The Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James, is one of the most famous walks in the world and a network of paths that make up a pilgrimage route to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain.
It was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during the Middle Ages and, today, is still an essential destination for many seeking spiritual growth. However, it is also now a tourist destination in a more general sense for those beyond the religious and is popular with hiking and cycling enthusiasts and organized tour groups.
A UNESCO heritage site, it is, for many, a must on their bucket list. If it has always been on yours, why not find a vacation rental in Galicia and set aside time to make the journey yourself? If you're planning on doing so, be sure to keep the following tips and facts in mind. These are our top ten things to know for those braving the Camino de Santiago!
It was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during the Middle Ages and, today, is still an essential destination for many seeking spiritual growth. However, it is also now a tourist destination in a more general sense for those beyond the religious and is popular with hiking and cycling enthusiasts and organized tour groups.
A UNESCO heritage site, it is, for many, a must on their bucket list. If it has always been on yours, why not find a vacation rental in Galicia and set aside time to make the journey yourself? If you're planning on doing so, be sure to keep the following tips and facts in mind. These are our top ten things to know for those braving the Camino de Santiago!
1. Break in your boots.
If you're not a regular hiker and you took a notion to attempting the Camino, for the love of God, be sure to break in your boots beforehand. Blisters will not make the journey any easier and your boots will be your constant companion during the trip. Get to know them before dedicating so much time to being together!
2. Know what you're expecting.
You may have romanticised the trip and be expecting wilderness and solitude but that is not the reality of the Camino. It is popular and highly walked so you will encounter others constantly and much is either adjacent to, or directly on, roads with traffic. This is far from hiking in mountains and the trekking on roads also means that tip number one is especially important. The roads can be very hard on your feet! It is also quite touristy so if you can't deal with distractions, spiritual enlightenment is unlikely.
If you're not a regular hiker and you took a notion to attempting the Camino, for the love of God, be sure to break in your boots beforehand. Blisters will not make the journey any easier and your boots will be your constant companion during the trip. Get to know them before dedicating so much time to being together!
2. Know what you're expecting.
You may have romanticised the trip and be expecting wilderness and solitude but that is not the reality of the Camino. It is popular and highly walked so you will encounter others constantly and much is either adjacent to, or directly on, roads with traffic. This is far from hiking in mountains and the trekking on roads also means that tip number one is especially important. The roads can be very hard on your feet! It is also quite touristy so if you can't deal with distractions, spiritual enlightenment is unlikely.
3. It's not for the faint-hearted.
Remember that to get your Compostela (certificate of completion), you'll have to hike at least 100km. If you're not up to that, it may be wise to rethink the endeavour!
4. But it's not impossible, either.
The roads can be tough on the body but the trail isn't impossible or overly challenging. You don't need to be a seasoned climber or bring lots with you and the facilities afforded by the popularity of the Camino means that water, bins, restaurants and more are all readily available along the route. You won't even need to bring a bottle of water with you, if you don't want to!
5. Don't go in summer.
It's the most crowded period and summer in Spain is far too hot. Seriously.
Of course, there are more tips to keep in mind so be sure to read on if you are thinking about taking the Camino on!
Remember that to get your Compostela (certificate of completion), you'll have to hike at least 100km. If you're not up to that, it may be wise to rethink the endeavour!
4. But it's not impossible, either.
The roads can be tough on the body but the trail isn't impossible or overly challenging. You don't need to be a seasoned climber or bring lots with you and the facilities afforded by the popularity of the Camino means that water, bins, restaurants and more are all readily available along the route. You won't even need to bring a bottle of water with you, if you don't want to!
5. Don't go in summer.
It's the most crowded period and summer in Spain is far too hot. Seriously.
Of course, there are more tips to keep in mind so be sure to read on if you are thinking about taking the Camino on!
