Conquered the Camino? Explore these 7 pilgrimages for your next adventure

A sacred journey toward spiritual rejuvenation. An expedition from intellect to emotion. A challenge of resilience. A transformative path to enlightenment.

For centuries, individuals have embarked on pilgrimages to seek forgiveness, express gratitude, pray, or discover inner peace and purpose during times of change and turmoil. St. Augustine captured this idea 1500 years ago when he stated: “solvitur ambulando” (“it is solved by walking”). What could be more instinctive than stepping forward along a defined route towards a destination? A pilgrimage serves as a powerful metaphor for life.

Worldwide, the popularity of pilgrimages is on the rise.

In 2023, an unprecedented 446,073 pilgrims journeyed the Camino de Santiago to the shrine of St. James. Yet, this well-traveled route is just one of many among the globe's remarkable pilgrimage paths.

Whether religious or not, you will be deeply moved by the stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural and spiritual insights found on these seven remarkable pilgrimages—slow-travel journeys taking you from the misty mountains of Japan to the picturesque islands along Finland’s southern coast.

1. St Olav Waterway, Sweden and Finland

Perfect for island hopping and breathtaking sea vistas

Escape from the hustle of modern life and immerse yourself in nature on the island-hopping, coastal St Olav Waterway that connects Turku in Finland to Eckerö (Åland) in Sweden. This exhilarating 10-day adventure spans 215km (134 miles) and offers a pilgrimage experience like no other. Notably, you don't have to walk the entire route—you can also cycle or kayak, with ferries available for the connections.

No matter how you choose to travel, prepare to be dazzled by spectacular views of the sea and sky. The path navigates through numerous rocky islands and skerries as it traverses the Åland Islands, allowing you moments to disconnect and connect with the deep blues of the Baltic Sea and the lush greens of the pine forests in serene spots where you can hear your own heartbeat. Bring your binoculars, and you might catch a glimpse of migratory birds, hares, deer, and the occasional elk swimming between islands.

Retracing the path taken by pilgrims who hiked and sailed during the Middle Ages, this route pays tribute to one of Scandinavia’s most celebrated saints. It’s less about breathtaking highlights and more about savoring every moment and sensation along the journey. Enjoy the brilliance of the stars while wild camping. Take invigoratingly cold dips in the sea after a sauna. Pause in quaint, timber-framed villages and delight in local delicacies for picnics at charming farm shops along the way.

After about a week, you'll rediscover lost rhythms and forge a deeper connection with the Nordic landscapes and their incredible nature.

2. Kumano Kodō, Japan

Ideal for sacred shrines and rejuvenating hot springs

Winding through the lush mountains of Japan's Kii Peninsula, the Kumano Kodō is a UNESCO-listed network of pilgrimage trails that lead to the Kumano Sanzan, or Three Grand Shrines of Kumano. Once a revered pilgrimage route for emperors and samurai seeking enlightenment, these paths have been traversed for over a thousand years.

Today, the landscape remains vibrant with a unique energy. Hikers can expect enchanting bamboo groves, fern-laden forests, terraced rice paddies, cascading waterfalls, and sacred mountains honored as kami (gods), along with Buddhist temples and Shintō shrines.

The primary route to Kumano is the Nakahechi Route (Imperial Route)—a well-marked 68km (42-mile) trek that harmonizes mind, body, and spirit through the challenges of the trail and the splendor of nature. It's a robust four-day journey into rugged mountains, through mist-covered forests, and along ancient stone paths smoothed by the determined feet of pilgrims. Tea houses and simple inns offer rest and refreshment in secluded villages, and you’ll want to partake in age-old rituals by soaking in the World Heritage hot springs of Yunomine Onsen. Finally, you'll arrive at the historic shrine of Hongu Taisha, home to the world’s largest torii gate.

Summers on the Kii Peninsula can be hot and humid, while winters are chilly, so visiting during the shoulder seasons offers mild weather and fewer crowds—along with the beauty of spring cherry blossoms or stunning autumn foliage.

3. Via Francigena, Italy

Perfect for stunning views and charming hill towns

In the realm of saints, few shine as brightly as St. Francis of Assisi, born in his eponymous town in Umbria in 1181. As the founder of the Franciscan order, this revered Italian saint embraced a life of extreme poverty and penance—think rolling in thorn bushes to resist temptation, donning a tattered robe (his only possession), subsisting on minimal food, and sleeping on stone. St. Francis cherished nature, rescued animals, and performed numerous medieval miracles, from walking on water to healing the sick and even raising the dead. Among saints, few can rival his legacy.

Marking its 30th anniversary in 2024, the Via Francigena traces the devoted path of St. Francis. If you think the Camino is tough, challenge yourself with this 1200km (745-mile) pilgrimage from Canterbury's stunning, UNESCO-listed cathedral (the site of Thomas Becket's murder in 1170) to Santa Maria di Leuca in Puglia, at the sun-drenched tip of Italy. As you journey from England through France, Switzerland, and into Italy, the weather warms and the skies turn a brilliant blue. The breathtaking landscapes that unfold include vineyards, rushing rivers, lush forests, olive-covered hills, and the snow-capped Alps. Along the way, you'll encounter abbeys, castles, medieval towns, and the splendors of Rome. Throughout the Dinogo stretches, a palpable sense of spirituality remains.

