Ever heard of the Spanish Pilgrimage Route? An 800-kilometer hike across the Iberian Peninsula has become known in recent years. What kind of road is it that attracts people all over the world? One of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world that could change you for a lifetime!
What is the Pilgrimage Route
Santiago de Compostela
Image credit:Wikipedia
Legend has it that in the ninth century, the apostles of Christ followed the guidance of the stars to northwestern Spain and found the remains of James, one of jesus' twelve disciples. Since then, this small settlement in the northwest has been called Santiago de Compostela, the holy land of the starry wilderness.
In the subsequent war between Christians and Muslims, the Christians who had been at a disadvantage because of St. James's dreams and apparitions made the believers believe in the arrival of victory and then turned the tide of the war and defeated the Muslims to regain Spanish territory. Christians attribute the glory of this victory to the apparition of St. James. Since then, the road to the holy city of Jacob has become a pilgrimage for the faithful, and this small settlement has gradually developed into a city of great religious significance and has become one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Europe.
The Pilgrimage Route is in Western as Camino de Santiago ( St. James's Way ) , translated in English as St. James' Way. James Way。
Where does the Pilgrimage Road go from here?
The Pilgrimage Route does not refer to a single road, but is more famous for the Silver Route starting from the south of Spain, the Portuguese Route starting from Lisbon, the French Route starting from the South of France, and the Northern Route along the coast. For the believers of the time, the so-called pilgrimage route was to open the door of the home, the road from home to the holy city of Jacob, whether you lived in Paris or Copenhagen. There are thousands of routes, but they all end up in the holy city of Jacob, the place where the stars meet.
It is said that the believers who completed the pilgrimage to the holy land of Jacob were able to forgive the sins of a lifetime and redeem themselves. At the same time, burning all the clothes on their way symbolizes the birth of a new life.
Not Christians can also take the pilgrimage path?
This very religious road is the main reason for most people who embark on this road today, such as spiritual inspiration, self-exploration, and sports health. On this road, there are people from various countries, all kinds of people, each with different stories, different reasons, different troubles, different life experiences in different ways to communicate with each other and share with each other.
Take, for example, the most traditional route, the French Route, which is about 800 kilometers long. Departing from the small town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the south of France, you will pass through countless barren fields and climb several mountains, leading you all the way to the deserted paths, through the streets of civilized cities, and wandering the historical sites of the Middle Ages. Follow the small town in northern Spain across the Iberian Peninsula to the final destination.
Some people walk on foot, some ride bicycles, some ride donkeys, and some alternately use various means of transportation. Some people spend a month, someone spends two months, someone only walks one section a year to complete it year by year, someone only walks the last 100 kilometers, and someone walks several times, and everyone has a different way of accomplishing it.
I'm going to go on a pilgrimage too!"
Plan food, clothing, shelter and travel before the pilgrimage road, and analyze all the difficult and complicated diseases to solve the worries of pilgrimage novices!
What season is best for you to visit?
Spring March-May: Average temperature of 6-16 degrees, early winter is still subject to strong winds and torrential rain, and in some places even snow. Be sure to check your gear before you go.
Summer June-August: the average temperature is 14-25 degrees, the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, the maximum temperature in summer can reach more than 40 degrees, and the early morning is about 10 degrees. The number of people around the world is large, and it is the peak season throughout the year. Prior reservation is required for stays of 1-2 days.
Autumn From September to October: The average temperature is 14-25 degrees, and the rainy season gradually begins after October.
Winter November-February: Average temperature of 0-14 degrees Celsius, snow will fall in areas above 800 altitudes. Due to the low season of the Pilgrimage Route, many accommodations are closed and must be checked before departure.
Avoid the extreme winter season and the crowded summer months, and choose the months with the right temperature around summer.
How do I prepare my trekking gear?
According to the scientific basis of long-distance hiking, the weight of the backpack is not more than 10% of its own weight. Minimize unnecessary stuff. In addition to the hiking bag with a good carrying system, the most important thing is the shoes and socks, and the primary consideration is to choose a pair of outdoor shoes (or toe sandals) and sports socks that are suitable for you. In terms of clothing, due to the large temperature difference between day and night, regardless of the season, it is recommended to choose sweaty and breathable clothing and carry a windproof and rainproof jacket on the premise of onion-style wear. Sunscreen and moisturizing lotion are indispensable in prolonged hot suns and dry climates.
