For over 1,000 years people seeking a religious, spiritual, or fitness challenge have traveled along the Way of St. James, also known as the Camino de Santiago. As many as 250,000 hikers, or pilgrims, head to the starting point of St. Jean Pied de Port, France each year to hike this 485-mile/780-km pilgrimage to the historic town of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Millions of people have overcome the physical and personal hurdles to accomplish this feat. Undoubtedly, many would not be able to undertake this journey without the giving spirit of albergues (Spanish hostels) along the Way.
These generous albergue owners shelter and feed pilgrims at a very low cost. For instance, most charge only 5 to 12 euros. Even more, the donativos, or donation-only hostels, allow you to pay only what you can afford. They turn no one away.
COVID-19 travel restrictions have sadly put many people’s dreams of walking the Camino this year on pause. Nevertheless, you can still experience the Camino Spirit by walking the Camino for Good Virtual Camino. Most importantly, part of every registration fee is sent directly to albergues so they can cover their basic living expenses during these hard times.
