Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of France and Spain, the Camino de Santiago is one of Europe’s most sought-after hiking paths – not just because it offers breath-taking countryside vistas along the way as you traverse the path, but because of its spiritual significance, too.
Spanning over 500 miles from Saint Jean Pied de Port in France, all the way to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, it passes through four of Spain’s 15 regions, making it a great way to see a diverse array of the nation’s natural beauty.
Known as the Way of St. James, this ancient pilgrimage route has been attracting travellers for centuries, and will take you on a journey not just in the geographical sense, but also on a journey of self-discovery, cultural immersion, too.
For adventurous individuals seeking a transformative travel experience, the Camino – which is also known as the Camino Frances to Santiago – provides a unique opportunity to embark on a journey of a lifetime. Despite its length, there are plenty of routes to choose from that will allow you to enjoy a part of what the Camino has to offer without taking on the entire route.
Here, we take a look at some reasons to consider taking on the challenge – or at least some of it – in 2024, handpicked by the experts at Santiago Ways.
What is the Camino de Santiago?
A network of ancient pilgrimage routes that converge at the majestic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, the Camino de Santiago traditionally paved the way for pilgrims to make the sacred journey to pay homage to the Apostle St. James, whose remains are believed to be interred in the cathedral.
These days, the route is traversed for myriad reasons, attracting visitors with its breath-taking natural beauty and offering an outdoor adventure for travellers who like to stay active. It still appeals to those who come seeking spiritual enlightenment, but also to those looking to take on a physical challenge or immerse themselves in nature and history.
As we’ve touched upon, you don’t have to begin the route in France – you can join it in Spain, or even Portugal. The Coastal Camino de Santiago from Porto offers a great chance to enjoy a sun-soaked, culture-packed city break in one of Portugal’s most vibrant cities, and combine it with an action-packed adventure on this famous path.
Reasons to visit the Camino de Santiago in 2024
Spiritual renewal
The main appeal of the Camino de Santiago over Europe’s many other scenic hiking trails is its association with spiritual enlightenment. Offering those who walk it a sacred space for reflection, introspection and renewal, it’s the perfect escape for anyone seeking a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them, whether or not you are particularly religious or spiritual.
Set against the backdrop of stunning scenery and serene natural beauty, it offers a chance to find solace in the simplicity of its passage and a renewed sense of achievement and purpose as you complete the journey.
Cultural immersion
The beauty of the Camino de Santiago is in the diversity of the landscapes and regions it passes through along the way to Santiago de Compostela. They are rich and varied, ranging from the rugged peaks and valleys of the Pyrenees to the sun-soaked plains of Castile, and each offers its own unique blend of culture and heritage that adds to the journey. From age-old cathedrals to charming white-washed villages, you can be sure that you’ll never run out of things to see and do along the way, with a new experience around every corner.
Physical challenge
Of course, the reason many people head off on a hiking holiday on the Camino de Santiago is the element of physical challenge it presents. Spanning over 500 miles in length, traversing it is not for the faint hearted, and it’s a test of endurance and resilience that not everyone is ready to take on. You don’t have to walk it; you could choose to cycle or go by horseback instead, but whichever you decide on, it’s a gruelling task. Nevertheless, rewards are encountered along the way, and the sense of achievement and newfound strength you’ll be left with at the end promises to make it all worth it.
Community and camaraderie
With any challenge, the sense of community and camaraderie that can be felt is something that can barely be put into words, and even if you set off on the journey alone, it’s something that permeates the trail from start to finish. There’s just something about the joy of a shared experience that brings people together, and whether you’re sharing stories over communal meals in albergues (pilgrim hostels), offering words of encouragement during challenging moments, or simply walking side by side in silent companionship, you can expect to make some deep connections and lifelong friendships that will last long after you’ve reached your final destination.
The Santiago Ways way
If you’re unsure where to start with planning your Camino de Santiago adventure, then Santiago Ways – the leading travel agency for the route – is a great place to start, and can provide you with advice, itineraries and everything else you might need to tick this momentous experience off your bucket list.
