Camino de Santiago

Network of ancient pilgrimage routes

Waypoint Spain main property is nestled in the French Camino, experience first hand St. James way socializing with locals and pilgrims alike.

The Camino de Santiago, often referred to as the Way of St. James, is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes leading to the city of Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain. Dating back to the Middle Ages, pilgrims from all over Europe and beyond have journeyed along these paths to visit the shrine of St. James the Apostle, believed to be located in the cathedral in Santiago.

The Camino encompasses a variety of routes, each offering its own landscapes, cultural experiences, and challenges, from the rugged Camino Francés through the Pyrenees and across the Spanish countryside, to the coastal Camino del Norte tracing the northern coast of Spain. Along the way, pilgrims encounter historic towns, rustic villages, and religious landmarks, as well as diverse landscapes ranging from mountains and forests to vineyards and plains.

The Camino de Santiago is not just a physical journey but a spiritual and cultural experience that continues to attract pilgrims seeking reflection, personal growth, and connection with others on this ancient and revered pilgrimage route.

The French Way (Camino Francés) of the Camino de Santiago is the most popular and iconic route, tracing a historic path across northern Spain from the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela. Beginning in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France, pilgrims embark on a journey of approximately 800 kilometers through diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

The route passes through charming Basque villages, lush green hills of Navarra, and the expansive meseta of Castile, dotted with medieval towns and Romanesque churches. Highlights include the historic cities of Pamplona, famous for its bull-running festival, and León, renowned for its Gothic cathedral. The French Way culminates at the majestic Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, where pilgrims gather to pay homage at the shrine of St. James the Apostle, marking the end of their transformative pilgrimage experience.