The Way. The Truth. The Life.

A Life-Changing Experience: Walking the Way to Santiago de Compostela, “El Camino”

Written by Marissa Romero People across the globe have walked the historic route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, also known as “El Camino” (The Way), and many believe having experienced a positive transformation after hiking through this magnificent route. “You see what is around you differently, and maybe you’re able to apply what you have learned to your everyday life: not to fear uncertainty, the beauty of sharing, and helping,” added Gaj. This spiritual pilgrimage dates back to the ninth century, after discovering in what is now Santiago de Compostela—the tomb of the first apostle who died for Christianity—St. James. Since then, El Camino has become a famous peregrination journey not only for Europeans but for people from all continents. Christians and nonbelievers alike enjoy this inviting walk for a variety of reasons. During his Apostolic Journey to Santiago de Compostela in 1989, St. John Paul II described walking El Camino as equivalent to undertaking a soul search with God. While different walking paths lead to Santiago de Compostela, the French Way stands as the most traditional route. The town of Sarria, on the northwest side of Spain, has become a convenient starting point for El Camino following the French Way, as it takes about a week to complete it. This take-off point works perfectly because the pilgrims meet the minimum required walking distance of 100 kilometers (62 miles) to receive a certificate of completion of El Camino, known as the “Compostela.” Traditionally, the pilgrims obtain a “Credencial del Peregrino” (pilgrim’s credential or passport) at the starting point of El Camino and get it stamped as they encounter and explore numerous churches, old chapels, and other sites of interest. The collected stamps attest that the pilgrims walked the distance required to obtain the Compostela.

Countless yellow arrows and shells function as signs marking El Camino. The Spanish greeting, “Buen Camino,” serves as a verbal symbol of brotherhood among pilgrims. When a pilgrim says, “Buen Camino,” the typical response is also “Buen Camino,” wishing one another a successful pilgrimage. To enjoy El Camino and prevent injuries, pilgrims should walk at their own pace, take breaks, and stay hydrated. “The rest day in the middle of the pilgrimage was idyllic,” said 206 Tours pilgrim Callie Connor, a retired accountant in Carthage, Illinois. The spectacular scenery of El Camino remains one of its most appreciated characteristics.

“The landscape is what always amazes me. Especially further in the walk, when one gets to walk in the eucalyptus woods … You raise your head and see portions of the sky; the breeze moves the branches,” said Gaj. “El Camino helps you to empty yourself from the exterior noise.” The whole adventure of walking El Camino, crossing through different towns, discovering old churches and chapels, enjoying the countryside, and the variety of traditional Spanish dishes make El Camino memorable. Each pilgrim lives a unique spiritual experience while advancing toward a meaningful goal—arriving at St. James Cathedral! Mass is celebrated daily in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela to welcome all pilgrims completing El Camino. Visiting the tomb of St. James, revered by pilgrims from different epochs and corners of the world, can be a humbling experience—he accompanied the Lord and witnessed His transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–8).

Pilgrims can also witness the swinging of the 5-foot iconic botafumeiro flying across the lateral naves of the cathedral—a must-see for the culmination of the pilgrimage.

206 Tours pilgrim Betty Beyko, a retired teacher in Alberta, Canada, said the final Mass in the cathedral with glorious music and the botafumerio is one of the most vivid moments she remembers. Yet, she added, “I loved every aspect of El Camino. For me, it will be a lasting memory, bearing fruit at home.” Photos shared by B. Beyko Photo Shared by C. Connor

El Camino Pilgrimage – French Route: www.206tours.com/tour70

El Camino Pilgrimage – Portuguese Route: www.206tours.com/tour78

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