Santiago de Compostela always has pilgrims walking through its streets. The arrival of spring, and with it the good weather, is synonymous with the increase in the number of visitors arriving in the city.
The reasons which drive each person to start this adventure are very diverse, and in 2018, the Pilgrim’s Office registered a total of 327,378 pilgrims.
There are thousands of reasons why someone may decide to walk the Camino de Santiago, and here are just five:
1 – Meeting people from all around the world
If you have decided to walk the Camino alone, it does not mean you will feel alone. Each year, thousands of people decide to walk thousands of kilometres in solitude. If you stop in hostels, you’ll be sure to spend the nights chatting with other pilgrims, sharing experiences.
2 – Enjoying Galician gastronomy
Galicia is notable for a multitude of aspects: its history, culture, natural richness, and food. It will be impossible to walk the Camino without sampling (at least once) dishes of octopus, meat, delicious fish, empanadas, sweets and much more.
3 – Living without luxuries
Even if you are kitted out head to toe, obviously you will not be able to carry all your possessions. Walking for days with weight on your back will make you realise the number of things you have and what you really need to survive. You will learn to value certain things which surely wouldn’t even come to mind in everyday life.
4 – Getting in touch with nature
Walking the Camino de Santiago is synonymous with greenery. Paths, trails, passages, stone bridges – it doesn’t matter whether you choose to walk the Camino Francés, the Ruta de la Plata or the Camino del Norte, all stages are notable for their unique, majestic environment. You will be able to disconnect from technology and recover healthy customs such as looking at your surroundings instead of at a screen.
5 – Getting in shape
A growing number of people decide to travel to Santiago de Compostela on foot to stay in shape and lose a few kilos. It’s excellent cardiovascular exercise: it allows you to tone your whole body, and increase your resistance and lung capacity.
We hope that thanks to this list of reasons to walk the Camino de Santiago we have managed to motivate you. Remember that two of our Naturlar rural houses, Casa Quintás and Casa Teillor, are located at the heart of the Camino. Book in advance and enjoy an unforgettable stay.