What is the Camino de Santiago?
Thinking about walking the Camino de Santiago? This ancient pilgrimage across Spain has inspired spiritual seekers, adventurers, and culture lovers for over a thousand years. At Bisalta Travel, we specialize in guided Camino de Santiago experiences that blend meaningful walking with cultural discovery. In this post, you'll learn what the Camino is, the most popular routes (like the Camino Francés and Camino Portugués), and how our small-group pilgrimage makes your journey enriching and stress-free. Ready to plan your Camino? Keep reading to see how we can walk with you every step of the way.
What is the Camino de Santiago?
Per American Pilgrims on the Camino, The Camino de Santiago, or “the Way of Saint James,” is a historic, spiritual pilgrimage route that leads to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in the northwest region of Spain.
For over a thousand years, people have walked this path as an act of Christian devotion. During the Middle Ages, it was considered one of the top three holy pilgrimages, alongside journeys to Jerusalem and Rome. Completing one of these pilgrimages could grant a spiritual pardon, a benefit believed to relieve the need for self-punishment.
Where will the Camino de Santiago take me?
There are many different routes you can take in the Camino de Santiago, all leading you to Santiago de Compostela. The most popular route is the Camino Frances, meaning 'the French Way'. Choosing the Camino Frances, you'll embark on a nearly 500 mile (800km) journey from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela over roughly 35 days.
Other routes include the Camino Portugues (~400 miles), Camino del Norte (~530 miles), Camino Primitivo (~196 miles), Camino Ingles (~70 miles) and more.
With various routes, those embarking on this spiritual journey can choose what works best for them and their lifestyle!
Where does Bisalta Travel come in?
Planning a Camino pilgrimage can be exciting, but also overwhelming. From choosing your route to finding the right gear, booking accommodations, and understanding what to expect, there's a lot to think about. That's why we're here!
At Bisalta Travel, we specialize in helping travelers experience Europe in a deeper, more meaningful way, and the Camino is no exception. Whether you're walking solo or joining on of our small group pilgrimages, we're here to guide you through every step.
Let us handle the logistics, so you can focus on the walk, the connection, and the meaning behind it all.
We can take you!
Bisalta Travel’s 13-day Camino de Santiago experience offers the perfect blend of spiritual journey and cultural immersion. Beginning with guided explorations of Madrid, Ávila, Burgos, and León, travelers are steeped in Spain’s rich religious and artistic history before stepping onto the Camino itself. The pilgrimage begins in Sarria, covering the final 100+ kilometers of the Camino Francés on foot, enough to earn the official Compostela certificate. With stages ranging from 12 to 17 miles per day, you'll journey through charming towns like Portomarín, Palas de Rei, and Arzúa, supported every step of the way. After reaching Santiago de Compostela and attending the Pilgrim Mass, the group celebrates with an unforgettable visit to the legendary Cape Finisterre, once considered the end of the known world.
Carefully curated accommodations, expert guides, and shared dinners add comfort and connection to this transformative travel experience. Head to our Camino de Santiago page to read more about this incredible spiritual journey Bisalta Travel is ready to take you on.
Have questions? We're here to help! email us at info@bisaltatravel.com with any questions you might have. We cannot wait to take you on this journey!
Resources
- https://americanpilgrims.org/history-of-the-camino/
- https://caminoways.com/how-many-days-does-it-take-to-walk-the-camino-de-santiago
- https://americanpilgrims.org/route-overviews/
- https://bisaltatravel.com/camino-de-santiago