Everything You Need to Know About the Camino de Santiago | The Way of St. James
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Camino de Santiago, The Way of St. James Guide
At VAGMAG, we believe stories help us find where we belong. That’s why we’re proud to start our Nature Quarter with the story of the Camino de Santiago | The Way of St. James — a journey that has inspired people for over a thousand years.
There are roads that lead somewhere.
And there are roads that lead within.
In this guide, you'll find:
Introduction to Camino de Santiago: A Thousand-Year Journey
What is the Camino and its History?
Who Should Embark on This Journey?
Who is it Suitable For?
Walking, Cycling, and Disability Access
My Personal Comment on the "Compostela" Misconception
Preparation Guide: How to Prepare for The Way of Saint James
Walking Routine and Early Start Recommendations
Essential Equipment and Personal Experience
Visa and Travel Tips
Season Selection and Personal Timing Suggestions
Accommodation on the Way: Albergues and Other Options
What is an Albergue?
Alternative Accommodation Methods
How to Plan for Different Seasons
Food and Drink Culture Along the Way
Pilgrim's Menu
Available Food and Drinks Along the Way
Energy-Boosting Snack Recommendations
Pilgrim's Passport and the Compostela Process
What is a Credencial del Peregrino?
Where to Get it, How to Use it?
Requirements to Get a Compostela
Why I Embarked on the Journey: A Personal Story from VAGMAG's Nature Quarter Editor Idalia
What is The Story of Camino de Santiago?
Camino de Santiago, or The Way of St. James, is much more than just a long walk. It’s a path full of history, culture, and personal discovery. Pilgrims have traveled this route for centuries, each bringing their own reasons — some spiritual, some curious, some simply looking for a change. Although it is known as a pilgrimage, today this journey is made not only for religious purposes but also for cultural and sporting purposes.
How Did the Camino de Santiago Emerge?
The Camino de Santiago | The Way of St. James, owes its origins to the discovery of the tomb of St. James the Greater, one of Jesus's 12 apostles, in the Galicia region of Spain. Historically, this pilgrimage route became one of the most important Christian pilgrimage routes in the Middle Ages.
There are many routes, but the most famous is the French Way. All journeys end near the cathedral in Santiago. Along the way, you will meet people from all over the world, share stories and create memories that will stay with you long after the journey is over. Most importantly, you will get to know yourself better.
You can access my article where I explain the French Way of The Way of Saint James, which starts in Sarria and ends in Santiago de Compostela, and the guide titled "A First-Timer’s The Way of Saint James: Walking the French Way from Sarria to Santiago" on Mindtrip.ai from the link below.
Who is it suitable for?
Those who love walking, those who seek spiritual journeys, those who want a fresh start.
The journey can currently be done by foot, bike, boat or wheelchair. It is not supported to complete the journey by car or public transport.
As someone who used to volunteer at the ACC pilgrimage office where the compostelas are prepared, I still cannot understand those who lie about having completed the journey and claim a compostela. Sorry but yes, some do.
How to Prepare for The Way of Saint James
First and foremost, the most important thing you need to know is that you'll be walking an average of 20 km per day.
This means walking for approximately four or five hours a day with a backpack. You're not walking alone; you're on a popular tourist route with dozens of other walkers. To ensure you reach your accommodation on time, especially during peak season like the summer months, you should start early in the morning (the earlier, the better—7 or 8:00 AM).
Your goal should be to arrive at your next destination by lunchtime, eat, rest for the remainder of the day, and explore your arrival point. You need to mentally prepare yourself for this routine and for waking up in a different place every day.
Another crucial point regarding preparation is the items and equipment you bring.
Frankly, as someone who walked the French Way in February in sneakers, I have to say that your equipment is important, but I don't think you need to aim for perfect gear.
In fact, the less you have, the better, because more items mean more weight. I always like less but more. Few but quality items will come in handy, trust me. You will also find many shops where you can buy what you need during your trip. Every gram you carry on your back at the beginning of the journey can feel heavier as the trip progresses.
If you're an international traveler, you should check if you need a visa to enter Spain. Your flight reservations, visa, and similar matters are entirely your responsibility. The place you need to go will also vary depending on your starting point, and since you likely won't be starting from a major city, you should research options like trains and buses.
If you reach out to us via our Mindtrip.ai account, we'd be happy to help you plan a detailed itinerary.
The best season to walk The Way of Saint James is whenever you want. Generally, considering that Galicia is a rainy region, and factoring in summer months and holidays, the season typically runs from May to October. These dates might vary depending on your starting point.
As I mentioned before, I walked this path in February 2023. My motivation was to complete my journey on my birthday and begin my new year with this experience under my belt. Luckily, I hit a week in Galicia with no rain, and I was finally ready to embark on this journey that had been on my mind for months. However, my advantage was living very close to Santiago de Compostela at the time, and my motivation was just as strong. If you're looking to do this journey from abroad or another city, the dates can entirely depend on your expectations.
April-May and September-October are recommended as times when the crowds are a bit calmer. Walking in the summer months can be too hot, and off-season can be too rainy. Nevertheless, there are many solutions available today for both situations, such as rainproof jackets, hats, and creams for sun protection.
