Information and practical advices

Today's pilgrim has to prepare for their future "experience" carefully. One important aspect to bear in mind is the "pilgrim's credential", which can be obtained at the starting point of the pilgrimage and which will identify the pilgrim as someone who is travelling along the Way of Saint James. This credential is stamped at all the places they stop at along the Way, and thus confirms that the pilgrim has travelled the minimum length of the Way to receive a "Compostela", a certificate issued by the Oficina del Peregrino (Pilgrim's Office) at the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela to pilgrims who have walked at least the last 100 km or cycled at least the last 200 km. This credential can also be used to stay overnight in albergues (hostels).

BEFORE YOU SET OUT

PREPARATION
Practically anyone can do a pilgrimage on foot, as long as they prepare themselves properly, follow logical instructions and pace themselves in accordance with their own physical capacities. Therefore, it is a good idea to start training before setting out, by going for increasingly long walks or hikes.

PLANNING
It is also a good idea to plan in advance the stages of the route you intend to cover in advance, bearing in mind that the normal length of each stage can be 25-30 km. It is best to choose a suitable time of the year, which will vary depending on the route. If possible, it is best to avoid the cold winter or hot summer weather. Remember to start the Way with shorter stages and, as your body gets used to long walks, increase the length in line with your own abilities. It is also important to inform relatives about your travel plans before leaving and keep them updated during the trip.

WHAT TO TAKE

A RUCKSACK
Choose a comfortable, practical rucksack, which allows you to keep everything well organised. Travel light, your rucksack should weigh no more than 10% of your own body weight.

CLOTHES
Dress to suit the weather and the time of year
Convertible trousers
Cotton socks, always clean and dry
It is very important to wear the correct footwear, already well broken in, the correct size, and with non-slip soles
Flip-flops for the shower
Waterproof cape for the rain
Hat.

PERSONAL CARE
Towel
Toilet bag
Nail clippers
First aid kit with disinfectant, scissors, plasters, cotton bandages, cream or plasters to avoid blisters, rubbing alcohol, anti-inflammatory cream, aspirin or Paracetamol, laxatives and anti-diarrhoea tablets.
Sun protection cream.

USEFUL ITEMS
Water bottle
Walking stick(s)
Penknife
Pegs for hanging out clothes
Paper tissues
Camera
Mobile phone and charger
Notebook
Sleeping bag
Detergent
Ear plugs

DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION
ID card/Passport and medical card Pilgrim's credential Way of Saint James guidebook

WEBSITES FOR MORE INFORMATION

Orio
www.oriora.com
www.oriora.com/Camping

Tourism in the Orio Region (Urola Costa), the Province of Gipuzkoa and the Basque Country
www.costavasca.org (Urola Costa)
www.gipuzkoaturismo.net (Gipuzkoa)
www.turismoa.euskadi.net (País Vasco)

Websites on the Way of Saint James
www.caminosnorte.org
www.caminodesantiago.consumer.es
www.caminosantiago.org
www.caminosantiago.com
www.jacobeo.net