The most beautiful pilgrimages to do

Pilgrimages represent, first and foremost, a journey of faith: physically traveling to a sacred place symbolizes an inner journey toward purification, reflection, and closeness to God or the divine. But they are very beneficial to those without the gift of faith, and beyond the beauty and charm of the places they pass through, the pilgrim undertakes a challenging journey that can lead to introspection, patience, resilience, and a sense of personal fulfillment. Facing physical or logistical challenges helps develop self-discipline and the ability to adapt.
But how do you organize a pilgrimage? And which are the best ones?

Camino de Santiago de Compostela (Spain)

It is the most popular and frequented: every year hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world travel it. The most famous stretch is the French Way, which crosses the Pyrenees and reaches Galicia, all the way to the Cathedral of Santiago, with a long and very well-marked itinerary. Along the stages, you'll find extensive services and accommodations designed for pilgrims, often at reasonable prices.

To get organized: www.camminosantiagodecompostela.it

Via Francigena (from Canterbury to Santa Maria di Leuca)

It's one of the great arteries of European pilgrimage: starting in Canterbury, it passes through France and Switzerland, entering Italy all the way to Rome, and then continues south to Santa Maria di Leuca. It's a route that alternates between rural landscapes, villages, and cities of art: you can also walk it in "sections," choosing just a few stretches, without the anxiety of doing it all at once.

To get organized: www.viefrancigene.org

Via di Francesco (towards Assisi)

It's a series of paths connecting places associated with the life of Saint Francis. There are two main itineraries: the Northern Way (from the Sanctuary of La Verna to Assisi) and the Southern Way (from Rome to Assisi). The routes are signposted and pass through villages, hermitages, and nature. Along the way, you'll find various accommodation options, from hostels to more traditional accommodations.

To get organized: www.viadifrancesco.it

Oropa Trail (Piedmont)

It's a less crowded route and, for this very reason, often more intimate. It's a network of itineraries that converge at the Sanctuary of Oropa, between the Biella, Canavese, and Aosta Valley regions. The stages are generally spread over a few days, and the route is also suitable for beginners, with accommodations available along the way.

To get organized: www.camminodoropa.it

St. Benedict's Way (Norcia, Subiaco, Montecassino)

A pilgrimage through the heart of Italy, through valleys, villages, and abbeys, it connects the most important places in the life of Saint Benedict, from Norcia to Subiaco and Montecassino. It's a journey that offers much even to those not seeking a strictly religious destination, combining nature, silence, and a pace of walking that fosters reflection.

To get organized: www.camminodibenedetto.it

Kumano Kodo (Japan)

It's one of the most fascinating pilgrimages in the world: ancient paths through forests, shrines, and villages on the Kii Peninsula. Here, spirituality also comes from nature, silence, and rhythm: it's a journey that clears your mind and brings you back to the essentials, with well-described official routes and modular stages.

To get organized: www.tb-kumano.jp/en/kumano-kodo/

Benefits of pilgrimage

• Mental well-being: walking helps introspection, resilience and a sense of personal fulfillment.
• Positive effects on the body: Regular walking improves physical fitness and endurance, with cardiovascular benefits.
• Stress reduction: Prolonged physical activity promotes endorphins and can help reduce cortisol.
• Benefits on the brain: Constant walking, especially long distances, is associated with positive effects on attention, memory and overall well-being.
• Relationships and socialityEven for those who don't live their faith, a pilgrimage can strengthen empathy, listening skills, and the ability to be part of a community.
• Don't waste energy: you learn to choose the essential, to manage the pace and not to waste resources on useless choices.

How to prepare a pilgrimage route

• Choose a suitable route available time, season and training.
• Set realistic milestones, with a margin: better to arrive “well” than to arrive “torn”.
• Train walking and backpack before leaving, gradually increasing the duration and altitude difference.
• Reduce weight: essential in the backpack, no unnecessary duplicates.
• Head shoes and socks in advance: the day of departure is not the time for the first tests.
• Plan water and food with simplicity and regularity, without improvisation.
• Check reception and credentials (if applicable) and find out about stamps, rules and stopping points.
• Check weather and logistics: transportation, return, any changes and assistance points.

Read also:

• Walks in Italy: the most beautiful in every region
• Walking Trips: The Most Beautiful in Italy and Europe
• Camino de Santiago: the best routes