Summary
The Camino de Santiago begins from the front door of your house. This notion is rooted not in metaphor but in the historical pragmatism of pilgrims, who selected the easiest route possible to Santiago. Indeed, if you lived just 50km away, that distance defined your journey. Conversely, if your home wasn’t on a designated route, you would join the Camino wherever felt most feasible.
However, for those residing in London or New York, starting from home would be a significant undertaking. Nonetheless, many Europeans embark on this journey from their residences, dedicating a few weeks over several years to complete the pilgrimage. Therefore, this requires a profound commitment to the process.
How to Choose a Starting Point
A common misconception among pilgrims is the belief in a singular, official starting point on the Camino de Santiago. However, such a point does not exist.
There are numerous options to consider when determining your starting location:
- The doorstep of your own home
- The 100km point
- The beginning of each Camino de Santiago route
- Wherever you like!
The Doorstep of Your Own Home
The original pilgrims lacked the option to fly into Spain and pick up the Camino at their preferred location. Therefore, to authentically experience the pilgrimage spirit, consider commencing your journey from your home doorstep. This may be manageable if you’re located in the South of France; however, it becomes far more challenging if you’re from New Zealand.
The 100km Point
Should you wish to receive your certificate from the Camino office in Santiago, it is essential to walk a minimum of 100km. The most practical starting point for this purpose is Sarria in Galicia, which many pilgrims opt for.
The Beginning of Each Camino de Santiago Route
There are various routes leading to Santiago, which have been designated with names. Consequently, these routes require starting points; however, these are not any more ‘official’ than your home street serving as the starting point for your daily commute!
Wherever You Like!
If you find walking from home too far and the 100km threshold too minimal, you will need to choose an alternative starting point for your Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
You have two viable approaches to the Camino:
- Over a number of years—Many pilgrims opt to journey one week each year, continuing where they last left off.
- As a one-off trip—This necessitates reaching Santiago by the end of your journey.
The first option simplifies your choice of starting point. You may choose to begin in Sarria, Leon, Burgos, Pamplona, the Pyrenees, or even Paris!
However, if you’re required to reach Santiago this time, you must consider several factors in your calculations, including:
- The duration of your Camino journey.
- Your anticipated pace—Most pilgrims, regardless of fitness level, typically cover 20km to 25km daily, assuming they’ve invested in suitable walking shoes. (Less fit individuals may opt to walk for longer each day.)
- Access to public transport—Easily reachable locations include Ponferrada, Leon, Burgos, Logroño, or Pamplona.
Best Starting Cities
If your trek will not be extensive, opting for one of the larger towns or cities along the route is advisable. These include:
- Pamplona
- Logroño
- Burgos
- Leon
- Ponferrada
- Sarria
If your journey is not along the Camino Frances, the other routes commence at these locations:
- Camino del Norte: Irun
- Camino Aragones: Soport
- Via de la Plata: Seville
- Camino Ingles: A Coruña
- Camino Portugues: Porto
- Camino Primitivo: Oviedo
