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Discover the way: Walk the Camino de Santiago

Follow the ancient pilgrimage route into the heart of Santiago de Compostela with Black Jackal & Netwerk24

The iconic Camino de Santiago offers a unique life experience for everyone who walks along its ancient paths. It's a physical challenge, a cultural adventure and at times even life-changing.

Do the blue coastlines of Portugal call to you, or do you prefer the rugged, green mountains of northwestern Spain? There’s a Camino route out there to suit everyone. Join us as we journey through the quaint towns and spectacular landscapes into the heart of Santiago de Compostela, the spiritual home of the pilgrim.

Are you ready for the journey?

There are hundreds of ways to walk the Camino. In partnership with Netwerk24, we currently offer two group tour options: The Portuguese Way, starting in Porto, Portugal and The French Way, starting in Astorga, Spain.

  • Secluded path through a green forest

    The French Way, 260km

    Astorga - Santiago de Compostela

    Every year, more than 300,000 pilgrims from around the globe embark on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Join your fellow pilgrims and begin your journey in the beautiful town of Astorga.

    Learn more
  • A harbour of clear blue water surrounded by colouful multi storied Portuguese homes

    The Portuguese Way, 280km

    Porto - Santiago de Compostla

    The second most popular route to Santiago de Compostela offers a stunning coastal journey. Embark on an unforgettable pilgrimage starting from the charming city of Porto.

    Learn more

Our Camino’s are fully supported, slack pack routes. The route is predetermined and you are able to self-pace throughout the day while a dedicated support team handles your luggage transfers, hotel bookings and meals.

  • No more heavy bags! Each day the support team transports your luggage between hotels. You only walk with a daypack with a warm jacket, your water bottle, camera, and snacks.

  • Depending on the route, you will walk between 260 - 280kms in total over 13 days. This works out to an average of 20km per day.

  • Yes, we run Camino’s as guided group tours with set dates during the year.

  • No, we belive its omportant to walk at the pace that suits you best. The Camino is a personal journey, and many pilgrims prefer solitary moments. The well-marked trails ensure you won't lose your way.

  • You'll be staying in comfortable hotel rooms with private bathrooms. Unlike traditional albergues, there's no need to worry about bunk beds or shared facilities. All you need is your personal belongings

Also known as the Way of St. James, our French Way Camino journey begins in the charming village of Astorga, located in the province of León. Both this province and the neighbouring Galicia, through which we'll be walking, are considered to be among the most beautiful stretches of the entire Camino.

We'll follow the French Way, the most popular and well-known route, for 260km to our final destination, Santiago de Compostela.

  • We currently have no French Way Camino tours scheduled for 2025. However, if you're interested in walking the French Way in 2026, please email us and we'll add you to our waiting list.

    bookings@blackjackaltravel.com

  • The Episcopal Palace, designed by Gaudi, in Astorga lit up at night

    Day 1

    Madrid- Astorga

    Your adventure begins with a warm Madrid welcome, followed by a bus transfer to Astorga and a visit to the famed Gaudi Episcopal Palace.

  • Group of pligrims holding a south african flag infront of a stone city hall in a town square in Spain

    Day 2

    Astorga - Rabanal del Camino, 20km

    Start your Camino amidst Astorga's historic charm and walk through small villages that have welcomed pilgrims for centuries.

  • Camino pligrim hiking along dirt path in the Spanish mountains

    Day 3

    Rabanal del Camino - El Acebo, 22kms

    Ascend towards the mountains, leaving your symbolic stone at the Cruz de Ferro, a moment of heartfelt reflection.

  • Stone medival Knights Templar castel in Ponferrada Spain silohette against a blue sky

    Day 4

    El Acebo - Ponferrada, 16km

    Enjoy the downhill hike into Ponferrada, where you'll discover medieval bridges and the historic Knights Templar castle.

  • Pligrims walking down a dirth road winding towards a small forest of trees that are just begining to change into autum colours

    Day 5

    Ponferrada - Villafranca del Bierzo, 24km

    Wander through lush vineyards and charming villages as you make your way to the inviting Villafranca del Bierzo.

  • Green pasture with a group of four brown cows grazing. Golden light reflects off the cows and the autum leaves of the trees in the background

    Day 6

    Villafranca del Bierzo - Las Herrerias, 21km

    Embark on a gradual uphill trek through mountainous landscapes and dense forests, savoring the peaceful surroundings.

  • Day 7

    Las Herrias - Fonfria, 20km

    Conquer the challenging climb into Galicia, and discover the legacy of Elías Valiña, the priest who revitalized the Camino.

  • Mural of a man holding a paintbrush in his left hand and a walking stick in his right. He is middle aged with glasses. This mural is of Elías Valiña the priest who re popularised the Camino through painting the famous yellow arrows.

    Day 8

    Fonfria - Sarria, 27km

    Embark on a long, downhill walk through forest and farmlands to the vibrant and bustling town of Sarria.

