The yellow arrows give you one road to Santiago, but the Camino has always had choices along it: a mountain instead of a valley, a monastery instead of the direct path, a quieter road that skips the busiest section. Here are the ones worth knowing on the Camino Francés, how far each one is and who it suits. Open the guide for any with its own article, or go back to the route page to pick your stages.
The Valcarlos Route (winter route) is the lower, more sheltered alternative between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Roncesvalles, following the valley through Luzaide/Valcarlos rather than crossing the high Pyrenees. It is the route to use when the Napoleon Route is closed for winter, normally 1 November to 31 March, or whenever snow, strong winds or poor visibility make the higher route unsafe.
This short detour is roughly the same distance as the main route but passes by the ruins of the old pilgrim hospital and offers a glimpse into the Camino’s medieval past. Once a place of shelter and care for pilgrims, it is now sit beside the alternative route between Puente la Reina and Mañeru, making it a worthwhile short detour for anyone interested in the history beneath the modern Camino.
We strongly suggest taking this detour into Burgos rather than following the official route. The main route will take you via the airport and a lot of industrial areas. The south is a stunning walk along the river. It's approximately 1km longer and if it's hot, you may be able to find a spot to take a dip in the river. We strongly recommend the alternative route.
We recommend turning off the main route here and taking the alternative route away from the main roads. You will be travelling on both roads and dirt track, with very few to no cars. It is a much more peaceful path than the official route. Be warned, you will add an extra 4km to your journey but we believe it to be a worthwhile investment to be at peace with nature for a while.
This alternative route takes you out of the valley and gives some incredible views from up high. If you are starting early and have the energy, we really do recommend this route. If heading all the way to O Cebreiro it will be a long day, but one we would do again and again. Immediately after the bridge, take the road on your right up the hill to leave the main route.
We recommend taking this route (as does the tourist office) to avoid the long drops and hard terrain on the way down the mountain. This route is slightly longer but worth taking and much safer.
The alternative route via Samos offers a more peaceful and scenic Camino experience, taking you through beautiful Galician countryside and the charming village of Samos, home to its impressive Benedictine monastery. It's a slightly longer route than the main path but rewards you with a quieter walk, historic architecture and a chance to experience a more traditional side of Galicia away from the busier Camino Francés.
Reading about the Camino Francés is the easy part. Build my Camino gives you a day by day plan with a bed to book for each night, so the only thing left is to walk it.
