Camino de Santiago: the best routes

They call it a real life experience, a pilgrimage that involves more than 300 people every year who walk or cycle for miles and miles to reach the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, the final destination of the journey. The route has several starting points in various countries, including Spain, Portugal, and France, but the most famous is the route starting in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, which is about 800 km long. And once they reach their destination, they receive the Compostela.

History

"The oldest, most frequented and most famous route in the old continent", as the official website defines it "The Camino de Santiago”. One of the most important pilgrimage routes, already traveled in the 9th century, which in the last 30 years has returned to the limelight, attracting numerous pilgrims from all over the world, as many as 300 each year.

Not just believers, but people of all walks of life who desire a profound and unforgettable experience. In reality, it's not a single path, but a network of itineraries traveled since the Middle Ages to reach the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the relics of the Apostle St. James the Greater are said to be kept. It was thanks to Diego Xelmírez that the city became a pilgrimage destination, and he is also responsible for the construction of the famous Cathedral.

How to organize the trip

Since this is a long and challenging trek, it's important to be well-organized before setting out. Here are some tips:

• Choose your destination in advance. Spring and autumn are the most recommended seasons;
• first establish the various stages of the pilgrimage;
• choose your preferred route and starting point based on the time available and your physical preparation;
• do some warm-up exercises before leaving;
• Pack comfortably, bringing only the essentials so they don't weigh you down, especially if you're not used to traveling long distances. But be careful not to forget the important things.

What to bring

We were saying that the luggage must be comfortable, the ideal is one travel backpack to carry on the shoulder. Choose a comfortable, lightweight model with adjustable strapsi. You will have to fit everything you need inside. The website of “The Way of St. James” recommends:

• used and not new trekking shoes;
• first aid kit;
• cotton socks.

We also suggest you bring:

• sleeping bag;
• waterproof waxed jacket;
• comfortable clothes.

How much money do you need?

Costs depend on the type of route (short or long) and whether you stop at various accommodations. It's clear that staying in a hotel will cost more than staying in a hostel. In any case, book in advance to avoid surprises.

Other possible costs include the flight to the starting point, meals, museum visits, and equipment (from backpacks to hiking boots to sleeping bags). Generally speaking, for the French route, costs are estimated to be between 600 and 900 euros.

The main routes

The main routes (although not the only ones) are 3, the French, Spanish and Portuguese ones.The most famous of these is the French Way, starting from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. They are marked with yellow arrows and shells that indicate the route along the way.

French Way

The French way, which It starts from the town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and is approximately 800 km long. It includes 33 intermediate stops. A variety of affordable accommodations are available along the route. It can also be done in a shorter version, starting, for example, from León or Villafranca del Bierzo. The route passes through the Pyrenees, with stops in Pamplona, ​​Puente la Riena, Burgos, León, and Compostela.

Spanish Way

If you prefer to depart directly from Spain, then you could begin in Irún. The route is more challenging than the French one and winds between Galicia and the Principality of Asturias, immersing pilgrims in landscapes of rare beauty. The route in this case is quite difficult due to the differences in altitude, moreover, it is not equipped with many services and accommodations, like the French one.

Portuguese Way

The third route starts from Ponte de Lima, in southern Portugal, and It includes 750 km of road, passing through destinations such as Fatima, Porto, Tui, and Pontevedra. The route is far from simple and, if anything, quite adventurous, given that accommodations are scarce, as are the various refreshment options.

The shortest path

If you don't feel like walking so many kilometers, know that the last 100 kilometers are enough to obtain the Compostela certificate. So if you don't have enough time, you can always opt for this less strenuous alternative, which is also the most popular. In fact, the last 100 kilometers of the route are very popular with tourists.

The most beautiful path

The French Way is generally considered the most beautiful and evocative, partly because it offers the opportunity to visit many cities rich in art and history. Furthermore, as we mentioned, it is also the most "equipped" and therefore less demanding than the more adventurous routes.

The most original Camino

How long does it take

It depends on the route you choose. If you decide to follow the most famous one, which runs from France to Santiago de Compostela for a total of about 800 km, it could take you about 30 days. However, the time may vary depending on your physical condition. If you opt for the other marked routes, it could take you more days as they are more challenging.

On foot or by bicycle

The choice is yours: many people prefer to walk it, others opt for cycling. If you choose the latter, choose suitable bicycles, such as off-road ones, to avoid any problems during the journey. And bring a repair kit in case you get a flat tire. The French Way, if you decide to undertake the pilgrimage by bike, is the most suitable because it is less demanding.

What is the Compostela and how do you get it?

The Compostela is a religious document that certifies completion of the Camino de Santiago. To obtain it, you must:

• have walked at least 100 km on foot and 200 km by bike;
• to walk for religious or spiritual reasons.

To demonstrate that he has actually completed the journey, the pilgrim must provide the so-called pilgrim's credential, which can be requested from parishes, brotherhoods of the Apostle Santiago, and ad hoc associations. The credential must be stamped with the various places visited, requesting them from accredited locations.

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