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You have to be fairly motivated to walk the Camino de Santiago from St Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in North West Spain - as it is 800km. Usually 800km with your rucksack on your back containing everything you need for a month. Sleeping in hostels with strangers, communal showers, and no privacy.

To many this does not sound like a holiday or a good use of their precious time, however, more than 100,000 people walk one of the Camino routes in Spain each year - and the numbers keep growing. Pilgrims, as they are called, come from all over the world and put themselves through physical hardship, subjecting their body to the rigors of walking between 25 and 30km a day - day after day. It really is quite a feat in our modern convenience orientated life.
So why walk the Camino de Santiago?
Time Out

This appears to be the main reason for most. Many of us have reached a point in life where we need time to think, time to get away from life as it is. Many times I asked pilgrims why they were on the Camino and the simple answer was just getting away from everything.

And on the Camino you do. The pace of life is slower, you are not subjected to advertising, and social media and the internet seems like another world. Imagine for a month not being in a taxi, a car, bus or any other mode of transport - only walking. You don't have TV, ubiquitous email, and mobile phones.

There seems to be little that compares with walking for a month. People come out the other end often wanting to make changes to their own life, and having a sense of being refreshed - being washed clean of the daily cynicism that can surround us by hearing too much news.

I went more than a month, twice, without my daily morning check of email and news sites, something I find almost impossible at home and this does not cover the changes in my life since walking the Camino de Santiago.

A Challenge

And it is. The real problem is not walking 25 or 30km, it is doing this day after day. You discover if your boots really do fit, if they don't you learn very quickly how to repair the blisters on your feet.

Apart from looking after your feet, the main challenge is to have your backpack as light as possible. The first time I walked the Camino my rucksack was 13kg at the start in St Jean; far too heavy. The next time I had the weight down to 6kg; walking was much easier and I was happier. Sometimes there are no washing machines, so you hand wash the clothes you wore for walking - I haven't ever hand-washed clothes at home.

If you manage to just walk in the day and not think about all the days ahead, walk at your own pace, do your own Camino - there can be a tremendous sense of accomplishment at the end. However, there can also be an anti-climax. What next, is often a common thought? What, no more walking? I felt a bit lost not walking- I was so used to walking all day every day.

Religious

Yes, people walk the Camino de Santiago for religious reasons. There are "holy years" on the Camino where the feast day of St James falls on a Sunday. During a holy year, the door of Forgiveness in Santiago Cathedral is opened. During a Holy Year, all pilgrims can have a plenary indulgence for the forgiveness of sins - this is dependant on certain conditions. The next holy year is not until 2021, however, 2016 has been declared the Holy Year of Mercy. During the previous Holy Years, the number of pilgrims on the route increases dramatically - expect the same this year.

In the Pilgrim's office in Santiago, you can request a Compostela if you meet certain requirements - walk the last 100km or cycle the last 200km. The Compostela is a Latin document that states you have walked at least the last 100km or cycled at least the last 200km for religious or spiritual reasons to Santiago. There is a different certificate for those that do not fall into these categories; this is a certificate of achievement for finishing the walk. Most people religious or not ask for the Compostela - it appears personal spirituality is alive and well along the Camino

No matter your reasons for taking on the challenge of the Camino, most people thoroughly enjoy their Camino experience. I talked to almost strangers about subject matters that I wouldn't discuss normally; others pilgrims were the same. Friendships build as you find yourself walking at the same pace as others; groups form that end up calling themselves a Camino family. For me, I was especially lucky as I met my wife to be there.

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You have to be fairly motivated to walk the Camino de Santiago from St Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in North West Spain - as it is 800km. Usually 800km with your rucksack on your back with everything you need for a month.

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Camino Francés: de Astorga a Santiago de Compostela

Más información

El tramo final del Camino Francés los peregrinos lo identifican como el de la resurrección. Tras el largo recorrido por la llanura mesetaria, al cruzar el Bierzo leonés y entrar en Lugo -provincias distintas, pero de unidad paisajística- regresan las montañas, el verdor de bosques y pastizales, las viñas y los pueblos construidos en piedra. Pero aún quedan pasos que dar por el borde de esa meseta, en concreto por una comarca sobria y enigmática en lo que atañe al origen de sus pobladores.

