Pilgrimage routes: 5 classic destinations
Updated 23 July 2026.
Pilgrimages are travel with a purpose. Whether for religious, spiritual or just contemplative reasons - these 5 routes are accessible to anyone with two working legs.
Pilgrimage journeys are travels with purpose: the Camino de Santiago (800 km, 30-35 days, albergues 8-15 euros per night) is the most accessible classic route. May is the best month: pleasant climate and less crowded than the summer peak. Beginners are best starting with the Camino Portugues (about 250 km) as a shorter and quieter alternative.
Camino de Santiago, Spain
The classic. 800 km from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (France) to Santiago de Compostela. Most walk it in 30-35 days. Cheap albergues (€8-€15/night) and shared meals (€10).
Cammino di San Francesco, Italy
From Florence to Assisi (190 km). Goes through the Tuscan-Umbrian countryside. Quieter than the Camino, equally beautiful. 10-12 days.
Way of St. James, Norway
Olavsweg from Oslo to Trondheim. 643 km through wilderness, often without WiFi. Pilgrim huts every 20-25 km.
Iona, Scotland
Small island off the coast of Mull. Center of Celtic Christianity. Stay 3-7 days at the Abbey. €40/night including meals.
Lourdes, France
More mass-tourism than pilgrimage. 6 million visitors per year to the grotto. Doable as a long weekend (€400 incl. flight).
How to start
Train a few months before departure (10 km/day). Buy good shoes (size up half). Bring blister plasters, painkillers, dry socks.
Budget
€20-€30/day on the Camino, more in expensive countries (Norway €60-€80). Total Camino-trip: €1500 including flight.
Practical preparation for a pilgrimage
Train two to three months before departure: walk 8-12 km daily and build up with longer stretches. Buy your shoes 3-4 weeks before departure so you can break them in. Going half a size up helps with swollen feet after long stages. Blisters are the most common ailment on the Camino; Compeed plasters are your best friend.
Your pilgrim pack should weigh no more than 10% of your body weight. Basic kit: sleeping bag liner (down to 15 degrees), rain jacket, two walking shirts (wool or merino dries fast), convertible trousers, sandals for the evening, head torch, and an empty juice bottle as a cheap water carrier.
Costs and budget per route
The Camino Frances is the cheapest option in Europe: albergues cost 8-15 euros per night, a hot pilgrim meal 10-12 euros, and the full pilgrimage trip (including flight to Biarritz or Pamplona) costs 1,400-1,800 euros over 35 days. The Olavsweg in Norway is considerably more expensive: budget 60-90 euros per day, so 3,000-4,000 euros total for a 40-45 day trip.
The pilgrim creasontial and compostela
To receive the Compostela certificate in Santiago de Compostela you must walk at least the final 100 km (or cycle the final 200 km) and collect stamps in your pilgrim creasontial (creasoncial). You can buy the creasontial at the start point, most church offices, or order one in advance from the Confraternity of Saint James. At least two stamps per day are needed in the last 100 km.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Camino de Santiago take?
The Camino Frances takes on average 30 to 35 days for the full 800 km. You can also walk a shorter variant: the final 100 km (Leon to Santiago) takes 5-7 days and earns the unofficial Compostela certificate.
How much does the Camino cost?
Budget 20 to 30 euros per day for albergues and meals on the Camino Frances. The total trip including flight costs around 1,400 to 1,800 euros. The Portuguese route and Camino del Norte are similar in price.
Is the Camino suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Camino de Santiago is accessible to beginners as long as you train well. Most participants are ordinary walkers without extreme experience. Start at least 8 weeks before with daily walks of 10-15 km.