  • Long concrete bridge crossing high above a river into Portomarin

    Day 9

    Sarria - Portomarin, 22km

    Join your fellow pilgrims on a scenic route through Galicia's classic countryside, leading to the historic Portomarin.

  • A leaf strewn path leading through a green forest with a group of Camino hikers in the centre

    Day 10

    Portomarin - Palas de Rei, 24km

    Journey through enchanting forests and quaint villages, absorbing the serene beauty of the Galician landscape.

  • Camino Pligrim crossing a stone bridge in a vibrant green forest

    Day 11

    Palas de Rei - Melide, 14km

    Enjoy the shorter day as you walk through rolling hills, preserving your energy for the final, exciting stages of your Camino.

  • A plate of octopus know as Pulpo a famous dish in Galicia Spain

    Day 12

    Melide - Arzua, 14km

    Indulge in Melide's famous octopus before traversing the gentle climbs and descents towards Arzua.

  • Medival stone bridge over a small river

    Day 13

    Aruzua - Amenal, 23km

    Feel the anticipation grow as you walk the final stretches of open countryside, joining fellow pilgrims on the path to Santiago.

  • Group of pilgirms holding a south african flag and cheering in front of the cathedral in Santiago De Compostela at the end of the Camino

    Day 14

    Amenal - Santiago de Compostela, 16km

    Experience the culmination of your pilgrimage as you enter Santiago, following the yellow arrows to the majestic cathedral square.

  • The cathedral iIntricate facade of the Santiago de Compostela taken from a low angle and framed against a brilliant blue sky

    Day 15

    Santiago de Compostela

    Celebrate your accomplishment with a relaxing day in Santiago, receiving your Compostela and reflecting on your remarkable journey.

The starting point of this journey is the city of Porto in northern Portugal. Porto is one of the oldest cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will be walking along the Camino Portugués Coastal Way, one of the most popular alternative Camino routes to Santiago de Compostela.

Starting from Porto, you'll follow the coastline northwards and cross the Minho River, which marks the border between Portugal and Spain. From here, you'll continue walking in the Spanish province of Galicia until you reach your final destination in Santiago de Compostela.

  • The Portuguese Way

    When?

    • Tour 1: May 6 - 20, 2025

    • Tour 2: May 24 - June 7, 2025

    • Tour 3: October 7 - 21, 2025

    How much does it cost?

    • €2,900* per person sharing

    • Single rooms pay an extra €600.

    *Netwerk24 subscribers receive a discount on the tour price.

  • Night image of the river front of Porto. Buildings are liluminated by warm orange light which is refelected off the river in the foreground

    Day 1

    Meet and greet

    Begin your adventure in charming Porto, exploring its historic streets and enjoying a delightful boat trip along the scenic Douro River.

  • Boardwalk along the coast in Portugal. Green costal grass on the lefthand side of the baord walk leads towards the rocks and finally the sea. Sky is blue and streaked with feathery clouds

    Day 2

    Porto -Vila do Conde, 21kms

    Embrace the coastal beauty as your Camino journey begins, walking along scenic boardwalks and sandy beaches toward Vila do Conde.

  • Day 3

    Vila do Conde - Faõ, 23km

    Continue your coastal exploration, discovering picturesque seaside towns and charming windmills along the coast on the way to Faõ.

  • A large ornate white church with 4 domes on a hill overlooking the sea in Viana Do Castelo, Portugal

    Day 4

    Faõ - Viana do Castelo, 33km

    Wander through beautiful forests and along scenic promenades, arriving at the bustling port of Viana do Castelo with its iconic hilltop church.

  • Large metal cut out letters spelleing V P Ancora on a paved promenade infront of the sea

    Day 5

    Viana do Castelo - Vila Praia de Âncora, 20km

    Enjoy a peaceful walk through residential areas and forested paths, culminating in the delightful surf town of Vila Praia de Âncora.

  • Day 6

    Vila Praia de Âncora - A Guarda, 14 km

    Enjoy your last pastel de nata, bid farewell to Portugal and cross into Spain, taking a scenic water taxi across the Minho River to A Guarda.

  • Day 7

    A Guarda - Oia, 16 km

    Follow the breathtaking Atlantic coastline, discovering charming residential areas and the historic Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Oia.

  • A small white rowboat floats on a brilliant blue sea in a cove in front of the beach. In the background, a fort sits on a hill, partially obscured by green foliage.

    Day 8

    Oia - Baiona, 19km

    Journey eastward along the coast to Baiona, a historic town where Columbus's ship, the Pinta, first landed and home to the Monterreal Castle.

  • Day 9

    Baiona - Vigo, 25km

    Cross the medieval bridge heading out of Baiona and traverse lush forests before arriving in the vibrant port city of Vigo, with its beautiful old town.

