What is the El Camino de Santiago?

El Camino de Santiago, meaning "The Way of Saint James" in English, is a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, where the remains of the apostle Saint James the Greater are believed to be buried. It's a journey that has been undertaken for over a thousand years, particularly during the medieval period, when it was one of the three most important Christian pilgrimages.

While the French Way is the most popular, many different routes exist, including the Portuguese Way, the Northern Way, and the Original Way. The length of the Camino can vary significantly depending on the chosen route, but typically takes around 30 days to walk the entire length of the pilgrimage.

Though it is a Christian tradition, the El Camino draws pilgrims of varying faiths and backgrounds due to is spirituality, scenery, and escape from routine of daily life for prayer and reflection.