Many believe the Camino de Santiago begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, but the truth is far richer. The Camino is not a single path – it is a network of historic pilgrimage routes stretching across all of Europe, each converging in Santiago de Compostela.

Pilgrims can set out from Portugal on the Camino Portugués, following the Atlantic coast or the green interior valleys. In France, routes from Paris, Vézelay, Le Puy, and Arles carry centuries of tradition. Germany and Central Europe offer paths through medieval towns and cathedrals, while in Croatia, the Camino weaves through Dalmatian landscapes and historic cities, connecting Adriatic heritage with the wider European pilgrimage. In Poland and Lithuania, revived St. James routes carry the spirit of the Camino deep into Eastern Europe.

These are not “alternatives” but true Caminos, each with its own identity, hospitality, and treasures to discover. Together, they form a living cultural network that transcends borders.

To explore the full richness of European routes, visit the Camino Europa Compostela Federation, which unites Camino organisations from over 20 countries.

Wherever you begin – Lisbon, Le Puy, Šibenik, Budapest, or your own front door – every step is part of the same great Camino tradition.