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Camino Alternatives to Santiago Everyone Should Know

If you’re considering a camino but want to explore other options beyond the popular Camino de Santiago, there are PLENTY of other caminos around the world that offer unique experiences and challenges. We’re going to dive into what those are, share our recommended tour operators and conclude with a list of resources to help you learn more. Unless noted, all of these caminos offer some type of pilgrim passport to verify your completion. There’s a lot to cover, so feel free to skip around using the Table of Contents.

Table of Contents

Why Santiago & Francigena aren't on this list

This post does NOT cover Camino de Santiago or any of the routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. Nor does it include Via Francigena. Each of these are too large and deserve their own guides (which we will be covering in future).

Why Ireland & UK caminos aren't on this list

We’ve already covered Camino Walks in Ireland and will be covering Pilgrim Paths of the UK in the near future.

camino on top of Mount Schank in South Australia
photo courtesy of Paul Feikema from Getty Images

AUSTRALIA

Aussie Camino 

The Aussie Camino celebrates Australia’s Saint Mary of the Cross and her mentor Fr. Julian Tenison Woods. The 124mi (200km) route was designed by a school teacher who wanted an Australian camino that offered a similar experience to Santiago, complete with pilgrim passport, their own scalloped shell and nightly stays in local inns. He succeeded and while this route may be challenging in terms of daily distance it is a beautiful camino alternative with coastal walks and rural farmland.

Our Picks for Aussie Camino Tour Operators

Getaway Trekking: 10-day guided trek, all-inclusive except for airport transfers

Patch Adventures: 10-day guided trek, all-inclusive

Raw Travel: 11-day guided trek; all-inclusive with fancy lodging

Walk the Limestone Coast: 5-day guided trip with local guide focused on the environment

CANADA

Prince Edward Island Walk

Canada’s PEI Walk is an inn to inn hiking trail that traverse the entire island. This 435mi (700km) trail takes about 32 days to complete and it can be costly in terms of lodging and transport. Those who have walked this route often talk about how helpful and welcoming everyone is, so even though this isn’t a religious pilgrimage, it has that communal feel that is so prevalent in a camino.

Our Picks for PEI Walk Tour Operators

Outer Limit Sports: walking packages with different levels of support

Experience PEI: for those who want more customization

COSTA RICA

Camino de Costa Rica

The Camino de Costa Rica is a coast to coast 174mi (280km) trail that aims to bring economic prosperity to the rural inland villages and highlight the natural beauty that few visitors ever see. Divided into 16 sections, this camino can take anywhere from 12-16 days to walk and it requires a guide. While not a religious pilgrimage, those seeking an escape from the modern world or a reconnect with indigenous ancestors will probably find this to be a spiritual experience.

Our Picks for Camino de Costa Rica Tour Operators

Ticos a Pata: guided trips for entire route or sections of your choice

Urri Trek: good reputation but website offers very little information about their trips

ViaLig Journeys: family-run business focused on educational experiences

JAPAN

Kumano Kodo 

Of all the caminos on this list, the Kumano Kodo is probably the most famous. Similar to the Camino de Santiago, the Kumano Kodo is a network of pathways but instead of focusing on one final endpoint, the spiritual focus of this pilgrimage is the mystical nature all around. All routes lead toward 3 major shrines (the Kumano Sanzan) and smaller shrines (Oji) can be found along the way.

Our Picks for Kumano Kodo Tour Operators

Kumano Journeys: local guide that you can book directly for private trips

Oku Japan: 3 options for self-guided tours or a 9-day guided tour

Walk Japan: 7-day self-guided tour or 9-day guided

Shikoku Pilgrimage 

For those enamored by Japanese temples, the Shikoku Pilgrimage should be on your must walk list. There are 88 temples along the 746mi (1,200km) route, which is believed to have been the training ground for the monk who founded Shingon Buddhism. In addition to the spiritual focus, this pilgrimage offers a circular walk around a beautiful island known for its warm hospitality. It takes an average of 45 days to complete the entire route so some pilgrims choose to combine rail transport with walking to save time and money.

