the following traditional camino de santiago guides offer the direction of the route and allow you to reconnect with these historical and spiritual routes. Packed with information, guides can cover one or the entire route network and are the best source of information.
And the overall winner is John Brierley’s Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago (French Way).
You are reading: Camino de santiago guide books
the books have been created by dedicated people who have walked and walked the roads. maybe that’s why I find that each guide offers something unique, or at least see each route from a new perspective. most guides cover a few established routes. some publishers also cover other routes less traveled. The French Way, with its 800 km of history and tradition, is the most popular route. but other routes are covered in popular guides.
Most of these routes have origins in the Middle Ages. It would be almost impossible for me to learn so much about a route without a good guide. At first, I thought all guides were the same. but I soon realized that this is far from the truth.
why do you need a guide to the Camino de Santiago?
Did you know that you can do the Camino de Santiago with a 1 kg backpack? Or did you know that you don’t need to take food with you on the trek? I found that there are small shops and cafes along the way and you only need to carry minimal supplies daily.
many services are only listed in a guide. the lighter the load, the more relaxed the ride. As a result, having the best guide in your hands can mean stress-free travel for weeks.
what makes a great guide?
- the best guide should be easy to read
- a guide should offer detailed maps
- should include planned stops
- historical information is a great advantage
- elevation information is good to know
- temperature information can help with clothing choices
- useful phrases in Spanish would have helped me in my trip
- the legends of the road can be an excellent topic of conversation with other hikers and pilgrims
Some of this information was already included in the first guide I used. but others, like the Spanish phrases, were not. if I had to write a guide, it would probably include all of the above.
Are all guides the same?
This brings me to the next point. Are all guides the same? Isn’t the Camino de Santiago the same for centuries? Only someone who has done a route to Santiago de Compostela can tell if a guide is good or bad.
In my experience, there are no truly bad guides. however, incomplete guidelines are published each year. I believe that the walk is much more than just an adventure for many pilgrims. it is also about reconnecting and refreshing the mind and soul. this can be difficult to achieve without proper information and an understanding of the true value of each place along the route.
what about a path app?
walking the route, I saw some hikers simply on their smartphones, checking maps, taking photos, and updating their instagram accounts. But is this true of the Camino de Santiago? what happens if the battery dies?
There are already several apps dedicated to the main routes to Santiago de Compostela. but all of them are missing a main component.
That’s a personal experience.
Most applications are created in a remote office. they’re coded and designed by people who haven’t even been on the road network. Instead, most Camino de Santiago guidebooks have been written by people who have walked the trails. the writers slept in local towns; they woke up early in the morning and started walking.
Some days, they walked 45 km while others walked 20 km. at the end of their day’s itinerary, they write about how fresh or tired one is expected to feel. this type of personal information may still be missing from many app-based guides.
here is a list of the best road guides by route.
guides of the french way
Camino Frances is the most popular route to Santiago de Compostela. it starts in france at saint-jean-pied-de-port. several guides also cover this route.
