Now, it is symbolic of your journey, where you get stamps from the ‘albergue’ (hostels) you’ll stay at, as well as churches, town halls, and many other places you’ll find on your way along the Camino. This certifies you as an official pilgrim, and harkens back to the Middle Ages, when pilgrims needed a document to allow access to places like the Royal Hospital of Santiago. To receive your Compostela, you’ll need a ‘Pilgrim Passport’, also known as a ‘Credencial’, to collect stamps along the way to prove your journey. Cycling is usually two or three times faster than walking, while some people wander the Camino for months at a time! The last 100km takes around six days to walk for most people, while the whole French Way takes around 35 days to walk. Doing so will earn you the Compostela, a Latin certificate declaring the completion of your pilgrimage.īecause of this, the last 100km of the French Way and the English Way are extremely popular. When choosing a route, try to aim to walk at least 100km (or 200km if you’re traveling by bicycle). You may also like: 12 useful Spanish phrases to learn before your trip Some routes are up to 1,000km long, while others are half that length.įor more useful info check out our Spain Destination Guide Travelers choose their route based on many factors including weather, landscapes, popularity and amenities. Since pilgrims came from all over Europe, including France, Portugal, England and beyond, routes were established so people could travel from their home countries. There was no official starting point, but because it was safer for people to walk together, pilgrims created common roads and paths. When the pilgrimage began in the Middle Ages, the aim was to arrive to the sacred city of Santiago de Compostela. There’s an easy way to tell if you’re on a pilgrimage route: they’re all waymarked with the iconic scallop shell symbol. There are dozens of routes you could take, all weaving together like streams and meanders that find their way to one final lake. It’s all about pushing your limits, enjoying simple pleasures and making friends. Whether your motivation for taking on the Camino is religious or not, the journey is always spiritual. It’s also a great chance to reconnect with nature as you become immersed in the stunning landscapes of rural Spain Galicia and Castilla y León. The journey allows them to unplug from their daily life and spend time clearing their heads. It’s often a journey of great self-development and a kind of meditation for many. Others walk the Camino for the camaraderie and community. Some take on the Camino to experience the culture and history of the trails, while others take it on as a fitness challenge. It’s a trip of a lifetime that attracts thousands of people all over the world.ĭiscover the Camino on Northern Spain Why walk the Camino de Santiago?Īlthough it has traditionally been a religious pilgrimage, people of all ages and backgrounds now walk the Camino for many different reasons. The Camino has encouraged invaluable cultural exchanges for centuries, and today, the Camino is more than a pilgrimage. You always see pilgrims passing each other with a welcome of ‘Buen Camino!’ to wish each other well on their journey. However one decides to take on the Camino, there’s always a great sense of community. Some walk alone, others with a partner, or in groups. Pilgrims, known locally known as ‘peregrinos’, take up the journey on foot, bicycle or even horseback. Today, people from over 190 different countries make the journey along this UNESCO-listed trail every year! Around 350,000 Compostela pilgrim certificates were issued in 2019 alone (compared to just over seven in 1976). The pilgrimage began in the 9th century and since then, it has grown massively in popularity. He is the patron saint of Spain and the city is named after Saint James – Santiago de Compostela means St James of the Field of Stars. Legend has it that the remains of the Apostle Saint James the Great were buried here. Made up of a vast network of roads and paths, pilgrims travel to arrive at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. James, is an ancient pilgrimage trail originating in medieval times. The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. Buen Camino! What is the Camino de Santiago? In fact, over 300,000 people lace up their boots every year to take on the pilgrimage! If you’re dreaming of trying the walk yourself, here is everything you need to know from which routes to take to how to get your Compostela certificate. Originally, it was to go see the legendary remains of the Apostle Saint James, but today people walk the Camino for all sorts of reasons. Pilgrims travel from all over Europe, taking unique routes that all end at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia’s capital city. Spain’s famous pilgrimage trail, El Camino de Santiago, has become one of the world’s most popular walking holidays and spiritual journeys. Recently updated on March 20th, 2024 at 07:07 pm
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