  • Day 10

    Vigo - Arcade, 25km

    Escape the busy city and return to tranquil forests and farmlands, joining your fellow pilgrims on the central Camino route toward Arcade.

  • A circular stone church with two turrents

    Day 11

    Arcade - Pontevedra, 14km

    Walk along peaceful paths and through charming villages, arriving in Pontevedra to admire the iconic La Virgen Peregrina church.

  • Old stone bridge over a river in Caldas de Rei, Spain.

    Day 12

    Pontevedra - Caldas de Reis, 24km

    Venture inland and wind your way through vineyards and rural landscapes, and dip your tired feet in the rejuvenating hot springs of Caldas de Reis.

  • Green treelined avenue with orange, red and green pendants strung across the avenue between the trees

    Day 13

    Caldas de Reis - Padron, 19km

    Wander through beautiful forests and farmland and cross the Ulla River before reaching Padrón, famous for its peppers and the legend of St. James.

  • Dramatic carved stone a facade of the Catherdal de Santiago de Compostela agains a blue sky

    Day 14

    Padron - Santiago de Compostela, 25km

    Celebrate your incredible journey as you arrive in Santiago de Compostela, completing your pilgrimage at the magnificent Santiago Cathedral

  • Gilded main alter in a cathedral. Canopy over the alter in supported by 6 large angels. Central figure in the alter is a lifesize version of the Saint James

    Day 15

    Santiago de Compostela, Free Day

    Savor a well-deserved rest in Santiago de Compostela, receiving your Compostela and reflecting on your transformative Camino experience.

Each pilgrim who embarks on the journey along the Camino has a unique and personal experience that shapes their understanding of the world and themselves.

  • Mother and son after walking the Camino

    An experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life…

    - Maryke

    French Way 2023

    Portuguese Way 2024

  • Smiling woman standing infront of the cathedral after walking the Camino

    I have no words to describe the tour. It was the most wonderful experience one could have. You are brought into contact with yourself. With people who cross your path and inspire you to keep going. You come home a new person.

    -Wilma

    French Way 2023

    Portugues Way 2024

  • A mother and daughter standing arm in arm and smiling after completeing thier pilgrimage on the Camino

    "It was a fantastic experience! VERY well organized and so comfortable - you can just walk and relax, other people think for you."

    Lenelle & Jana

    French Way 2023

    Portuguese Way 2024

  • Smiling elderly couple at the end of thier pilgrimage

    Excellently organized!

    Fantastic route!

    - Marita & Martin

    French Way 2023

  • This is the best value-for-money tour we have ever done. The tour leaders were more than fantastic and really didn't just walk the extr a mile with us, they walked miles with us and everything was always perfectly arranged. What we will always remember is the wonderful friends we were privileged to meet.

    Louis & Gail

    French Way 2023

    Portuguese 2024

  • It was good, no! very good! The whole Camino experience exceeded my expectations. Now I have lasting memories that will always stay with me

    - Arnaud & Maritha

    French Way 2023

  • Smiling woman in a green ponch infornt of the Catherdral in Santiago de Compostela

    The tour exceeded all my expectations. The scenery, the rich history and the landscape touched my heart. It was special to tackle the walk and sights at your own pace, but still be able to socialize and share experiences in your own language and with fellow countrymen in the evenings

    Hanlie

    French Way 2023

We make your pilgrimage as easy as possible. All you have to do is show up! Here are the practical things to keep in mind.

What’s included?

  • All accommodation in hotels and B&Bs

  • All dinners and breakfasts

  • A tour leader who walks the route with you

  • A support team

  • Daily luggage transfer

  • Your Camino passport

  • Stated activities

  • A mass service in the Santiago de Compostela cathedral

  • Transport from the airport to the hotel on day one

  • Transport to the Camino start point

  • Camino information package before your departure

  • Advice on your visa application and travel plans

What’s excluded?

  • International flights

  • Visa applications (you may need a Schengen visa)

  • Post-tour transportation back from Santiago de Compostela

  • Lunches and drinks

  • Personal spending

  • Personal travel and medical insurance

  • Gratuities

The Portuguese Way

When?

  • Tour 1: May 6 - 20, 2025

  • Tour 2: May 24 - June 7, 2025

  • Tour 3: October 7 - 21, 2025

How much does it cost?

  • €2,900* per person sharing

  • Single rooms pay an extra €600.

*Netwerk24 subscribers receive a discount on the tour price.

The French Way

We currently have no French Way Camino tours scheduled for 2025. However, if you're interested in walking the French Way in 2026, please email bookings@blackjackaltravel.com and we'll add you to our waiting list.

Group of Camino pligrims cheering and holding a South African flag standing infront of the catherdral in Santiago De Compostela

Your epic journey awaits

Join us for an unforgettable walking experience on the Camino and explore the ancient pathways of this historic pilgrimage.

Are you ready pilgrim?