One of the most fulfilling travel experience is walking the Camino de Santiago. The Santiago e Compostela in Spain can be reached there by this ancient pilgrimage route. Many travelers from all over the world, including UK travelers walk on this routes every year. UK tourists are increasingly going with it for their walking holidays UK and pilgrimage travel Spain experience. It is an adventure full with natural beauty, history and meditation.
About the Camino de Santiago
Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgrimage route. It is also known as “the way of St. James.” Ppeople used this route for more than hundred years. The routes comes to an end in Santiago de Compostela at the tomb of St. James, the Apostle. People walked on this routes as a religious pilgrimage route. There are many reasons why people walk on it now. While some walk for fitness, calm or adventurous experience, others walk for their beliefs. The Camino is more than just a route. It is an elaborative network o paths that go throughout Europe including Spain. Every route represents its own charm, customs and culture.
Travelling from the UK to the Camino
Travelling fom UK to Spain in order to begin your Camino trip is simple and convenient. It becomes more simple by air travel. Air travel is most common way to reach there. Santiago de Compostela, Madrid and Bilbao are the most common Spanish cities at which direct flights are available from major airports of UK. Cheap flights tickets are provided by some affordable airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet. Some tourists prefer to travel by train. They start their trip by taking Eurostar from London to Paris. Then, you can go by train to either southern France or northern Spain. This is more slow but amazing and beautiful way to start your Camino de Santiago UK trip. Some dedicated walkers begin their journey from the UK, passing through France before entering Spain. Even though it is a long path and takes several weeks or months, but this experience is worthwhile.
Popular Camino Routes
The Camino has number of major routes. Each one of them gives an unique experience.
- Camino Francés: It is most famous route. It started in Saint Jean Pied de Port in France. It goes to Spain through Pyrenees Mountains. It crosses through cities such as Burgos, Leon and Pamplona.
- Camino Portugués: Lisbon and Porto are the starting points of this route. You passes through Portugal before reaching in Spain. It is famous for its friendly locals and beautiful views of the coast.
- Camino del Norte: The Spanish coastline is followed through this northern route. It is less crowded, have beautiful landscapes and clan sea air.
- Camino Inglés:.Pilgrims from England used this route during middle ages. The Galician ports of Ferrol and a Coruna are the starting points of this route. It is ideal and shorter for UK travelers with time limit.
Getting Ready for the Walk
Walking the Camino routes does not require physical fitness. But careful and little planning could help a lot. Here are list of some essentials:
- Begin to taking short walks at home before your trip.
- Make sure your shoes are comfy and cozy. Wear the same shoes you are planning to use on Camino walk.
- Do not over pack. Pack only those things what really you need in your trip.
- A hat, rain suit and a small back pack.
- A refillable water bottle is important.
A pilgrim passport is require which is known as “credencial.” During your trip, you collect stamps from hotels, churches and temples. Once you finish, you can collect your Compostela certificate from Pilgrim office in Santiago by showing it.
Food and accommodations options in the Camino
For Numerous pilgrims hotels or albergues can be found along the Camino. They are easy to use, simple and affordable. Some are managed by volunteers, while others are handled by local families. You can meet with people from different cultures, nationalities and share stories and culture with one another by staying in albergues. Food is easily available in most towns. You can taste Spanish omelets, meat, soup or fish. Must taste pulpo a la gallega that is an octopus dish in Galicia. A particular aspect of Camino culture is sharing meal. The Camino is a great option for UK tourists looking for memorable walking holidays UK.
Perfect time to go and why walk the Camino
O April to June or September to October are the ideal time to walk the Camino. The weather is nice during these months. July and August are extremely hot months particularly in Central Spain. Some routes are open all year. Winters are rainy and cold. If you prefer less crowd then visit in spring or autumn.
Camino de Santiago is more than a simple path. This walk is an exploration of culture, community and history. You discover more about people from different backgrounds and walk around different areas. This journey can be calming, relaxing and adventurous. Combining pilgrimage travel Spain with Camino de Santiago UK trip is significant way for UK travelers to discover Europe. It is perfect way to disconnect from everyday stress and reconnect with people and natural beauty.
