Planning on completing the Camino Inglés pilgrimage? Let us help! The Camino Inglés, otherwise known as the English Way, is a historic pilgrimage that pilgrims trekked all the way from Northern Europe—specifically Ireland and England in the 12th century. Now a popular tourist destination, the Camino Inglés attracts over 7,000 pilgrims each year. Often considered the hidden gem of Camino de Santiago routes, this walk has rapidly gained exposure in recent years, so we doubt it’ll stay hidden much longer! The shortest route that satisfies the benchmark to receive a Compostela, the Camino Inglés is the perfect option for those who lack time to complete a long walk like the Camino Francés.
Camino Inglés Itinerary
Discover the natural beauty of Northern Spain’s rural countryside and explore the small towns and villages that offer diverse cultural experiences. Opting for the English Way will reward walkers with the best of both worlds: coastal treks and inland adventures. If planning overwhelms you, check out the English Way walking tour, and let us stress about accommodations, luggage, and meals.
The Camino Inglés has two official starting points, from Ferrol and A Coruña. Though A Coruña is the larger city, many pilgrims opt to complete the Camino Inglés via Ferrol as the Camino Inglés via A Coruña will not reward pilgrims with a Compostela. Whichever route you choose, planning your adventure can be daunting, so we have curated the Camino de Santiago preparation guide and ultimate packing list to help!
If you want to find out more about this pilgrimage in general, you can also check out our extensive guide to Camino de Santiago.
Camino Inglés via Ferrol
The Camino Inglés via Ferrol is the more popular route of the two. Travelling just over 71.5mi, this is the shortest Camino that will reward walkers with an official Compostela. Departing from the charming port city of Ferrol, the promenade guides walkers along the Galician Coast to Betanzos, where the pilgrimage travels inland. Ideal for those with tight schedules, this route can be completed in as little as 5 days. The easy terrain, mild weather conditions, and relatively sequestered nature warrant the ideal pilgrimage for travellers on the go.
Day 1: Arrival in Ferrol
Fly into A Coruña and take a train up to Ferrol. Explore the charming port city and get a good night’s rest before you start your journey! Begin your adventure along the Camino Inglés from the ‘Inicio del Camino Inglés a Santiago de Compostela’ marker which sits next to the port. Note there is no public Albergue here.
Accommodations: Hotel Almendra
Day 2: Ferrol to Pontedeume
The first day is your longest segment of the pilgrimage. From Ferrol, the route will guide pilgrims along the stunning Galician coast. The seaside walk travels along the Eume estuary to the ancient Monastery of San Martiño de Xubia, dating back to the 12th-century. Continue the promenade through the town of Neda, following the pilgrimage shells all the way to Pontedeume.
Distance: 18.6mi
Accommodations: Albergue de Peregrinos de Pontedeume
Day 3: Pontedeume to Betanzos
The walk from Pontedeume to Betanzos hugs the Galician coastline, delivering impressive ocean views the entirety of the trek. Walk over medieval stone bridges and past ancient churches on your way to the charming town of Betanzos.
Distance: 12.4mi
Accommodations: Albergue de Peregrinos de Betanzos
Day 4: Betanzos to Mesón do Vento
Today’s route presents more challenging terrain. This segment of the pilgrimage will diverge from the coastline and lead walkers through the lush Spanish countryside along a mix of paved and unpaved undulating routes. End your day in Mesón de Vento, where the Camino converges with pilgrims who walked from A Coruña.
Distance: 18.0mi
Accommodations: Albergue de Peregrinos de Hospital de Bruma
Day 5: Mesón do Vento to Sigüeiro
From Mesón de Vento to Sigüeiro the walk is secluded, guiding pilgrims through Galician forests and charming towns abundant with ancient chapels. End your day in Sigüeiro—note there is no public albergue here.
Distance: 18.0mi
Accommodations: Albergue Camiño Real
Day 6: Sigüeiro to Santiago de Compostela
This is the final day of walking. Departing from Sigüeiro, the initial segment of the walk will guide pilgrims through the stunning countryside and enchanted forests. As pilgrims near Santiago de Compostela, they will be rewarded with sights of the cathedral towering over the city. Don’t forget to take your pilgrim’s passport to the Pilgrim’s Office to obtain your official Compostela after visiting the cathedral!
Distance: 7.5mi
Accommodations: Albergue Parroquial Fin del Camino
Day 7: Departure from the Santiago de Compostela
Sadly, this is the last day of the English Way. Explore the vibrant city of Santiago de Compostela, drink some vino, and mingle with fellow pilgrims before your departure.
