource is https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/members/ivar.1/ and Stingy Nomads.
Both Caminos were unique and amazing experiences. I’d be happy to answer any questions on those two routes you may have.
Check https://americanpilgrims.org/ you may have a local chapter which is a great resource. Most groups meet monthly for coffee to answer questions face to face.

I am 69 and have walked 6 Caminos since 2015, 4 times on the Camino Frances and twice on the Portuguese. My last time walking the Frances, I spent 7 weeks and could have added an extra week. I like walking shorter days. Others like to walk longer days and have a day off in certain towns and cities. Last April, spent about 3 weeks on a combination of the coast and central Portugues route. Though the coast is stunning and some of the forest walks in Portugal are full of waterfalls, I prefer the Camino Frances. Especially in the spring with all the flowers blooming, especially red poppies, and the weather suits me better.

How much time do you have? Have you hiked before? Are you fit? Do you want to walk spring, summer or fall? Is staying in albergues ok, or do you want private hotel rooms? The poster above gave you some great websites to spend some time on. Give you a feel for walking some of the routes.
Watch some YouTube videos. I have the last few Caminos filmed, day by day, on my channel - Camino for Everyone. It is made more for senior women, rather than fit young things walking 30km days.

You can adjust your routes to fit your preference. Something the tour companies don't seem to do well. Booking ahead is easy and arranging a bag transfer every day is easy too if you don't want to carry all your stuff.

Thank you Renee, thank you so much for this information. In fact, I was looking at the Portuguese
route since I have not been to Portugal. Once I review the many routes, combinations of travel
I would like to email you back with some questions for sure. Many thanks, Judi

Thank you Ms. Jo, how impressive regarding the Camino walks. I believe I would prefer the shorter days as well. Camino Frances sounds wonderful. I am still working through the timeline etc.
I am walking the Houston Half Marathon and walk a lot, hopefully, this is qualifying. I do not hike in the mountains so probably will look for routes to avoid this if possible. Your videos sound great, for I am also in a Senior fit zone, so I will take a look. Thank you so much for all this helpful information I really appreciate it very much! Many thanks, Judi