The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of Saint James, is one of the oldest and most sacred pilgrimage routes in the Christian world. This path leads to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain, where the remains of St. James, one of Jesus’ apostles, are believed to be buried. Since the Middle Ages, hundreds of thousands of people have embarked on this spiritual journey, seeking spiritual purification, religious devotion, or personal discovery. Today, the Camino de Santiago has become both a religious symbol and a cultural phenomenon, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Camino offers various routes, each with its own level of difficulty and natural beauty, allowing pilgrims to choose the path that suits them best. The most popular route, the Camino Francés (French Way), usually starts in the French town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, crosses the Pyrenees, and stretches roughly 800 kilometers across northern Spain. This route is filled with ancient villages, monasteries, valleys, and mountain passes, providing walkers with the opportunity to explore the rural beauty of Spain. Other routes, such as the Camino Portugués (Portuguese Way), offer alternative paths, each with its own unique cultural and historical charm.

In modern times, the Camino de Santiago attracts not only religious pilgrims but also people from all walks of life, seeking different reasons to take on this journey. Some embark on the Camino to escape the stresses of urban life and immerse themselves in nature, while others pursue spiritual transformation or seek a new beginning in their lives. Along the way, pilgrims stay in “albergues” (pilgrims’ hostels), meet fellow travelers, and share in the rich experience of this historic path. Upon reaching the final destination, the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, pilgrims can receive the Compostela Certificate, a document that honors the completion of their pilgrimage.