The Camino Your Way: Designing a Journey That Fits You (Week 3 of 4)

Walking the Camino — Your Way

There’s a common belief that the “real” Camino de Santiago takes an entire month to complete — but here’s the truth: your Camino is whatever you make it.

Some pilgrims walk for five weeks across Spain. Others go for just one. Many come back year after year, exploring new routes one section at a time. The Camino isn’t a single path; it’s a network of trails, experiences, and stories that all lead to Santiago de Compostela.

This post is Week 3 in our 4-week ZipHers Camino Series, where we’re guiding women through every stage of this journey — from planning and packing to staying comfortable on the trail with the help of ZipHers legwear.

There’s No “One Way” to Walk the Camino

Every person walks for a different reason — reflection, healing, adventure, or simply curiosity. The beauty of the Camino is that it meets you where you are, both physically and emotionally.

You can choose:

• How long you walk. From a few days to several weeks.

• Where you start. From mountain passes in France to coastal towns in Portugal.

• How you travel. Solo or with friends, fast-paced or slow and meditative.

Each version is equally valid — and equally transformative.

Popular Camino Routes and How to Choose Yours

There are more than a dozen official routes across Europe that lead to Santiago. Here are a few of the most popular — each offering something unique:

1. The French Way (Camino Francés)

• Starts: St. Jean Pied-de-Port, France

• Length: ~780 km (485 miles)

• Time: 30–35 days

• Highlights: Classic villages, mountains, and the heart of the Camino culture.

• Why it’s great: It’s the most social route — ideal for first-time walkers who want community and conversation.

2. The Portuguese Way (Camino Portugués)

• Starts: Lisbon or Porto, Portugal

• Length: 250–600 km (155–370 miles)

• Time: 1–3 weeks

• Highlights: Coastal scenery, friendly towns, and fantastic food.

• Why it’s great: A bit quieter and more scenic — perfect if you prefer less-crowded trails.

3. The Camino Primitivo

• Starts: Oviedo, Spain

• Length: ~320 km (200 miles)

• Time: 2 weeks

• Highlights: Rugged mountain paths, forest trails, and dramatic views.

• Why it’s great: The most challenging but also one of the most rewarding routes.

4. The English Way (Camino Inglés)

• Starts: Ferrol or A Coruña, Spain

• Length: 75–120 km (45–75 miles)

• Time: 4–7 days

• Highlights: Short, scenic, and ideal for those with limited time.

• Why it’s great: You can walk it in under a week and still earn your Compostela certificate.

5. The Northern Way (Camino del Norte)

• Starts: Irún, Spain

• Length: ~820 km (510 miles)

• Time: 30–35 days

• Highlights: Coastal cliffs, beaches, and Basque Country cuisine.

• Why it’s great: Less crowded and absolutely stunning if you love the sea.

Short Routes for Busy Lives

If you can’t take a full month off, shorter Caminos are incredibly popular — and just as meaningful.

• Sarria to Santiago: 115 km, perfect for a 5–7 day walk.

• León to Santiago: About 300 km, ideal for 2 weeks.

• Porto to Santiago: Around 240 km, great for 10–14 days.

Each of these routes lets you experience the essence of the Camino — community, reflection, and discovery — without the long-term time commitment.

Remember, it’s not about how far you walk; it’s about what you experience along the way.

Creating a Camino Itinerary That Works for You

Here’s how to build a route that fits your time, goals, and comfort:

1. Set your timeline first. Decide how many days you realistically have for travel and walking.

2. Choose a route that matches your pace. If you want to walk 20 km a day, pick a starting point that gets you to Santiago within your timeframe.

3. Plan for flexibility. Build in one or two rest days — it’s part of the journey.

4. Travel light. You can mail luggage ahead or hire a bag-transfer service between towns.

5. Focus on comfort. Invest in footwear and legwear that work with your body, not against it.

How ZipHers Legwear Fits Your Camino

The Camino teaches you that less is more — and ZipHers legwear is designed with that same mindset. Every piece is made for versatility, comfort, and confidence wherever the path leads.

Here’s why it belongs in your pack:

• Discreet zipper access: Quick bathroom breaks without the stress of finding facilities.

• Lightweight and breathable: Perfect for long walks in changing weather.

• Quick-drying and durable: Easy to rinse, dry overnight, and re-wear.

• Stylish enough for town: Go from hiking boots to dinner without changing.

Because the less time you spend managing layers or logistics, the more time you spend enjoying the journey.

Women Walking Their Own Camino

Many women walk the Camino alone — and discover that solitude doesn’t mean loneliness. The path is full of support, kindness, and shared stories. Others walk with friends or partners, creating memories that last a lifetime.

No matter how you choose to go, there’s no wrong way to experience the Camino. Some take the spiritual approach, others treat it as a fitness challenge or cultural exploration. The magic is that the Camino adapts to your purpose.

As one pilgrim famously said: “The Camino gives you what you need, not what you expect.”

Finding Freedom in Flexibility

Flexibility is the key to a successful Camino. You might plan to walk two weeks and decide to stay longer—or plan the full route and realize a shorter section feels just right.

Let the journey unfold naturally. Listen to your body, follow your curiosity, and don’t worry about the “rules.”

And through it all, ZipHers is there to keep you comfortable — freeing you from the small frustrations (like bathroom logistics or chafing gear) so you can focus on the experience itself.

Your Camino, Your Story

Every pilgrim walks the same path in different shoes — and that’s the beauty of it. Whether your Camino is a single week or a lifelong dream, what matters is that you start.

With the right gear, the right mindset, and a little ZipHers comfort, you’ll discover that the journey was never about the destination — it was always about you.

✨ No matter the distance, your Camino is your story. Discover how ZipHers legwear makes every step smoother. Shop ZipHers Legwear ➝

Next in the Series

This is Week 3 of our Camino de Santiago series. Next week, we’ll wrap up with Essential Tips for Women on the Camino — from packing and safety to self-care and real talk about bathroom freedom on the trail.