The choice is varied
For now I have been able to cover only 4 of the various proposed routes, they are all beautiful and interesting, but I can confirm that if the pagans had chosen to follow the constellation of the dog, or from east to west, there had to be a reason. In fact the energy on the route from south to north did not have the same effect, although it was very interesting and welcoming.
The most beautiful: Camino del Norte
What I can consider the most intriguing and particular path was the one along the Cantabrian coast. Probably because it was the first contact with Asturias, a magnificent region that remained in oblivion and almost untouched. I remember with great emotion the first day. The experience in the first sidreria, where I thought they were kidding me when they served me the first sidra (apple cider) a typical Asturian drink; the way it is served is very characteristic as it requires strong oxygenation to be able to drink it. Or pass by the circle of fishermen who sang their songs; the mythical Asturian cod, the strange way dating back to the middle ages to sit at the table, and so on.
Unfortunately the path is not very busy and also the infrastructures are not well positioned to be able to undertake the trip with regular mileage intervals. However, it is a very suggestive and captivating route, with its fishing villages along the coast.
My advice: Camino Primitivo
It seems to me a valid alternative to the French one, very touristic and frequented. It is experiencing a phase of growth and we see investments and offers of interesting lodgings, some of which are very basic, others that are truly worthy of note. It develops in the middle of a hilly, almost mountain range, between that of the Norte and the French, and offers a fairly good logistics, but often it is necessary to refer to pensions, however, at moderate prices.
The path in terms of charm is certainly not comparable to that along the coast, but it is certainly more feasible than the French one, which often develops along cemented and heavily trafficked truck roads.
Intriguing: Camino Portugues
As mentioned above, the dog constellation is not followed, and for some it may present a different feeling than other paths. On the human and landscape side, I can only recommend it. The fact that much of the journey takes place on ancient Roman roads, involves a great solicitation to the ankles, being still all cubed and arched. I highly recommend taking a bus from Braga to Prada, (about 7 km) since the road does not include sidewalks, it is narrow and very busy. The arrival in Santiago is very disappointing, since it takes place from the modern part of the city, and it passes along a motorway junction and therefore loses the effect of conquest that is savored upon entering from the upper part of the city.
The standard: Camino Frances
It is the classic one, more described and frequented, therefore also more touristy than others. Obviously it also has its advantages, many restaurants and taverns, regional hostels, the curia, private, in short, much more choice and easier to do. The population also participates by improvising stalls in front of the house, offering fresh or dried fruit, drinks or whatever can be used by a pilgrim. The landscape is beautiful, but often you have to walk along very busy roads. Given that Santiago is the capital of Galicia, it has an excellent network of couriers and trains, without forgetting the airport.