Walking the 100 km Camino to mend your soul
Some come to the Camino in Northen Spain, because of the physical exercise and bonding in a community of like-minded souls searchers, others see it as a cultural quest understanding the past and how it works to walk so long today. Others again for purely spiritual and Christian reasons, since it is one of the most important pilgrimages in the Catholic church. Finally, others are simply adventurous or see it as a personal challenge. The reasons are as many as the people taking on the quest.
But one thing is certain: the pilgrimage to Santiago is an original and different way of vacationing in Northern Spain. Monuments, history, charming villages, and stunning scenery await you.
Lonely Pilgrim with backpack walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain
Many travel companies fly their guests from Madrid to Leon, from where you can either walk or take a bus to Astorga, which is about 15 km away. Many people start their Camino here.
What makes modern people go to the Camino for Santiago? Modern man is often baffled and without an anchor in life. Perhaps the very 100 km on foot that holds so much history, nature and Christianity can be a kind of making status in the lives of many and an awakening. It is a spiritual journey that brings spirituality back to your life. It is also reducing stress, and building health to walk so far in the fresh air at varying heights and terrain.
Shell Symbol of Camino de Santiago Galicia; Spain;
The story of Spain’s saint and the apostle Jacob
In the 8th century, a recluse finds the Apostle Jacob’s tomb near Santiago de Compostela. He saw a star shining brightly on the spot and follows the starlight and finds the grave. Shortly after, he leads a bishop to the tomb, and a now-famous cathedral is erected, and Jacob is proclaimed the patron saint of Spain.
The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is one of the greatest pilgrimage destinations for the Catholic religion
For centuries afterward, the pilgrimage grew, and the pilgrimage route was laid out so that pilgrims from both southern and northern Europe could reach Santiago de Compostela. Roads were and bridges were built. Hostels that are still in use were erected to make walking easier for pilgrims.
The Cathedral in Santiago. Spain
More Camino info and active vacations
There are several routes actually that also extend into southern France:
The French route and then there is the northern route.
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