4. The Portuguese Way, Portugal

Ideal for an alternative route to Santiago

If the allure of Santiago intrigues you but the crowds on the bustling Camino Francés don’t, there are alternative routes to earn your official Compostela certificate. While 219,785 weary pilgrims traversed the Pyrenees through France and Northern Spain to reach Santiago’s magnificent medieval cathedral in 2023, only 88,717 chose the path via Portugal. Enter the popular yet still less-crowded Caminho Português, a spiritually enriching, month-long journey covering 620km (385 miles) from the Portuguese capital of Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela.

Wild Atlantic coastlines, lush forested hills, and national parks connect timeless villages and some of Portugal's most remarkable cultural landmarks—from the narrow, atmospheric streets of Coimbra, the medieval capital for over a century and home to the country’s oldest UNESCO-listed university, to the convent-crowned Tomar, a stronghold of the Knights Templar, and the Moorish town of Santarém. Pause at beaches to savor fresh shellfish and watch stunning sunsets.

The trail is well-marked and moderately challenging (expect some inclines but no significant climbs); the weather is typically pleasant, with spring and autumn being the best times for walking. Tip: if you're looking to shorten your journey, you can hike the 265km (165 miles) from Porto, which takes about 10 to 12 days to reach Santiago.

5. St Paul Trail, Türkiye

Ideal for history enthusiasts and slow travel

The apostle St. Paul, originally from Tarsus, spread the Christian faith throughout Asia Minor in the first century. The St Paul Trail pays tribute to this foundational saint, allowing you to trace his footsteps on his first missionary journey through Anatolia. This 500km (310-mile) trek, beginning in the ancient city of Perge (just north of Antalya on the Mediterranean coast) and ending at Yalvaç near Lake Eğirdir, offers a glimpse into the rural side of Türkiye that few tourists experience. The trail is clearly marked with white-and-red stripes on rocks and trees, so you'll know where to go.

History enthusiasts will find joy along this route, which navigates stone-paved Roman roads, medieval paths, and ancient shepherd trails, featuring aqueducts, ancient theaters, and towns from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras. Along the way, you'll encounter ruined temples, castles, mosques, and churches. The wild beauty of the Taurus Mountains captivates with its pine, beech, and juniper forests, high pastures, canyons, valleys, and crystal-clear streams cascading into turquoise waterfalls. You’ll also pass through hamlets where life moves at a leisurely pace, with traditional cheese and yogurt still made the old-fashioned way, allowing you to briefly escape modernity.

To avoid the scorching summer heat, it's best to hike in spring or autumn. April, May, September, and October are ideal months for this month-long trek, where you'll stay in private homes, simple B&Bs, or camp under the stars.

6. Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka

Ideal for sacred mountain sunrises

Towering over the verdant tea plantations and forests of Sri Lanka’s misty Central Highlands, cone-shaped Adam’s Peak (Śrī Pāda) rises to 2243m (7360ft), making it the country’s most revered mountain. Ascending the 5200 steps to its summit is a pilgrimage tradition for devotees of various faiths, who travel from all corners of the globe to pray and show their gratitude.

The mountain's name comes from the large footprint-shaped mark at its peak, believed by some to be where Adam first stepped onto earth after being expelled from the Garden of Eden. Buddhists think it was left by Buddha on his journey to paradise, while Hindus attribute it to Shiva. Regardless of belief, reaching this sacred summit entails a long, arduous climb from the village of Dalhousie (plan for about 8 hours round trip).

Whether religious or not, the ascent of Adam’s Peak is a deeply spiritual journey—demonstrating that transformative pilgrimage doesn’t always require days or weeks of hiking. Start your climb at night, with stars overhead, joining fellow pilgrims whose headlamps flicker like fireflies. You’ll reach the summit as dawn breaks, with the sunrise bathing the island in a golden glow. The pilgrimage season kicks off on poya (full moon) day in December and lasts until the Vesak festival in May.

7. Wexford Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way, Ireland and Wales

Perfect for wild waves and a touch of Celtic spirit

Just picture St. Aidan in the sixth century, staff in hand, as he made his way along the Atlantic’s turbulent shores from Ferns in Ireland to St Davids in Wales, eager to meet his mentor, St. David.

Immerse yourself fully in the present moment.

The newly established Wexford-Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way weaves a narrative of two saints across two Celtic regions. Spanning 260km (162 miles), this pilgrimage traverses gorse-covered cliffs and sandy beaches, including a ferry ride across the Irish Sea. The trail captivates with its rich cultural heritage, featuring ancient abbeys, enchanting castles, Celtic wells, Marian shrines, and the highlight: the stunning St David’s Cathedral, home to the relics of Wales’ cherished patron saint.

Whether a believer or not, the natural beauty is sure to inspire you. In what the Celts might call a “liminal space”—where the divide between heaven and earth feels minimal—these coastal landscapes resonate with the spirit. Experience the profound connection to nature atop the wild, storm-battered Strumble Head, where seabirds (fulmars, razorbills, guillemots, peregrines) soar and dolphins and seals frolic in the waters below.

Divided into nine manageable day hikes of approximately 14 miles (22km) each and marked digitally, the trail is straightforward to navigate, with overnight stays available at sanctuaries, farms, and hostels.