The infamous network of pilgrimage routes, also known as Camino de Santiago, has dozens of different routes you can choose from, in and around Spain. The two all-time favourites, however, are Camino Frances (The French Way) and Camino del Norte (The Northern Way). These are the two routes that most first-time pilgrims are choosing between, as they offer a different experience. Therefore, here is a comprehensive comparison of the two.
Geography and scenery
One of the main differences between Camino Frances and Camino del Norte is their geographical location. Although both situated in northern Spain (with the former also starting all the way in France), they offer a very different kind of scenery.
The French Way is an inland route, which passes major cities like Burgos and Leon (these also serve as common starting points for those who want to do a shorter route). On this route, you get to walk past rural Spanish villages, rolling hills, fertile vineyards, and farm tracks.
Camino del Norte, on the other hand, hugs Spain’s northern coastline the whole way, along the Cantabrian Sea. This means that the scenery is all about the beautiful coast, as you walk past sandy beaches, quaint fishing villages, dramatic cliffs, and coastal viewpoints of the sea. The route only moves inland, nearing Santiago de Compostela.
Difficulty levels
Camino Frances is known as one of the most accessible and popular Camino de Santiago routes. It has a variety of walking options and welcomes pilgrims from all walks of life, including families. The most challenging part of The French Way is crossing the Pyrenees – that is, if you start in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port. However, the rest of the route is relatively flat, making it great for beginners.
The Northern Way is a more physically demanding route due to its frequent ascents and descents along the coastal paths. Some stages even include significant climbs, which require higher level of fitness. Therefore, this route is more common among those who are already fit in their day-to-day life or go on hikes regularly.
Cultural and historical highlights
As the most famous Camino route, The French Way is absolutely brimming in history and culture. There are many iconic landmarks that pilgrims get to visit, from the Gothic Cathedral of Burgos to the Basilica of San Isidoro in Leon. The overall route is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Northern Way is less historically prominent than Camino Frances, however, the walking experience is still highly cultural and typically related to Spain’s coastal regions. For example, cities like San Sebastian, Santander, Bilbao, and Oviedo are all historically significant and have plenty to offer.
Infrastructure and social experience
The French Way is by far the busiest route of Camino de Santiago, attracting over 136,000 pilgrims each year. The great thing about its popularity is the excellent infrastructure, available all across the route, including albergues (pilgrim hostels) and restaurants. There is a strong sense of community on this road, so socialising is easy. However, it is also very busy, which introduces its own disadvantages.
With fewer pilgrims walking this path (just over 20,000 per year), Camino del Norte offers a much more solitary experience. There are still plenty of services available along the way, although they are a lot less frequent and require more planning in advance. If the goal of your trip is soul-searching, this route could provide the perfect environment for it.
Final word
Both, Camino Frances and Camino del Norte, are incredible routes to undertake, with their own pros and cons. If you are still unsure or need help planning your trip, Orbis Ways travel agency can guide you through the different aspects and take care of all the logistics for you!