Camino Inglés via A Coruña
The Camino Inglés via A Coruña, otherwise known as the Celtic Camino, is the shortest Camino de Santiago Route. Travelling just over 46.6mi, this trek will not satisfy the benchmark to receive the Compostela. Pilgrims who are not concerned with the certificate will walk this route, dipping their toes in the Camino de Santiago waters. Note there is the option to complete the other 15.5mi of the pilgrimage in Northern Europe along official, approved pilgrimage routes. Without much commitment needed, the Camino Inglés via A Coruña can be completed in 3 days. Those departing from A Coruña will meet fellow adventurers trekking from Ferrol in Mesón do Vento.
Day 1: Arrival in A Coruña
Today you will fly into A Coruña. Check into your accommodation and explore the diverse city. Wander the streets dispersed with modern glass architecture and medieval ancient buildings. Grab a glass of vino and get some rest before your adventure!
Accommodations: Hospedaje López
Day 2: A Coruña to Mesón do Vento
Begin your journey to Santiago de Compostela today! Walk the narrow streets of the A Coruña, passing a statue of María Pita before escaping into the countryside. Pilgrims will trek past several charming towns, including Carral, before arriving in Mesón do Vento– the convergence place for pilgrims hiking from Ferrol.
Distance: 19.3mi
Accommodations: Albergue de Peregrinos de Hospital de Bruma
Day 3: Mesón do Vento to Sigüeiro
In the company of new friends, day 3 will guide adventurers through charming villages, lush forests lands and rolling hills until you reach Baxoia. From here, a long straight road will lead adventurers to Sigüeiro.
Distance: 18.0mi
Accommodations: Albergue Camiño Real
Day 4: Sigüeiro to Santiago de Compostela
This is your last day of walking! Departing from Sigüeiro, pilgrims will trek through magical forestlands before arriving at the city. As you near Santiago de Compostela, the sight of the towing cathedral will come into view. Don’t forget to take your pilgrim’s passport to the Pilgrim’s Office to obtain your official Compostela!
Distance: 7.5mi
Accommodations: Albergue Parroquial Fin del Camino
Day 5: Departure from Santiago de Compostela
After a night of drinking vino and celebrating your achievement, day 5 is your last day! Explore the vibrant city of the Santiago de Compostela and appreciate the medieval architecture. Say goodbye to your fellow pilgrims and grab your flight back to your home base.
Camino Inglés Map
The Best Season to Walk the English Way
The Camino Inglés is one of few routes that can be comfortably ventured year-round. Relatively level compared to other routes and short, this is a great option for those hoping to walk in the winter. The trail’s proximity to the coast warrants milder winter conditions and a cool breeze in the summer! If you want to know more about the seasonality of Camino routes, check out our article which depicts the best times of the year to hike the Camino.
The History of the Camino Inglés
The Camino Inglés was one of the original routes considered the ‘way of St. James’. Located on the Galician coast, Ferrol and A Coruña have been used as strategic ports since the Medieval Ages. Northern Europeans and Scandinavians would travel by boat to Galicia to buy and sell goods and venture the religious pilgrimage. Departing from A Coruña or Ferrol, the Camino got its name from English pilgrims that would disembark here and walk to the Santiago de Compostela.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camino Inglés
How many days does it take to walk the Camino Inglés?
The Camino Inglés via Ferrol can be completed in as little as 5 days, but many opt to walk over 6 or 7 days. Camino Inglés via A Coruña will not satisfy your benchmark to get the Compostela, but you can walk it in as little as 3 days!
How much does food cost on the Camino Inglés?
If you are buying your own food along the Camino Inglés then you can expect to spend 10€ a day. When eating out, a Traditional Menu del Día typically costs about 12€, so budget about 20€ per day.
How long is the Camino Inglés?
The Camino Inglés travels 72.1mi through Spain’s Galician region.
Where does the Camino Inglés end?
The Camino Inglés ends in Santiago de Compostela at the cathedral.
How do you get your Camino Inglés credential?
You can pick up your Camino de Santiago passport from the Official Pilgrim’s Office, or from parishes and hostels along the way. At the end of the Camino, bring your filled passport to the Pilgrim’s Office and receive your official Compostela.
Camino de Santiago Trip Planning Articles
- Discover the Camino de Santiago
- Camino Planning: Best time to Walk the Camino
- Camino Planning: How to prepare to Walk the Camino
- Camino Planning: What to pack for your Camino
- Route Guide for the Camino Frances
- Route Guide for the Camino Finisterre
- Route Guide for the Camino Portugues
- Route Guide for the Camino Primitivo
- Route Guide for the Camino del Norte
- Route Guide for the Camino Via de la Plata
- Route Guide for the Camino Invierno
- Interesting Camino de Santiago Facts
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