Photographs from the Camino de Santiago
In this blog post we want to show you with photos why the Camino de Santiago creates addiction. Some are images that breathe the very essence of being a pilgrim, others are beautiful photographs that reflect the beauty that you will find along the routes of the Camino de Santiago.
The magic of doing the Camino de Santiago is difficult to understand for those who have never been encouraged to travel on one of its routes. Still, thanks to the information available, more pilgrims increasingly trust in other people’s testimonies to encourage themselves to live the experience first-hand.
Therefore, we already have in our blog a post in which we explain the 10 reasons why you should do the Camino de Santiago, but we are aware that sometimes an image says more than a thousand words. So there are 15 photographs of the Camino de Santiago that will eventually convince you that completing the Camino de Santiago is one of the experiences that you have to live, at least once in your lifetime.
Each of the following images perfectly illustrates the magic that is enclosed on the pilgrim route. We hope you like the selection of photographs of the Camino de Santiago that we have put together for you!
The most beautiful photos of the Camino de Santiago
If there is one thing that no one doubts about the Camino de Santiago is that it is a route with great landscape beauty and with a rich heritage. For this reason, we have decided to start this selection of images of the Camino de Santiago with some photographs of its emblematic landscapes and monuments.
Bridges
Bridges are a classical part of the Camino de Santiago. Some of these buildings date back to the Middle Ages and it is a real wonder to go across them.
An interesting one to see is the Ribadiso Bridge in Arzúa. If you feel like making pilgrimage and taking advantage of getting to know it, you can do the Camino de Santiago from Sarria. Tell us details about the adventure you want to experience and we will contact you.
Some of the most famous bridges on the Camino de Santiago routes are the Puente de la Reina (Queen’s Bridge), on the Camino Frances, or the Tui Bridge, on the Camino Portugues. However, on all routes, you will find numerous bridges that will help you cross the various rivers that you will find on your path.
In fact, many of them were built exclusively so that pilgrims could reach Santiago de Compostela. In this image you can see a pilgrim heading to a medieval bridge.
Sculptures of pilgrims
The sculptures of pilgrims will accompany you throughout the tour. On some routes such as the Camino Frances, the number of sculptures is higher than on others, but you will find them on all itineraries.
In this image, you can see the sculpture of Pilgrims, located in Alto del Perdón, on the Camino Frances. It is one of the most photographed sculptures by the people who choose this section.
Coastal ports
Many of the coastal ports that dot the routes that run along the coast, such as the Camino Portugues Coastal route, the Camino del Norte or the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre, make many pilgrims fall in love with them. their colours, fragrance and calm rhythm are some of the wonders enjoyed by pilgrims who choose coastal routes.
In this photo, you can see Porto, a city in the north of Portugal, where the Camino Portugues Central route passes through, and from where the coastal route begins. As you can see in the picture it is a city full of colour and life.
Vineyard landscapes
The kilometres and kilometres surrounded by vineyards are another of the classic prints on the Camino de Santiago. Especially pilgrims who travel the Camino Frances have the opportunity to enjoy this type of landscape.
However, as we told you in our article about wine routes along the Camino de Santiago, on Portuguese routes you can also enjoy this type of landscape. Either way, you’ll end up entering Galicia and there you’ll also find plenty of vineyards.
So there are thousands of photos of vineyards on the Camino de Santiago. We have chosen this image from the vineyards of La Rioja. One of the best known and oldest wine-producing regions in Spain.
Sunrises
Another of the beautiful moments experienced by almost all pilgrims, regardless of the route they choose, are the sunrises. Moments when landscapes are painted purple and pink, while the day is beginning.
In this photo you can see a classic scene from the Camino de Santiago, with two pilgrims walking at dawn. Many of them wake up before dawn and travel the first few kilometres in the dark, thus trying to avoid the hottest hours.
The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
If there is something emblematic about the Camino de Santiago it is the Cathedral of Compostela, where we find the remains of the Santiago the Apostle.
There is no pilgrim who has made the Camino de Santiago and does not have many photos of this well-known temple. This photograph of the Cathedral of Santiago is taken from the Seminario Minor, from where you can enjoy excellent views over the city.
Green Galicia
Regardless of the Camino de Santiago you decide to complete, and if you intend to complete your journey at the tomb of the apostle, your path will end up driving you to Galicia. There you will be surprised by the intensity of the lush green colours of its landscape.
