What is the El Camino?

The Camino de Santiago began in the 9th century with the mythology of the time when a sheperd had a vision of a constellation of stars over a forgotten tomb in Galicia. He followed the stars along a path and discover the tomb of St. James the Greater in northwest Spain.

Word spread, and soon pilgrims from across Europe were streaming west along the "Way of St. James"—kings in disguise, merchants seeking forgiveness, families on horseback. They built bridges, hostels, and cathedrals that still stand. It blossomed into one of Christianity's greatest pilgrimages, rivaling Rome and Jerusalem. By the 12th century the Camino was Christendom’s super-highway of faith.

Though interest slowed after the Reformation and the fall of Granada in 1492, the path endured quietly and never closed.

Today the Camino is alive and electric. It has surged back to life as a profound journey for the modern soul, for people of all faiths and no faith. This renaissance draws spiritual seekers, avid hikers, cyclists and even a few horseback riders now come for adventure, healing, deep refllection or simply the best conversation of their lives with strangers amid breathtaking landscapes.

Your 15-Day journey starts on the Camino del Norte, the wild northern coast, where the Atlantic crashes against cliffs and eucalyptus forests glow emerald in the rain. The path winds through fishing villages, ancient monasteries, thick woodlands and quiet Galician lanes until the cathedral spires of Santiago appear on the horizon.

Fifteen days of fresh country air, shared meals, and stories under the stars—finishing with big hugs outside the Catheral in Santiago, where the remains of St. James rest until this day.

If you want to go deeper into this history of the Camino, you can start here.