Camino de Santiago: A Journey of Discovery Through Spain

Our client, Gene Suchyta, just biked the Camino de Santiago and shared his trip in his own words

The Way of St. James (the Camino de Santiago), is an ancient pilgrimage route through Europe that ends in Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. Christian pilgrims have been walking this route for about 1000 years, though it has seen a resurgence of interest in the last 50 years.

There are a variety of routes one can walk, though the most popular is known as the French way. Many people start in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France, just east of the Pyrenees Mountains, and make their way about 500 miles through Roncesvalles, Logroño, León, Ponferrada and Lugos. Those that hike at least 100 miles, or bike at least 200 miles, are eligible to get the Compostella, which attests that you completed the minimum number of miles for the pilgrimage.

There are also a number of tours that travel the French Way, as well as the many other routes in Spain. Traveling this route, walking, bicycling or taking a tour, allows you to visit many of the wonderful small towns and villages that you otherwise would never see. It is amazing the sights that are waiting to be discovered, from wonderful little restaurants and cafes, to spectacular churches in relatively unknown areas. Further, because this is a very popular pilgrimage route, you are never alone. There are always people on the trail hiking from place to place.

If you plan to take this very rewarding journey, be sure to do your travel research before making plans. There are many websites that cover hiking as well a bicycle riding, and many tour companies that will be happy to work with you. Not only can you hike with your own stuff in your backpack, there are also companies that will be happy to move your stuff from town to town for you. Also, accommodations vary from the very simple hostels to very nice hotels. There are plenty of tips for how and what to pack, as well as what to wear, depending when you plan to make the trip. Apps are also available for both Android and iPhone to help make the trip easier.

On our trip, we were rewarded with good times, great food, and friendly people everywhere we went. We took about two weeks to bicycle from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. We trained for about 12 weeks before leaving, doing various rides at home from 1 to 4 hours long. Note that there are mountains in Spain, so training, as well as making sure you plan enough time, is essential for a good experience. Also, there are plenty of companies that will rent bikes and gear for the trip that are easily found on the internet.

Finally, it is worth noting that an experience like this, away from the big city hustle and bustle, is as rewarding a trip as any you will take. Think about renting a car in Madrid for a week to visit these places well off the beaten track. It can be a relaxing and rewarding trip you won't soon forget.

A note from Suncoast Travel

Inspired by Gene's experience? Call our office at (734) 455-5810 or contact us and we'll help you plan your own Camino. Our travel advisors in Plymouth, Michigan help travelers from Canton, Northville, Novi and Livonia plan their trips.