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A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago (French Way) by John Brierley
The guide covers the French Way, the route most people traveled. contains maps, images and great general information. some extra pages can be used to write personal notes. this is what I like and what I don’t like.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- includes detailed maps, divided into sections
- includes altitude information
- includes intermediate accommodation outside towns and cities
- marks various routes ( pilgrim-yellow, scenic-green, tarmac-gray, and contemplative/remote-purple)
- shows the location of local rivers and lakes
- marks tourist information points
- points out pharmacies along the route
- describes the historical importance of certain places
cons
- too popular with pilgrims, meaning most will sleep in the same overcrowded places
- no rating information on accommodation
- heavy on some trekkers , especially from the second week
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camino de santiago (town to town guide): french way by anna dintaman
The guide has simple charts with detailed information about the towns on the route from France. As a result, it is recommended for all ages as it is easy to follow. It may not be revolutionary, but it has up-to-date information and gives access to online GPS files. point by point, it has many good parts and some possible drawbacks.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- covers the entire 800 km route from saint-jean-pied-de-port to santiago de compostela
- includes the 90 km route of the finisterre road
- map of lodges (hostels) inside and outside the town limits
- includes contact information for lodges and hotels
- provides brief notes on local wildlife and culture
- includes historical information
- warm and personal style of writing
- includes respectful information about local faith and habits
- draws elevation maps and sections of escalation
- includes compensated accommodation suggestions to avoid overcrowded locations
- good translations of Spanish phrases
- available in a kindle edition
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cons
- no information on possible days off
- still heavy for some pilgrims
- the paperback version is the same price as the kindle edition
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walking guide to the camino de santiago by gerald kelly
Updated in 2019, the guide is useful for basic information such as the number of available beds in popular lodging locations. this is what you can expect.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- information on the number of beds
- shelter locations
- cafe and supermarket locations
- elevation information and graphs
- includes a daily walking schedule
See Also: Where To Donate Books NYC Today: Best Full Guide 2022
cons
- poor graphics
- small maps
portuguese way guides
The route is a popular choice if you enjoy country walks. It begins in Lisbon and takes pilgrims to various UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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a pilgrim’s guide to the portuguese way by john brierley
covering the central road and the coastal road, the guide is faithful to the profile of john brierley. includes complete information with added historical information.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- includes images of the route
- each daily section is detailed with elevation information
- includes personal anecdotes
- made with updated information
See Also: Where To Donate Books NYC Today: Best Full Guide 2022
cons
- only available in paperback
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portuguese way: lisbon – porto – santiago, central and coastal routes
This small guide is a pocket solution for a minimal orientation through two walks to Santiago de Compostela.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- includes detailed information on the Camino de Santiago routes
- details the local routes from Lisbon and Porto
- covers inland and coastal routes
- includes colored maps
- made with detailed city maps
- available on kindle
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cons
- little information of cultural and religious importance
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the portuguese way by katrina davis
covering the stages of planning and preparation, the guide covers the full 620 km of the Camino Portugues.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- covers the religious importance of the route
- provides information on pilgrim etiquette
- describes each stage with levels of difficulty
- includes English , Portuguese and Spanish phrases
See Also: Where To Donate Books NYC Today: Best Full Guide 2022
cons
- heavy paperback
- does not include route photos
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Guide to the coastal and seaside resort of the Portuguese Way
Although this guide is now 2 years old, it could still be a good option for the coastal route.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- includes detailed distance information
- indexes internet resources for the route
- detailed information about the route infrastructure and detours
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cons
- only available on kindle
north road guides
running in the north of spain, the green route takes pilgrims along the dreamy basque country. the following guides are suitable for additional information on beaches and local foods.
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northern road: from irún to santiago along the north coast of spain
available in kindle and paperback versions, the guide details the route through the local regions of the basque country, cantabria, asturias and galicia.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- includes wifi hotspot locations
- shares a list of packing equipment for 30L and 40L backpacks
- maps drinking water sources
- includes ATM locations
- detailed lodging information (reservation options, washers, groceries, dryers, etc.)
- available in kindle and paperback
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cons
- poor information on cities and towns
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the northern ways by dave whitson and laura perazzoli
The route detailed in this guide is based on the author’s trek in 2009 and 2011. The guide covers essential information on stage distance and accommodation alternatives.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- covers the northern path
- primitive path, english path and finisterre path are also covered
- includes basic routes and alternative routes
- scale of the map in kilometers and miles
- includes tips on clothing and hiking gear
- maps of lodging options
- available in kindle and paperback
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cons
- distances may not be realistic in some stages
- no contact information for pensions
finisterre and muxía way guide
finisterre road is a quiet route. It is the only route that starts from Santiago de Compostela and takes pilgrims to Cape Fisterra, also called the “end of the world”. muxia road is a shorter route to finisterre with a length of almost 80 km.
