How many ways are there to walk the Camino de Santiago? Advantages and disadvantages

When we talk about pilgrims, the image of a person walking to the cathedral of Santiago comes to mind, however this is not the only way to be a pilgrim. Most pilgrims prefer to do the Camino on foot, but there are many more ways to do it and then get the popular compostela.

The most common way to do the Camino de Santiago is on foot. This is one of the options that requires more physical effort, especially if you are not used to walk so continuously. Walking is the easiest way to do the Camino de Santiago and allows you to enjoy much more of everything that surrounds each section of the Camino de Santiago.

• Advantages: You can share the path with many people and you can enjoy the rich and varied landscape of the Camino de Santiago.
• Disadvantages: It takes more time than other ways and the backpack can be a handicap, especially in the more difficult stages.

Another way that is becoming more and more popular is to do the Camino de Santiago by bicycle. This is a whole new experience when it comes to doing the Camino, which requires other needs. On the one hand you will have to control your luggage since you cannot travel with too much weight, while on the other hand you need a specific kit for the bike with basic tools for its maintenance.

• Advantages: You need less time to complete the route and you can enjoy stretches that are a real challenge for cycling enthusiasts.
• Disadvantages: You need to carry specific material for the bicycle and you must be especially careful on bad weather days.

Doing the Camino de Santiago with pets is also an increasingly common option nowadays. Living this experience with your furry friend is a very good way to strengthen your relationship and will allow you to enjoy a few days in the middle of nature, away from the noisy cities. If you choose this option, you should bring everything you need for your pet and make sure you take care of his well-being at all times.

• Advantages: Share the experience with your faithful pet and your pet will also get its own compostela.
• Disadvantages: You must find pet friendly accommodations and bring everything you need for your pet in case of emergency.

Not many people know it but you can also do the Camino de Santiago by boat. This modality is quite new but it also allows pilgrims to get the compostela. The requirements to achieve it is to travel more than 100 nautical miles sailing and 10 kilometers on foot, which are usually traveled from Muros to the Cathedral of Santiago.

• Advantages: A different and perfect experience for lovers of the marine world. It does not require great physical effort.
• Disadvantages: It limits you to meet new people and you can not enjoy some emblematic points of the Camino de Santiago.

Another attractive alternative is to do the Camino de Santiago on horseback. There are many horse lovers in the peninsular area, so it has become a perfect way to unite this passion with the experience of the Camino de Santiago. This also implies a great responsibility to the rider, since he must make sure that his horse is in good condition during the whole journey.

• Advantages: Combining this experience with the passion for horses.
• Disadvantages: You must find accommodations where you can rest with your horse and carry all the necessary equipment to be able to ride without problems.