In this photograph, we can see a classic postcard of the Camino de Santiago as it passes through Galicia. Green fields where hundreds of cows graze and quietly observe the hundreds of pilgrims who pass in front of them every day.
Photographs that show daily life on the Camino de Santiago
In addition to the previous images, which stand out not only for their beauty but also for reflecting the magic of the Camino de Santiago, we wanted to select some photos that, although not so beautiful, illustrate the routine of days on the Camino. More photos of the Camino de Santiago!
Signage on the Camino de Santiago
There is no pilgrim who has made the Camino de Santiago and has resisted taking thousands of photos of the emblematic signs that indicate the way. Yellow arrows and scallop shells are icons on the Camino de Santiago.
In this image, you can see both the classic yellow arrow indicating the direction and the scallop on a blue background. On this occasion, the sign is on a wooden pole, but it is possible to find it on stones, trees, on the roadway, etc.
Signals, pilgrims, and Asian visitors
Another photograph related to the signage on Camino de Santiago is the one shown below. Although the distances by road are not the same as following the path of the Camino de Santiago, pilgrims cannot help but take pictures alongside them.
Specifically, in this image, we can see a group of Asian pilgrims, very commonly seen on the Camino de Santiago, next to a traffic signal indicating the distance to Triacastela. The photograph is taken on the Camino Frances.
Backpacks
The backpacks that pilgrims carry behind their backs are also part of the day-to-day life on the Camino de Santiago. In fact, as we discussed in the article on lessons learned on the pilgrim route, the weight of the backpack represents, they say, the personal burden that the pilgrim carries.
In this photograph, we can see how two pilgrims carry different loads. One travels with a small backpack and the other carries far too much. Certainly, not everyone needs the same in their day-to-day life and learning to live with only a little is one of the great lessons of this magnifcient experience.
Crosses placed on fences
Another thing that catches the eye on the Camino de Santiago is the makeshift shrines that have been built along the route. Which, as we explained in the post about pilgrim customs, have become iconic on the Camino.
In this photograph, we can see a fence adorned with wooden crosses. It is very common for pilgrims to collect pieces of wood from the ground to make these crosses that adorn many of the fences that line part of the route.
The rainy streets of Santiago de Compostela
Rain is another classic on the Camino de Santiago. In Galicia it rains every other day, hence the darkened colour of the cobblestone streets of Santiago de Compostela.
In this image, you can see a shell embedded in the streets of Santiago de Compostela, on a rainy day. Seeing it rain in Santiago de Compostela has its own charm!
Emotive images of Camino de Santiago
Finally, we have selected some photos that illustrate emotional moments that are lived on the Camino de Santiago. If there is one thing that characterizes this extraordinary experience, it is the strong bonds that are created among pilgrims.
Hugs
Along the Camino de Santiago, it is common to see pilgrims hugging each other or with locals or hostel owners, as a token of gratitude for the hospitality received. However, the place on the Camino that concentrates the greatest number of hugs per minute is the Plaza del Obradoiro, in front of the Cathedral of Santiago.
As this image shows, in front of the Cathedral, pilgrims meet with fellow travellers and hugs flood the square. It is true that not everyone cries when they arrive in Santiago, but it is impossible not to become emotional.
The strong ties: lovers or friends?
As we told you above, the Camino de Santiago creates strong bonds between people. Sometimes friendships are created that remain for many years and, in others, love blooms.
On the route, you will find many couples among which there is a special connection, as seen in this image. The question will always be the same: partners or friends?
Moments on your own
The Camino de Santiago is not just a place to create links with others, it’s also a place to create links with yourself. In fact, many people decide to go on the Camino de Santiago alone, for this precise reason.
This photo illustrates those moments of solitude that are lived on the Camino de Santiago. Kilometres that pilgrims decide to travel alone, and to be with themselves.
As you can see, the Camino de Santiago is full of magic and unforgettable moments. If you are looking for more inspiration you can consult our article on books and films based on the Camino de Santiago or our article about good causes for a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
We say goodbye for today. Not without first reminding you that if you are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela and want us to help you organize your trip don’t hesitate to call us or get in contact with us on our Facebook.
Buen Camino!