- pilgrim’s guide to the Spanish Way: & finisterre road by john brierley
I like this guide because it is one of the easiest to follow. shows pilgrims the shortest way to Santiago de Compostela. therefore, it is the guide to the fastest method to obtain a compostela. but it has some other benefits and drawbacks to consider.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- 128-page detailed guide
- takes pilgrims along an ancient route that starts from the sea
- recommendations for those seeking a solitary experience in northern galicia
- continue the journey from santiago to finis terrae
- includes maps translated from english to spanish, german, italian and dutch
- follow the main route as well as secondary routes
- includes information on accommodation and number of free beds
- provides basic preparation information
- detailed information on each step
- uses local landmarks to guide pilgrims
- provides basic space for personal notes
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cons
- needs more branded shops, cafes and restaurants
- could use more religious references
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the finisterre road and the muxía road
Based on personal experience on foot in 2015, the guide is now available in both an e-book and paperback version.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- includes information on accommodation and food
- covers vegan food options along the route
- divides the route into walkable daily stages
- includes a minimalist guide packing list
- displays terrain information
See Also: Where To Donate Books NYC Today: Best Full Guide 2022
cons
- no cultural information
- insufficient coverage of religious significance
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pilgrim’s guide on the way to sarria – santiago – finisterre
The book covers the final stages of the Camino Frances and its extensions to Finisterre and Muxia as a separate walk.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- covers three short routes to Santiago de Compostela
- written in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian
- includes daily route planners
- based on detailed maps
- extensively covers terrain information
- map of local attractions and their religious significance
See Also: Where To Donate Books NYC Today: Best Full Guide 2022
cons
- not available as an e-book
silver route guide
Known as the longest Spanish route to Santiago, the Vía de la Plata has a total length of 1,000 km. traditionally, this route would guide the Christians of North Africa.
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guide to the via de la plata y el camino sanabres second edition by gerald kelly
Updated in 2019, the guide is based on the author’s walking experience in 2009. Parts of the guide are also available for download.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- details of the daily walking stages from Seville
- daily walks vary from 5 km to 29 km
- includes improved maps with respect to the original edition
- includes altitude profiles
- map of shops, restaurants and banks
- includes information on historical places along the route
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cons
- only printed in black and white
- some outdated information about the accommodation
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diary of a pilgrim on the way to santiago: the silver route by luisa sousa
This guide is more like a description of a trip and can be a good read before embarking on the silver route.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- based on daily walking recommendations
- outlines recreation options
- describes lodging reservation processes
- includes daily reflection notes
See Also: Where To Donate Books NYC Today: Best Full Guide 2022
cons
- does not include maps
- does not offer contact information for hotels and hostels
english way guide
This route has historically welcomed pilgrims from northern Europe. Believers from England, Ireland, and Scandinavia would embark on this northern route. it can take up to 7 days to reach the tomb of st. james of the coast.
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the english way: ferrol to santiago on spain s english way by anna dintaman, david landis and matthew harms
Popular with British pilgrims, this route is described in the guidebook. It takes pilgrims or hikers through cities such as A Coruña or Ferrol.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- based on daily walks ranging from 12km to 24km
- includes detailed packing list suggestions
- made with route images added
- includes detailed maps of the city
- shows all accommodation options, from hostels to monastery stays
- available in kindle and paperback
See Also: Where To Donate Books NYC Today: Best Full Guide 2022
cons
- short read for an immersive experience
- maps can be difficult to read due to their compact size
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the english way: 6 days to santiago by susan jagannath
Based on the author’s personal experience along the English Way, the guide is a good read before or during the pilgrimage.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- writing style is easy to read.
- some information on packed goods and emergency kit
- information on when to start daily walks based on temperature
- underlines the importance of being in good physical shape for the trip
See Also: Where To Donate Books NYC Today: Best Full Guide 2022
cons
- does not include quick information on accommodation options
- does not include maps
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English road – the road less traveled by max cordell
Including information on how to prepare for the hike, it is a guide that describes the author’s personal experience with this leisurely hike.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- displays information on required paperwork for international travelers
- includes advice on how to include fitness level before the trek
- describes the usefulness of various equipment and footwear on the route
- includes useful links
- describes the route in manageable stages
- available in kindle and paperback
See Also: Where To Donate Books NYC Today: Best Full Guide 2022
cons
- long paragraphs make reading difficult
- insufficient information about accommodation
primitive path guide
Part of the northern roads, the original road is 321km long. It can take up to two weeks to complete and is often considered the most difficult pilgrimage to Santiago.
