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Travel + Leisure
31-05-2025
- General
- Travel + Leisure
I'd Never Go to Spain Without Packing These Essentials
I've covered a lot of ground in the three and a half years I've lived in Barcelona, Spain—crisscrossing the Balearics, road-tripping across Andalucía, making regular trips to Madrid to visit my in-laws, and cheering on pilgrims from the steps of the Santiago de Compostela cathedral. As I've toured around, I've also gotten more efficient at packing. Before I moved here, I (wrongly) assumed that there was no art to packing for Spain and that I could expect sunny days and mild temps no matter where I was. Not so. However, if you're planning a trip in the coming months, you will want the lightest, most breathable threads in your closet. Here are 13 summer-friendly items I'd recommend for visitors—and would always take with me as I tour the country—from breezy linen trousers and a chic swimsuit to the humble travel laundry line (because dryers are actually few and far between). A day in Spain can take you in many directions. Here in Barcelona, a typical Saturday might start with coffee and pastries at a neighborhood café, segue into a run along the beach, an afternoon gallery visit, and end with a sunset hike up Montjuïc—where friends gather to share a bottle of wine al aire libre with panoramic views of the city. With that kind of range, the key to packing for a Spanish holiday is versatility, and you should always throw a light windbreaker in your bag (whether you're sightseeing in Sevillle or heading down to the Costa del Sol at the height of summer). And even if your itinerary is all business in Madrid, don't forget a swimsuit—many of the city's best hotels boast rooftop pools or lavish spas with pools (I see you, Four Seasons Madrid). Locals rarely show up there in beach cover-ups so pack something smart for a night out. My recommendations focus on the tried-and-tested styles in my closet; meanwhile, male travelers will want to consider stocking up on dressy polos, tailored slacks, linen button-downs, and plenty of smart casual staples. Boarding the ferry to Ibiza. Credit: Everlane If you're planning on traveling to Spain in the summer months, you'll want to stock up lightweight apparel, ideally options made from natural moisture-wicking materials. In the summer months, when the heat and humidity soars in Barcelona, I live in my Everlane muscle top. I own it in multiple colors, and I'll find new ways to wear it each day—with a loose skirt, matching linen trousers, dressy beach sarong, you name it. What I like about it the most is that it's made from 100 percent sustainably grown European flax linen and has a super relaxed fit, so it never clings to your body, even in sticky August heat. Credit: Everlane I love a breezy dress as much as the next person, but I have found I get a lot more use out of dressy, high-waisted pants like this breathable option from Everlane. I've worn mine for a fancy dinner out at the Six Senses Ibiza, for a friend's post-wedding brunch in Seville, and for rooftop drinks with friends at El Palace Barcelona. Paired with a matching linen top, it manages to be both effortless and elegant at the same time. And as a bonus, these trousers can be easily popped in a cold wash, making them perfect for low-maintenance travel. Credit: Toco Most people know that Spainards tend to gravitate toward more barely-there swimsuit styles. This is especially true in the Balearic islands, like Ibiza and Formentera, where topless sunbathing is the norm. Personally, I like a little bit more coverage on the shores while still feeling sexy and prepared for water sports, like swimming or sailing. This one-piece option from Toco checks all the boxes and, in the bright-red Salsa color, it certainly turns heads. Just be aware of your tan lines—the Spanish sun is strong, and those crisscrossing straps will leave their mark. Credit: Monday Swimwear View on One of my favorite things about Spanish beach culture? The chiringuito . These relaxed, often family-run seaside restaurants are the heart and soul of summer on the coast, serving classics like seafood-topped paella and refreshing pitchers of tinto de verano . Dress codes are virtually nonexistent; it's perfectly acceptable to stroll in straight from the shore in your bikini, flip-flops, and a breezy cover-up. My go-to is a linen sarong in a chic miniskirt cut: it's breathable, wrinkle-proof, and folds down to nothing, making it ideal for tossing into a beach tote. Just tie it around your waist and you're instantly chiringuito-ready. