How to organize the Camino de Santiago in Spain before leaving, how to train, which route to prefer, backpack, shoes and where to find the traveler's passport.
Who doesn't dream of a relaxing holiday to regenerate from the various commitments that fill our days? Tropical islands, crystalline seas, sun and dolce far niente are the ideal destination. But every now and then the trips play strange tricks on us: they are the ones who choose us. I could already see myself lying on the beach with a good book to recover energy. Instead I find myself preparing for a journey, perhaps the one par excellence: the Santiago's walk. Let's try to give you some advice on how to organize it.
Why do you choose a trip of this type?
Let's start from the beginning. The reasons are endless: religious, beliefs, personal challenges, the desire to break out of patterns and habits, find each other and seek each other. As I have already told you, this time we have been chosen by the trip. And every pilgrim will find his motive along the Way.
Once you've found your own, it's time to get down to business: how many days do I have? Another question: what path do I want to take?
How many days do I have available?
Let's start with the first question. Those lucky enough to have enough time can travel all 850 kilometers, or the complete French Way. This starts from Roncesvalles until reaching Santiago. To do things right, add another 90 kilometers and you will arrive in Fisterre. If, on the other hand, you have two or even one week at your disposal, choose the route you like best and start walking. Most people go through it completely, breaking it down into several years. For those who want to have a taste and experience the thrill of arriving in Santiago, you can consider the idea of traveling the last 100 kilometers.
What path do I want to take?
You must know that they are there various walks who travel through beautiful Spain and have the city of Santiago as their final destination. Surely the most famous is the Camino de Santiago, also known as the French Way. But you can also decide to take the one on the Costa, or the Way of the North. The Primitivo, to live a wilder experience. Or start from warm Andalucia and walk along the Camino de la Plata. This represents the longest, with its 1000 kilometers. Otherwise you can reach Santiago by walking on Portuguese land, with the Portuguese Way.
I would say that there are solutions, it is only up to you to choose the one that most inspires you and start walking. Furthermore, you can also decide whether to walk, on horseback, by bike or even by bus.
Obviously we must certify that the Way has been made. To do this, you must have the "CredentialWhich will be your passport on the way. It is a real one document containing the pilgrim's data, on which stamps are placed along the way that can be done in bars, in churches, in places where you sleep and even in some supermarkets. This document can be requested before departure from institutions and associations enabled for release.
Whatever your path, covering the last 100 kilometers on foot or on horseback and the last 200 by bike, in Santiago you will have the right to receive the Compostela. It is a certificate that seals the effort made.
After the theoretical part, let's move on to the practical one. To feel like true pilgrims, one cannot be missing backpack. I recommend you make it as light as possible. You have to take into account that he will be your best friend every day, for at least twenty kilometers, right on your shoulders. You can't miss a sleeping bag, because you can't control the weather and you never know it's cold. Above all, remember to wear comfortable and already used shoes, because blisters are always lurking. Maybe to prevent them try with talcum powder which will keep your feet drier. In addition, every time you stop for a break, undo your shoes and let your feet breathe. Never before will you learn to take care of it as during the Way. In addition to these main things, put in your backpack clothes that dry quickly so as not to have problems with the gearbox.
To conclude, do a little training before leaving. Physical problems are always around the corner but if the body is a little used to fatigue, maybe it is possible to prevent them. Do not forget that there is not only physical but also mental fatigue. You have to take into account that we have to walk for several consecutive days, so every now and then our head could lose the right path. This is why I don't know how to give you advice other than that of savor the beauty of the places that will surround you. Many times going slowly can open up a world you've never seen before.
Good way!