Our Picks for Shikoku Pilgrimage Tour Operators

Henro.org: plan your own and book your own lodging (cost effective way to walk entire route)

Oku Japan: 10-day self-guided tour (visits some temples, walks never more than 12mi/day)

Samurai Tours: 22-day small group guided tour (visits all 88 temples)

Walk Japan: 11-day guided tour (visits some temples, walks never more than 8mi/day)

photo courtesy of TalbotImages from Getty Images

ISRAEL & PALESTINE

Jesus Trail

Walk in the footsteps of Jesus on this 40mi (65km) trail which begins in Nazareth and ends at the Sea of Galilee. The route takes you through two Israeli national parks with stops at several landmarks that are considered sacred or historic within Christianity, Judaism and Islam. To our knowledge there is no passport or certificate for this trail but that may change in time.

Our Picks for Jesus Trail Tour Operators

Abraham Tours: 6-day self-guided tour including luggage transport and guided tour in Nazareth

Palestinian Heritage Trail 

Originally called Masar Ibrahim, the Palestinian Heritage Trail was developed by the Abraham Path Initiative. On the trail site you will find local guides for hire and a variety of accommodations (ranging from homestays to Bedouin tents to small guesthouses). This is a rare opportunity for pilgrims to experience Palestine from the perspective of its people and to help support those who are trying to promote peace and a better future for their children.

Our Picks for Palestinian Heritage Trail Tour Operators

Siraj Center: guided treks along this trail, including short or full versions

ITALY

Cammino Basiliano 

One of the newest caminos on this list, the Cammino Basiliano is a giant of a trail through the Calabrian region of Italy. At 932mi (1,500km), this 81-stage camino is something you work towards over a lifetime. It follows in the footsteps of the monks of St. Basil and it highlights the merging of eastern and western religions and culture. Local guides can be hired from the website for different sections of the trail.

Our Picks for Cammino Basiliano Tour Operators

Girosole Italy Walking Tours: 6-day guided tour covering the Calabrian region and churches, not necessarily on the actual camino route

Cammino Benedetto

The Cammino Benedetto is a 186mi (300km) pilgrimage honoring St. Benedict of Norcia. It begins in Norcia, has 16 stages and ends in Montecassino. The route traverses through Italy’s Umbria and Lazio regions which are known for several other renowned saints. The website provides all of the detailed info you need to plan your own trip.

Our Picks for Cammino Benedetto Tour Operators

St. Francis Pilgrimages: small group tours led by a lay-Franciscan couple living in Loreto

Cammino Materano

Also known as the Materan Way, the Cammino Materano is a series of 6 routes that traverse southern Italy and all lead to Matera. Our personal favorites are Via Peuceta which connects Bari to Matera or Via Ellenica from Brindisi to Matera. Either of these routes can be completed in 7 days and begin in port cities that are easy to reach by plane.

Our pick for Cammino Materano Tour Operators

SloWays: 7-day self-guided Cammino Materano trip as well as other Italian caminos

Via di Francesco

The Way of St. Francis leads to Assisi and can be walked either from the north (La Verna) or from the south (Rome). True to the spirit of St. Francis (patron saint of animals), pilgrims often walk this camino with their dog. I have always been fascinated by St. Francis and St. Clare (my namesake) and someday I’d like to walk some portion of this route — but I’ll take Eric and leave Fido at home.

Our Picks for Via di Francesco Tour Operators

Follow the Camino: choice of 4 different self-guided routes

SloWays: choice of 6 self-guided routes

St. Francis Pilgrimages: small group tours led by a lay-Franciscan couple living in Loreto

Via Lauretana

The Way of Loreto is an Italian pilgrimage that begins in Assisi and ends at the Holy House of Mary in Loreto, where it is believed the dwelling in which Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary was moved. There are 7 stages totaling 97mi (156km), depending on what variants you choose to walk, and the path takes you through the Apennine Mountains. Lodging and dining along the route are listed on this site and include a mixture of religious dormitories, hotels and guesthouses.

Our Picks for Via Lauretana Tour Operators

St. Francis Pilgrimages: small group tours led by a lay-Franciscan couple living in Loreto

funny image of donkey with mouth open and text saying "enough with italy, let's move one!"
original photo by AlexanderXXI from Getty Images

MEXICO

Camino del Mayab

Mexico’s first official camino, the Camino del Mayab is a 62mi (100km) trail along ancient roads that connect historic Mayan villages of the Yucatan Peninsula. The trip begins in the beautiful city of Mérida and traverses through jungle, includes cenotes and haciendas and concludes with a traditional Mayan ceremony and visit to the archaeological site at Mayapán. This camino is still being developed so soften your expectations and know that 80% of the income generated from this trail goes directly to local communities.

