If not now, then when? Kids all grown up, now you have plenty of free time, this is the moment to put yourself first. The Camino de Santiago is one of those special places that really changes your life. It’s the beginning of a new chapter; your milestone holiday.
All roads lead to Santiago! The Camino Frances, Camino Portugues, Camino del Norte, Camino Primitivo… The Camino de Santiago, one of the top travel destinations for 2020, is more than one single route and it suits people of all ages and fitness levels. You can do it at your own pace, travel solo or with family/friends, or join a guided group.
Follow the Camino is an Irish-based travel agency specialising in tailor-made Camino experiences, guided and self-guided tours. Here are the three Camino routes that we recommend to people to tick the Camino off their bucket list in 2020.
Famous Last 100 km – Sarria to Santiago
Guided or Self-Guided – Short walking days options available
5 + Days – Average 20 km per day -Price From €496
The last section of the Camino Frances is one of the most popular ways to experience the beauty and significance of the Camino; you can walk the last 100 km and still receive your Compostela certificate of completion.
This route begins in Sarria and finishes in Santiago de Compostela, traversing the hilly landscapes of Galicia. Visiting the medieval village of Portomarín, passing by the Celtic ruins of Castroimaior and the Mount of Joy (Monte de Gozo), and last but not least you’ll be able to witness the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those are just some of the main highlights of this trip!
The last 100 km of the Camino Frances is ideal to reconnect with family or friends while enjoying the good weather of Spain and the culture of the Albarino wine region. You can go on your own, or join a guided group. This Camino has a high level of comfort, plenty of services along the way and on this route you are guaranteed to meet many other like-minded pilgrims.
Camino Portugues Last 100 km – Tui to Santiago
Guided or Self-Guided – Short walking days options available
5 + Days – Average 19 km per day – Price From €575
Two wonderful countries, one way! Get a taste of the Portuguese and Spanish culture and delightful gastronomy by walking the last 100 km of the Camino Portugues.
This route starts in the medieval town of Tui, well-known for its picturesque streets and the impressive Cathedral of St Mary. It gently winds along ancient paths, running through woodlands, villages, farmlands, vineyards and historic towns like O Porrino, Arcade, Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis, Padron and ending in the acclaimed city of Santiago de Compostela.
The last 100 km of the Camino Portuguese is less popular than the Camino Frances but you’ll still find like-minded walkers along the way. You can also opt to join a guided group to make new friends for a lifetime!
Camino Portugues Coastal Route – Oia to Santiago
Guided or Self-Guided – Short walking days options available
5 + Days – Average 15 km per day – Price From €575
The Camino Portugues with an oceanic touch added! This route is more tranquil than the non-coastal Camino Portuguese, so it provides you with more peacefulness, perfect to unwind and fully disconnect.
This route goes from Oia to Santiago de Compostela and takes you along the coast around to the Vigo estuary. Staying in picturesque coastal cities like Baiona and Vigo before re-joining the traditional Camino Portuguese from Redondela to Santiago de Compostela.
What about the gastronomy? Well, its world-renowned seafood such as the Vieira (known as the pilgrim’s shell), pulpo (octopus), oysters, langostinos (shrimp) or even crab to name a few, combined with a glass of the local Albarino wine are just some of the delights to try while enjoying the breath-taking scenery.
Whether you want to travel solo, with family or prefer to join a guided group, all options are possible.
Make 2020 Your Camino Year!
With three great routes to choose from, now you can really make 2020 your milestone year. If that’s not enough, to celebrate the launch of their 2020 camino holidays, Follow the Camino is offering a 10% early bird discount (T&Cs apply) to all new bookings made between 1 November and 31 December 2019. Just mention Senior Times when booking. What are you waiting for?
Visit the Follow the Camino website to discover more: https://followthecamino.com/
