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Walking the Camino de Santiago Way of Saint James in Spain

Best Things to Do in Camino de Santiago

Iconic Attractions & Hidden Gem Travel Experiences

Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago is a classic trip for hikers, trekkers, and religious folk. This network of pilgrimage routes dating back to the 9th century can be followed in many ways, though the main trail spans an impressive 500 miles from Biarritz on the west coast of France to Santiago, Spain. It is marked along the way with a distinctive yellow shell shape, which also indicates establishments for food and lodging.

Top Camino de Santiago Experiences

Arriving in Santiago de Compostela at the end of your trek and feeling the tremendous feeling of accomplishment among hundreds of other pilgrims

Meeting lifelong friends along the way

Passing through the remote towns and villages of Northern Spain along the historic route

Learning the many historical nuances about the trail

Enjoying a cocktail where Hemingway’s characters did at The Cafe Iruña in Pamplona

Taking in views of the majestic Pyrenees Mountains 

Enjoying the fabulous cuisine in Pamplona

Photographing one of the Camino’s favorite sights, the octagonal Eunate church

Touring medieval churches and admiring the tremendous architecture

Winetasting at small local wineries serving up some famous Northern Spain varietals

Crossing the Pyrenees Mountains into Spain

Wine tasting in the Najera vineyards, a region of Rioja wine country

Visiting the lively Saturday market in Sahagun and its signature red-brick churches

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Things to do in Camino de Santiago - Expert’s guide

1. Burgos Cathedral

Burgos Cathedral, Spain, Camino de Santiago trek

For a truly spectacular example of Gothic architecture, visit the Burgos Cathedral in the city of the same name. Dedicated to the worship of the Virgin Mary, its official name is Catedral Santa María. Visitors can gawk at the elaborate carvings on the exterior and the stained glass windows in over twelve chapels in the interior.

2. Palacio Episcopal

Gaudi palacio episcopal Spain

This palace-meets-castle is the creation of none other than Antoni Gaudí. The project was started by Gaudí in the late 1800’s and finished by Ricardo García Guereta in 1915 when Gaudí resigned. The building is now home to the Museum of Ways, dedicated to the Santiago de Compostela.

3. Santiago de Compostela

Cross over looking ocean, last stop on Camino de Santiago

Named for its patron saint, St. James, this city is the culmination point of the pilgrimage, Camino de Santiago. Pilgrims finishing their journeys converge on Santiago de Compostela, visiting the cathedral where the saint’s remains are allegedly kept. This city offers visitors green spaces, restaurants, and an Old Town that is a UNESCO heritage sight.

4. Alto de Perdón

The climb to the top of this mount can be taxing, and the descent requires caution, but the panoramic view of the surrounding countryside is well worth the effort if you are able. Loosely translated as the Mount of Forgiveness, Alto de Perdón offers views clear to the Pyrenees. The iconic metal sculpture of pilgrims walking and on horseback can be seen here.

5. León

Leon France along the Camino de Santiago walk

This city along the Camino de Santiago promises travelers architectural variety, including gothic cathedrals and modern glass structures. Visit the old town, where most of the city’s bars, pubs, and restaurants are located. Ordering tapas is a must here.

6. O Cebreiro

O Cebreiro is a tiny mountain village along the French Way of the Camino de Santiago. This Galician town is home to traditional stone and thatched-roof dwellings, called ‘pallozas,’ which date back to pre-Roman times. Today, there are nine ‘pallozas’ preserved and one serves as a museum.

7. Melide

Two of the paths of the Camino Santiago, the French Way and Camino Primitivo, meet in this small village. Many tours stop here as Melide is well-equipped to accommodate travelers on the Camino. If possible, look for Camino de Santiago tours that travel through Melide on a Sunday. Their Sunday market is beautiful.

8. Molinaseca

Bridge with yellow Camino de Santaigo shell symbol in Molinaseca village, France

Blink and you might miss this tiny village along the French Way. With little over 800 inhabitants, Molinaseca is a surprise oasis for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. After climbing and descending the Bierzo mountains, walking tours cross the medieval bridge to arrive in Molinaseca. Rest your weary feet by the river before checking out the stone churches.

9. Cruz de Ferro

Cruz de Ferro, highest point on Camino de Santiago walk

The Cruz de Ferro, or Iron Cross, is the highest point along the French Way of the Camino de Santiago. A tall pole topped with an iron cross marks this high point, where pilgrims traditionally leave a stone they have carried with them on the camino, and that symbolizes something they would like to let go. Many visitors name this as a highlight of the trip.

10. Monte de Gozo

Statues on monte de goza, hill of joy, along Camino de Santiago

Monte de Gozo, or Hill of Joy, is the point along the Camino where travelers get their first glimpse of their final destination. The spires on the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela are visible from this point, and reachable by another one hour walk or 20 minute bus ride. Traditionally, pilgrims will shout with joy as they get the cathedral comes into view, so don’t be alarmed by some celebratory cries.

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Camino de Santiago Tours Reviews & Ratings

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Excellent
112
Great
25
Average
3
Disappointing
2
Terrible
0
Adrian
·
2023-11-07
Written on
Walking the Camino de Santiago
Brilliant - our tour leader, Jordi, was superb throughout, and with one minor exception the accommodation was mostly very good.
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Kenneth
·
2023-10-17
Written on
Walking the Camino de Santiago
Leader was excellent...small group of only 4 made everything very easy
Lisa
·
2023-10-17
Written on
Walking the Camino de Santiago
The care and attention of our guide, Jordi. The city tours either end were insightful. The itinerary was perfect, showing us the best parts of the Camino.
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Trusted Customer
·
2023-10-14
Written on
Camino de Santiago
Peter
·
2023-10-05
Written on
Walking the Camino de Santiago
A truly inspirational and rewarding walk
Suzanne
·
2023-10-05
Written on
Walking the Camino de Santiago
The trail was packed with people! Lots of tourists and school outings blaring music, screaming and generally being teenagers. Even if you managed to leave a little earlier in the morning, they usually caught up with you somewhere. This of course is out of the control of Explore, so feel bad for marking it down to a 4 out of 5, but you need to be aware that this is not a 'peaceful' walk!
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