top of page
Camino de Santiago
Santiago de Compostela, Italy
The Camino de Santiago or the Way of St James has a very long history as a pilgrimage walk since the 10th Century where Christian pilgrims walked from various parts of Europe to the shrine of the Apostle James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.
Today, there are several official routes of the 'Camino' all leading to Santiago de Compostela in the North West corner of Spain. Hence the scallop shell like logo of the 'Camino' with multiple branches all leading to the same destination. The most popular route is the Camino Frances or French Way, that starts just across the border in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, with an 800-kilometre trudge lasting typically 40 days.
Besides the French Way, the other popular routes are the Portuguese Way and the Northern Way. There is also the English Way (Camino Ingles) that starts in the UK and continues from Ferrol in Spain.
Although still an important pilgrimage for Christians, today, there are people who walk the Camino for other reasons such as self redemption, as a physical endurance test, as a legacy or bucket list item, or 'because its there'.
While I am a Christian, I did not walk the Camino for religious reasons. It offered me a great experience to help me transition to a new life after quitting my full time job after working 24 years for a German firm.
The Camino Frances start with the toughest day where you need to cross over the Pyrenees Mountain Range, then through historic regions of Northern Spain from the high plains of castile to mystical Galicia.
Pilgrims who have walked at least 100 kilometres on any of the official routes are eligible to receive a certificate confirming your pilgrimage. A popular starting point for completing 113 kilometres is Sarria on the Camino Frances. There are some who choose to do the Camino on two wheels, although we did not see too many of them.
The Camino is served by a series of Albergues (Pilgrim Hostels) that usually offer bed and a basic breakfast. At the bigger stops, hotel-type accommodation is also available.
Trip Tips
-
The peak season for walking the Camino is typically June to August. It gets very busy in these months and it can also be quite warm for distance walking. May is a good shoulder season to walk the Camino as its cooler but be prepared that it may still snow up in the Pyrenees and you have higher possibility of rain. September-October is also a good shoulder season.
-
Planning your trip depends on your level of independence or adventure, your desired comfort level for accommodation, budget and if you are a light or heavy traveller in terms of luggage. Whichever way you plan, booking well ahead of time is recommended especially in the peak season.
-
There are those who travel light with just a backpack which they carry on the daily walk, and who go on a low budget and stay in a hostel with just a bed and shared facilities.
-
If doing the Camino is part of a bigger trip in Europe and you have a large suitcase, you can organise for your suitcase to be transported between nightly stops while you carry just a day-pack on your walk.
-
There are very many companies experienced in helping pilgrims plan and book their Camino experience - this includes customising your itenarary, booking you nightly accommodation (whether its a hostel bed or an ensuite hotel room), and organising the daily luggage transfers. There are also those who wing it independently - making their daily walk distance flexible and finding a bed spontaneously when they decide to stop for the day. Not recommended for peak season.
-
Speak with 2 or 3 different such travel agents to compare service level, reliability & responsiveness, Camino kit provided, if they have a daily helpline, accommodation and cost. We got quotes from:
-
Santiago Ways
-
Macs Adventures
-
walkthecamino
-
Hiking Tips
-
If you are a weekend warrior not used to walking a long distance every day for many days, you would want to have a plan to gradually build up you fitness and endurance so you will enjoy the Camino.
-
Typically, be prepare to walk on average 25 kilometres a day, with some days upwards of 30 kilometres in the more rural areas due to distances between towns. Some sections also include moderate to steep inclines.
-
The French Way has varying landscapes from the mountainous terrain across the Pyrenees to wide plains to farmland and wooded forests. The locals on the route are all very friendly and appreciate the pilgrims and you will hear every day the greeting "Buen Camino' from the locals as well as fellow pilgrims.
-
Peregrinos and Peregrinas coming from all over the world are typically friendly and you are likely to have lovely chats with different people each day. Occasionally there are pilgrims who prefer to walk in silence for private reasons and we discerning to respect that. Do enjoy the daily experience of talking to people form all parts oof the world who come from all walks of life - its a bit part of the Camino experience.
-
Do jump on a language learning App months before your Camino to learn some basic Spanish as use of English or other languages may be not common in the more remote areas.
-
Do pre-register with the Camino office prior to the trip and get a stamp card ahead of time. Your travel agent should also organise that for you. When you arrive at Santiago de Compostela you present your stamp card to obtain your certificate. You need at least 2 stamps per day which you can easily get at an Albergues, hotels, cafes, restaurants or stamp station on the route.
-
What to wear and carry in your day pack:
-
clothing in layers and a waterproof other layer
-
Good hiking shoes and socks (toes socks if you are prone to blisters). walking poles for knee support.
-
energy boosting food / snacks and adequate water, basic first aid kit eg band aids, waterproof cover for your backpack.
-
See also the "Hiking Gear" page on this site.
-
bottom of page