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The Camino de Santiago or the Way of St. James is one of the most famous pilgrimages in the world. It is estimated that more than 200,000 people walk the Camino de Santiago each year and it is more than a pilgrimage: it is a social, cultural and picturesque experience.
Today TD Active Vacations outlined everything you need to know about the Camino to help you prepare for one of the Europe’s most famous walking holidays.
Travel with confidence
Before we start, the wonderful team of TD Active Vacation know how important flexibility is to you right now. So from July 1 to September 30e, 2021, any new booking made for travel in 2021 can be changed for free or you can exchange your deposit for a voucher with no expiration date. This flexibility is valid until the end of your balance. Rest assured that you can confidently book today and give yourself something to look forward to. More information here.
Plus, before you read on, we don’t want you to miss any of our two amazing partnering activities with TD’s sister brand Active. Department of Travel. Not only do they offer Donegal Daily readers an exclusivity of € 50 per person * of any new 2022 stay in Italy of 7 nights or more using our code: VP-DONEGAL50. This code can be used either online or by telephone on 01 637 1698.
But that’s not all! The Travel Department is also running a brilliant contest exclusively for our readers to WIN € 500 in holiday vouchers which can be used for ANY stay !! Enter HERE.
Why do people walk the Camino?
The history of the Camino de Santiago dates back to the beginning of the 9th century, when the tomb of Saint James, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, was discovered and started to attract pilgrims from all over Europe to this holy place. . Traditionally, people left their homes towards Santiago, this is how the Camino developed. While some people still embark on the Camino for religious reasons, many do so for the physical challenge and adventure. There is a tranquility to traveling the Camino that cannot be fully described, only experienced. A tradition is to greet everyone you meet along the way with “Buen Camino”. You catch yourself saying this every few minutes because you are never alone on the Camino. There are always people who make their journey, who pass by with friendly grateful smiles. As you travel the Camino you get a tremendous sense of accomplishment and camaraderie from the friends you meet along the way.
How many routes to Santiago de Compostela are there?
It is a vast network of roads leading to the Sanctuary of Saint Jacques in Saint Jacques de Compostela. The Camino route network stretches across Europe, with starting points in France, Spain, Portugal and even Ireland. Although there are several different trails and routes, there are seven well-established routes to the Camino de Santiago. The French Way or Camino Frances which starts from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and extends over 790 km and has been a pilgrimage route since the 10th century. The Portuguese Way or Portuguese Camino starts in Lisbon and is over 600 km long. The beauty of the Camino is that you can choose which parts to hike, so it’s perfect for all ability levels and you don’t have to be an expert walker to experience it. You can even cycle the Camino if you prefer.
Can we get lost on the Camino?
The benefit of booking with TD Active Vacations is that you have your own local expert guide for the duration of your walks, which means you have more time to take in the scenery without worrying about getting lost! The walking routes along each section of the Camino de Santiago are generally very well marked, making it difficult to get lost. The scallop shell is one of the most emblematic symbols of the ancient pilgrimage and today it is used, along with the yellow arrow, to guide pilgrims heading towards Santiago de Compostela along its many different routes. You will see it painted on trees, sidewalks, tiles, etc. The scallop would be a metaphor, its lines representing the different routes taken by pilgrims from all over the world, all the hiking trails leading to a single point: the tomb of Saint-Jacques. The shape of the scallop is also said to resemble the setting sun, which would have been an important daily event, full of symbolism in pre-Christian societies. The scallop is subject to interpretation in different regions, so it is best to follow the yellow arrows as these are the most accurate road signs.
Where does the Camino de Santiago end?
Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia in northwestern Spain and its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s cathedral has been the end point of the Camino de Santiago since the 9th century. It is the presumed burial place of the biblical apostle Saint James and his remains are in the cathedral. The facade of the cathedral can be found in Praza do Obradoiro Square, in the heart of the old town, which has narrow, winding streets full of historic buildings, squares and monuments in Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. The ancient city of Santiago de Compostela is captivating and a fantastic place to visit, especially if you arrived there after taking the adventurous journey along the Camino de Santiago.
How do I get my pilgrim’s passport for the Camino?
Most of those who embark on the Camino de Santiago, even if they are not religious, carry the “credencial del peregrino†or pilgrim’s passport. The pilgrim’s passport is issued by the Cathedral of Santiago and the information and instructions are written in Spanish. The blank boxes mark the space for your stamps, which you will collect on the way to Santiago de Compostela. You will need to get two stamps per day (for example, in hotels, bars, restaurants, churches along the way) and walk at least the last 100 km or cycle 200 km to Saint-Jacques-de -Compostela to receive your pilgrim certificate. When you arrive in Santiago de Compostela, you will collect your last stamp from the pilgrims office located at Rúa Carretas 33. This is where you can request your ‘Compostela’ pilgrim certificate, proof of having completed the journey, and celebrate the accomplishment of doing it all!
What are the best Camino routes for beginners?
For those who want to experience it but don’t want to walk 20km + per day, our In the footsteps of the holidays on foot of the Camino is a great option. This will give you a taste of what the Camino de Santiago has to offer while enjoying the food, wine and culture along the famous route. It is possible to visit the famous Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, which has a fantastic collection of modern and contemporary art, and a local winery in the Rioja region.
Are there difficult Camino routes?
For more experienced walkers, our Camino de Santiago – The last 100 kilometers Where Portuguese Coastal Path would be a great option. It offers more of a challenge with daily walking distances between 14km and 28km per day. In addition, by walking more than 100 km, it allows you to reach the “Compostelaâ€. The last 100 kilometers take you through woods, farmland and rustic hamlets, while the Coastal Path follows a beautiful coastal road to bring you to Santiago.
On the active TD Camino de Santiago walking vacation, you will be looked after by dedicated and knowledgeable local guides, you won’t have to worry about carrying your luggage as it will be transferred to your next hotel while you check in. tackle the section of the day trail. . So all you have to do is grab your trekking poles and hiking boots and join us on an epic hike on the Camino de Santiago for an amazing experience you will never forget!
Let TD active guide you through their wonderful range of walking vacations
Now that travel has resumed, TD active is looking forward to welcoming you back to one of its walking holiday! Book by September 30, 2021 and save € 50 per person * on any 2022 walking trip of 7 nights or more by quoting Donegal Daily or Donegal Woman and using the code: VP-WALKING50.
Whether you are an experienced walker prepared for hours of adventurous hiking or prefer to walk at a moderate pace, TD Active will take you on some of the most beautiful trails in Europe. They offer a range of walking holidays suitable for all skill levels to destinations like Spain, Croatia, Hungary, and Romania as well as trails closer to home on our Local adventures. Get ready to relive the joy of traveling and start planning your next walking vacation with them. When you are ready to travel, they are ready to welcome you again.
Quote Donegal Daily or Donegal Woman and code: VP-WALKING50 at checkout to get your 2022 reservation discount. This code can be used either online or by phone on 01 637 1698.
TD Active Vacation offer a range of active trips and vacations that include everything the avid adventurer could wish to experience. Of their Explore a range of exciting small-group tours, for mountain walks To photography trips and even yoga retreats on the islands. With expert guides or teachers on hand to show you the ropes, they are ideal for friends, couples, or solo travelers who want the safety of traveling in a small group with like-minded individuals. . Each stay is accompanied by a passionate local guide and designed to offer authentic and unique experiences.
TD active is the sister company of Travel Department which specializes in small group activities and adventure vacations. Why not check out and love them Facebook page for more information.
Everything you need to know about the Camino de Santiago walk was last modified: September 12, 2021 through
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