How many kilometres do you have to walk for the Compostela?

At least the final 100 km on foot (or on horseback), or the final 200 km by bicycle, to Santiago de Compostela.

Where do you start to walk 100 km?

The most common starting points are Sarria on the French Way, Tui on the Portuguese Way and Ferrol on the English Way, all slightly above the required 100 km.

Do I need the pilgrim's credential?

Yes. It is the document you get stamped along the way to prove your route. In the final 100 km you need two stamps a day.

Does the Compostela count if I go by bicycle?

Yes, but by bike the minimum is the final 200 km, not 100. The Camino on horseback also counts (100 km).

The Compostela

Where should you start the Camino to earn the Compostela?

The Compostela is the certificate that proves you have made the pilgrimage to Santiago. To earn it you must cover at least the final 100 km on foot (or 200 km by bicycle) with a stamped pilgrim's credential. Here is what is required and where to start each Camino to walk just the minimum.

What you need for the Compostela

100 km on foot · 200 km by bike
You must cover the final 100 km on foot (or the final 200 km by bicycle) to the cathedral of Santiago, always heading towards the city.
Stamped credential
Carry the pilgrim's credential and stamp it along the way. In the final 100 km you need two stamps a day (hostels, churches, bars or town halls).
Religious or spiritual motivation
The Compostela is issued to those who walk the Camino for religious or spiritual reasons. If that is not your case, the Pilgrim's Office issues the Certificate of distance.

Where to start each Camino

These are the most common starting points to walk just the final ~100 km and earn the Compostela. Each one links to the full section, stage by stage:

Lugo

Camino Primitivo

100 km · 5 stages

See the Camino from Lugo →

Ferrol

Camino Inglés

103 km · 5 stages

See the Camino from Ferrol →

Ourense

Vía de la Plata

109 km · 5 stages

See the Camino from Ourense →

Tui

Camino Portugués

115 km · 5 stages

See the Camino from Tui →

Sarria

Camino Francés

120 km · 5 stages

See the Camino from Sarria →

O Cebreiro

Camino Francés

159 km · 7 stages

See the Camino from O Cebreiro →

Ponferrada

Camino Francés

210 km · 9 stages

See the Camino from Ponferrada →

León

Camino Francés

314 km · 13 stages

See the Camino from León →

Distances calculated on the real route of each section. Sarria (French Way), Tui (Portuguese Way) and Ferrol (English Way) are the classic starting points for the final 100 km.

Frequently asked questions about the Compostela

How many kilometres do you have to walk for the Compostela?: At least the final 100 km on foot (or on horseback), or the final 200 km by bicycle, to Santiago de Compostela.
Where do you start to walk 100 km?: The most common starting points are Sarria on the French Way, Tui on the Portuguese Way and Ferrol on the English Way, all slightly above the required 100 km.
Do I need the pilgrim's credential?: Yes. It is the document you get stamped along the way to prove your route. In the final 100 km you need two stamps a day.
Does the Compostela count if I go by bicycle?: Yes, but by bike the minimum is the final 200 km, not 100. The Camino on horseback also counts (100 km).