Off Stereotypical Beaten Spanish Track
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 people looking no further than the Costas, personal experience tells me that out there is a whole different world.
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. In English the route is it known as the St James’ Way. All the routes have Santiago de Compostela in the north west of Spain as their final destination. Pilgrims have been using the Camino de Santiago for over 1,000 years but all you need worship is sun, stunning scenery and real Spanish hospitality.
You don’t necessarily have to be related to anyone in Spain to love this amazing adventure either! A UK based company called Pura Aventura can organise a walking holiday that will take you part of the route. Some people with energy to burn, walk all the way to the enchanting city of Santiago de Compostela. But don’t forget to stop here 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.
