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Albarino Wine Tours Rias Baixas, Galicia, SpainAlbarino Wine Tour of the Rias Baixas Galicia Spain a Land of Seafood and Fine White Wines Private driver/guided tour down the magnificent Atlantic shore of Galicia's Rias Baixas, Albariño Wine Country. Fine wines & seafood in quaint fishing villages on the Celtic coast…more...
Camino de Santiago and Albarino Wine Walking Tour in Galicia Spain Walk part of the Camino de Santiago trail during the Festival of St. James! (July 25th). Follow the ancient pilgrimage trail and then down the beautiful coastline of the Rias Baixas, Galicia, The land of Albariño white wines and Fresh Seafood...more...
Deluxe Food and Wine Tour in Misty Enchanting Celtic Galicia Green Spain Deluxe Food, Wine & Cultural Tour in Galicia, Spain. A Private driver/guide will show you gastronomical and historical delights of this area. Discover distinct Spanish wines, cuisine, music…more...
Sailing Day Trip to the Cies Islands in a Luxurious Private Yacht A deluxe sailing tour starting in Vigo, the most important fishing port in Europe, with a beautiful bay holding secrets of sunken treasures & historic battles. Blessed with fresh seafood, islands…more...
Riding Along The French Trail to Santiago Riding from the border of Galicia through un-spoilt countryside of hills, rivers, valleys, monasteries… arriving in Santiago de Compostela as horse-riding pilgrims of the past…more...
Private Galician Cuisine Cooking Class at Restaurante Roberto in Santiago de Compostela Hands-on Cooking Class followed by meal based on what you have prepared with your Chef at the fabulous Restaurante Roberto in Santiago de Compostela...more...
Albarino Wines and Celtic Sites of the Salnes Valley Rias Baixas On this private day tour you get a taste of what the Galician coast has to offer. Follow down the Rias Baixas coastline passing villages, Celtic Hill-forts…enjoy a seafood lunch, Albariño wines…more...
Historic Santiago de Compostela Tour from La Coruna On this full day excursion from La Coruna you will enjoy a guided tour of Historical Santiago. You will visit the old quarter of the city and the stunning cathedral of the Pilgrimage capital of Galicia...more...
Horse Riding Along the French Trail of Camino de Santiago from Astorga This way was the oldest and most important cultural route of Europe. We shall ride along the final section of this route just starting at the point where this route reaches Galicia... Finally arriving in Santiago de Compostela…more...
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GALICIA, SPAIN TRAVEL GUIDE
Featured Santiago de Compostela Hotels  /  Galicia Private Tours
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Galicia Travel Guide

Camino de Santiago de Compostela:  A Modern Pilgrimage
Explore Northern Galicia
Ferrol and The Northern Coast of Galicia
Hunting For Treasures in Pontevedra
Stay in Southern Galicia
The province of Coruna in Spain
Vigo - A Tale of Two Cities
Visit The Rias Baixas Galicias Western Coast

Camino de Santiago de Compostela:  A Modern Pilgrimage   by Leslie Gilmour

The need to go on pilgrimages has always been a human characteristic. People have long trodden paths to destinations that promised miracles or penance, or to atone for sins. And even in this rational age, people are drawn on spiritual quests to the sacred sites of the world. In the Christian world, few sacred sites are more famous that Santiago de Compostela in Galacia, northern Spain. Pilgrims have walked this route for more than 1000 years. And nowadays, over 100000 pilgrims annually make the journey that ends at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. What draws them there?
 
One of the oldest extant pilgrim routes is the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, or The Way of St James in English. This way is in fact made up of a collection of old pilgrimage routes which lead to Santiago de Compostela in Galacia in north west Spain. Here a cathedral has stood since the 9th century.

According to legend, the appearance of the remains of the Apostle Saint James led to the construction of Santiago de Compostela in the ninth century. It soon became a pilgrimage destination on a par with Jerusalem and Rome.

Of all the many paths that lead to Santiago de Compostela, the most popular is known as the French Way. This is a 750 kilometer route that begins in France and crosses the Pyrenées at either Somport or Roncesvalles.

Cathedral from the Park, Santiago De Compostela, Unesco World Heritage Site, Galicia, Spain
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Modern pilgrims make this journey for a number of reasons, only some of which are spiritual. In fact over 100,000 pilgrims from over a 100 countries make the journey each year on foot, bicycle, donkey, or horseback. And that's just official pilgrims holding a pilgrim's 'passport'. Most conclude however that it is a moving experience and rewarding in ways they did not anticipate
 
View of Rua Do Franco, a Street Famous for Its Restaurants, Santiago De Compostela, Galicia, Spain
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So for whatever reason you may wish to travel this trail, you can do so on foot or bicycle. Here are some pointers for the journey.