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon View on Amazon View on If there's one product that I urge friends and family to pack when they're traveling to Spain, it's a windbreaker. I can't tell you the number of times I've been on holiday—even in sunny spots like Ibiza or Cádiz—and it's started to unexpectedly pour. And if you're headed anywhere in Spain's north, like Asturias, Galicia, or Cantabria, this is a non-negotiable. My go-to windbreaker is this fitted option from Orvis, which is made from recycled polyester and features a vented back to allow for air circulation. I also love that it has an interior sunglasses pocket, allowing me to keep up with Spain's sometimes-yoyo shifts in weather. Plus, the adjustable cinch waist is equally as flattering for hiking trails as navigating the style conscious streets of Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure In Spain, style is all about the details—truly. Women often gravitate toward bold, statement-making jewelry and accessories, while men (especially Andalucians) aren't afraid to sport a flamboyant pocket square or a wide-brimmed straw hat. Footwear, in particular, gets a lot of attention—perhaps not surprising given Spain's long and storied tradition of shoemaking. The same goes for handbags. On the fashion-forward streets of Madrid's Salamanca district, for instance, you'll see women carrying a kaleidoscope of impeccably crafted bolsos , from hands-free crossbody bags and phone purses to designer shoulder bags. Credit: Castañer View on Amazon View on Bloomingdales View on Neiman Marcus In Spain, the humble espadrille is an object of high fashion, with homegrown luxury brands like Loewe and Manolo Blahnik designing formal styles perfect for weddings and soirées. Personally, living in Barcelona, I'm partial to the made-in-Catalonia Castañer brand, which has done collaborations with designers like Yves Saint Laurent over its hundred-year history. Their Mary Jane style is especially chic; in my opinion, the little strap gives them a little more mileage than the classic slip-on style and makes them just as right for early fall or late spring as in summer (thus justifying the high price point). And for weddings, I recommend their wedge espadrilles, which will give you a bit of extra height and are especially eye-catching in their blend of chestnut leather and jute. Credit: Bloomingdale's $160 $152 at Amazon View on REI $160 at Nordstrom Here in Spain, we do a lot of walking, even when we don't have somewhere we need to go. Just consider the paseo, that very Spanish custom of pouring into the city streets in the early evening to go for a leisurely stroll and greet friends. To do like a local, you'll want to pack your most comfortable pair of sneakers, like these low-top Veja trainers, and explore Spain's alluring cities and charming pueblos by foot. Not only are these sneakers super comfortable, with solid arch support and no rubbing, but they also feel a bit dressier than your average sneaker. Mind you, these aren't what I'd wear to go hiking or do other sporty activities, but I do find they work in 75 percent of the other scenarios I find myself in on vacation. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon If there's one accessory that can take you from a morning of sightseeing to a sunset vermouth, it's a crochet handbag. As much as I love a hands-free crossbody or canvas tote, I've found the crochet bag to be the ultimate all-day companion in Spain. It has a breezy, Mediterranean feel that suits the setting, and it's roomy enough for those inevitable spontaneous purchases (like a bottle of local vermouth, perhaps, or a bar of Arquinesia soap from Mallorca). I always stash one in my beach bag, just in case we end up at a chiringuito and I want something chicer than a tote to hold my phone and wallet. No joke—I almost never leave home without a sun hat. After one too many times getting caught off guard by the Spanish sun and having to cut my day short to dash home for a hat and some sunscreen, I've learned my lesson. My go-to is a soft, lightweight raffia style like this one from Jenni Kayne; it folds easily into a bag and keeps its relaxed shape. While I love a good statement hat (and in Spain, bold colors reign supreme), I usually stick to classic colors like straw or black when I travel since they go with everything and make packing way easier. A sunny summer day in Seville. Credit: Raen $150 at Amazon View on View on Anthropologie I'm all for a stylish pair of sunnies, but in Spain, function comes first. Look for sunglasses that are polarized, offer 100 percent UVA/UVB protection, and are durable enough to withstand gusty winds, salty air, and being tossed in and out of your bag all day. I'm a huge fan of these editor-approved Raen Keera Sunglasses, which have a subtle cat-eye shape and deliver on all the aforementioned criteria. Plus, the nose bridge is snug enough that it's not necessary to constantly adjust if reading on the beach or playing padel outdoors with friends. