Each of the people who consider making the effort to walk to the Plaza del Obradoiro has a reason to do it. This is important, among other things, so as not to lose the motivation to get up every morning early, to continue each one of the kilometers despite the blisters, the pain muscle or tiredness.
And the truth is that although initially we think that the reasons are religious, this is not always the case. In the Pilgrim’s Office we can see in the statistics of 2021 (last year collected) that 36% finished the way for religious reasons, that 20% did it for non-religious reasons and that 43% had as much religious reasons as other reasons to visit it.
But what can those other reasons be? The answer to this question could be “infinite”, and so it is. But we are going to give you 8 reasons to cheer you up:
1. SOCIALIZE
El Camino is the perfect place to meet people. At each stage you will meet other pilgrims with whom you that you will walk for hours. It can be people with whom you feel accompanied during your journey or, also, become friends if you maintain the relationship with them after your experience is over.
2. HOLIDAYS
Sometimes we only conceive of vacations as a summer sun and beach destination or as a trip to some particular part of the world. And no, the holidays are also this. An experience that allows you disconnect completely from the daily routine of work. An adventure in which, without a doubt, you will find peace mental.
3. CONTACT WITH NATURE
Sometimes, with the bustle of the city, we forget how important and wonderful nature is. This been shown that contact with nature reduces stress, increases the power of concentration and stimulates creativity. It is also important to increase self-esteem and has benefits for our immune system.
4. SPIRITUAL REASONS
How important this is sometimes and how little prominence we give it in our routine. Walking the way It will help you to connect with yourself, to get to know yourself better, to dedicate time to yourself, to find that inner peace. that sometimes we put aside to give prominence to day-to-day problems.
5. PERFORM EXERCISE
Obviously the Camino de Santiago is sacrificed physically speaking. They are several days walking with stages that, on occasions, exceed 20km in distance. In addition, you will not be exercising only during your experience, but you will do it from
much sooner when you start training.
6. OVERCOMING
This reason may be closely linked to that of spiritual reasons. just for the sake of winning the mental battle of “I can’t” will have been worth this experience.
7. TOURISM
The Camino de Santiago and its surroundings are full of magical places worth knowing.
In addition, you will be traveling a gastronomic route like no other.
8. RELIGIOUS REASONS
Finally I mention what for a long time was the main reason to start walking. Many people are encouraged by this adventure to get to the Cathedral and be able to hug the Apostle Santiago. By devotion or by penance.
Any of these reasons (or the one you have) is a compelling reason to enjoy an experience
that most pilgrims describe as gratifying.
Can you tell us about your experience? Tag us on our social networks with #alberguesdelcamino and
share it with us.