Firstly, you should get a Pilgrim's "credencial" by registering in a town such as Roncesvalles on the border with France. This document identifies you as a bona fide pilgrim and permits you to stay in the small inns known as refugios or albergues in Spain. These hostels dot the routes along the pilgrim's ways and ofter cheap or even free accommodation. This usually takes the form of dormitory beds and accommodation is generally limited to one night.

The credencial is also necessary for getting your Compostela, the certificate awarded to pilgrims on completing the way. To earn this you need to walk a minimum of 100 kilometers or cycle least 200 kilometers on your pilgrimage.

To get your compostela, you need to have you credencial stamped in the towns you pass though on your pilgrimage. This proves you've walked the route recognized by the Pilgrim Association of St James.

Many take the pilgrimage for secular reasons. It's a scenic route wending its way through vineyards, farms, orchards of apples and pears, herbs and vegetable gardens and a varying landscape marked with with villas and quaint villages set high in the mountains.

Whatever the reason for the pilgrimage, finally arriving at the great Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a moving experience. True pilgrims embrace the statue of the Saint James and often break down in tears of happiness. And even those who traveled for pleasure find themselves affected in ways they can't explain.

So if you're considering a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostelo, don't hesitate. Whatever your motives, you'll have a wonderful experience and who knows, it could change your life.

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About the Author: Leslie Gilmour travel and writes about the places he visits for various web sites. Places of great interest, like Santiago de Compostela and its famous Camino de Santiago.

