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Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes
The Camino Santiago is one of the most well-known pilgrimages, spanning 500 miles (825 km). It starts in France and ends in Northwest Spain at Santiago De Compostela. Listen to the above episode with Rob Wisnouckas (also featured on the CDT Thru-Hike episode) or read the show notes below to learn more about this incredible trek.
History of El Camino de Santiago
Its history is rooted in the discovery of Saint James the Apostle in a field in Galacia, 800 years after his death. Legend says that his body was transported to Galacia by two disciples in a boat led by angels. El Camino de Santiago is translated as “The Way of Saint James” and is a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of Saint James lie. Historically, the pilgrimage would start wherever you resided, but now the official route begins in the town of Saint Jean Pied de Port.
The Camino de Santiago became quite popular in the Middle Ages with over 250K pilgrims every year. In pre-pandemic times (aka 2019) the Camino de Santiago had over 350,000 people walk the Camino de Santiago. From past times to today, pilgrims would carry a scallop shell with them as a symbol of their pilgrimage, and the shell was also used as a tool for collecting water along the way. To this day, the shell points the way to Santiago.
Why Hike the Camino?
It is one of the most famous pilgrimages and with over a quarter-million pilgrims walking it, it truly is an experience you should have. It’s hiked for many reasons whether religious or a personal challenge, but it will give you amazing views and require less time than a thru-hike like the PCT or the AT as you can finish it in as little as 30 days. Plus you get to explore amazing towns, meet new people and the Camino is not extremely physically challenging.
Highlights of Walking the Camino
- Walking a historical path with deep significance
- Gorgeous architecture
- Masses for pilgrims in beautiful churches
- Getting out into the countryside with beautiful flowers and vineyards
- Pamplona was the top highlight because of the cobblestones, beautiful stone bridge, and see where the Running of the Bulls takes place.
Top Tips for Walking the Camino de Santiago
- Pack light. Bring a sleeping bag, 2 sets of clothes, phone, earplugs, phone, toiletries and charging devices.
- Leave your hiking boots at home and bring your most comfortable running shoe for this rail.
- Download the Digital Camino Passport App before you start.
- Learn a little Spanish to help you along the way when talking to locals. Be prepared to hear Galician in the Basque country
- Take the extra 3 days and hike beyond Santiago, where you will end up at the ocean in Fisterra. 100% worth it.
- Get the book, Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago You can buy the book below on Amazon.
Accommodations & Food Along the Santiago
There are places to stay in each town where you come to; some churches have places for you to stay. Albergues offer simple stays and communal bathrooms that average $10-$20 a night. You don’t want to forget your earplugs as multiple people sleeping in a room can get quite loud. Many locals like to open their homes up for pilgrims on the trail. Remember to have your Camino Passport with you (which may be digital) so you can get the best rates when staying along the trail.
Many restaurants will offer pilgrims a dinner for fairly cheap. Depending on your budget, they will have something for you whether it’s bread and cheese or a full on meal with a glass of wine.
Be prepared to budget about $30 a day when walking the Camino de Santiago to cover a nice dinner, snacks, and a place to rest your head.
Accessibility and the Camino
Many people bike the Santiago and this could be done in a wheelchair. There are I’ll Push You Accessible Camino Group Trips and additional resources from SantiagoWays that can help you trek via wheelchair on the Santiago de Camino.
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