Es La Maragatería y Astorga, su capital histórica. Esta ciudad deleita al visitante con su Catedral gótica de fachada barroca azafranada y con el Palacio Episcopal neogótico, que fue iniciado por el arquitecto impulsor del modernismo, Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926). Pero la visita a Astorga no finaliza aquí y cerca de sus murallas medievales se puede pasear por el Jardín de la Sinagoga, ver los restos romanos del Ergástula (siglo I a.C.) y entrar en el Museo de los Caminos y en el del Chocolate.

Desde Astorga hacia el oeste, La Maragatería guarda pueblos pulcros que fueron de arrieros, con casas de portones y patios para los carros. Siguiendo la carretera se cruzan Castrillo de los Polvazares, Santa Catalina de Somoza y Rabanal del Camino.

En todos ellos se puede realizar un alto para degustar el típico cocido maragato, que tiene la singularidad de comerse en orden invertido: primero las carnes, luego las verduras, patatas y garbanzos y, al final, la sopa.

Paisajes del Bierzo leonés

Más información

La ruta, al entrar en la comarca del Bierzo, muestra un cambio radical de paisaje: los castaños jalonan la calzada y, al fondo, aparecen cerezos, huertas y viñedos, mientras que las casas tienen muros de esquisto, techumbres de pizarra y balcones de madera. Sobresale Molinaseca, de cuidada traza medieval, con un puente del siglo XVI sobre el río Meruelo y una pintoresca calle Real.

Por la carretera LE-142 se llega a Ponferrada, la capital del Bierzo, cuyo núcleo se estira entre el castillo templario y la plaza Mayor. El Museo de la Radio expone la colección de Luis del Olmo, periodista de esta villa, quien además ha contribuido a popularizar el botillo, el típico embutido berciano.

El Bierzo es también territorio de bodegas. Cruzando un mar de viñas se alcanza Cacabelos. Su antiguo lazareto es hoy un hotel rural, con restaurante y tienda de productos de la comarca.

La etapa leonesa concluye en la monumental Villafranca del Bierzo, donde, entre otras, destaca la iglesia románica de Santiago (1186). En Años Santos, su Puerta del Perdón permite a los peregrinos que no pueden llegar a Santiago obtener las mismas gracias que en la catedral compostelana.

A través del valle del río Valcarce se sigue el viaje en suave ascenso, coincidiendo a menudo con el trazado de la vía romana que en el siglo I d.C. unía Astorga con Portugal.

Llegada a Galicia

Por montañas parceladas hasta la mínima expresión aparece la Galicia de praderas, granjas de vacuno y bosques húmedos que acompañará en las últimas etapas. Así se llega a O Cebreiro, apodada "la puerta de Galicia", un lugar mítico para los caminantes por su iglesia prerrománica, el conjunto de pallozas, los alojamientos rurales y las tabernas tradicionales.

Siguiendo la carretera LU-633 en dirección a Sarria, pueblo con un bonito casco antiguo, se toma el desvío que conduce a Samos, adonde iremos para visitar su famoso monasterio. Se llega a través de densos bosques de robles, castaños, fresnos y chopos que hacen de antesala a este gran recinto neoclásico con dos claustros.

Se transita por una tierra de quesos amparados por la denominación de origen Arzúa-Ulloa o Tetilla

Entre Sarria y Portomarín, pueblo que renació después de que el embalse de Belesar anegara su caserío en los años 1960, surgen aldeas que amenizan el paisaje. En este tramo también está el mojón que marca la anhelada distancia de 100 kilómetros a Santiago.

Aunque el entorno se moderniza a partir de Palas de Rei, el Camino sigue cruzando parajes de pinos y eucaliptus y encuentra enclaves hermosos como Catasol y Melide, donde casi es ritual acudir a alguna de sus pulpeiras.

Hace rato que se transita por una tierra de quesos amparados por la denominación de origen Arzúa-Ulloa o Tetilla, pero es en Arzúa, pueblo de gran tradición ganadera, donde mejor se pueden catar y adquirir.

A solo tres kilómetros de la ciudad del Apóstol, en el mirador del Monte do Gozo, los caminantes contemplan al fin las torres de la catedral compostelana y sienten la certidumbre de que pronto pasearán por esta urbe Patrimonio de la Humanidad.

