El Camino de Santiago andIt is world-known, a tourist gem of Spain that leaves fond experiences and memories for those who do it. The French Route is the best known, with staggered stages within its program. However, we will analyze which routes are real and how they are completed, given that they all obviously reach Santiago de Compostela.
You have to remember that It is not necessary to do the complete routeIt is not even necessary to do it on foot, since there are several means to do it. The pilgrim has to carry out his route, his budget, his purpose and mission. Everything influences his type of experience and his ability to do it.
How to do the Camino de Santiago?
To be able to do it on foot it is essential have optimal physical preparation, since you cannot underestimate the type of walk you have to face. Many walkers choose to do it without any preparation, both physical and clothing. A constant walk of many kilometers means carrying a large backpack, unexpected injuries and, above all, damage to the feet if you do not wear appropriate footwear. Other alternatives to do the route is to do it by bicycle or car.
- Footwear is essential, It is preferable to use good trekking boots that can last for miles, are generally comfortable and that you have used for a long time. If you are going to use them for the first time, you risk that there is a margin of adaptability and that they become annoying in the long run. Flip-flops are also important, to use in community showers and to rest your feet.
- The backpack must be comfortable to carry, with ample storage and practical pockets. That it adapts in size to the body and that its straps fit well to the arms.
- Try to wear the right clothes, with quick drying and light fabrics. It is also important to wear waterproof clothing to protect yourself from the rain, especially in the rainy seasons.
- A sleeping bag It is also important to ensure greater protection in low temperatures and if you are going to sleep in shelter beds.
- a wooden stick with a shell hanging at its end. It is a tradition to carry it, but these days it is much better to use a trekking pole, which is lighter.
- And above all, sun protection, a hat and glasses to protect your eyes. A small first aid kit is also important to treat possible injuries.
Routes on the Camino de Santiago
These routes They converge between Spain, France and Portugal. The best known is the Northern route and They are a network of trails that end in Santiago de Compostela, in the area where the Apostle Santiago is buried. These roads They were drawn up by their faithful Christians, whose first pilgrimage is known back in the year 825 by Alfonso II, starting from Oviedo to the tomb. From here, new routes begin to open, given the ideological and religious changes that the French Revolution brought in the XNUMXth century. At the end of this century is when large-scale tourism begins with great interest, attracting pilgrims from all over the world and everything related to the Apostle Santiago is called Jacobean routes.
French Way
A great route with a great historical tradition, with 768 kilometers and 33 stages. We find beautiful landscapes and great monumental, social, cultural and religious wealth. It immerses itself in immense cereal fields, Riojan vineyards, spectacular mountains and green valleys in the Bierzo area. In addition, monuments, castles, bridges and Jacobean cities.
Begin from Saint Jean Pied de Port or Roncesvalles. If you start in Saint Jean Pied de Port you can enjoy the border between France and Spain, crossing the Pyrenees and 24 kilometers from Roncesvalles (Orreaga).
The following routes that you can choose are: from Logroño, Burgos, León, O Cebreiro or Sarria, to Santiago de Compostela.
Northern Way
You have its starting point from the Basque city of Irún and crossing the communities of Euskadi, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia. It is a spectacular route, visiting beaches, cliffs and emblematic cities with the best gastronomy.
They wait 820 kilometers divided into 34 stages, with 36 days of pilgrimage. There are other starting points on this route, in Bilbao, Santander, Ribadesella, Ribadeo or Vilalba.
Way of the Lighthouses
The path of the Lighthouses is a real poetry, composed of green virgin nature, coasts with delicate sands and constantly touching the sea breeze. It is a 200 kilometer route with 8 stages, where the towns of Malpica de Bergantiños and Finisterre, from North to South, in the province of La Coruña.
Finisterre and Muxía road
Another fantastic route to enjoy the green area of Galicia. It starts from Finisterre to Santiago, with a path of 120 km and 5 stages. You pass through towns like Ponte Maceira, cataloged as the Most Beautiful Town in Spain. You can also enjoy rural villages, granaries, manors and lush forests drenched in misty rains. Another of the beauties is being able to enjoy To the Coast of Death, with paradisiacal beaches, lighthouses, cliffs and impressive sunsets.
Portuguese Way
It is the second busiest route, which crosses Portugal from south to north. Starts at Lisbon and 600 km will be traveled with 27 stages, with a month of travel. Enjoy Portuguese culture Santarém, Coimbra, Porto, Barcelos, Ponte de Lima and Valença do Minho, to then cross the international bridge over the Miño River and reach Galicia through the city of Tui.
Other routes also known
Winter Road
It is another route that starts from Ponferrada to Santiago de Compostela. Its 120 km and covers 5 stages.
Father Sarmiento Route
From Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela, with 6 stages and 142 kilometers.
Sanabrés Way
The Moreruela farm to Santiago de Compostela. Its 265 km with 13 stages.
Primitive Way
Starts at Oviedo to Santiago. With 268 km and 11 stages.
Portuguese Way: spiritual variant
From Pontevedra to Padrón. It is a route that is reminiscent of the posthumous journey of the remains of the Apostle Santiago. Its route has 81 km and 3 stages.
The Camino de Santiago can be difficult to do, but always rewards enthusiasm, passion and motivation. We should plan to do all the routes with a liberal mindset, being realistic about each situation and enjoying all the good things that each of these routes offers.