Our Picks for Camino del Mayab Tour Operators

Camino del Mayab: 5-day guided trek, all-inclusive

NORWAY

St. Olav Ways 

The pilgrim paths collectively known as St. Olav Ways take pilgrims through a stunning natural landscape of fjords and mountains in Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway (depending on which route you choose). All of these routes end at the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim where St. Olav is buried. Expect simple hut lodging with shared facilities for most of these routes. Each country has its own website for their route (which we’ve listed at the end in our Resources section).

Our Picks for St. Olav Ways Tour Operators

Aktivut Travels: covers routes through Sweden; luggage transport is an added cost

Nordic Pilgrim: covers Sweden, Finland and Gudbrandsdalsleden (primary) routes

PORTUGAL

Rota Carmelita, Caminho de Fátima

The Carmelite Route is one of several pilgrimage routes collectively known as the Caminhos de Fátima that end in the city of Fátima. The Rota Carmelita is our personal choice because it begins in Coimbra at the memorial for Sister Lucy (one of the 3 Fátima children) and it’s one of the prettiest routes. At 69mi (111km) it may be too long for some and if that’s the case, consider the Nazaré Route which is only 31mi (50km).

Our Picks for Camino de Fatima Tour Operators

Portugal A2Z: covers Rota Carmelita route 

Portugal Green Walks: covers both routes to Fátima

TURKEY

Yes, Turkey IS OPEN for tourism despite the terrible earthquakes — walk to honor the victims!

Saint Paul Trail

You have your pick of pilgrimages in Turkey and this is the shorter one. The Saint Paul Trail follows the route walked by St. Paul on his missionary journey through Turkey. This trail is 311mi (500km), begins in Perge and takes about 27 days to walk to Yalvaç. It’s a well-established route with good waymarking.

Our Picks for St. Paul Trail Tour Operators

Amber Travel: 8-day self-guided tour staying in local inns; includes airport transfers

Middle Earth Travel: 8-day self-guided or 10-day guided tours; includes airport transfers

Mithra Travel: 7-day guided tour; includes some camping

MONTIS: 7-day guided tour staying in small guest houses each night

Sufi Trail 

The Sufi Trail is a camino that can be walked in about 40 days (perfect pilgrimage). This 497mi (800km) trail begins in Istanbul and ends in Konya. While the trail has its roots in the Islamic mystical beliefs that we call Sufism, this trail is open to people of all faiths. The walker is encouraged to “seek your light.” Lodging varies but you will need to bring your own tent and sleeping bag (which can be transported each day so you don’t have to carry it).

Our Picks for Sufi Trail Tour Operators

Sufi Trail Caravan: guided treks that occur each Spring

photo courtesy of aimintang from Getty Images Signature

UNITED STATES

California Missions Trail

Also known as El Camino Real, the California Missions Trails connects 21 missions from San Diego to Sonoma. This 800mi (1,287km) trail is a challenging walk in terms of terrain, expensive lodging and busy roads – think urban version of the PCT or AT thru-hikes. Support services such as transport and food are still being developed but this path offers a unique pilgrimage experience that juxtaposes ancient indigenous pathways with jarring modern cities.

Our Picks for California Missions Trail Tour Operators

California Mission Walkers: join one of their group walks or plan your own trip with their newly revised The Hiker’s Guide to California’s 21 Spanish Missions along El Camino Real

Extra Resources for Alternative Caminos

  • California Mission Walkers: actively supports and provides resources for furthering development along the California Missions Trail
  • Hærvejen: a network of paths called The Ancient Road that run through Denmark and connect to the St. Olav Ways in Norway or Sweden
  • Henro.org: digital hub for camino-style pilgrimages around the world; small selection now but excellent coverage of caminos in Japan
  • One Step Then Another: Kevin Donahue (blogger, author, podcaster) shares detailed info on caminos around the world, including Santiago, Francigena, Kumano Kodo, California Missions, Lauretana and more
  • St. Olavsleden: Sweden’s Olav Way, including everything you need to plan your own trip or book with a tour company
  • St. Olav Waterway: Finland’s Olav Way which connects Finland to Sweden with a combination of hiking and water routes; an epic alternative to the traditional St. Olav Ways

New to walking holidays?

Start here to learn about walking holidays – what they are, inn to inn hiking vs. center-based, how they differ from hiking, how to find the best company and what to pack for a walking holiday.