EL CAMINO DE SANTIAGO - THE WAY OF SAINT JAMES, by María Mantiñán Martínez

  

I wanted to tell you about an activity that is both cultural, sporting and religious, suitable for everyone, whether you go alone, with friends, family, with your pet ... El Camino de Santiago - The Way of Saint James

El Camino de Santiago is the name that has a set of Christian pilgrimage routes of medieval origin that go to the tomb of Santiago el Mayor, located in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (Galicia, Spain). Santiago el Mayor was one of the main apostles of Jesus Christ, his tomb was deposited in Galicia and a temple was built on it, which was expanded in the following centuries until it became the current cathedral.

Each one does El Camino de Santiago for a reason. Some come with a religious motivation, others sports or simply because they want to do it to enjoy it and live a unique experience.

Tips for the journey

Choose your path: Currently there are about 50 recovered and signposted historic roads that run for more than 5000 km within Spain. There are seven groups of roads: "Ways of Galicia - Caminos de Galicia", "North - del norte", "Andalusians - Andaluces", "Centre - del centro", "East - del este", "Catalans - catalanes" and "southeast - del sureste", as well as a small route within the Canary Islands.

Plan the route: Choose the path that best suits your needs, time, geographical location, cultural heritage that you want to visit…. The path can be done on foot, by bicycle or on horseback.

Accommodation:

Hostels: all the way you will find accommodation in traditional shelters where you will have to share space with other pilgrims. In general they are free but normally a small donation is given to help maintain the accommodation. You cannot reserve a bed, which is a risk if you travel during busy times/on busy seasons, then you may arrive at the hostel and do not have any bed available.

Rural houses or small hotels: accommodation in the most comfortable and private rural surroundings at an affordable cost. Option for those who do not want to be left without a place to spend the night since you can reserve your accommodation for the entire journey in cottages and hotels located in an idyllic setting.

Physical preparation: If you plan to do a section of the long road, it is advisable that you walk for a few weeks before starting the road to train a little and prepare for the long stretches that await you.

Clothing: The important point is that it be made of fabric which insulates against the temperature changes of the exterior. Especially in summer, garments must be chosen which facilitate transpiration and a waterproof garment must be included regardless of the epoch of the year in which the Way is travelled. Above all, you will need comfortable shoes that you have already used before to avoid blisters on the way. You also need flip-flops or trainers for the rest periods.

Luggage: The tradition is to travel only with a backpack with the basics: Walking stick, mat, sleeping bag, canteen, snacks, changing clothes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, small kit with bandages, plasters and some antiseptic, a shell (just a decorative and typical tradition). Do not carry your backpack with unnecessary things since you will have to carry them along all the way. For those who want to travel light and comfortable, you can hire a backpack / suitcase transfer company between stages.

Enjoy each stage: Learn about the culture and traditions of each place because each town and its inhabitants contribute with their history, gastronomy …

Set your own pace: There are stages that are harder than others, stages of more kilometers, stages with steep roads ... The important thing is to enjoy the road without being overwhelmed.

Fisterra: If you arrive in Santiago de Compostela and want to walk a little bit more, you can travel the last section of the Camino and reach Fisterra, a town located on the Costa da Morte. Once there you find the kilometer zero, where they say that formerly the pilgrims burned their clothes and abandoned their boots. Today for safety and environmental reasons this practice is no longer carried out. 

Santiago de Compostela: Once you reach your goal, take advantage of it because it is a beautiful city that has been a World Heritage Site since 1985. Its imposing cathedral, its architecture, an ideal city to walk around, go out for tapas, enjoy the nightlife of the old town …

I encourage you to try even with a small 1-day stage and little by little to make longer paths. On the way you will meet pilgrims from all over the world, you will get to know Spain and its people better and you will be able to disconnect from the daily routine with a different activity.