According to figures from the Pilgrims Office in Santiago de Compostela, so far in 2013, nearly 210,000 people have walked the Camino de Santiago.
The Camino de Santiago is undoubtedly a special trip, a life-changing experience for many, but why do many people take this incredible journey and walk the Camino?
CaminoWays.com put this question to 200 pilgrims travelling to Santiago this year to find out the main reasons why they decided to walk the Camino de Santiago.
Here’s what walkers have said:
1. Exercise
17.3% said the main reason to do the Camino was for the exercise.
2. Adventure
14.9% said their motivation was to go on an adventure.
3. Peace, Solitude, Relaxation
14.3% were travelling to find peace, solitude or to simply relax.
4. Spiritual
12% had a spiritual reason to walk the Camino.
5. Cultural
11.7% wanted to walk the Camino for its cultural aspect.
6. A Lifetime Experience
9.6% believed it would be a lifetime experience.
7. Pilgrimage/Religious
9.6% decided to do it as a pilgrimage and had a religious motivation.
8. To meet people or spend time with friends or family
9.6% wanted to walk the Camino for its social element, to meet people, or to spend quality time with people, friends or family.
9. Special Gift
0.43% walked the Camino because it was a special gift.
10. Personal Challenge
0.21% saw it as a personal challenge.
If you want to walk the Camino de Santiago, CaminoWays.com has self-guided packages all year round, as well as guided tours from March until November.
Walk the last 100km of the Camino de Santiago, along the French Way, from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, over 7 days, from €489pps in low season or €565pps in high season.
Self-guided packages include: Accommodation on half-board basis, luggage transfer from hotel to hotel and holiday pack.
For more information on self-guided tours click here.
Guided tour packages include: Accommodation on half-bard basis, luggage transfers, airport transfers, holiday pack and tour guide for the group.
For information and dates on Camino de Santiago guided tours, starting at €719pps click here.
Price does not include: Insurance or flights
Start planning your Camino trip today by logging onto www.caminoways.com or calling 353 (0)1-525-28-86.