Accommodation on the go?
On the pilgrimage route, you can use the pilgrim's passport to stay in a very cheap and affordable shelter (Albergue), about 5-10 euros to have a bed, a public bathroom and a common space for opening or eating, like a pilgrim's youth hostel. There are also many hotels around the town that offer studio suites for pilgrims who want to have their own space for sleep and privacy.
Do I need to bring a tent or sleeping bag?
Take the French Route, which has many shelters along the way, for example, and unless you want to experience the fun of camping in the wilderness, you don't need to bring a tent. Quilt blankets may not be available in the shelter, so it is advisable to carry a suitable lightweight sleeping bag according to the season.
Food supplies, what to eat?
Spanish towns are lined with many local bar restaurants serving coffee, drinks and tapas specialties. Pilgrim meals are served in sanctuaries and restaurants along the way: for around 10 euros you can enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine including starters, main meals, desserts and drinks. The price of food and accommodation is far more affordable than in other large sightseeing cities in Europe.
Can I go on the road if my English is not good?
Just like language proficiency is to travel, make detailed planning in advance, prepare the information you need and the words commonly used on the road, make good use of translation software and have the courage to express, with the enthusiasm to explore the world, even if the language is not good, you can have a great travel experience!
Girls, can you go alone?
Pilgrims have a tacit understanding: if you really want to learn what you have learned from this path, you must go on your own. Loneliness is the basic condition and necessary course of all processes. On the pilgrimage route, most people walk only with themselves. Even if you don't go with a companion, people from all over the world on the road will become your best friends. As for security, the Spanish town in the countryside is not as dangerous as imagined, but it is necessary to maintain a basic sense of vigilance and pay attention to financial and personal safety.
What is the most difficult part of the road?
In addition to the different feelings and realizations of the soul during the long hike, each pilgrim will experience the most direct test of the road - pain. Under the weight of the backpack for a long time and the high frequency of non-intermittent walking, blisters on the soles of the feet, muscle inflammation or joint pain will follow. Comfortable and breathable shoes and socks can effectively reduce the formation of blisters, vaseline and other medical supplies applied to the feet can also reduce the friction of the soles of the feet when walking; pressure pants and joint protective gear have a certain help in preventing pain and maintenance; and the trekking poles that share the pressure of the feet will play a great role in long-distance walking.
What pre-trip training is required? Can I go on the road if I have poor physical strength?
On average, about 20-30 kilometers are walked every day, and the pre-departure training is based on each person's different physical fitness status, mainly focusing on muscle endurance and weight training.
Taking the French Route, which is well-equipped and route planned, for example, pilgrims who need to rest on the way to physical weakness or physical discomfort have a point-to-point luggage mailing service, and only need to carry light belongings on the road every day. Less weight to pack will greatly reduce the occurrence of physical pain, so that people can swim more leisurely and concentrate on the landscape environment and state of mind when walking.
Which way to go? Where to start?
Camino Frances: The most traditional and classic route, with little undulating terrain and perfect planning and information on the way, it is the first choice for many people to get started.
Camino del Norte: A route that follows the northern coast of Spain. Walk along the blue coast along the mountain, the scenery is magnificent and beautiful.
Camino Portugues: A highly rated route from Lisbon or Porto, Portugal, north along the hills along the Atlantic coast.
The road to the holy city of Jacob is a pilgrimage road. Choose a route that suits your choice according to the holiday schedule!
Whether you want to experience the scenery of Spain's countryside, are keen on hiking, or even interested in the human history of the Middle Ages, walking on the Spanish Pilgrimage Route is a very different way of in-depth travel. This journey has nothing to do with religious belief, forgiveness of sins and redemption, but a good opportunity to let go of the original self, have a deep dialogue and reflection with the heart, re-understand the true self and explore the value of life. Everyone with different life experiences is here to create a unique story that belongs only to themselves. When you actually embark on the pilgrimage, you will find that this road gives you more than you think.
Spanish Pilgrimage Road, let's go together!