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Camino Primitivo, Oviedo to Santiago on the Original Camino de España (Town to Town Map Guide) by Matthew Harms
Based on the original path, the guide offers an alternative for those seeking a route less traveled. provides additional route options with the possible detour to the northern path. Aside from the minimalist style of him, this is what I like about him.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- includes full page maps
- provides information on trip planning, such as schedules during summer and winter
- the trip is divided into 13 daily legs
- map out a daily budget
- warn about potential bugs and insects along the way
- list essential gear like a sleeping bag, toiletries or first aid kits aid
- shows critical outdoor gear store locations
- details possible swimming areas
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cons
- glossy pages can be difficult to read in the sun
- can be confusing with multiple path variations
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the northern ways by dave whitson and laura perazzoli
the guide includes all the northern paths and a section dedicated to the primitive path. It covers historic towns such as Oviedo or San Juan.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- ascent and descent time information
- includes detailed road maps
- shares pictures of local attractions
- detailed historical information about cities and towns
- displays images of the route outside cities and towns
See Also: Where To Donate Books NYC Today: Best Full Guide 2022
cons
- could use larger foldout maps
- kindle version maps need higher resolution
guide to the way to madrid
Departing from the regions of Madrid, Segovia and Valladolid, the route takes pilgrims through the province of León. eventually, it joins the popular French trail.
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Guide to the Camino de Madrid: Pilgrim’s Guides: Madrid to Sahagún by Johnnie Walker and Angelika Schneider
As the only guide that details the Camino de Madrid, many expectations are placed on it.
See Also: Louise Penny Books in Order: Inspector Gamache Books
advantages
- includes full addresses and phone numbers of local accommodations
- covers a less traveled route (around 500 registered pilgrims annually)
- minimum walking directions as the route is well-marked
- describes picturesque places to enjoy along the route
- includes internet resources with links
See Also: Where To Donate Books NYC Today: Best Full Guide 2022
cons
- only available in the kindle edition
conclusion
There are many other inspiring guides to the Camino de Santiago. but not many of them manage to offer detailed information like the ones listed above.
Although I like them all because they offer unique perspectives, John Brierley’s Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago (French Way) is the best option. Anna Dintaman’s guide comes a close second, especially due to her very personal experience.
however, the detailed information and maps that john brierley provides are hard to match. there is a lot of information about accommodation, services, tourist attractions, climate and altitude. I like that the guide offers local historical information and interesting coverage of local legends.
but most of all, I like that it breaks the route down into manageable daily stages. Of course, these are just recommendations. you can decide for yourself how to break up the hike. however, I think it’s reassuring to know that the guide also includes little detours, so those looking for an immersive experience can’t miss out on any local attractions.
Frequently asked questions about the Camino de Santiago
I’d like to address some common questions for those currently planning.
Is the Camino de Santiago safe?
the Camino de Santiago is generally safe. it is rare for someone to be alone for more than a few minutes while on the road. Coming from saint-jean-pied-de-port, most pilgrims would meet people and make friends along the way.
Some days, I had to get up early if I wanted to pass the 50 km per day mark. this meant using a flashlight. but even so, the route was smooth and uneventful. that is why women walking alone are so often seen on the road. read how safe the road is.
Where can I sleep on the Camino de Santiago?
A good guide should offer information on accommodation. accommodation is available for all tastes and budgets. I love how you can sleep in a clean hostel for 10 euros a night. hotels and even campsites are available along the route. however, even if these locations are listed in a guide, it’s a good idea to call ahead to check for vacancies during the summer.
I’m vegan
Being vegan in a country where you don’t speak the language is not easy. most hikers need to learn some basic Spanish words for vegan types of food. some of the local meals can even be prepared without meat. others are simply delicious for vegans. for example, the vegetable paella is vegan. I would also recommend some vegan protein bars to fuel your muscles as needed down the road. read vegan on the go.
what is the best route for small groups?
everyone new to the Camino de Santiago can start with the Camino Frances. this is where most groups should head. some of the quieter routes are preferred by solo pilgrims, and larger groups can disrupt the entire spiritual experience of these solo pilgrims. The winter road is not recommended for groups as it is less traveled and very contemplative for pilgrims. read better way for a week.
Is it true that a route starts from Santiago?
yes. The Camino Finisterre begins in Santiago and reaches Cape Fisterra, also known as the end of the known world. Traditionally, pilgrims would throw their shoes into the sea to symbolize the end of their long pilgrimage.
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