The Camino De Santiago

The Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgrimage route, that for most people, begins on the French side of the Pyrenees, and finishes 800km away in Santiago De Compestella Spain.  The trail has been used by pilgrims for over a 1000 years to reach the tomb of St James or in Spanish Santiago.  

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In modern times it has appeared in pop culture, and was popularised in Martin Sheen's 2010 film "The Way".  Currently, nearly 250,000 people a year are making the pilgrimage.

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The majority of pilgrims are of the Catholic faith wishing to gain an official certificate of pilgrimage from the Vatican.  However, many people simply make the journey for the sake of sport or adventure.   

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I cycled the Camino because I love food, adventure and history.  The Camino is like stepping back in time.  The trail itself is an ancient path snaking through woods, farmland crossing rivers, streams and mountains.  

 

There are the buildings, bridges and castles which pop out of nowhere, physically inaccessible but to those on the Camino...and of course there is the food and wine.  At times, you would be forgiven for thinking you were on the set of Game of Thrones, The Hobbit or even Robin Hood.  
 
If you have the chance, travel the Camino De Santiago, do it.  If for nothing else, the great people you will meet, the food you will eat, and the fact that it is a beautiful adventure.  There is a spiritual side to the journey, but as that is personal and unique to each individual, here I focus solely on the health benefits of the fantastic food and the pilgrim way of life. 

 

As I travelled, I collected advice and recipes from great chefs and food lovers along the Camino.   Much of the food has not changed since the first pilgrims walked the route over 1000 years ago.   My culinary adventure is documented in my cook book the "Rustic Way of Saint James".  If you can, do buy my book, it is healthy and delicious.   

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- Daniel Abadi - Pilgrim