The Camino de Santiago is not just an 800 km walking pilgrimage—it's a life-changing experience. Thousands of years of tradition, UNESCO-listed since 1993. WHICH ROUTE? • Camino Francés (800 km, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port → Santiago)—a classic, 60% pilgrims, good infrastructure • Camino del Norte (824 km, Irun → Santiago)—along the Atlantic coast, fewer crowds, the final section is rainy • Camino Portugués (260 km from Porto)—good for beginners, 12 days • Camino Primitivo (315 km from Oviedo)—the oldest, most technically challenging WHAT TO BRING Backpack max 8 kg, hiking shoes (worn in!), 2 pairs of woolen socks, sandals for evenings, sleeping bag, 1L bottle, scallop shell (a symbol of the pilgrim's shell). CREDENCIAL Pilgrim's passport - buy on the first day. Stamp at each overnight stay. After 100 km on foot (or 200 km by bike) → Compostela in Santiago. ACCOMMODATION (ALBERGUES) €6-15 per night. Only with credencial. Bunk beds, kitchen, sometimes heating. First come, first served. TIME March-May, September-October. July-August - hot and crowded. Winter - many albergues closed.