Over 1,000 years of walking, seeking, and finding.
The Camino de Santiago traces its origins to the 9th century discovery of what were believed to be the remains of the apostle St. James in northwestern Spain. Within decades, pilgrims from across Europe were walking to Santiago de Compostela, creating a network of routes that became one of the most important Christian pilgrimages alongside Rome and Jerusalem. Medieval pilgrims walked for salvation, penance, or adventure. Today's pilgrims walk for reasons as varied as humanity itself — faith, grief, celebration, transition, curiosity, or simply the desire to walk.
Each year, over 300,000 pilgrims receive the Compostela certificate in Santiago, and the number grows annually. The infrastructure along the Camino — albergues (hostels), restaurants, pharmacies, and waymarking — makes it accessible to anyone willing to walk. Most pilgrims carry a backpack, stay in communal hostels, and walk 20-30 kilometers daily for 4-6 weeks to complete the Camino Frances.