Overview of the 2026 Spring Pilgrimage Plan
Xiyou Travel has announced the return of its acclaimed customized Camino de Santiago walking tours for April-May 2026. Building on past successes, this event offers two routes with different starting points and scenery, both culminating in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. All tours are organized for groups of 6 and include comprehensive logistical support services.
Route A: The Classic Spanish Way
This is an 8-day, 7-night classic hiking route, covering approximately 110 km, which fulfills the official requirement to receive the pilgrim’s certificate. The journey begins in Madrid, Spain’s capital, passing by the ancient Roman aqueduct in Segovia and the university city of Salamanca before officially starting the walk from Sarria.
- Day 1-2: Gather in Madrid for free exploration.
- Day 3: Depart from Madrid, passing through Segovia and Salamanca to reach Samos.
- Day 4: Walk from Sarria to Portomarín (22 km).
- Day 5: Walk from Portomarín to Palas de Rei (25 km).
- Day 6: Walk from Palas de Rei to Cedor (25 km).
- Day 7: Walk from Cedor via Arzúa to Pedrouzo (25 km).
- Day 8: Walk from Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela (20 km), end of the tour.
Route B: The Portuguese Coastal Way
This route is 9 days and 8 nights, with a total walking distance of about 170 km, offering a completely different coastal landscape experience. Participants will gather in Porto, Portugal’s “wine capital,” and head north along the Atlantic coastline, passing through several fishing villages and seaside towns. The pace is relatively relaxed, making it suitable for those new to long-distance hiking.
- Day 1-2: Gather and explore in Porto, Portugal.
- Day 3: From Porto to Caminha, then to Barcelos (19 km).
- Day 4: Walk from Barcelos to Ílhavo (22 km).
- Day 5: Walk from Ílhavo to Redondela (22 km).
- Day 6: Walk from Redondela to Pontevedra (20 km).
- Day 7: Walk from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis (20 km).
- Day 8: Walk from Caldas de Reis to Padrón (18 km).
- Day 9: Walk from Padrón to Santiago de Compostela (20 km), end of the tour.
Support Services and Official Certification
Both routes are equipped with a support vehicle responsible for transporting participants’ luggage daily, ensuring you can walk with a light pack. Additionally, if a hiker feels unwell, they can rest in the vehicle at any time. All hikers who complete more than 100 km on either route can receive the official pilgrim’s certificate (Compostela) at the Cathedral of Santiago. It’s worth mentioning that for hikers who have completed Japan’s Kumano Kodo trail, finishing this pilgrimage will earn them the special ‘Dual Pilgrim’ certification.
