The final day, 27km to from Padron to Santiago De Compostela.
My feet were blistered, I was exhausted ā but I was ready to finish strong! I left the hotel at 6.30 am in the dark (sunrise was around 8.15 am), intending to find coffee along the way. The hotel provided a picnic so I had food with me.
The first half of the route is still agricultural and back streets and I watched the sunrise in a rural area as cockerels crowed in the yards. It was lovely to walk alone again for a few hours before other pilgrims joined the route.
The church of Satuario da Virxe da Escravitude is a great place to stop, and there are a couple of coffee places nearby where I had my morning espresso and croissant (the Spanish version is sweeter than the French.)
Lovely section of vineyard walking.
More rocky paths ā I was seriously over the stony ground by then!
Much of the final section is on roads and through urban areas, then into the busy city of Santiago de Compostela.
I made it!
I was thrilled to reach the square in front of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, but I was exhausted and really sweaty from the long walk on what turned into a very hot day. I had an extra day planned to see everything, so I just headed to my hotel for a shower and sleep!
Here’s my completed Credential across several pages.
My Compostela (with my name in Latin) which I collected at the pilgrim’s office first thing the next morning. There’s always a queue!
Accommodation: I stayed at Hotel Costa Vella, which has a lovely garden and a good cafe with great breakfast. Definitely book accommodation as it gets busy especially in high season.
Facilities:Ā There are a couple of cafes on the first half of the route, open after 10am, and then the last third is the outskirts of the city so there are lots of options. Santiago de Compostela is a big city with everything you need.
Congratulations! What an achievement.
Your descriptions and photos really bring the pilgrimage to life for someone who will never make the journey, thank you.
One of the most impressive things is that you looked so happy in every shot, sore feet notwithstanding:)
I am happiest out walking, despite the pain š
How interesting I hiked the camino from the Spanish side to Sdc and was at Santiago September 10, 2022. Could have crossed path. What a wonderful ike. I was emotional as I completed the Camino.
That final day was a long one, so I was relieved to make it to the square, for sure! I hope you had a good Camino!
With your photos, Iām so inspired to do the walk as soon as I can but life is throwing me a few curve balls at the moment and I have to sort it out first.
I enjoyed your journey of photos and detailed narration.
Hi Jo, myself and 2 friends did the Padron to Santiago stretch last year. Your photos bring it all back. We started off early in the morning due to the heat and we were lucky enough to go on a day when there was a festival. Love reading your books and recently contributed to your kickstarter. Looking forward to receiving my book.
Thanks, Annette, I’m glad you enjoyed remembering!
The printing order is in, so hopefully you might get the book next week š
Thank you so much for documenting your pilgrimage and including so many photos of the path. I am walking the Portuguese Coastal Way in June 2024, and it is helping me to feel more prepared to see the path (and to know that I will definitely want to use hiking poles and wear trail runners). Bom Camino!
Glad to help ! Bom Caminho!