The Camino de Santiago is a medieval pilgrimage that every year sees thousands of people from all over the world walking towards the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, in the northwest of Spain.
Legend has it that the remains of the apostle Saint James the Greater were buried here and discovered by a shepherd in the 9th century. The city, in fact, takes its name from the apostle: Santiago de Compostela means Saint James of the Field of Stars.
This route has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its important role in fostering cultural exchanges among people from all over Europe and the world for many centuries. Today, even though locals are used to seeing pilgrims pass through their villages, they might not speak your language or English.
The final tip to help you prepare for the Camino de Santiago is to learn just the basics for greeting people, asking for directions in shops and restaurants, or asking for help if you ever need it. Being able to communicate will make you feel more confident and will warm the hearts of the people you meet. After all, walking the Camino de Santiago is a way to find fellow trekkers from around the world and forge special friendships you will remember for a lifetime.
So, are you ready to set off?