Step by Step to Santiago: Walking the Camino Your Way, at your pace

There’s something about the words Camino de Santiago that stirs a quiet curiosity. For centuries, pilgrims have followed this path across northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela, drawn by faith, reflection, or simply the call of the journey itself. It is the idea of walking “step by step to Santiago” - walking the Camino your way, at your pace, free to linger or explore - that catches people's attention. A self-guided walking holiday along the Camino offers not just the highlights of a historic trail, but also the gift of independence, discovery and - for some - a deep spirituality.

Comfortable hotels, luggage transferred

What makes this version of the Camino especially appealing is the balance it strikes between support and freedom. You’re not part of a group tour, but you’re not out there alone either. Your accommodation is prebooked, your luggage transferred, and detailed route notes and maps are provided. That means no guesswork about where to stay or how to get there—just the open road, a pair of good walking shoes, and the freedom to follow your curiosity. You can pause in a sleepy village for a plate of tortilla, sip a glass of albariño under a shady tree, or detour down a side path because something catches your eye. It’s a walk shaped by your rhythm and interests.

Starting in France

The full journey begins in the French town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, just before the steep climb over the Pyrenees into Spain. These first few days feel like stepping back in time - narrow cobbled streets, stone churches, and vistas that stretch out across green hills and winding rivers. From the rugged beauty of the Basque country to the medieval charm of Pamplona, the trail eases into its rhythm, with each day bringing new scenery and encounters. You soon learn to look out for yellow arrows and scallop shell symbols guiding you forward, just as they’ve done for generations of walkers before you.

Slow down and explore

One of the joys of this trip is how it lets you slow down and absorb the essence of Spain in a way few other travel styles do. You pass through dozens of villages and towns - Logroño, Burgos, León - each with its own character, cuisine, and stories. There’s a remarkable sense of continuity as you walk. Shrines, stone crosses, Romanesque churches, and ancient grain silos speak of the centuries of pilgrimage that have shaped this region. Even the smallest hamlet has a story to tell, and you’re walking through the pages of history, one village at a time.

Enjoy the food

Food becomes a memorable part of the experience. Because you're walking so much each day, you're always ready for a good meal - and Spain rarely disappoints. Tapas bars beckon with local favourites like padrón peppers, empanadas filled with seafood or spiced meat, and wedges of golden tortilla de patatas. In Galicia, near journey’s end, you might come across creamy queixo de tetilla cheese or the delicate almond tarta de Santiago, often marked with the pilgrim’s cross. For refreshment, the crisp white wines of the region - particularly albariño - pair perfectly with a sunny terrace and tired feet. And of course, a cold Estrella Galicia beer never tastes quite as satisfying as it does after a long day of walking.

Meeting other pilgrims

Though you’re walking independently, you’re never truly alone on the Camino. One of the special aspects of this journey is the informal community that forms among walkers. You might pass the same people over several days, trade stories over breakfast, or share a table at dinner. There’s a shared understanding that builds quietly, born of early starts, sore muscles, and the simple pleasures of the path. Everyone’s walking for different reasons, and those chance conversations often add unexpected richness to the experience.

The challenge

It’s worth noting that this is a moderate hiking trip, so you’ll need to be reasonably fit. Daily walks range from 12 to 30 kilometres, with varied terrain that includes paved stretches, forest paths, and mountain tracks. A few days - such as the long stage to Najera or the climb to O Cebreiro -

Immerse, engage

As the kilometres tick by, landscapes gradually shift. Wheat fields and vineyards give way to forested hills and rocky mountain paths. The big cities - Burgos, León - offer a change of pace and the chance to explore world-class cathedrals and museums. But often, it’s the quiet places that stay with you. A ruined monastery at sunrise, a shepherd leading his flock across the trail, a weathered plaque with Latin inscriptions - these are the moments that make the Camino feel alive in a deeply human way.

Nearing the end

When you finally arrive in Santiago, the sense of arrival is powerful. The Cathedral’s soaring spires come into view, and you find yourself surrounded by pilgrims from around the world, all arriving from different routes with the same destination. There’s time to rest, reflect, and take in the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. For many, attending the pilgrim’s mass at the cathedral, seeing the famed Botafumeiro incense burner swing across the nave, marks a fitting and moving conclusion to the journey.

Walk it all, walk a part

Of course, not everyone walks the full route. Some prefer to walk just a portion—perhaps starting in León or Sarria—and that’s entirely valid. The beauty of the Camino is that it welcomes you wherever you begin. Every step counts, and every journey is unique. Whether you walk for days or weeks, the experience is shaped by how you engage with it. Some come for the challenge, others for reflection or connection. But most leave with a deeper appreciation for the land, the history, and themselves.

It will change you

The Camino de Santiago offers something rare in today’s fast-paced world: time. Time to walk, to think, to meet, to notice. It’s a pilgrimage in the broadest sense—not necessarily religious, but quietly transformative. Walking step by step to Santiago, you carry not just your daypack, but also your questions, your hopes, and your observations. And by the time you reach the end, you’ll likely find that something within you has shifted.

The trip you didn't know you needed

If you're seeking a trip that blends culture, history, personal challenge, and the simple pleasures of slow travel, this self-guided Camino might just be the journey you didn’t know you needed. It's not about ticking off sights or racing to the finish. It’s about walking with intention - step by step - and letting Spain unfold before you, one village, one meal, one encounter at a time.

Best time to go

The ideal time to walk the Camino de Santiago is typically during the shoulder seasons—spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). These months offer comfortable temperatures, lighter crowds, and a nice mix of solitude and camaraderie along the trail. Summer (June to August) tends to be hot, particularly across the Meseta, and is the most crowded time to go. In contrast, winter (November to February) brings cold, rain, and the possibility of snow in the Pyrenees, which can make some sections more challenging.