Walking Camino de Santiago in the winter offers a whole new experience. Not only is it a lot less crowded, meaning you can enjoy a more peaceful pilgrimage, but it also brings a higher sense of achievement due to the challenges involved.
If you are considering a walking holiday this winter, here are some of the best routes to choose from!
Camino de Invierno
As you can tell from the name, Camino de Invierno, or the Winter Way, is a route designed for winter walking.
Starting from Ponferrada and reaching Galicia, this path has a lower-altitude, which is beneficial for the colder season.
You get to pass the picturesque landscapes of the Ribeire Sacra region, following Sil River Valley, taking in the views of snow-capped mountains or getting warm at one of the Japanese-style thermal baths in Ourense.
Camino Frances
Being one of the most popular Camino de Santiago routes of all times, this list would not be completed without Camino Frances.
This trail is situated in northern Spain, so temperatures average around 9°C in the winter. However, the weather here is still mild and often sunny compared to other parts of Europe.
Walking Camino Frances off-season will give you the chance to enjoy quieter attractions along the way, as well as benefit from cheaper prices than usual.
Camino Portugues
The Portuguese Way, or Camino Portugues, is one of the best choices for winter walking, especially if you are looking for the most comfortable conditions possible.
The country tends to stay warm and sunny throughout the year, thanks to its southern location, boasting mild temperature of around 14°C.
As you enjoy charming Portugues towns and stunning coastal views, you can really get an intimate experience of the local culture.
Camino del Norte
Camino del Norte offers another unique winter walking experience along Spain’s northern coast.
Although temperatures can be cool here, the route’s close proximity to the sea means there are never extreme temperature.
Rainfall and wind can certainly be a challenge here, but it will be worth it for the breathtaking views you will get in return!
Winter Camino considerations
One of the key things to remember before going on your winter pilgrimage journey is that days tend to be shorter. This means that you have less time to reach your destination each day, before it gets fully dark. As you plan your daily itinerary, you must account for this, also leaving time for meals and visits to the attractions.
In addition to this, remember that low season is quiet and, therefore, many of the Camino-related services tend to close until spring. For example, you may find a limited availability of albergues (pilgrim hostels), particularly in less popular routes, but regular hotels should work as per usual.
If you are struggling to plan your trip, consider getting help from a Camino de Santiago travel agency. This company is one of the leaders in the industry, specialising in organising guided and self-guided walking holidays for your unique needs. They can help you plan your itinerary based on winter challenges, book reliable accommodation options, and sort out the logistics, such as airport pick-ups or luggage transfers between the hotels.
Conclusion
With fewer pilgrims exploring the Camino routes, winter is a beautiful and peaceful time to go on a walking holiday.
However, the colder months also bring their own unique challenges, so support from an experienced agency may be needed.
