Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a pilgrimage route that leads to the city of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, where the remains of the apostle St. James are believed to be buried. The route has been walked by pilgrims for over a thousand years, first by Christian pilgrims, then by the eager hikers of the modern world.
There are several ways to reach the terminus from various parts of Europe. The most popular route is Camino Francés, which starts in the French town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and covers a distance of approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles) over the course of several weeks.
The hike is both a cultural and historical experience, with diverse landscapes, medieval architecture, and charming communities strewn along the trail. Many hikers embark on the journey for spiritual reasons, while others do it for the physical challenge and sense of adventure.
The route is marked by yellow arrows and the famous scallop shells. You’ll never find yourself in the middle of nowhere as there are many albergues (hostels for pilgrims) where you can grab a bite and spend the night.