It would be fair to say that most people’s idea of Spain is crowded beaches, sangria, poor imitation English food and Watney’s Red barrel!Although I have nothing against a lazy holiday, I know from personal experience that a whole different and more interesting world exists out there.
When you visit Spain, you need to be away from the packaged scene to really appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of the country. From the Picos de Europa in the north, through the wine growing region of Rioja to the Sierra Nevadas, there is a wealth of stunning sights and geography and the best way to enjoy all those sights and really drink in the real Spanish atmosphere is through walking or taking part in an active holiday.
Thanks to my cuñado (brother in law) who recently made the trip, I became aware of one particular challenge that is a favourite of many a Spaniard – to walk the Camino de Santiago. The Camino de Santiago is part of The Camino de Santiago de Compostela – a collection of old pilgrimage routes networking across Europe. St James’ Way is the name which describes the route in English. All the routes lead to Santiago de Compostela, which is situated in the north of Spain. The Camino de Santiago is still a place of worship as it has been for pilgrims for over 1000 years.The difference today is that now the worshipping is of the stunning scenery and abundant local hospitality.
You don’t have to be married to a native to enjoy this great adventure either! A UK based company called Pura Aventura can organise a walking holiday that will take you part of the route. If you have the energy, you can go all the way to the beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela, but you must stop there or you will end up in the sea, which for medieval people meant the end of the world! Even if you don’t buy that “edge of the world” stuff, you can still reward yourself and choose from a selection of walking holidays with a difference (no crowds, no noise, just tranquillity) through the same company.
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