PARA SABER MÁS

Cómo llegar: León y Santiago de Compostela, inicio y final de nuestro recorrido, cuentan con aeropuerto.

Información de TurGalicia: Tel. 902 200 432.
TurGalicia Santiago de Compostela
Camino de Santiago

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Más información El tramo final del Camino Francés los peregrinos lo identifican como el de la resurrección. Tras el largo recorrido por la llanura mesetaria, al cruzar el Bierzo leonés y entrar en Lugo -provincias distintas, pero de unidad paisajística- regresan las montañas, el verdor de bosques y pastizales, las viñas y los pueblos construidos en piedra.

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The scallop shell is one of the most iconic symbols of the Camino de Santiago and today it is used, along with the yellow arrow, to guide pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela along its many different routes. Painted on trees, sidewalks, tiles, etc... the scallop shell (or 'vieira' in Galician and Spanish) will help travellers find their way.

WHERE DID THE SCALLOP SHELL COME FROM?

There are many stories, legends and myths trying to explain the ancient link between the scallop shell and the Saint James Way. It is no coincidence that in French the scallop is called Coquille Saint Jacques, while in German scallops are called 'Jakobsmuscheln' (James mussels).

WHY IS THE SCALLOP SHELL IMPORTANT TO PILGRIMS?

The scallop shell is said to be a metaphor, its lines representing the different routes pilgrims travel from all over the world, all walking trails leading to one point: the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. However, it is open to interpretation. Which side points to Santiago? In some regions, the scallop's longest line is considered the one pointing towards Santiago. This is the case in Asturias, for example if you are walking the Camino Primitivo or the Camino del Norte, and some parts of the Camino Portugues.
But don't let this fact confuse you, take the scallop shell as a symbol of the Camino, reassuring you you are on the right path! The scallops are most of the time placed next to a yellow arrow so always follow the arrows (no confusion here!), as they are the most accurate 'road signs' to follow.

Medieval pilgrims often wore a scallop shell attached to their cloaks or hats during their journey to Santiago. More than being just a symbol or a pilgrim badge, the scallop shells also had a practical purpose: they were a handy and light replacement for a bowl so the pilgrims could use them to hold their food and drink on their long journey. Pilgrims would also be given food at churches and other establishments, and a scallop shell scoop was the measure for the food they would be donated.

HOW IS THE SCALLOP SHELL USED TODAY?

Since the scallop is native to the coast of Galicia, the shell also became a memento, a physical proof of having completed the pilgrimage to Santiago (and quite often walked to or via Fisterra, on the Costa da Morte). The shells could be picked up at the very end of the journey in Fisterra but also became a popular souvenir and source of business for the shops near the Cathedral in Santiago and other establishments along the way.

There are many legends trying to source this old association of Saint James with the scallop shell: one of those legends says the apostle once rescued a knight covered in scallop shells, while a similar version of the same story explains that a knight's horse fell into the water and emerged covered in scallop shells, while the remains of Saint James were being taken from Jerusalem to Galicia.

There are also many stories about the scallop shell believed to have a much earlier origin, dating to pre-Christian times. It is understood the Camino de Santiago had also become a kind of fertility pilgrimage, taken by couples in need of help to have children. This could be related to the fact that the scallop shell might have been a pagan symbol of fertility, originally.

The shape of the scallop shell also resembles the setting sun, which would have been an important daily event, full of symbolism in pre-Christian societies. It is probably not just a mere coincidence that the Saint James Way is a journey to the West, finishing at the 'end of the world' (the name given to Fisterra - Finis Terrae) and the setting sun.

For more information or to book your Camino de Santiago trip, contact our travel specialists

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The Scallop Shell and the Camino de Santiago - CaminoWays.com

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The scallop shell is one of the most iconic symbols of the Camino de Santiago and today it is used, along with the yellow arrow, to guide pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela along its many different routes. Painted on trees, sidewalks, tiles, etc...

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Google Slides - create and edit presentations online, for free.

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Create a new presentation and edit with others at the same time. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Slides to edit PowerPoint files. Free from Google.

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Camino de Santiago. Pilgrims from all over the world have walked the Camino de Santiago trails across Europe from many centuries, making their way to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, North-West of Spain.

