What is it?
'El Camino de Santiago' is a network of pilgrimages which finish at the 'Cathedral of St James' in Santiago de Compostela.
There are a plethora of routes, each varying in length, duration and terrain. The pilgrimage is very highly regard throughout Spain, making it an impressive addition to any CV or Personal Statement.
Why did I do it?
I was fast approaching my year 12 summer, when I experienced a growing concern about what I could include in my Personal Statement. The importance of my Personal Statement had been repeatedly emphasised by my school, and at that moment in time, my content was pretty non-existent. Considering I wanted to study languages at University, I decided something related to either Spanish or French would be the most valuable to me.
I had previously been on a Spanish exchange to Santiago de Compostela that year, and had received a talk on 'El Camino' whilst I was there. I decided to look into it further, and discovered it was exactly what I needed to make me stand out.
It wasn't easy to plan, however after plenty of research I decided to go for it, and honestly I can't recommend it enough. I didn't realise how highly regarded it was until after I had completed it. So, If you are an aspiring Spanish student looking for something to boost your UCAS application, this is it! To put it into perspective: In Spain, I would equate El Camino to doing the Gold DofE - people always seem unbelievably intrigued and undeniably impressed when I mention I have done it.
In addition, it obviously a great way to improve my Spanish language skills. As the route passed through rustic towns, untouched by tourism, no-one spoke any English. This forced me to speak a lot of Spanish, and I really noticed a difference when I came home!
My Route
I chose 'El Camino Inglés' as it was the shortest route and followed a coastal path.
Length: 118km
Duration: 5 days
Start: Ferrol
Day 1: Ferrol - Pontedeume
Day 2: Pontedeume - Betanzos
Day 3: Betanzos - Bruma
Day 4: Bruma - Sigüeiro
Day 5: Sigüeiro - Santiago
End: Santiago de Compostela
Cost
Another factor that makes 'El Camino' so appealing is its cost. I didn't want to spend a fortune, and I didn't need to! Since the route passes through small and rustic towns, the prices are all very low, meaning the entire trip costs close to nothing.
Accommodation
We stayed in hostels every night, the most expensive costing a mere €10. As everyone doing the pilgrimage follows the same route, the hostels were always full of familiar faces.
We only booked one or two, most of the time we just showed up! They normally follow a first come first served basis, so I don't recommend lying in! However, there are normally multiple in each town, so you won't be forced to sleep on the streets!
Where we stayed
Pontedeume:
Hostal Residencia Allegue
Rúa Chafaris, 1, 15600 Pontedeume, A Coruña, Spain
+34 881 33 82 14
Betanzos
Albergue Santa María del Azogue ACC
Rúa Santa María, 5, 15300 Betanzos,
+34 683 19 32 56
Bruma
Albergue de peregrinos de Hospital de Bruma
Hospital - 15685 Mesía - A Coruña
Simüero (Breakfast included)
Albergue Camiño Real
Calle Ourense, numero 9, bajo, 15888 Sigüeiro, Spain
Santiago de Compostela
Nuevo Vista Catedral - área Lectura
Santiago de Compostela, Galicia Spain
Airbnb host: Jesus Calvo
The 'Compostelana'
The ultimate aim of the pilgrimage is to attain the 'Compostelana' (a signed certificate stating that you have completed the pilgrimage). In order to do so, there is a criteria:
Collect a certain amount of 'Cellos' (stamps) each day- these can be obtained in cafés, restaurants, churches and hostels and prove you have followed the full route. The stamps must be put in a 'pasaporte de peregrinos' (pilgrim passport) which you can find from any tourism offices at the starting point.
You must have undertaken the required distance - 100km by foot/ 200km by bike or horse.
If both of these are completed, you will be able to collect the certificate from the Pilgrim's Office in Santiago.
Modes of Transport
There are three ways to complete the pilgrimage;
Walking
Horse-riding
Cycling
However, if you choose to either Horse-ride or Cycle the distance to complete in order to obtain the 'Compostelana' is 200km instead of 100km.
The Principal routes
The Camino can be completed via various different routes, travelling through France, Spain and Portugal.
The routes:
The French
The English
The North
The Portuguese
The Original
The French Route is the most popular (and the longest - 780km), and traverses through the Pyrenees.
The Scallop Shell
The scallop shell is the symbol of the pilgrimage, and is used to mark the trail along the route. The shells appear either engraved in the road or printed on large rocks along the way - also stating how many Km are left.
Food
We usually grabbed breakfast and lunch from supermarkets along the way, then ate out in the evenings. Restaurants were super cheap and served traditional Spanish tapas and a surplus of wine!
Bars
There were loads of small bars and tavernas along the journey, however you'll find the best ones are at the end, in Santiago. My personal favourite, and somewhere I visited a on multiple occasions is 'Pub Momo'. Built up in cobbled stone and situated upon a zebra crossing, it's got a great atmosphere, cheap cocktails and a pool table.
Why People do it?
People do 'El Camino' for a multitude of different reasons such as:
Religion
Personal Journey
To experience the culture
Escape their lives
Try something new
Improve their languages
However, it's a valuable experience for anyone, no matter what stage of their life they are in or for what reason they decide to do it.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you consider doing it (especially Spanish students!)
Pernilla X
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