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Spain may be known for its tapas and traditions, but it's just as much a paradise for thrill-seekers. Whether you're hiking the Camino, wine tasting in Lanzarote's volcanic vineyards, or discovering Galicia's hidden Islas Cíes, you'll want to be ready for a little adventure. So pack accordingly! In addition to your walking shoes and weather-appropriate layers, don't forget the practical must-haves: a universal adapter, noise-canceling headphones for long train rides, and a portable charger to keep your phone powered through every beach, hike, and pintxo crawl. And, while I sport a carry-all backpack for the majority of my trips, my Spanish friends are just as likely to show up to a group vacay with a rolling duffel or checked suitcase (particularly for longer holidays) so your favorite suitcase to fill all the gear is up to you. Credit: REI $70 $61 at Amazon $70 at REI View on One of my essential packing items for Spain, especially if you're planning any coastal adventures, is a good dry bag. The Sea to Summit set is my go-to: it comes with three ultralight, roll-top bags (3-liter, 5-liter, and 8-liter) that keep valuables safe from humidity, salt spray, and unexpected splashes. I've used mine along the Camí de Ronda in Costa Brava, a cliff-hugging trail that lets you walk up the coast from one crystalline cove to the next, with stops for kayaking, sailing, and swimming. It's also a must for more rugged coastal routes like the Camino del Norte in the Basque Country or Galicia's Ruta dos Faros, where the weather can turn quickly and dry gear is a must. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Cotopaxi $225 at Amazon $250 at REI $250 at Backcountry If you're accustomed to traveling in Europe, you know that checking baggage can be a serious headache (not to mention, a massive expense) and that carry-on travel is the way to go. This is especially true in Spain, where budget carriers like Vueling and Volotea will make you pay big time for additional baggage. It's for that reason that I opt for this roomy Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack whenever I travel. Whether I'm heading to Madrid for a work trip or pintxo-hopping in San Sebastián with friends, this backpack fits the bill: roomy enough for my laptop, five days' worth of outfits, and a couple pairs of shoes, yet compact enough to slide into the overhead bin on planes and trains. Even when it's packed to the brim, it never feels too heavy thanks to the padded shoulder straps and supportive waist belt. And with plenty of outer compartments—including a stretch water bottle pocket—I'm not left rummaging around for my keys or passport at every turn. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon Here in Spain, we live in smaller apartments, pay steep energy prices, and enjoy sunshine nearly year-round—so it's no surprise that most people air-dry their clothes. While fancy hotels typically offer laundry service, if you're staying in an Airbnb or more budget-friendly spot, I highly recommend packing a retractable clothesline. My favorite is this compact, heavy-duty version that comes with 12 colorful clothespins and 13 anti-slip clips. It takes up barely any space in your bag and works like a charm. I've strung it up between trees while hiking the Picos de Europa, used it to dry swimsuits on a Costa Brava camping trip, and even rigged it on a Mediterranean cruise balcony. It's saved me countless trips to the laundromat—and spared me the desperate move of drying socks on a radiator. Sightseeing in Palma de Mallorca. Planning a trip to Spain with a specific adventure or itinerary in mind? It's worth doing a little extra research to make sure your packing list matches the realities on the ground. Here are just a few top-level scenarios that require gear beyond the usual sandals and sundresses. If you're walking the Camino de Santiago: While I've never done the Camino, I've heard from friends that anti-blister socks, a water-hydration backpack, and comfortable, broken-in hiking boots are just a few of the essentials you'll need for conquering Spain's most famous pilgrimage. While I've never done the Camino, I've heard from friends that anti-blister socks, a water-hydration backpack, and comfortable, broken-in hiking boots are just a few of the essentials you'll need for conquering Spain's most famous pilgrimage. If you're skiing in the Sierra Nevada: Europe's southernmost ski resort is famously one of the only places on the continent where you can ski in the morning and swim in the Mediterranean by the afternoon. Along with the usual ski essentials, one item I always pack for the Sierra Nevada is a pair of high-quality goggles with 100 percent UV protection—the sun at the summit can be intense and blinding. This particular pair is also known for its anti-fog technology, which comes in handy when you're squinting to spot the African coastline on a clear day. Europe's southernmost ski resort is famously one of the only places on the continent where you can ski in the morning and swim in the Mediterranean by the afternoon. Along with the usual ski essentials, one item I pack for the Sierra Nevada is a pair of high-quality goggles with 100 