Does the Camino Go Through Madrid?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re planning to walk the Camino de Santiago, you might be wondering whether the route goes through Madrid. Madrid is a popular destination for visitors to Spain, and it’s not uncommon for pilgrims to arrive in the capital city before starting their journey on the Camino.

So, does the Camino go through Madrid? The short answer is no. But that doesn’t mean you can’t start your pilgrimage from there.

What is the Camino de Santiago?

Before we get into the details of whether or not the Camino goes through Madrid, let’s quickly define what the Camino de Santiago is. The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a network of pilgrim routes that lead to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. Pilgrims have been walking these routes for over a thousand years, and today it’s one of the most popular long-distance hiking trails in Europe.

The Most Popular Routes

While there are many different routes that make up the Camino de Santiago network, there are a few that are more popular than others. The most well-known route is the Camino Frances, which starts in St. Jean Pied de Port on the French side of the Pyrenees and ends in Santiago de Compostela. Other popular routes include:

  • The Northern Route (Camino del Norte)
  • The Portuguese Route (Caminho Portugues)
  • The Via de la Plata

Does The Camino Go Through Madrid?

As mentioned earlier, no official Camino route goes through Madrid. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t start your pilgrimage from there if you want to.

One option is to take a bus or train from Madrid to one of the towns along the Camino Frances route, such as Pamplona or Burgos. From there, you can begin your journey on foot. This is a popular option for pilgrims who want to experience some of the city’s culture and history before starting their pilgrimage.

Other Options

Another option is to take one of the lesser-known Camino routes that start closer to Madrid. For example, the Camino de Madrid starts in the city of Madrid itself and follows a route that passes through several other towns before linking up with the Camino Frances in Sahagun.

Conclusion

So, while there isn’t an official Camino route that goes through Madrid, there are still options for pilgrims who want to start their journey from the capital city. Whether you choose to take a bus or train to one of the other Camino routes or start on a lesser-known route closer to Madrid, there’s no wrong way to begin your pilgrimage. Just remember to pack comfortable shoes and an open mind, and you’ll be well on your way to experiencing one of Europe’s most iconic hiking trails.