After receiving my Compostela certificate in Santiago, I began walking toward the “end of the world.” The trail to Negreira was peaceful and lightly traveled, a sharp contrast to the crowded final stages before Santiago. Despite the distance, the day felt meditative—an entirely new chapter of the Camino experience.

Detailed accommodation and daily expense reports for the Camino Francés, including albergues, hotels, and hostels. Track costs, sleeping arrangements, and food options for each stage of the journey.

The final walk from Lavacolla to Santiago was a mix of excitement, reflection, and anticipation. Arriving at the cathedral, receiving the Compostela, and capturing the moment with photos brought overwhelming joy — a perfect conclusion to the Camino Francés.

From Arzúa to Lavacolla, rain and flooded paths tested our endurance, but arriving just 10 km from Santiago felt like a reward. Long showers, drying shoes, and laundry offered comfort and restored energy for the final stage of the Camino.

From Palas de Rei to Arzúa, rainy Galicia greeted us with bustling towns, markets, and the aroma of boiling octopus in Melide. Despite soaked shoes, the warmth of the municipal albergue and good food made for a satisfying day on the Camino.

The trail to Palas de Rei was bustling with pilgrims, winding through wet forests and slippery descents. After a tricky search for beds and a refreshing shower, I finally got my first Camino wax stamp — a small but joyful milestone on the journey.

Crossing into the final 100 km to Santiago, the Camino transformed — quiet trails gave way to lively crowds and new pilgrims. From Samos to A Pena, the day brought laughter, sunshine, and the joy of reaching a major milestone.

A misty descent from O Cebreiro led to Samos, where forested trails and monastery bells replaced the mountain winds. After days of rain and climbs, a quiet albergue with a warm kitchen offered a welcome evening of rest and companionship.

Through rain, wind, and endless puddles, I climbed from Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro — a misty mountain village steeped in legend. Despite soaked shoes and strong winds, the day ended warmly among friends and the quiet magic of Galicia’s highlands.

A rainy day’s walk through the Bierzo valley led from Molinaseca to Villafranca del Bierzo, passing the Templar Castle of Ponferrada and small vineyard towns. After hours on wet pavement, the warmth of a fireplace at day’s end was the perfect reward.

From the steep climb to Foncebadón to the rocky descent into Molinaseca, this day on the Camino Francés was both demanding and deeply moving. After leaving my stone at Cruz de Ferro and struggling to find a bed, an unexpected act of kindness turned the day into one of the most memorable yet.

Rolling hills and historic villages guided my steps from Hospital de Órbigo to El Ganso. I watched the sunrise over farmland, met a fellow Canadian pilgrim, and ended the day sleeping in a teepee — a nostalgic close to a long, sun-soaked walk through Maragatería.

From León to Hospital de Órbigo, the Camino passes through industrial outskirts and small towns before crossing the medieval Puente de Órbigo, blending history, effort, and quiet reflection along the way.

A rest day in León offered a chance to explore the cathedral, wander historic streets, enjoy hearty local food, and recharge before resuming the Camino.

A wet and grey stage from Mansilla de las Mulas to León, with flat terrain and industrial outskirts. Reaching León brought relief, dry shoes, and the chance to rest before the next stage.

A long, wet stage across the Meseta, with flat but monotonous terrain. Despite the drizzle and repetitive landscape, reaching Mansilla de las Mulas brought relief and a sense of accomplishment.

A milestone stage across the Meseta, from Terradillos de los Templarios to Bercianos del Real Camino, passing Sahagún’s halfway point. Flat terrain, light drizzle, and small acts of kindness made it a memorable day.

A sun-exposed Meseta stage from Carrión de los Condes to Terradillos de los Templarios, with open farmland, small friendly encounters, and the satisfaction of reaching a welcoming albergue.

A long, sun-exposed Meseta stage from Boadilla del Camino to Carrión de los Condes. Flat but hot, with welcoming locals and a shared kitchen at the albergue making the journey memorable.

A classic Meseta stage from Hontanas to Boadilla del Camino, filled with muddy trails, quiet open landscapes, and the kindness of locals who make the Camino unforgettable.