Photo Essay by Monique Giroux
The Camino de Santiago, much like the journeys shared in my book, Lost Intentionally, is a path of surrender—of stepping into the unknown with trust rather than certainty. Pilgrims follow yellow arrows without always knowing where they will sleep that night or who they might meet along the way, yet the trail provides in unexpected and often magical ways.
Walking through misty forests, along rugged coastlines, and into ancient villages, I embraced the feeling of being intentionally lost—allowing the journey, rather than a fixed destination, to shape the experience. And in that surrender, I discovered that sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to let go of knowing exactly where you’re going.
The Camino de Santiago: A Sacred and Timeless Path
The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of Saint James, is one of the most iconic pilgrimage routes in the world. For over 1,000 years, pilgrims have walked its many paths leading to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of Saint James are believed to rest.
While the French Way (Camino Francés) is the most well-known, the Camino Portugués is quickly growing in popularity. With its unique blend of history, culture, and spirituality, it’s a journey that transforms everyone who walks it.
Choosing the Coastal Path: Nature, Mindfulness and Walking Meditation
Among the three Camino Portugués routes, I chose the unofficial Litoral Route, the coastal trail stretching from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. Over 17 days, I walked 280 kilometres, including the Spiritual Variante, a detour famed for its secluded monastery and spectacular descent along the Trail of Stone and Water. This segment, marked by ancient stone mills and cascading streams, was a highlight of my journey, blending tranquillity with a sense of sacredness amongst the moss-covered trees.
As I left Porto behind, the Camino unfolded into a rhythm that stripped life to its essentials. Walking, eating, and sleeping became the cornerstones of each day. With every mindful step, the noise of the modern world receded, always with the Atlantic Ocean as a constant companion on my left, and the humbling realization that the journey was as much about the present moment as it was about the destination.
Walking in this unhurried way offers time to notice the small joys of life: noticing the waves lapping the shoreline, the rustling eucalyptus trees, the scent of rain-soaked earth, and the ever-changing sky. Evidence of past pilgrims mark the trail in little memorials along the way—stacks of stones, messages, and ribbons. I felt an undeniable sense that nature was my church and in moments of stillness and awe, my heart overflowed with gratitude.
Finding My Trail Family
The Camino de Santiago is as much about the people as it is about the path. There is an undeniable camaraderie among pilgrims of all backgrounds, languages and faiths. Conversations unfold naturally, deep connections form quickly and easily through our shared purpose. The scallop shell—a universal symbol of the Camino—serves as a badge of belonging.
Along the way, locals and fellow pilgrims share their warmth and generosity, embodying the spirit of the journey. Strangers greet us with cheerful “Bom Caminho”. I fell into a routine of walking with new friends whose pace and conversations ebbed and flowed each day. For those who wanted company, we would reconnect in the mornings to share a café con leche and pastel de nata to start our day.
Albergues: Shelters of Rest and Hospitality
Pilgrim accommodations, known as albergues, range from public hostels to private and donation-based options. Many are repurposed historic buildings like monasteries, palaces, banks, wineries and even a prison. Once in Spain, you can splurge on a Parador stay, known for its blend of history and luxury and usually located in castles, monasteries, or fortresses restored and managed by the Spanish government.
Initially, I stayed in public dormitories, but after a few sleepless nights, I decided to increase my budget to stay in private rooms. Booking one day in advance through platforms like Booking.com allowed me to find hidden gems, often slightly off the main trail or away from the busier “stage” cities. I eventually gravitated to staying at pensiones, small, family-run guesthouses that offer a room, bathroom, and often a meal.
The hospitality I encountered at pensiones was unforgettable. In Japan, the concept of “omotenashi”—selfless hospitality—describes this perfectly. Hosts offer heartfelt care and attention to detail. Like Sandra at The Spot Ofir in Fão whose sweet dog, her co-host greeted me with a snuggle, or Marta, an artist and chef in Vigo who welcomed me warmly into her home, Nankurunaisa, with a gourmet meal and shoulder to cry on, each stay was a warm sanctuary after a long day on the trail.
Why I Walked and What I Learned
Initially, I wasn’t entirely sure why I was walking the Camino. As the days passed, my purpose became clearer. I dedicated my journey to loved ones facing life’s challenges, particularly three friends battling cancer. Lighting candles in the ornate Catholic churches, chapels and cathedrals along the route with prayers for loved ones gave my pilgrimage a profound sense of meaning.
The Camino de Santiago became a mirror, reflecting lessons I needed to learn. The yellow arrows marking the way taught me to trust the path, even when it wasn’t clear. The many rainy days and a brief post-tropical hurricane made me appreciate the sunshine.
I learned patience, both with myself and others. The Camino encouraged selflessness and love and challenged me to let go of worries and embrace the present. Most of all, it left me longing for a world where the kindness and connection of the Camino could be the norm.
Letting Go, Moving Forward
The Camino de Santiago is more than a physical journey; it is a transformative experience. More than anything, the Camino showed me the beauty of surrender—of walking without always knowing what’s ahead but trusting that the journey itself will lead to where we’re meant to be.
Whether you walk for spiritual reasons, personal growth, or sheer adventure, the Camino welcomes you with open arms. As you follow the yellow arrows to Santiago, you’ll find beauty in simplicity, wisdom in nature, and the enduring power of human connection, transforming how you see the world and your place within it—an awareness that can guide you long after the journey ends.
Tips for Your Camino de Santiago Adventure
- Choose Your Route: There are nine main routes to Santiago de Compostella. Research the terrain, distance, and highlights of each path to find one that suits your interests.
- Backpack If You Are Able: While luggage transportation is available, carrying your backpack teaches us how little you need to be happy. Packing light helps you recognize the difference between needs and wants.
- Stay Flexible: While it’s helpful to book accommodations in advance, leave room for spontaneity. Some of the most memorable experiences happen off the beaten path.
- Take Care of Yourself: Listen to your body. Take care of your feet. Rest when needed, and don’t push through pain. The journey is the destination. Support others to do the same.
- Be Open to Connection: Embrace the camaraderie of the Camino. Share stories, meals, and laughter with fellow pilgrims and locals.
Monique Giroux is a writer, Forest Therapy Guide, Reiki Practitioner, Coach, and Bestselling Author of Lost Intentionally: The Inner and Outer Journey of a Spiritual Nomad.
As a spiritual nomad, she travels the world sharing the stories of the trees, people and sacred places she meets along the way.