THE CAMINOS - NEED TO KNOW

1. The word ‘Camino’ is Spanish for ‘Way’. The Camino de Santiago means the Way of Saint James, and is the name given to a series of ancient pilgrim paths that lead through Spain to the city of Santiago in the country’s north western region of Galicia.

2. The symbol of the Camino is the shell, and these, along with yellow arrows, mark the directions of the pilgrim’s path.

3. Pilgrims are called peregrinos/peregrinas in Spanish.

4. The lodgings are called albergues, and cost anything from a voluntary donation to €12-€15 a night.

5. All pilgrims need a pilgrim’s passport, or credencial, to walk the Camino. These can be acquired from albergues in the bigger towns for a nominal fee. A credencial is required for staying in the albergues.

6. The average pilgrim walks about 25 kilometres per day. Some do more, some less. Everyone should walk at their own pace.

7. Pilgrims who complete the last 100 km of the Camino on foot, or 200 km on bike, are eligible for a certificate of completion called a Compostela, which is acquired from the pilgrim’s office in Santiago. 

8. The full Camino Frances takes about a month to complete. The Camino del Norte requires the same amount of time. The last 100 km of any route could easily be walked in a week.

9. The Camino Frances is by far the most popular and best resourced of all the routes. 

10. The Camino del Norte and Primitovo have fewer resources, but they are quite manageable. The Caminho Portuguese, from Lisbon to Porto, is one of the quieter routes but is still doable. From Porto to Santiago it is more popular.

11. It is said you meet the people you’re supposed to meet along the Way. Be open to everyone you encounter. 

12. There are no hierarchies on the Camino. Presidents and paupers alike have to walk the same path, sleep in the same dorms and eat in the same restaurants. It is a great leveller. 

13. The Camino will change your life, but often in ways you don’t anticipate. If you feel as though the Camino hasn’t solved all your issues once you’ve reached Santiago, wait a while. The journey doesn’t end in Santiago. That is where it begins.