percent UV protection—the sun at the summit can be intense and blinding. This particular pair is also known for its anti-fog technology, which comes in handy when you're squinting to spot the African coastline on a clear day. If you're cala -hopping in Mallorca: I've spent a lot of time on Mallorca—the largest of the Balearic Islands—and I'm always surprised by how underprepared travelers are when exploring the island's pebble-strewn beaches and rugged, cliff-lined coast. Save your toes from the torture and invest in this pair of quick-drying, sock-like water shoes, which have 3D non-slip treads to keep you on your feet. At a cala in Mallorca. Spain is made up of 17 autonomous regions, each with its own distinct identity, traditions, and style, so it's tricky to lay down universal rules about what not to wear. What flies in Seville might feel out of place in Bilbao, and even just comparing Madrid and Barcelona shows how varied fashion sensibilities can be. In Madrid, you'll often see a more colorful, preppy aesthetic, while in Barcelona, the vibe leans more low-key and monochromatic, with darker palettes, sneakers, and utilitarian accessories. That said, if you want to avoid standing out as a tourist, there are a few guidelines I've picked up after years of living here. Skip the loud foreign logos, destination tees, or anything emblazoned with oversized slogans. Stick with sensible footwear, especially during the day when you might be walking on cobblestones or exploring on foot. Spaniards tend to dress neatly even when casual, so you'll feel more in sync with the locals by opting for smart, well-fitting basics. In front of the Arc de Triomf in Barcelona. Spain's weather is remarkably varied, so it's worth checking the forecast for your specific destination before you travel. Broadly speaking, northern Spain (think Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country) has a wetter, more temperate climate, with plenty of rain and cooler temperatures year-round. The Mediterranean coast—home to cities like Barcelona and Valencia—enjoys hot, humid summers and mild, relatively sunny winters. In central Spain, including Madrid, you'll find a more continental climate: dry and intensely hot in summer (often climbing above 100 degrees Fahrenheit), and surprisingly chilly in winter, with crisp, blue-sky days. Down south, in Andalucía, winters are sunny and pleasant, but summers can be extreme, with temperatures regularly soaring as high as 114 degrees Fahrenheit. As for Spain's islands, both the Balearics (like Mallorca and Ibiza) and the Canary Islands see milder, more stable weather. The Canaries, located off the northwest coast of Africa, are a popular escape among sunbirds, thanks to the warm weather and plentiful sunshine. On Ses Illetes beach in Formentera. Given that Spain is one of Europe's most popular destination wedding spots, it's no surprise this question is the question I'm most frequently asked. While there's no single dress code that applies to every Spanish wedding, there are a few general guidelines to keep in mind. Since Spain is traditionally a Catholic country, more conservative attire is often encouraged, especially for church ceremonies. Think dresses with sleeves or bringing a shawl or wrap to cover your shoulders. Wearing black is typically avoided, as it's associated with mourning. That said, non-religious or more modern couples—especially those hosting coastal or countryside celebrations—often adopt a relaxed, Mediterranean-inspired dress code, with more freedom in both style and color. As for footwear: Spanish weddings tend to be quite formal, so heels are welcome (and often expected). Don't worry about blisters: if there's a dance floor, it's common for hosts to provide flip-flops or other comfy shoes so you can keep going late into the night. At the cliffs of Formentera. Siobhan Reid has lived in Spain for three and a half years and, as a full-time travel writer, she's constantly on the move in search of stylish hotels, under-the-radar adventures, and lesser-visited corners. This has given her a deeper understanding of life beyond the big cities—and impressed upon her just how important it is to pack smartly for Spain's incredible diversity of landscapes, climates, and cultures. This packing list includes actual products she owns and would recommend to friends and family visiting the region. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
The Independent
27-05-2025
- The Independent
Why the Galician city of Santiago de Compostela is worthy of a food pilgrimage
