Although pilgrimages are often regarded as journeys to places that hold special holy significance, people embark on pilgrim walks for a whole variety of reasons, many of which may not be religious.
These routes encompass fascinating historical sites, giving insight into a region’s earliest traditions. They pass through some beautiful landscapes, often a draw for avid hikers. There’s the rewarding satisfaction of taking on these challenges and completing sections of the world’s oldest pilgrimage routes, all while having the space and time to let the mind wander and to consider the bigger picture in life.
In fact, our selection of walking and cycling trips along parts of the famous Camino de Santiago are some of our clients’ most-loved holidays. So, when creating our new, hand-crafted itineraries for 2023, we were excited to include more fascinating pilgrimage routes for you to explore. Here are two brand-new trips to consider adding to your list next year.
Camino Frances is the most traditional pilgrim route of the Camino de Santiago network. It is also the most popular. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage pilgrim route since 1993, it is also known as the ‘French Way’, stretching 780km from the medieval town of St. Jean Pied de Port to the famous Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. Crossing the Pyrenees and taking in towns and villages rich in culture and magnificent architecture, this ancient pilgrim path is a spectacular route and one of the most rewarding.
On our 10-night Walking Across the Pyrenees on The Camino Frances trip, you’ll cover 167km, which allows you to soak in some of the most captivating sections of the Camino Frances. It begins at St Jean Pied de Port, which has been a centre for trade and pilgrimage since the 12th century. There is plenty of time to explore the old town’s cobbled streets and historical buildings. Remember to pick up your Pilgrim Passport here, too, before the route takes you out into the Basque country and Pyrenees.
As the route progresses, the landscape becomes ever more enchanting, climbing to reveal panoramic views of verdant forests, expansive mountain ranges and wild meadows. Nestled in the valleys are the picturesque villages of Roncesvalles, Zubiri and Pamplona, popular resting places for pilgrims past. Cross the romantic bridge in Zubiri, known as the ‘Bridge of Rage’ due to its protective supernatural properties, soak up the history of bull running in Pamplona and explore its Gothic cathedral.
Arriving in the medieval town of Estella, you’ll discover more impressive architecture, including the 12th-century Palace of the Kings of Navarre, the only Romanesque civil building still in existence in Navarre, and the Plaza de los Fueros, where a medieval-style market is still held today.
The journey reaches a rewarding end at the town of Logrono, in the heart of the Rioja region, where you can collect your Pilgrim Passport Stamp and enjoy this favourite Spanish wine as a perfect celebratory drink.
The Portuguese Camino Coastal Trail, or The Camino Portugues, was traditionally followed by pilgrims heading to Santiago from Portugal. Many historians also believe it holds great significance as a route to reach the Apostle’s home in Santiago de Compostela. Beginning in Porto, the pilgrim path hugs the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, providing a spectacular yet serene journey from start to end.
On our Portugal Coastal Way to Santiago 14-night trip, we cover the entire distance of the Portuguese Camino Coastal Trail, making this trip a highly rewarding and invigorating experience that challenges the mind and body. With our hand-crafted route, you can expect to cover 254km. From the immense power of the oceans and majestic mountains to the quiet kindness and warm hospitality of the local people keen to support pilgrims on their journey, this extraordinary route evokes emotion, provides clarity and re-energises you for life back home.
Beginning in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Porto, regarded as one of the most beautiful in Europe, take time to explore the numerous listed monuments, rich in Portuguese history. There’s even time to learn about the history of Port Wine in a few of Porto’s many cellars.
Leaving city life behind, the path follows the Matosinhos Wooden boardwalks, then out towards the coastline and its wide sandy beaches, nature reserves, woodland and charming fishing villages. Stop at Viana do Castelo, where the views over Lima valley, its estuary and far-reaching mountain ranges are stunning. Regarded as the gem of Northern Portugal, its historic centre is home to ornate religious buildings, cobbled streets and a vibrant fishing port.
As the route leads you through more beachside resorts, fishing villages and picturesque towns, you’ll experience first-hand the welcoming culture that this region of Portugal has to offer. Moving on to meandering mountain trails, the views are breathtaking, from where the rolling ocean waves meet the rugged coastlines to inland forests, rivers and pathways.
After taking in the panoramic beach views at Pontevedra, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved rest at Caldas de Reis, with a chance to experience its healing thermal springs, which will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to complete the closing part of your journey. Discover old mills and distinguished churches, following the Valga River, before finally reaching the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Famously known as the burial site for St. James, this magnificent cathedral, situated in the grand Obradoiro Square, is an apt setting for the final steps of your pilgrim pathway. Often musicians are there to serenade the conclusion of this pilgrimage, but either way, there’s immense satisfaction to be had in completing this epic journey.
Embarking on a pilgrim pathway trip is an experience of a lifetime that is well worth taking time out of our busy lives to experience. As you follow in the footsteps of thousands before you, you’ll learn so much about the region’s history, the culture and about yourself, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’d like to learn more about our hand-crafted itineraries for 2023, click here.