While the most famous route is the Camino Frances, there are many more wonderful trails coming from Portugal, France and Spain.

More than a pilgrimage, the Camino is an unforgettable journey and unique experience. Let us plan your trip of a lifetime!

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Camino de Santiago. Pilgrims from all over the world have walked the Camino de Santiago trails across Europe from many centuries, making their way to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, North-West of Spain. While the most famous route is the Camino

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Quick facts about St James the Apostle:

Patron saint of Pilgrims and Spain

Memorial Day / Feast Day is July 25th

Named by Jesus as one of the Sons of Thunder

St James the Greater died in AD 44

He was executed by beheading

Who or what is a patron saint and what is St James the Greater the patron saint of?

A patron saint is considered to be a defender of a specific group of people or of a nation. There's a patron saint for virtually every cause, profession or special interest. Prayers are considered more likely to be answered by asking a patron saint for intercession on their behalf. Patron saints are not just specific to Roman Catholicism, but are also particular to Eastern Orthodoxy, Anglicanism and some branches of Islam. St James the Greater is the patron saint of pilgrims and Spain.

The Story of St James the Greater

St James the Greater, was one of the disciples of Jesus, and was prominent amongst the 12 apostles. He was the son of Zebedee and was known as the 'Greater' as he was taller than the other apostle named James. James the Greater is thought to be a cousin of Jesus, by the sister of the Virgin Mary, and the brother of St Jude Thaddeus. He worked as a fisherman with his brother John, his father Zebedee and his partner Simon. John and James were followers of John the Baptist and then Jesus. James, along with his brother John, left his life as a fisherman when Jesus called him to be a fisher of men. He followed Jesus as one of his disciples until Jesus was crucified. James the Greater was chosen by Jesus to be one of the 12 apostles and was given the mission to spread the gospel.

He made a pilgrimage to the Iberian Peninsula to spread the word of Jesus and when he returned to Judea, he was beheaded by King Herod Agrippa I in the year 44AD. This is detailed in the Bible in Acts 12 of the New Testament. "King Herod extended his hands to harm certain ones from the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 Seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to arrest Peter also" (Act 12 Modern English Version).

The remains, or relics, of St James the Greater were then transported by his followers to the Iberian Peninsula (today's Galicia in Spain) and are said to be buried in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, which is why St James the Greater is the patron saint of Spain. A legend surrounding how James was transported back to the Iberian Peninsula goes as such. His body, along with his followers, sailed to the Iberian Peninsula on a rudderless ship with no sail. Landing on the northwest coast of the peninsula they proceeded up the River Ulla to land at Iria Flavia, modern day Padron. The Celtic Queen Lupia ruled these lands, and when asked by James' followers if they could bury his body she refused and sent troops after them. While chasing the followers of James with his body across a bridge it collapsed, killing her troops. Queen Lupia then converted to Christianity and provided an ox and cart for the followers of James to transport the body. Unsure of where to have James' last resting places his followers prayed on this and decided to let the ox continue until it choose a place to rest. After pausing at a stream the ox finally came to rest under an oak tree at the top of a hill and it's here that the Cathedral of Santiago stands today.

The Legend of St James the Greater

St James, or according to the Spanish form of his name, St lago, is also the great military patron of Spain. His mission to defend the Christian Church against invaders was however reserved until after his death. During the celebrated battle of Clavijo, he suddenly appeared on a milk-white charger, waving aloft a white standard, and leading the Christians to victory. This manifestation was in response to the soldiers' invocation of his name, "Sant lago!" as the battle-cry of that day. Hence, the name of the ancient city (Santiago) which contains the cathedral founded in his honour.

Death of St James the Greater

There are two categories of saints - martyrs and confessors. A Christian martyr is regarded as one who is put to death for his Christian faith or convictions. Confessors are people who died natural deaths. St James the Greater died in AD 44 when he was beheaded by Herod, making him a martyr. St James is also widely recognised as the first apostle to be martyred.

Why is St James the Greater the patron of Pilgrims and Spain?

St James the Greater is universally regarded as the patron of pilgrims because after establishing the Christian religion in the Iberian Peninsula, modern Galicia, he returned to Judaea on a pilgrimage and was beheaded. The scallop shell is the recognized symbol of all pilgrims on the Camino, as it's found on the shores of Galicia. When returning to their own countries, pilgrims displayed the scallop shell in their hats to show that they had carried out their pious intentions.

