The Camino de Santiago: Europe's Greatest Pilgrimage

Twenty-eight days of walking may sound miserable, but for the 250,000 people who walk the Camino de Santiago every year, it’s an escape. A Catholic pilgrimage that was Europe's answer to the Appalachian Trail, the Camino has captivated travelers for decades. Today, believers make up a small proportion of the people walking the Camino. The vast majority of pilgrims are on their own quest, whether that be to lose weight, quit smoking, or even as a place of solitude to grieve. It’s a long journey, and most definitely challenging, but one that serves you well, mentally and physically. 

The Camino de Santiago was named after the city of Santiago Compostela, located in Spain's far northwest. Legend has it that the Apostle Saint James was discovered by a shepherd named Pelayo, back in the 9th century. The Apostle gives the route its name, Camino de Santiago which means the Way of Saint James. 

During the Middle Ages, the Camino was responsible for the largest movement of people in Europe: millions of people, both rich and poor, made their way to Santiago de Compostela, where the pilgrim mass and certificate of pilgrimage ensured they would spend less time in purgatory, (the waiting place between this world’s afterlife and heaven). The route was nearly lost to history until the past couple of decades when a growing body of literature around the Camino sparked people’s interest. 

The journey, which is featured in the Martin Sheen movie The Way, was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I am by no means a hiker, but with a good set of hiking boots, high spirits, and new friends, I was able to conquer the treacherous trail. Here are a few things I learned on the way… 

Life’s not a fashion show:

I never realized how much clothing consumed my mind until I was in a situation where I didn’t have to think about it. I packed a suitcase filled with possible outfits for any occasion, thinking that I would get dressed up every evening, however, I wore two outfits for the entirety of the trip. My uniform consisted of leggings, thick socks, a tank top, and a red bandana. At night, I threw on a Patagonia fleece and brushed my hair to look ‘more presentable.’  I only had one thing to consider—Is it cold or is it hot?—and that determined the look. As someone who loves clothes, this revelation of sorts made me realize how much time I put into planning how I look. On the Camino, looks don't matter, especially when you look in the grand scheme of things. Bring a good attitude and you'll fit right in. 

Wifi won’t help you:

Internet and cell service is a rare commodity on the Camino. For maybe the first time in your life you won't be able to rely on technology and believe us when we say it's refreshing. Guidebooks will be your saving grace on the Camino. We used Anton Pombo’s The Way of St. James in Your Backpack. The book gave a great breakdown of how much mileage to cover each day, and the recommended places to call it a night. We highly encourage calling hostels and hotels the night before you arrive. Nothing is worse than arriving in a village with no place to rest your head and aching body. Oh, and as far as not being able to keep up with life elsewhere– enjoy thinking, or talking and making connections with what’s in front of you and not virtual. Look at a trip like this as an opportunity to push yourself and grow, and maybe even learn something along the way. You might even surprise yourself and enjoy not having to “catch up” on social media more than you anticipated.

Take it slow: 

There is a sense of urgency when you begin to walk the Camino. Will I arrive before sunset? How many miles should I walk today? Once the trek begins, you’re almost guaranteed to have your mind flooded with these thoughts, but rather than letting your internal monologue ramble with curiosities about the physical act, look within. This is an incredible journey to reflect on what brought you here. If you follow the guidebooks, you will make it to your destination just in time. So stop in every town, go into every bar, visit all the churches; you have time to breathe, to think, to reflect. The Camino is not a competition, it is supposed to be enjoyed. 

If this article inspired you to pack your bags, let us know @theedgemag!