MADRID BECOMES A GATEWAY TO THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO.
Madrid has just taken a big step onto the Camino map.
In April 2025, the city officially opened its first dedicated pilgrim hostel (albergue), welcoming international pilgrims into the heart of the capital and reaffirming its historic – and now practical – place in the Camino de Santiago network.
For those considering starting their Camino from Madrid, this is welcome news.
A Warm Welcome: Madrid’s First Albergue for Pilgrims
The new Albergue de las Comendadoras de Santiago is a small but meaningful addition to the Camino community. Located in the Real Monasterio de las Comendadoras de Santiago, right in central Madrid, the hostel currently offers 26 beds in its first phase.
It’s designed primarily for international pilgrims arriving in Madrid by plane or train, offering a calm space to rest, prepare, and reflect before setting off on foot. But this is more than just a place to sleep – it’s a centre for orientation and support.
Alongside the hostel, the Centro Internacional del Peregrino offers guidance on Camino routes, as well as cultural, historical, and spiritual information, helping pilgrims understand the deep roots of the journey they’re about to undertake.
Did You Know? You Can Start the Camino from Madrid
Although it’s not as well-known as the Camino Frances or the Camino Portuguese, there is a fully established pilgrimage route that begins in Madrid. Known as the Camino de Madrid, this scenic and less-travelled trail takes you through the heart of Spain and connects with the Camino Frances in the town of Sahagún.
The Camino de Madrid is approximately 320km and typically takes around 13 to 16 days to walk, depending on your pace. From Sahagún, many pilgrims continue on the Francés route all the way to Santiago de Compostela, adding another 350km or so to the journey.
Why Choose the Camino de Madrid?
If you’re looking for a quieter Camino experience, the Madrid route is ideal. It winds through peaceful villages, the rugged beauty of the Sierra de Guadarrama, and the vast, open plains of Castile and León. It’s a route for introspection – offering long stretches of silence, rustic charm, and an authentic glimpse into rural Spanish life.
There’s also something rather poetic about beginning your pilgrimage from Spain’s bustling capital, and slowly watching the urban energy melt into countryside solitude.
Plus, if you’re travelling from the USA or outside of Europe, it may be much easier to arrive to Madrid than get to SJPP in France for the start of the Camino Frances.
Finally, if you choose to join the Camino Frances, you’ll join close to Leon and miss most of the Meseta – arguably the worst part of the route.
A Revival of Tradition in the City
The Monasterio de las Comendadoras de Santiago, now home to the pilgrim hostel and information centre, has a long-standing connection with the Camino. Historically linked to the Order of Santiago, this religious and military group was founded in the 12th century to protect pilgrims en route to Compostela. Their legacy is now reawakened in the form of this new albergue – a symbolic and practical revival.
It’s heartening to see Madrid embracing this part of its past, and opening its arms to modern pilgrims from around the world.
How to Start the Camino from Madrid
Here’s what you need to know if you’re inspired to begin your Camino in the capital:
- Route: Camino de Madrid
- Distance: ~320km to Sahagún (then ~350km more to Santiago via the Camino Francés)
- Start Point: Madrid (Monasterio de las Comendadoras de Santiago)
- Best Time to Walk: Spring and Autumn for mild weather
- Accommodation: A mix of pilgrim hostels, guesthouses, and rural inns – though infrastructure is more limited than on the Francés
If you’re starting from Madrid, the new albergue offers a perfect launching pad. From there, it’s just a matter of lacing up your boots and following the yellow arrows.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
British travel writer and long-distance hiker, native to Kent. Emma has walked the Camino de Santiago more than ten times, completed trails across Europe from the Corfu Trail to the Fisherman’s Trail, and covered thousands of kilometres on foot. She always writes from first-hand experience. Her goal? Inspire just one person to go on their first long-distance hike.
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