St James became the patron saint of Spain as this is where his remains are believed to be buried. St James is also believed to have helped the Christians defeat the Moors in Spain - yet another reason he's their patron saint.

How St James the Greater is represented in Christian Art

It's helpful to be able to recognise St James the Greater in paintings, stained glass windows, illuminated manuscripts, architecture and other forms of Christian art. The artistic representations reflect the life or death of saints, or an aspect of life with which the person is most closely associated. St James the Greater is represented in Christian Art in the garb of a pilgrim, with staff, gourd, and scallop shell. St James is often also depicted riding a white horse into battle.

Feast Day of St James the Greater

The Feast Day of St James the Greater is July 25th.
The origin of Feast Days
Most saints have specially designated feast days that are associated with a specific day of the year. The feast days first arose from the very early Christian custom of the annual commemoration of martyrs on the dates of their deaths at the same time celebrating their birth into heaven.

The following 3 pages may interest you as well:

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History of the Apostle Saint James | Follow the Camino

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Patron saint of Pilgrims and Spain Memorial Day / Feast Day is July 25th Named by Jesus as one of the Sons of Thunder St James the Greater died in AD 44 He was executed by beheading A patron saint is considered to be a defender of a specific group of people or of a nation.

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recibir una Compostela después de la camino de Santiago

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Where to get and how to qualify for your compostela. Going to the Pilgrim's Mass

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A smoking silver thurible swooped through the gothic arches overhead, richly scented incense pouring from its sides. Eight priests in heavy robes acted as the counterweight, controlling a rope as thick as my forearm. I shuddered to think what might happen if the cord snapped, spilling 175 pounds of heated metal and 90 pounds of coal onto the crowd below

The hundred year-old ritual taking place before me, and the month-long walk I had taken to get there, seemed like something out of a George R.R. Martin book. But this was the real-life ending to my trip down the Camino de Santiago, a Catholic pilgrimage that was Medieval Europe's answer to the Appalachian Trail.

Today, believers make up a small proportion of people walking the Camino de Santiago. The vast majority of pilgrims are on their own quests, either recreational or spiritual. For me, a month-long hike sounded like an amazing challenge, but an achievable one too.

Being away from friends and family, work commitments and an Internet connection gave me the time I needed to decompress and follow my thoughts to wherever they wanted to go; there's a kind of spirituality in that, too. Like any other long-distance walk, there's a physical and mental commitment to the task, a simple rhythm of daily needs to meet.

This modern take on pilgrimage is only getting more popular: The number of people walking the Camino Francés has jumped from under 10,000 in 1992, to over 190,000 in 2012. Ready to join them? Start with our guide.

Walking the Camino de Santiago: A Brief History

(Mario Carvajal/Flickr)

The focal point and namesake of the Camino de Santiago is the city of Santiago de Compostela, located in Spain's far northwest. The city, where legend has it that the martyr St. James is buried, became a rallying point for Europeans fighting the Moors in the eighth century, after a shepherd claimed to have seen a bright light in the skies above.

During the Middle Ages, the Camino was responsible for the largest movement of people in Europe: millions of people, both rich and poor, made their way to Santiago de Compostela, where the pilgrim mass and certificate of pilgrimage ensured they would spend less time in purgatory. The route was nearly lost to history until the past couple of decades, when a growing body of literature around the Camino sparked a resurgence of interest in it from abroad.

When most people talk about "the Camino", they're referring to just one of many routes to Santiago de Compostela. Also known as the Camino Francés (the French Way), this route starts at St. Jean Pied-du-Port in France, crosses the Pyrenees, and continues westwards across Spain about 60 miles south of the coast. It passes through Pamplona, Burgos, Leon, and a host of smaller towns and villages, and is about 500 miles in length, depending on how many detours you take.

While the walk itself is the main attraction today, that wasn't always the case. In the Middle Ages, the whole idea was to arrive in the holy city of Santiago de Compostela, and you started at your own front door; there was no official "starting point". Because it was safer for people to walk together, common routes were established, and many of the paths through other European countries converged in St. Jean.

