According to figures from the Pilgrims Office in Santiago de Compostela, so far this year nearly 210,000 people have walked the Camino de Santiago, writes Trish Whelan. The Irish rank number six in the total number of international pilgrims walking the Camino, the St James Way. Last year, nearly 4,000 Irish people undertook the walk.
The Camino de Santiago is undoubtedly a special trip, a life-changing experience for many, but why do people take this incredible journey and walk the Camino?
CaminoWays.com put this question to 200 pilgrims on the journey this year to find the 10 main reasons why they decided to take part.
The main reason is for the exercise (17%); followed by adventure (14.9%), 14.3% were travelling to find peace, solitude or to simply relax; 12% had a spiritual reason. Other reasons given were for its cultural aspect; for a lifetime experience; as a pilgrimage; others wanted to meet people or to spend quality time with friends or family. A small number walked the Camino because it was a special gift, while others saw it as a personal challenge.
CaminoWays.com has self-guided packages all year round as well as guided tours from March to November. You can walk the last 100km, along the French Way from Sarria to Santiago, over 7 days, from €489pps in low season or €565pps in high season. Self-guided packages include: Accommodation on half-board basis, luggage transfer from hotel to hotel and holiday pack. Price does not include insurance or flights. www.caminoways.com.