You will not need a map or navigation along the way unless there is an emergency. It is very difficult to get lost on this journey. The "yellow arrow sign", which is the symbol of the Camino de Santiago, will keep you on the road. All you have to do is follow the stones where the sign is. The road will split into two from time to time, you can choose the spiritual path or the traditional one. Now you are faced with a paradox of decision.
What is a Pilgrim's Credential/ Credencial del Peregrino/Pilgrim's Passport?
The pilgrim's passport (Credencial del Peregrino), sold for pilgrims at any shop, is solely for the purpose of collecting stamps from churches, eateries, or accommodations along the way.
Where to Get it, How to Use it?
You can purchase your Credencial at your starting point (often churches, pilgrim offices, or some albergues) or online. You then present it at the places you stay and eat to get your stamps, proving your journey.
Requirements to Get a Compostela
To receive a Compostela, you're required to collect two stamps from each stop for at least the last 100 km if walking, or 200 km if cycling, to Santiago de Compostela. You must accumulate stamps from your starting point, as well as from the places you've stayed and eaten, in this pilgrim's passport. The Compostela is free for pilgrims. If you'd like to receive a more detailed document with additional information, you'll need to pay a fee for it.
In this article, I've tried to cover the basic information you need to know about the Way of Saint James journey. As I wrote, I realized there's actually so much more to know!
You're free to leave comments about anything I might have forgotten or other topics you'd like to learn about, and you can reach out to us via the forms on our website!
Where Can You Stay? Should You Book Accommodation in Advance?
What is an Albergue?
The ideal place to stay on The Way of Saint James is in accommodations called "albergues." Albergues are places where all pilgrims use shared toilets and bathrooms, usually consist of dormitory-style rooms, are quite affordable, and provide a bed for sleeping rather than extensive personal space. They are clean and ideal for a one-night stay.
Alternative Accommodation Methods
While albergues are traditional, staying in hotels is also an option. Along the route, you can find many charming boutique hotels or even hotel areas that resemble the albergue system.
How to Plan for Different Seasons
If you go in winter, like I did, you'll find many places closed and only a limited number of accommodations open. If you go during peak season, you'll encounter a large community of pilgrims.
What Can You Eat and Drink During the Journey?
"Menú del Peregrino"
The Camino offers many options for food and drink. You'll find restaurants and bars in almost every village along the way, where you can enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine, including "Menu del Peregrino" (Pilgrim's Menu), which is a special, affordable set meal usually including a starter, main course, bread, drink, and dessert. These menus are a great way to fuel up.
Available Food and Drinks Along the Way
You can also find small supermarkets or local shops in towns to buy ingredients if you prefer to prepare your own meals, especially if your albergue has a kitchen.
Energy-Boosting Snack Recommendations
Many pilgrims choose to carry some snacks and water with them during the day, such as nuts, dried fruit, energy bars, and plenty of water, especially on stretches between villages. Staying hydrated is key!
Why Should You Embark on This Journey?
Challenges & Surprises You Might Encounter on the Way
Frankly, I had many personal reasons for embarking on this journey. And even more reasons for doing it alone.
First and foremost, I deeply love nature and being in nature. When I'm in nature, I lose track of time. When I first heard about this journey, I immediately thought it was perfect for me.
Since childhood, my father and I would go on long walks. My childhood was spent in a small town, close to nature. I always grew up in calm neighborhoods, a bit far from the city. For this reason, The Way of Saint James never felt foreign to me.
I wanted to enter my new year in a meaningful way, and I wanted it to be a new beginning for me. I wanted it to give me the courage to push my limits and to show me what I was capable of doing to pursue my desires.
I had known for a long time that I wanted to start my own business. For this, I believed I needed strong management skills. For me, good management comes from making good decisions. In these times, as I try to cope with the paradoxes of abundance and decision-making in the modern world, this journey, which offered many opportunities for decision-making, seemed like a wonderful opportunity to me, and it truly was. In every sense, it was a very educational journey, one that every time I remember it, I say, "I'm so glad I dared to take this journey then."
Honestly, I hadn't taken many serious solo trips before this journey.
The Way of Saint James gave me the opportunity to get to know myself and realize that solitude is the greatest luxury. In these days, unaware that I was sowing the seeds of Vaginismus Magazine | VAGMAG, I realized that solo travel is never truly solo travel.
Throughout my journey, I met many wonderful people and had a very enjoyable time. You don't have to do it alone. You can embark on this journey with a loved one, your family, your partner, or a close group of friends. And don't forget that our brand of practical and stylish travel products, VAGY, was also established to accompany you on your travels.
If you are curious or a little hesitant, remember that every great journey begins with a single step.
“Every adventure requires a first step.” – Cheshire Cat, Alice in Wonderland
And we at VAGMAG are here to share these steps with you. You can share any hesitation, concern or doubt with us in our "Hey Auntie" tab. We understand you and are ready to be the supportive hand you trust and support you as you learn to ride a bike.
Buen Camino!
Written and walked by Idalia,
Your Familiar Cool Auntie at VAGMAG – Nature Quarter Editor