But what if you lived in England? Or Portugal? Or Madrid? It wouldn't make sense to travel to France to start your pilgrimage there. So many smaller routes were established by pilgrims making their way from their homes, and are named accordingly: The Camino Portugués travels northwards through Portugal, while the Camino Inglés catered to English pilgrims who arrived on the north coast by boat. Today, as the French Route draws more and more tourists, many walkers are starting to rediscover these secondary paths.

Walking the Camino de Santiago: Getting Ready

(Fresco Tours/Flickr)

There are a plethora of guidebooks and online resources to help you plan your pilgrimage, but I'm of the opinion that you should do the minimum amount of planning possible. If there's any hike that's worth improvising, the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela is it.

That said, it's a good idea to bring a basic route guidebook, such as the ones published by the Confraternity of St James. Have this posted to you before you start and use it to figure out what kind of pace you'll have to set and what sights you want to see, based on the length of your trip.

Once you're on the way, you'll find this plan changes. You'll meet some people you want to walk with for a few days; you'll want to push yourself to do another few miles; you'll decide it's a perfect time to sit by the river and think about life. Unlike a backcountry hike, there's enough infrastructure around that you don't need to have every detail perfectly laid out.

There's very little technical walking on the main Camino routes-you'll mostly be on well-maintained tracks or pavement-so you don't need much backpacking experience. If you don't hike much, get out and around your neighborhood for an hour each day, and take care to break in your shoes beforehand. If you don't do a lot of walking, get out and about around your neighborhood for an hour or two each day. I always said my training for the Camino was the first week of the Camino: by the time you've pushed through those first five days, things become a lot easier.

The clothing and technical gear you'll need for the Camino depends on what season you're hiking in, but err on the lighter side. Your fully-packed bag, with a bit of food and a full water bottle, should weigh no more than 15 percent of your body weight, with a goal of 10 percent. For my 155-pound frame, I aimed for 22 pounds or less. Start with this list:

-A 30-40 liter backpack

-Your credential, passport or valid ID, journal, and a pen in a waterproof bag. Bring a journal so you can add stamps and jot down notes.

-A water bottle of some kind. I like a two-liter Platypus with cap, which you can use on those days where it's a long way between water stops.

-Toiletries. No make-up, but plenty of sunscreen and soap suitable for hand-washing clothes. If you can endure it, many men and women avoid shaving on the Camino to eliminate the weight of that gear.

-A small first-aid kit, including painkillers, antiseptic cream, bandages, blister plasters and a sterile needle to drain blisters. Pharmacies are easy to find, so you don't need medical supplies for the whole way unless you rely on a particular prescription.

-Two t-shirts, two pairs of zip-off trousers, and three pairs of underpants and socks. Wash at your stops and dry overnight.

-Whatever you need to stay warm and dry. At times you might be walking over plains in 40-degree heat; a week later snow will start falling in the mountains. I recommend merino wool thermal underwear (top and bottom), a fleece top for warmth, a wind- and water-proof outer jacket and pants, and a pack cover to protect your things from the rain.

-I favor light, comfortable walking shoes or hiking sandals over boots for most of the Caminos, with the possible exception of the Primitivo. I always bring along a pair of flip-flops to allow my feet to breathe and dry after walking.

-As few electronics as you can bear. Bring a camera and a phone, but leave the laptops and iPads at home.

-Basic eating utensils. Most refugios and albergues have kitchens, but I'd recommend carrying a spork, sharp knife, lightweight plate, bowl and cup. It's not uncommon to have someone spontaneously cook a communal meal, or pilgrims to all chip in and make something together.

Walking the Camino de Santiago: The Routes

(Fresco Tours/Flickr)

The network of Caminos crosses Europe, and you can follow a Way from Finland or Turkey. The possibilities are beyond the scope of this article, but these are the main routes.

Camino Francés (the French Way)
The Camino Francés is the most popular option for a reason: The varied scenery and good infrastructure means that it's an enjoyable walk. Most of the routes from other parts of Europe converge in St Jean Pied-du-Port, which is where the Camino Francés officially starts.

Camino del Norte (the Northern Way)
Hugging the northern coast of Spain, this route starts in Irún on the border with France and travels west through Bilbao, Santander and Oveido. The 510 miles of pathway will take about 35 days to complete, and though the distances between towns are reasonable, the sparse accommodations mean that you have to stick to a fairly rigid itinerary.

