When talking about doing Camino de Santiago with organized trips, we immediately think of the different Jacobean routes that allow us to make the pilgrimage to the Cathedral. However, in recent years the trend of make the road to Santiago on the contrary, it has been gaining more and more relevance.

First of all, you should know that all routes can be done in both directions. It is true that in some they could present major inconveniences, but nothing that cannot be easily solved. In any case, if you have already done the Camino de Santiago in the traditional way, you can know where you came from.

In this guide we are going to talk about this trend, its advantages, the best routes and we will give you advice for a better experience.

Why do the Camino de Santiago backwards?

The reasons for doing the Camino de Santiago are very varied. They can range from religious, spiritual, tourism and of course, a sporting challenge. In addition, doing it the other way around can also carry with it another series of interesting purposes.

Testing this new experience partly includes the Possibility of visiting the towns near Santiago or stopping again at those points which have seemed more interesting. Meanwhile, some bet on surprising other pilgrims in the traditional direction.

In the past, all the pilgrims did the Camino de Santiago backwards, since they had to return to their places of origin, and there were no means of transport, like those of today. In most cases, the pilgrims on their return settled permanently and raised families in many of the current cities of Spain and Europe (thanks to this, many enclaves were also born). In this way, the Camino de Santiago was a vital backbone throughout Europe.

These are some of the reasons to do the Camino de Santiago in the opposite direction.

Go home if you live nearby

Those who live near Santiago are perhaps the ones with the greatest motivations to do the Camino de Santiago in reverse. For example, those who live in Galicia have greater comforts or facilities to do so and thus go and return home.

Even if you do not live in this Autonomous Community but leave from relatively close points, Como Tui, El Ferrol or Sarria is a way to enjoy your trip twice.

different experience

Among the advantages offered by this return, you will have the possibility of meet a lot more people. By going in the opposite direction, you will never run into the pilgrims from the day before. In addition, you will enjoy the same landscapes. Although already known, you will enjoy them from another angle and you will contemplate other lights and panoramic views.

finisterre lighthouse

Best routes on the Camino de Santiago to do in the Opposite Direction

As we have already said, any path and stretch can be done in the opposite direction. You just have to keep in mind some details, such as that it is advisable go along the route that other pilgrims take, but this time, in the opposite direction.

Among the best routes to do the Camino de Santiago in the opposite direction, it is worth highlighting.

Camino de Santiago to Finisterre and Muxia

For some, this is the best route to do the Camino de Santiago in reverse, most take the city of Santiago as their starting point, to get to Finisterre or Muxía.

If, on the other hand, you decide to leave from Muxía with the Cathedral as your point of arrival, you will also have the option of requesting your pilgrim certificate. Below is the route followed by many of our pilgrims:

ITINERARY (7 days-6 nights-5 stages)

Day 1- Arrival in Muxia. Accommodation.

Day 2.– Stage Muxia – Fisterra (29 Kms)

Day 3.– Stage Fisterra – Corcubion (14 Kms)

Day 4.– Stage Corcubion – Olveiroa (21 Kms)

5 Day.- Stage Olveiroa – Negreira (33 Kms)

6 Day.- Stage Negreira – Santiago de Compostela (22 Kms)

7 Day.- Breakfast. End of our services.

To obtain the Compostela you must have completed a minimum of 100 kilometers of pilgrimage. If you do not want to limit your adventure to this and want to do the longer tour, another option is combine this route with the Camino de Los Faros, continuing to Santiago.

Here you have the possibility of doing the Camino de Santiago in the opposite direction with a route of more than 280 kilometers. Of these, the first 200 involve precisely the section of the Camino de Los Faros, which takes you from Malpica to Cape Finisterre. You will cross Muxía and right there you will see the pilgrims who go to Finisterre.

Among the advantages of this layout we can highlight the prominence of the wonderful landscapes. The Costa da Morte is one of the main attractions thanks to its imposing cliffs, followed by the vegetation and pine forests. In addition, you can enjoy golden sand beaches.

There are many lighthouses that you will find on this journey, among the most famous, De Laxe, Roncudo, Punta de Nariga, Touriñán, Vilán, Muxía and of course, Fisterra.

French Way

We know that the French Way, and especially the Camino de Santiago from Sarria to Santiago It is one of the most popular ways to get to the famous Santiago Cathedral and things are not very different when doing the Camino de Santiago in reverse. Pilgrims who dare to return do so this way, and they do so for two main reasons:

  • First of all, there is the fact of its popularity. it turns out common meet large number of pilgrims, regardless of the time of year.
  • It has excellent signage.. Even if the signs point in the wrong direction, at least you’ll know you’re on the right track.

Trip to the Camino De Santiago at Easter

What to keep in mind

Doing the Camino de Santiago in the opposite direction does not have to be a very different journey from the normal route. However, there are some details that you should keep in mind:

The first of them and perhaps the most important falls precisely on signaling. You must keep in mind that the yellow arrows they indicate just the opposite of your destiny. As we say, they can help you to make sure that the path is that

A highly recommended option is follow the trail of the pilgrims. That is, the way they come is where you have to follow. In addition, you will always have neighbors who will be of great help to you.

Regardless of which path you take, whether you are coming or going, in general the recommendations are: Appropriate clothing, ideal footwear, water and light luggage that allows you to move comfortably. Remember that you will always have the option of a specialized agency that will be in charge of organizing everything and offering you support throughout the tour.