Light plumes of steam gently billow from the oval silver tray the waiter presents to our table, accompanied by a salty aroma. Compared with the enthusiasm that greeted our previous dishes – cockles drenched in buttery olive oil mopped up with bread, and mussels in orangey pernod sauce – its contents are now being met with slightly quizzical looks. We wait with bated breath for someone else to dig in first. And it's not because we're being polite. It's because the plate of percebes – goose barnacles – has us well and truly stumped. To the uninitiated (as I was mere minutes before), they're filter-feeding crustaceans harvested from rocks. From a quick glance, they appear totally prehistoric, with triangular silvery-grey shells at one end and cylindrical leathery stalks at the other, hiding the fleshy stem. Luckily, there's an expert on hand to help us with this Galician delicacy. I'm sitting next to the godfather of Spanish cooking: chef, author and owner of seven restaurants, José Pizarro, who is with us in the small but mighty historic city of Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. 'Make sure the pointy bit is facing away from you, pinch the leathery stalk to tear it, then twist it and pull it off,' he quickly demonstrates. Pizarro bites the little bit of iridescent pinky meat that looks every so slightly gelatinous from the bottom piece he's still holding. After insisting on a few more demos in slower motion, we all follow suit. Once we get the hang of opening them, we're rewarded with the gloriously sweet meat that has a good dose of salinity, akin to the best bits of a langoustine or crab. The city of Santiago de Compostela is affectionately known as the end point of the holy El Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James) pilgrimage and is full of wonderful medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. But instead of walking, I'm on an eating pilgrimage as Galicia is famed for its superior quality shellfish, particularly octopus, empanadas (a pastry filled with meat or fish) and crunchy moreish Galician bread, a type of sourdough with a spongy texture and slightly acidic flavour. 'It's deeply rooted in the land and sea – it's simple, honest, and ingredient-led,' explains José. 'It's different from other regions in Spain as it's so seafood-focused, but it still feels very homely and soulful.' We begin our food pilgrimage here at Abastos 2.0 restaurant run by Iago Pazos, one of the many chefs Pizarro unsurprisingly knows. ' You won't be able to stop eating the barnacles,' Pizarro warns, and he's right. Very quickly, we're all picking at them as if they were salted peanuts; it's the saltiness that has us repeatedly returning for another morsel of sweet goodness. ' They're very expensive to buy in the market – about £90-100 per kilo,' he explains. 'It's because they're so dangerous to harvest – people can sometimes die trying to get them.' It's here that I have another first: a Nordesiño. This gin-based spritz using local gin, Nordés, is made of one part gin, two parts albariño wine and four parts tonic, and served with a bay leaf, a slice of lemon peel and garnished with a skewer of three grapes. It's a breezy and refreshing citrus serve that we all agree will be replacing Aperol spritzes this summer. The gin's key ingredient is pomace (leftover pulp and skins) of the native albariño grapes, which is used in its base spirit, creating a floral and aromatic gin. It was founded by three friends who came up with the idea while eating pulpo (octopus), a very Galician dish. 'They decided to make it a tribute to Galicia using the most important plants and botanics here', explains our guide on our tour of Casa Nordés, just outside the city centre. 'Six of the botanics are from Galicia including bay, lemon verbena, peppermint, eucalyptus, sage and samphire, and five are from overseas – hibiscus, black tea, cardamon, ginger and juniper.' José says it's a great gin to go with seafood, 'especially things like oysters, scallops, and lightly cured fish'. Food and drinks aside (for a moment), a trip to Santiago wouldn't be complete without visiting the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela. The vast and intricate golden altar is particularly impressive, but it's the rooftop we head for. After climbing 140 steps, we walk across the cathedral's roof, home to an easy-to-navigate staircase, which feels like living out a Mary Poppins fireworks scene fantasy. The tour is entirely in Spanish, but the incredible views over the red rooftops are wonderful and there's no language barrier for that. From our lofty heights, we see the unusual sight of a hundred or so pilgrims who have joined hands in a huge circle singing joyously together in the Praza do Obradoiro square below. It's a spectacle even Joaquín, our enthusiastic Galician guide, hasn't seen before which feels a privilege to witness. Afterwards, and back on the food trail, we head to O Gato Negro (The Black Cat), a small relaxed tapas restaurant in The Old Town where Pizarro has managed to grab an outside table (it doesn't take bookings). He orders for us and out comes a huge centolla – a red king crab – for approval before cooking. When it arrives cooked, Pizarro shows off his chef skills and sloshes some of the godello white wine we're drinking into the shell to mix together with the meat, which we eat atop the crunchy Galician bread that's constantly topped up on our table. He also orders more of our new favourite dish, goose barnacles, along with pulpo a la Gallega (octopus in oil doused in sweet paprika), cockles with oil and lemon and empanadas. It's nothing short of a seafood feast. 