Camino de Santiago

Next week, I will embark on a pilgrimage across 120km of northern Spain called Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James). The entire length of the pilgrimage is actually about 780 km and would take at least a month. Because I am short on time and money my plan is to experience the final leg of the pilgrimage in five days.

The Camino de Santiago began in the medieval ages when the remains of Santiago (St. James) were allegedly discovered in the town of Compestela. According to the legend, his remains were carried by a boat guided by angels from Jerusalem to Northern Spain where they came to rest in Compestela. As a result, hundreds of thousands of people from across Europe began making the journey to Compestela to see the remains. Because of this religious pilgrimage, the economy of northern Spain exploded as it became more and more populated. After over 1000 years, the Camino is still a religious pilgrimage experienced by many.

If you're interested in doing the Camino, I would recommend stopping by the office in Sevilla. It is located in Triana on San Jacinto 25. Go through the iron gates into the little patio behind and look for Portal 6. Here you will find the office. It is open from 7-9 PM and is run by volunteers who are very informed and willing to help you plan your trip.

If you plan on doing the Camino, plan on doing at least 100 km. By traveling at least 100 km you are able to recieve a certificate which you can have stamped at each church you pass along the camino and more importantly it allows you to stay in albergues. Albergues are essentially hostels which are available to only to pilgrims. These albergues range in quality and price but many are as low as 4 Euro and as high as 10 Euro. This makes the trip very affordable.

You can begin and end the Camino from any location and it can be done any time of year. There is no set time. Some Spaniards I have talked to take a week off each year and do a different segment of the Camino until they have done the entire route.

Our plan is to fly into Santiago de Compestela and then take a bus out to the town of Sarria and then hike back to catch our flight.

If you're interested make sure you check out the office in Triana and also look at the website below. Good luck!

http://www.caminodesantiago.me.uk/