The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage to the city of Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain, where St. James the Apostle is said to be entombed in the cathedral.  Along with Rome and Jerusalem, Santiago is one of Christianity's three major pilgrimage destinations.  For over a thousand years, people have been making pilgrimage to this city.  Today, some still walk the Camino as religious pilgrims, but others go for a variety of reasons, including an interest in seeing Spain on foot.

The Camino Frances is what most people think of when they hear of the Camino de Santiago. It's the main, traditional route.  It’s also the most popular, historical, and —according to many— the most scenic.  Still, there are a variety of Camino routes, all converging on Santiago de Compostela, and each with its own charm.  All of these routes are well way-marked and allow pilgrims to carry light backpacks, eat at cafes and restaurants, and stay in hotels or in the pilgrim hostels known as albergues.