What is special about the Camino de Santiago?

The Camino de Santiago is the way of the gospel walked by James the Apostle. The Camino de Santiago itself is a spiritual way and a way of self-mortification that engenders physical and spiritual pain while walking for more than a month.



The Camino de Santiago, or the "Way of St. James," is a network of ancient pilgrim routes stretching across Europe and converging at the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. What makes it special is its unique blend of spiritual heritage, physical challenge, and communal spirit. Unlike a standard hiking trip, the "Camino Spirit" fosters a deep sense of camaraderie among "peregrinos" (pilgrims) from all over the world, who share meals and stories in "albergues" (hostels) along the way. Whether you walk the popular French Way (Camino Francés) or the coastal Portuguese Way, the journey is marked by the iconic yellow arrow and scallop shell symbols. Completing at least 100km on foot (or 200km by bike) earns you the "Compostela" certificate, but for most, the true value lies in the "slow travel" experience, the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Spain, and the opportunity for deep personal reflection away from the distractions of modern digital life.

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Its pre-eminence and sanctity lie in the fact that it is the burial place of the Apostle Saint James the Greater, who was one of Jesus Christ's 3 closest apostles along with Saint John (his brother) and Saint Peter. The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage rooted in medieval origins.

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5 reasons to do the Camino de Santiago
  • Doing the Camino de Santiago for religious reasons. Pay respect at the tomb of Santiago the Apostle. ...
  • Doing the Camino de Santiago for spiritual reasons. ...
  • Doing the Camino de Santiago as a tourist. ...
  • Pilgrimage to share your time. ...
  • Doing the pilgrim route as a sport.


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To walk the classic Camino Francés route from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port or Roncesvalles to Santiago de Compostela, most people require between 4-6 weeks, however, the time needed depends on your daily mileage and whether you take any rest days.

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Total Trip Costs Most pilgrim budgets fall in the $30-60 (€25-50) per day range, meaning a 30-day walk would cost $900-1800 (€750-1500). If you don't already have hiking gear, new gear could easily cost $300-600 (€250-500) if you need to get new footwear, backpack and sleeping bag.

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Accommodations are available on the Camino at a variety of budgets, from affordable dormitory beds to posh 5-star hotels. Pilgrim Albergues are the most convenient and economic choice, but bring your earplugs! Pensiones, Hostales, Casas Rurales and Hotels offer more privacy in a variety of prices ranges.

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Is the Camino just for Catholics? Absolutely not. While the tradition is originally Catholic, nowadays most people walk the Camino for other reasons than a spiritual pilgrimage.

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The Camino de Santiago is one of the most popular networks of pilgrimage routes in the world, attracting thousands of eager adventure travelers each year. Abundant with history, religious relics, medieval towns, and lush countryside, these routes provide an experience unlike no other.

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It may be comforting for you to know that the locals have been supporting pilgrims on the Camino for 1,000 years. As I learned during my journey, they are very happy and proud to welcome walkers and keep them safe along the way. And there is another important fact to know: crimes along the Camino are extremely rare.

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The average age of Pilgrims walking El Camino de Santiago is between 30 and 60 with nearly 60% of Pilgrims finishing the Camino being in this age group. There are also 15% of Pilgrims being over 60 years old and this is a growing group with more and more seniors walking the Camino de Santiago.

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Pilgrims originally started coming to this location from all across Europe to witness the reported tomb of the apostle Saint James, son of Zebedee, known as “Santiago” by Spanish Catholics. The alleged remains of Saint James were interred in this location sometime after his recorded death in 44 A.D.

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1 – Camino Frances, the French Way The majority of pilgrims choose the Camino Frances (over 68% of pilgrims arriving in Santiago), the most famous Camino route, featuring in films such as 'The Way' and many books.

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Leaving Your Burden Behind: A Camino Tradition You see, pilgrims often carry a rock from home in their backpack as they walk. The small rock symbolizes a burden. And, somewhere along The Way, pilgrims leave their burdens behind.

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Public bathrooms on the Camino are rare. You can use the bathroom in bars and cafes but always offer to buy something or leave 50 céntimos on the bar. It is not often you will need to go more than 2-3 miles without a bar to stop. Or you can, of course, commune with nature in convenient woodland.

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Yes, there are bathrooms with toilets on Camino. They are located in: Your accommodations (hostel, albergue, hotel) At bars, cafes, restaurants along The Way (if they are open while you pass by)

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Mornings on the Camino This was mainly around 6-7am with a quick half hour to brush teeth and get ready for the day before setting off. Most Pilgrims stay in an albergue or hostel, where they'll have access to a shared kitchen to prepare breakfast if they want.

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