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Santiago de Compostela reading: Camino de Santiago de Compostela:  A Modern Pilgrimage
Horse Riding Along the French Trail of Camino de Santiago from Astorga This way was the oldest and most important cultural route of Europe. We shall ride along the final section of this route just starting at the point where this route reaches Galicia... Finally arriving in Santiago de Compostela…more... Day Excursion to Lugo and the Saint James Way to Santiago de Compostela On this excursion from Santiago de Compostela you will enjoy a full day tour to Lugo and take Saint James Way Trail on the way back...more... Discovering the Rias Altas Day Tour from Santiago de Compostela On this excursion from Santiago de Compostela you will enjoy a full day tour discovering Rias Altas...more...
Tapa Tour in Santiago de Compostela For groups of of 2 - 6 people we offer you a guided tour of some of Santiago's finest tapas bars. To help you out we will provide you with an English translation of Spanish food and cooking…more... Galician Cooking, Food & Wine Tour SpainGalician Cooking Food and Wine Tour on the Atlantic Coast of Spain A Special culinary and cooking tour of Spain based in Santiago de Compostela, capital of Galicia. You will get the chance to learn in-depth about the gastronomy of Galicia...more... Historic City Break in Santiago de Compostela On this short break you will be staying in a hotel within walking distance of the historic centre of Santiago de Compostela. Also included is a guided excursion on a fully equipped luxury motor coach...more...
More hotels in Santiago de Compostela
AC Palacio Del Carmen, Santiago de Compostela
This beautiful 5 star hotel housed in what used to be the old Convent Las Oblatas has recently been refurbished maintaining the original architectural and artistic style. Located a few meters away from the Obradoiro Square, this building is part of the historic part and artistic heritage of Santiago de Compostela. It has maintained the style and the charm of another era, without leaving aside the comfort and services of a hotel. The restaurant offers innovative cuisine, enhanced by its unique location. In a stylish atmosphere, customers enjoy an exquisite balance between traditional Galician cooking and a delicate variety of «haute cuisine» with the individual flair of top chefs.   The hotel provides a free Fitness Centre, where you will find bodybuilding equipment, exercise benches, Turkish bath, sauna and mini Hi-Fi system, as well as a selection of mineral waters, all offered free of charge.
Hotel Congreso, Santiago de Compostela
The Hotel Congreso is located in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, five kilometres from the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Santiago train station is four kilometres away.  There is an outdoor seasonal swimming pool, with a separate pool for children. There is also a gym. Wireless Internet access is available throughout, and onsite complimentary parking is offered. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily to guests of the Congreso. Local and regional Galician dishes are served at the Orballo restaurant, and the Citania cafeteria offers local and regional tapas.  The hotel Congreso offers 15 meeting rooms, the largest of which can accommodate up to 800 persons.  The 120 air-conditioned guestrooms are decorated in caramel-and-chocolate tones, with dark wood contemporary furnishings. 
Hotel CV Monte do Gozo, 3 kms from Santiago de Compostela
The Monte Do Gozo hotel and holiday complex is located three kilometers from Santiago de Compostela, on the final stretch of the pilgrimage route at the point where pilgrims catch their first glimpse of Santiago's magnificent Cathedral. Those wishing to explore the area can enjoy a range of sporting and cultural activities organized by the hotel, from horseriding, rafting and quadbiking, to tours of nearby towns and beautiful Galician countryside. A twenty minute walk takes guests to Santiago and the awe-inspiring cathedral.Guests can dine in the onsite self-service restaurant or cafeteria.  Entertainment is frequently offered, and guests can relax by one of the swimming pools or by the artificial lake, or take a stroll through the ample 650,000 m2 grounds.
Hotel San Carlos, Santiago de Compostela
The Hotel San Carlos is located in Sanitago de Compostela, Spain. The cathedral is 400 metres away, and Pontevedra is at a 60-kilometre distance. Santiago Airport is 10 kilometres from the hotel, and the train station is 50 metres away. Set opposite the Parliament of Galicia, the Hotel San Carlos occupies a modern property spread over three storeys, which are accessible by elevator, and opens to a lobby area finished with cool marble. The hotel houses a coffee shop and a lounge area, and further amenities include complimentary wireless Internet access, onsite parking (surcharge), and room service.  The hotel houses a business corner and meeting space is available. The 21 guestrooms have smart, modern decor with crisp, white linen, and dark wood furnishing.
Husa Ciudad de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela
The modern Husa Ciudad de Compostela hotel is located in the town centre, one kilometre from Saint Jacques Cathedral, Alameda Parque and Obradoiro Square. Guests can enjoy drinks in the bar and browse the complimentary newspapers in the lobby. The hotel offers public Internet access facilities (surcharge), and guests can ask the concierge for advice on sightseeing opportunities in the area.  Multilingual staff at the 24-hour front desk can exchange currency, arrange medical services and look after valuables in the safe-deposit box. Motorists will find garage-parking facilities on site. The 30 light, modern guestrooms are decorated with beige fabrics and simple furnishings. All include cable television, direct-dial phones, Internet connections, minibars, sewing kits and complimentary toiletries.
Husa Universal, Santiago de Compostela
The Husa Universal is located in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, 200 metres from the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Shopping at Rua Nova is 300 metres from the hotel. Casco Antiguo and the nightclubs and bars of Plaza Roja are 400 metres away. Real Aero Club de Santiago, featuring 18 holes of golf, is 12 kilometres from the hotel.  The Husa Universal offers buffet-style breakfasts. A social room with television is on site. Safe-deposit boxes are available at the reception desk. Complimentary newspapers are offered in the lobby.  the 54 air-conditioned guestrooms feature dark wooden furniture. Blue-and-white décor adds accent. Each room features a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. 
Melia Araguaney Hotel, Santiago de Compostela
The boutique Melia Araguaney is located in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The Old Town is 400 metres away, and the gothic cathedral is 800 metres away. Set in the city centre, the Melia Araguaney occupies a modern property spread over six storeys accessible by elevator, and opens to public areas characterised by fresco-painted walls, plush leather seating, and richly patterned rugs. The hotel extends to a seasonal outdoor pool, and houses a health club with fitness room, sauna, and steam room.   Further amenities include complimentary wireless Internet, 24-hour room service, and laundry facilities. The Melia Araguaney houses the Restaurant Araguaney serving international dishes and the Restaurant Caney offering traditional tapas and Galician specialities. There is an onsite cafeteria.
El Camino de Santiago Parador de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela
Mixture of history, art and tradition, the dream of pilgrims and an emblem of Santiago, the 'Hostal Reyes Católicos', located in the Plaza do Obradoiro, forms a magnificent golden corner with the cathedral, imparting beauty on one of the most visited regional capitals of the world. The 'Hostal', which originated as a Royal Hospital in 1499 to give shelter to the numerous travellers making their way to Santiago, today continues to invite the traveller to enjoy a universal and fascinating city. Considered to be the oldest hotel in the world, it is also one of the most luxurious and beautiful. It has four cloisters of immense beauty, elegant living rooms, spectacular bedrooms and a luxurious dining room which offers fish and meat dishes cooked 'a la gallega', in addition to the classical caramelized apple 'filloas' (crepes) and cream. 
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