Camino Portugués (the Portuguese Way)
In contrast with many of the other routes, the Camino Portugués is relatively flat, without too many hills. It starts in Lisbon and passes through Porto and Pontevedra on its way north through Portugal, and is approximately 380 miles long. The infrastructure is reasonable but much of the route takes you alongside motorways.

Via de la Plata
The "plata" in the Via de la Plata's name comes from a corruption of an Arabic word that means "wide surfaced road." In this sense, it's well named, as most of the route follows an old Roman road north from Seville; if you're interested in Roman history, this is the route for you. At 620 miles, it's the longest route through Spain, and it passes through Merida, Cáceres, Salamanca, and Zamora, as well as other cities.

Camino Inglés (the English Way)
English pilgrims arriving by boat from Britain started their walk at either La Coruña or Ferrol, and the English Way is a Y-shaped route which can be started in either of these cities. The 75km from La Coruña can be walked in three days, though you won't earn a Compostela as it's under 62 miles. From Ferrol, the 70-mile walk will take five days.

Camino Primitivo (the Original Route)
Oveido isn't on the Camino Francés, but many pilgrims detour there to visit the city's cathedral. The Camino Primitivo is the most direct route from Oveido to Santiago (passing through Lugo), and it rejoins the Camino Francés about 40 miles from Santiago. The walk is about 180 miles long and is quite challenging, as it includes a fair amount of hill climbing and the weather can be very erratic.

Camino de Finisterre (the Finisterre Way)
Instead of finishing their walk in Santiago, many pilgrims continue on to one of the westernmost points in Europe: Finisterre, whose name literally translates to "end of the world." The route from Santiago to Finisterre adds on 55 miles and is best walked in five stages, with an optional extra 18-mile walk to Muxia afterwards. Organizations in Finisterre and Muxia both offer Compostelas to those that complete these routes.

Walking the Camino de Santiago: Talk the Talk

(artist in doing nothing/Flickr)

Everyone who walks the Camino should get familiar with the following Spanish terms:

A compostela is the "pilgrim certificate" you get at the end of the walk if you've completed 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) or more on foot. If you are not Catholic, but did the Camino for 'spiritual reasons' you can get a compostela. If you say your goals were non-spiritual, you get a rather plain certificate of completion.

Albergues and refugios are the pilgrim's accommodation stops. Run by churches, town councils, non-profit organizations, and private for-profit groups, they provide cheap beds in dorm rooms, mattresses in church bell towers, or provide hotel-like rooms with prices starting at five euros a night.

A credential is the 'pilgrim passport' issued by various Camino-friendly organizations. Each albergue or refugio has its own stamp, which you'll receive each night. You need a credential to stay in pilgrim accommodations, and a complete record of stamps to get your compostela. Arrange to have one posted to you in advance if you're not starting at a popular stepping-off point. Accommodations are first come, first served, with preference given first to walkers, then horse-riders, then cyclists.
Craig Martin has been travelling full-time since February 2006 and walked three Caminos in that time: the Camino Francés, the Via de la Plata, and the Camino Inglés. A Kiwi, he loves wine and is addicted to the new. Find more of his travels on his award-winning site, @indietravel on Twitter, or on Google+.

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Walking the Camino de Santiago: A Beginner's Guide

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A smoking silver thurible swooped through the gothic arches overhead, richly scented incense pouring from its sides. Eight priests in heavy robes acted as the counterweight, controlling a rope as thick as my forearm.

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Wendy Craig, Nov 30, 2010 from Suite 101
Rituals and traditions established in medieval times by pilgrims to the shrine of St James in Santiago de Compostela continue to the present day.

The hordes of pilgrims who travelled the pilgrimage route called the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) in medieval times, followed certain traditions and engaged in specific rituals that enhanced their religious experiences. Modern-day pilgrims observe these as well.
Rituals Before Leaving on the Compostela Pilgrimage
A pilgrimage was said to begin the moment a man crossed the threshold of his front door. He would have been granted permission to leave by his local religious authorities and sworn an oath to remain loyal to his monarch. Dressing in his pilgrim's clothes, he attended mass, where his staff and scrip were blessed by the priest. Then he set off on his journey to the Shrine of St James, hundreds of miles away. It would be months before he returned to his home.
Traditions of the Camino de Santiago
Along the Camino de Santiago there were many churches where the pilgrims worshipped, praying to the particular saint associated with that chapel or to the Virgin. At Estella, they prayed to the Virgin of El Puy. At Leon Cathedral they rubbed their hands on the column bearing the statue of St James dressed in pilgrim garb.

