Walking in Wheels: Our Epic Road Trip Along the Camino de Santiago

As I embarked on my journey to complete the Camino de Santiago, a traditional Spanish pilgrimage route, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d ever make it to the end. The idea of walking for four weeks, carrying a heavy backpack and facing unpredictable weather conditions, seemed daunting. But with a reliable car by my side, I felt more confident and prepared to tackle this adventure.

Our road trip began in San Sebastián, where we started our journey at the foot of Mount Ulia. We spent the first few days exploring the beautiful Basque Country, visiting charming towns like Vitoria-Gasteiz and Bilbao. As we made our way south, the scenery changed, and we entered the rolling hills and vineyards of La Rioja.

The Camino de Santiago is a centuries-old pilgrimage route that spans over 780 kilometers from the French border to the city of Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain. The route is divided into three main paths: the Francés, which is the most popular and well-trodden path; the Portugués, which takes you through Portugal before entering Spain; and the Aragonesa, which starts in the Pyrenees mountains.

Our journey began on the Francés path, which we followed for several days. We passed through picturesque villages like Zubiri and Pamplona, where we marveled at the stunning architecture and rich history of the region. The scenery was breathtaking, with lush green forests, sparkling rivers, and majestic mountains stretching as far as the eye could see.

As we continued our journey, we encountered fellow pilgrims from all over the world, each with their own stories and experiences. We met a group of Irish monks who were on their way to Santiago de Compostela to celebrate a friend’s ordination; a young couple celebrating their honeymoon; and a solo traveler from Australia seeking spiritual enlightenment.

We also had our fair share of challenges along the way. The heat was intense, and we struggled to find shade and water in some areas. We encountered steep hills and uneven terrain, which tested our physical endurance. But despite the obstacles, we persevered, fueled by our determination to reach the end of the Camino.

One of the highlights of our journey was visiting the iconic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. This magnificent structure is believed to be the final resting place of Saint James the Greater, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. The cathedral’s stunning architecture and intricate stone carvings left us awestruck.

As we neared the end of our journey, we reflected on the incredible experiences we had shared along the way. We thought about the people we had met, the landscapes we had seen, and the challenges we had overcome. And when we finally reached the coast, we celebrated with a toast to our success and a moment of introspection.

Our journey came full circle at Muxia, where legend says that Saint James appeared to the local fishermen and told them he would return in 500 years. We stood under the arched boulder known as Pedra dos Abalar, which is believed to have healing powers for many ailments. It was a moment of pure joy and accomplishment, knowing that we had completed this epic journey.

From Muxia, we headed to Fisterra, also known as the “End of the World,” where the map simply ended in medieval times. We took a final stroll along the rocky coastline, basked in the golden sunset, and shared a moment of reflection with our fellow pilgrims.

As I look back on our journey, I realize that the Camino de Santiago was more than just a pilgrimage – it was a personal journey of self-discovery and growth. It taught me about resilience, compassion, and the importance of human connection. And although we didn’t walk every step of the way, we experienced the essence of this incredible journey together.

The Road to Santiago: Our Route

* Day 1-3: San Sebastián to Vitoria-Gasteiz
* Day 4-6: Vitoria-Gasteiz to La Rioja
* Day 7-10: La Rioja to Burgos
* Day 11-14: Burgos to Sahagún
* Day 15-18: Sahagún to León
* Day 19-22: León to Astorga
* Day 23-26: Astorga to Ponferrada
* Day 27-30: Ponferrada to Santiago de Compostela

Pilgrimage Tips and Recommendations

* Pack light, but be prepared for variable weather conditions.
* Bring comfortable walking shoes and clothing that can withstand the elements.
* Don’t be afraid to ask for help or directions from fellow pilgrims or locals.
* Try the local cuisine – it’s delicious!
* Be respectful of the environment and other pilgrims on your journey.

Getting There

The Camino de Santiago is easily accessible by car, bus, or train. San Sebastián is a popular starting point, with many transportation options available from major cities in Spain.

Accommodation

There are plenty of accommodation options along the route, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Be sure to book ahead, especially during peak season.

Final Thoughts

Our road trip along the Camino de Santiago was an unforgettable experience that left us with lifelong memories and a newfound appreciation for this incredible pilgrimage route. If you’re considering embarking on this journey, be prepared for adventure, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. And if you’re already planning your trip, we wish you a safe and enjoyable journey to the end of the Camino de Santiago!