Camino de Santiago Information- Questions and Answers

1. BASIC CAMINO DE SANTIAGO INFORMATION

Is there only 1 Camino de Santiago?

The Camino de Santiago is a generic description of the numerous routes which lead to Santiago de Compostela. There are many routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. These include paths from England, France, Germany, Scandinavia, and the list goes on. The Camino Francés, or the French Route, has become by far the most popular route to Santiago de Compostela. The Camino Portuguese has grown in popularity over the past 10 years and is the second most walked Camino de Santiago. The routes we follow (and the ones mentioned above) are marked paths that are maintained by various local governments. When walking the trail, you may meet pilgrims who opened their front door and walked directly from there. Eventually these pilgrims will join a known and marked Camino path, however, they created their own little Camino path right from their home.

Where is the starting point?

Most commonly people start the Camino Francés in St. Jean Pied de Port in the French Pyrenees or Roncesvalles in the Spanish Pyrenees.

Others start the route in Le Puy-en-Velay in France (as part of the GR65, or Grande Randonée from Geneva to Roncesvalles), or from Toulouse following the Via Tolosana (the Arles Route) joining the Camino Aragonés through the Aragón region of Spain.

The Camino del Norte (the Northern Camino) follows the Cantabrian and Asturian coastlines towards Galicia and starts in the city of Irún, near San Sebastián in the Basque region of Spain.

The route from Canterbury, England to Rome, Italy is known as the Via Francigena.  This walk is another one of the principal Christian pilgrimage routes, crossing the English Channel into France, through Switzerland then Italy.

And of course, there are other routes that don’t pass through Santiago de Compostela. The San Salvador ends in Oviedo, or you could walk to the “End of the World.”  This route is called the Finisterre Route. It starts in Santiago de Compostela and continues west all the way to the sea.

What is the significance of the scallop shell?

Like many things related to the Camino, myth and legend surround the significance of the scallop shell. Medieval pilgrims to Santiago would, if they survived the journey, have returned home with a scallop shell. These pilgrims would have walked all the way to Finisterre and the Atlantic Ocean.  Scallop shells are typically found on the coastline of Galicia. The shell was a medieval souvenir and also proof that the pilgrim had completed their journey.  Pilgrims returning from Jerusalem brought a palm branch, and those from Rome would collect the crossed keys of St Peter.

Other people who share Camino de Santiago information, say the shell was also a practical method for drinking water from streams whilst on the return trip home. The legend of the scallop shell refers to one of the miracles of St James. According to the story, a knight fell into the sea on his horse. He was raised from his watery grave covered in scallop shells. Whatever the origins of the symbol of the scallop shell, you will see it all along the Camino. Most people wear a scallop shell on their backpack to show they are a pilgrim.

Is it a religious pilgrimage?

Of course, the origins of the Camino are Christian and many people still walk the Camino as a religious pilgrimage. However, the majority of people are walking for a variety of reasons, spiritual or otherwise. The Camino is a very tolerant environment and you will find most people are interested in and respectful of the motivations of others.

2. PRACTICAL CAMINO DE SANTIAGO INFORMATION

What should I pack for my trip?

This is very important Camino de Santiago information and our advice is to not bring too much! You can buy lots of things when you get here. Also, the less you bring from home, the more room you will have to fill your suitcase full of souvenirs from the Camino!

Clothes

• Clothes made from quick-drying fabrics, rather than cotton.
• Waterproof jacket.
• Quick-dry short-sleeved tops.
• Quick-dry long-sleeved tops.
• Fleece pullover or jacket.
• Quick-dry walking pants – the ones that zip off to make shorts are a good option.
• Walking socks – make sure that you have tested them out with your footwear!
• Hat – with good sun protection for your face and neck.
• For chilly early mornings, bring a pair of gloves.
• Comfortable pair of walking boots or shoes – make sure it´s the right one!
• A pair of shoes to wear at the end of the day.
• Something casual to wear in the evenings.

Other Stuff

• Daypack for daily use. Around 20 liters should be more than enough, but make sure you test-run it before your trip.
• We recommend a hydration system such as Camelbak or similar. We find these most convenient to ensure you keep hydrated. But, if you prefer, a water bottle is fine.
• Earplugs – just in case of local fiestas which tend to go on all night…
• Basic First Aid essentials including blister protection such as Compeed – you can buy more on the trail but it´s good to bring some just in case.
• Sunscreen – you can always pick up more if you need it.

Optional

• Pair of waterproof pants – unless the weather is very cold, it´s usually best to walk in shorts when it´s raining as your skin is the best waterproof device! However, if you can´t stand wet legs, it might be worth bringing some.

What should I leave at home?

It´s best not to bring valuables. You will be moving around a lot.  It is very easy to forget things when you are packing your suitcase.

Can I bring my walking poles?

If you would like to bring your walking poles check with your airline about whether you need to check them in or carry them on. If you need replacement poles or decide you would like to use walking poles once you are on the trail, you can easily pick some up in local shops along the trail.

Are walking boots essential?