For pilgrims treading the route across the Pyrenees, the monks at the monastery of San Salvador rang the chapel bell to guide the pilgrims across the mountains when the weather was bad.

At Triacastela, the earliest pilgrims were given a piece of limestone to carry to Castanola where a lime-making works was based. Lime from there was used in the building of the basilica at Santiago de Compostela.

Another tradition involving stones was for a pilgrim to add a rock to the cairns of stones dotted along the wayside. He believed that by placing a stone on the pile, he would be granted a wish.

On nearing the end of the Camino de Santiago, the pilgrims took part in a cleansing ritual. At Lavacolla (near Santiago de Compostela's airport today) they bathed in the river before entering the city, washing away the dust and grime of their time on the road.

Close by was Mount Gozo. From the top of the mountain, the spires of the cathedral at Compostela could be seen. The pilgrims raced each other to the summit; whoever saw the towers first cried out, "Mon Joie!" He was considered 'king' of the group. Reaching this place was a very emotional experience for the pilgrims. Many fell to their knees in prayer; others burst into song. After weeks on the road, their goal was now in sight.
Pilgrim Rituals of Arrival at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
On entering the cathedral and the shrine of St James, the pilgrims first saw the Portico de la Gloria, the magnificently carved and sculpted gateway leading into the body of the building. Several rituals were performed by pilgrims in this area, rituals which continue in the present day.

The central pillar is known as the Tree of Jesse, topped with a seated figure of a benign St James, carrying a pilgrim's staff and a scroll which reads "The Lord Sent Me". Pilgrims over the last 1000 years have placed the fingers of their right hand into five indentations worn in the marble of this pillar, and said a silent prayer of thanks, or five Hail Marys for their safe arrival.

At the base of the Tree of Jesse are two crouching beasts with wide open mouths. Pilgrims knelt before them and thrust their arms, up to the elbows, in the gaping holes.

On the other side of the pillar, facing the High Altar, is a sculpture of a kneeling man. This is the curly-haired Maestro Mateo whose 12th century work of genius is the Portico de la Gloria. Ferdinand of Leon paid him a salary of two marks a week to design and carve over 185 different statues that make up the religious scenes of the gateway.

The statue of Maestro Mateo is also called 'The Saint of the Bumps". This nickname comes from the pilgrims' ritual of kneeling down and tapping their foreheads three times against his, in the hope that some of his genius would be transferred to them.
Rituals at the Shrine of St James
From the Portico, the pilgrims made their way up the wide aisles of the cathedral to the High Altar, the shrine of St James. Seated on a gilded, highly ornamented dais, the statue of the Apostle is ablaze with jewels and gold. Pilgrims climbed up the short flight of steps behind the statue and embraced him, kissed his cape and touched their hats to his head.

From there, they descended to the crypt below the High Altar to view the casket reputed to contain the remains of the St James. On emerging from the depths, they might spend time visiting the chapels around the sides of the cathedral.

Then they went to confession and attended the Pilgrims' Mass before being given their compostela certificates, the official paper that certified their completion of the pilgrimage.

Now they were able to buy a metal badge shaped like a scallop shell from dealers in the Square of the Silversmiths and walk the streets of Santiago de Compostela to find a hostel or inn where, on presentation of their compostela, they would be granted three nights free board and lodging.

Ten centuries on, the rituals and traditions of the Camino de Santiago continue. Modern-day pilgrims and visitors line up in the cathedral to place their right hands in the holes on the Tree of Jesse, bump heads with Maestro Mateo and hug the statue at the Shrine of St James.

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Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela: Rituals and Traditions - CaminoWays.com

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Wendy Craig, Nov 30, 2010 from Suite 101 Rituals and traditions established in medieval times by pilgrims to the shrine of St James in Santiago de Compostela continue to the present day. The hordes of pilgrims who travelled the pilgrimage