Best book for all routes

[DanielKeenan]

I am beginning to plan my Camino. I have not decided on a route. What are the best books that discuss the different characteristics of each route? So far, I have only found books on each individual route. Thank you

 

[RJM]

There are a lot of routes. I don't think there's a guidebook that compares them all.
Do some online research about the different routes, pick a couple that are what you are looking for and then get the respective guidebooks for them.

 

[naplesdon]

Like RJM say, use this forum to review comments about each route. Find those you like and drill down deeper with one of the many guidebooks available.

 

[trecile]

The Gronze website has descriptions of most major routes.

El Camino de Santiago | Gronze.com

Bienvenido a Gronze, tu Guía del Camino de Santiago: Información práctica, actualizada y participativa de los principales Caminos de Santiago.

www.gronze.com

If you tell us what you are looking for in a route we can make suggestions that you can further research.

 

[miriamlopez]

This article at Gronze may be useful to you:

https://www.gronze.com/articulos/comparativa-7-principales-caminos-santiago-cual-elegir-17204

You can translate it on your browser.

 

[DanielKeenan]

Thank you to all. I was not aware of the Gronze website, it is very informative and helpful

 

[JerryStroebele]

Here's a guide to 16 Caminos: Walking the Caminos, A User's Guide by David and Debbie Mercer. Self published in 2021. I found it accurate and interesting, with photos and line maps. But they must be young and tough. I found both Mozarabe Caminos, from Almeria and from Malaga, a little harder than they described. I think I found it on Amazon but can't remember. The website of the American Pilgrims on the Camino has descriptions of the different Caminos. Many Caminos have their own associations with excellent websites. And, yes, of course, Gronze.com. Buen Camino

 

[trecile]

Here's a guide to 16 Caminos: Walking the Caminos, A User's Guide by David and Debbie Mercer. Self published in 2021.

Here it is on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Walking-Caminos-Users-David-Mercer/dp/B09B2J9C2G

 

[Graeme Cook]

I have written about the Camino Frances, Portuguese (Porto) and Finisterre routes in one book, details below. More best cellar than best seller but folk generally appear to have found it entertaining.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thirst-Adventure-Santiago-Three-Caminos-ebook/dp/B0CVVFWP1B/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=3SE1HLZC1AF8H&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AGec4Za6p4U36lVQMpQlZJQjFGtopCcGTVmSoyLA-zbWBqnQqgnsR6ulylORq9s2.m5MzY0a-cQpe8uBfZ-6g4LechxdYqC1-JKyseAziQbE&dib_tag=se&keywords=graeme+cook+camino&qid=1718797807&sprefix=%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-2

 

[DanielKeenan]

Thank you! I just ordered it.

I have written about the Camino Frances, Portuguese (Porto) and Finisterre routes in one book, details below. More best cellar than best seller but folk generally appear to have found it entertaining.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thirst-Adventure-Santiago-Three-Caminos-ebook/dp/B0CVVFWP1B/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=3SE1HLZC1AF8H&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AGec4Za6p4U36lVQMpQlZJQjFGtopCcGTVmSoyLA-zbWBqnQqgnsR6ulylORq9s2.m5MzY0a-cQpe8uBfZ-6g4LechxdYqC1-JKyseAziQbE&dib_tag=se&keywords=graeme+cook+camino&qid=1718797807&sprefix=%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-2

At least your evaluation, "more best cellar than best seller", brought a smile to my face! I will check into it. Thank you

 

[Kirkie]

Here is another website.

St James’ Way Routes and Stages | Eroski Consumer

All the Updated information you will need about the most popular St James’ Way routes, organised by stages. Hostels, monuments, points of interest and more

caminodesantiago.consumer.es

It is originally in Spanish, but I just checked and see it is also now in English.
Gronze and Eroski rely on users to update them, so they may be slightly out of time, but my own experience with them is accurate and useful. They (Eroski - but only along the North of Spain, but don't shoot me if I am mistaken) have nothing to gain except maybe you might buy some yogurt along the way!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Here is another website.

Thank you @Kirkie for (1) staying active on the forum and (2) reminding me of the Eroski website. It has been a long time since I've visited it.

It is originally in Spanish, but I just checked and see it is also now in English.

Automatically translated into English and somewhat flowery English at that. The mistranslations are fun to work out. When I looked at what translations from the Castilian were available I was pleasantly surprised to see that the other major Spanish languages were available; Basque, Catalan and Galician.