'There's a real sense of purity and generosity in Galician cooking,' Pizarro explains. 'It's not overly complicated – it respects the product', a fact that's very clear from our dinner. With the city's cathedral ticked off, its next most-visited site is Mercado de Abastos, the food market. Considering the compact city is home to just 185,000 people, this huge market proves the city's other religion is most certainly food. But it's not just a tourist attraction – it's a proper market used by chefs (where many of them choose to have their restaurants) and a place for locals to both eat and buy produce. After a breakfast stop at A Cafe for yoghurt bowls and toasted sandwiches, another of Pizarro's favourite hangouts, we cross the road and head to the market. Inside, tall arched ceilings cover the eight corridors, selling everything from seafood to meats and cheeses, with counters adorning both sides and stall owners vying for attention. They're bookended by stalls packed with brightly coloured fruit and vegetables that look impossibly shiny, with almost comically sized peppers that are easily the size of my head. I feel like Charlie walking into Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. Glass counters are packed with countless different cheeses and cured meats, or many types of prawns, including the famous gambas rojas (red prawns), oyster shells bigger than my hand, razor clams and gigantic brown crabs. Hanging above us are whole jamón legs and strings of salami, leaving just enough room for the seller's face to be visible to sell their wares. Every inch of counter space is stacked with tins of Galician mussels in escabeche or more charcuterie flavoured with varying spice levels. In corridor five, it's lunch to-go, Galician style, where you can take your market purchases and have them cooked for you. 'From 1pm, it's totally packed in here', explains Joaquín. Friday and Saturdays are busiest, though the rain and chilly 10 degrees Celsius means we avoid the crowds. Pizarro darts between counters and corridors with purpose. On his list is sobrasada, cheese and butter, essentials for visiting guests. 'The butter's the best in the world here,' he tells me and instantly I wish I could take some home. 'I tried to buy three packs but they said they need to save it,' he says slightly forlorn. Before moving on, he spots some black pudding and adds it to the list. 'I'll have that for breakfast – it has pine nuts and raisins in it. I love it,' he gushes. He asks the woman behind the deli counter to show me a cross section of the black pudding, excitably. 'It's the first time I've seen it here,' he says. He beams after finding a huge veal chop for just €8 (£6.80). 'It's the quality of the produce that makes Galician food stand out: wild-caught seafood straight from the Atlantic, incredible beef from native Galician cattle, lush green vegetables and artisanal cheeses,' Pizarro says. Unable to take much of the market's fresh offering home with me, I resign myself to some travel-friendly options. A packet of ruby red sliced jamón, tarta de Santiago – a deliciously dense and moist almond cake (cleverly packaged in a plane-safe box) topped with an icing sugar stencilled cross – and a tin of fancy Bonilla a La Vista Patatas Fritas crisps. 'This is life, isn't it?' Pizarro says, clearly as pleased with his haul as I am with mine. Surrounded by some of the best fresh produce in this grand market, and after eating near my bodyweight in Galicia's best seafood, I feel like I've come to the centre of my own food pilgrimage, connecting to the city, its people and producers through the love, admiration and respect it has for its food culture. I couldn't agree more with him. Good food is life. Where to eat in Santiago de Compostela
South China Morning Post
07-05-2025
- South China Morning Post
Mother-son bond strengthened by 700km walk on Spain's Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route
For more than 30 days, Tobias Schlegl walked the Camino de Santiago – the world's most famous network of pilgrimage routes – with his 73-year-old mother, Sieglinde. Advertisement She had long dreamed of walking the Camino, also known as the Way of St James, and Schlegl, a journalist and paramedic, wanted to reconnect with her. The historic routes, which date back to the 9th century, extend from different European countries and lead to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain What followed was a 700km (435-mile) journey of laughter, exhaustion, pain – and unexpected joy. 'The Camino really hurts. I don't want to romanticise it – it was real suffering,' Schlegl, who is based in Germany, says.
