Driving the Camino de Santiago offers a unique way to blend spiritual heritage, dramatic landscapes, and cultural gems. With your own wheels—especially when you rent a car in Malaga airport through SOLO rent a car—you can explore the famed pilgrimage routes at your own pace. Whether you're considering the French Way, Portuguese Way, or Portuguese Coastal Way, a road trip along the Camino is a rewarding and flexible adventure.
Why driving makes the Camino special
The Camino isn’t just a footpath; it’s a historical network spanning over 800 km in its famous French route and 618 km on the Portuguese Way. But while many walk the trail, a road trip along the Camino lets you:
- Visit multiple Camino variants in one trip
- Access nearby scenic towns and vineyards
- Travel comfortably, especially with luggage or in heat
- Combine pilgrimage with luxury stays and regional experiences
And it all begins smoothly when you rent car Malaga airport—your Andalusian adventure starts the moment you land.
{{AutoparkShortcode}}
Ideal routes and must-see stops
French Way (Camino Francés)
- Saint‑Jean‑Pied‑de‑Port: Gateway through the Pyrenees into Spain.
- Puente la Reina: Famous medieval bridge graced by pilgrims since the 11th century.
- San Juan de Ortega: Historic Romanesque monastery and spiritual resting point.
- Sarria: The last starting point for the 100 km required to earn the Compostela certificate.
Portuguese Way
- Porto or Lisbon start: Depending on your route choice—city charm and coastal stretches.
- Ponte de Lima and Barcelos: Historic towns praised for authentic character.
- Padrón: A religious and cultural landmark close to Santiago.
Portuguese Coastal Way
- Baiona and Vigo: Scenic seaside towns with maritime history.
- A Guarda and Oia: Authentic, less-touristy coastal stops recommended by Camino veterans.
Highlights past Santiago
Fisterra & Muxía
Extend your journey to the Atlantic coast. From Santiago, continue west to Cabo Fisterra, the end-of-world point, then to Muxía —following a route rich in spiritual symbolism. It’s about 118 km total beyond Santiago, offering seaside tranquility and cultural insight.
Practical tips for a Camino road trip
- Pick up your vehicle conveniently with Malaga airport car hire.
- Choose your route: French, Portuguese inland, or coastal.
- Plan your stops, factoring 2–3 days per route plus extras for Fisterra/Muxía.
- Select the right vehicle: compact for mountain drives, SUV for comfort.
- Carry pilgrimage documents ("credencial") to collect stamps and possibly stay in albergues.
- Pre-book accommodation, especially during May–September.
- Fuel and tolls: Spain has pay-at-pump stations and many tolled highways—plan accordingly.
Why SOLO rent a car is your perfect Camino partner
- Wide range of vehicles, suitable for all routes—from compact to SUV.
- Smooth pick-up at Malaga airport, with no transfer hassle.
- Transparent pricing, including insurance and deposit details.
- Local expertise, helping you choose the best stopovers and routes.
Your Camino road trip starts here
{{RatingShortcode}} A Camino by car gives you freedom to blend spiritual stops, historic towns, and scenic splendor—from Puente la Reina and San Juan de Ortega, through Porto’s coastal charm, to the sacred Atlantic edge at Fisterra. Begin your journey by choosing rent a car Malaga airport with SOLO rent a car and set your own pace along Europe’s most storied route.
Buen Camino—and buen viaje!