Adventure Travel
Walking the Camino de Santiago Photos
These are my favourite Camino de Santiago Photos from my pilgrimage along the French Way in March. A truly beautiful way to spend a few weeks.
El Camino de Santiago kicked my ass. Well technically it kicked my feet. Turns out my minimal preparation for the Camino de Santiago was terrible. After a miserable effort of only 4 days, the doctor in Legrono told me that I wasn’t allowed to go on until me feet healed. I had walked just over 100 km’s and my feet were bloodied and blistered.
To be honest, I was relieved.
The thought of putting back on my shoes made my shudder. For the last 9 km’s I had stumbled along in jandals and socks. One of the travelling fashion sins I vowed I would never break.
Jandals on the Camino de Santiago
So while I have unfinished business with the Way of St James (an upcoming post), I did want to share with you some of my favourite photos from the Camino de Santiago. Because I had yet to reach some of the more “unsavoury” parts of the Camino that Sherry Ott had discovered, every step of my pilgrimage had been beautiful.
Puenta La Reina Bridge – Camino de Santiago Arrows
There is no way you can get lost on the Camino de Santiago. Arrows, scallop shells and signs point you in the right direction at every bridge, road crossing and intersection.
Camino de Santiago Scallop Shell
Reaching the top of Alto Pedron gave views back the way I had come from Pamplona, as well as views to where I was going. The rocky path on the way down proved to be my ultimate downfall, as my too small shoes caused my toes to smash into the front.
Alto del Pedron Camino de Santiago
Metal Pilgrims on Alto del Pedron
There were so many beautiful old churches along the Camino de Santiago. But since I was walking in early March, it seemed that most were yet to open for the busier summer season.
The Church of Obanos
And between every small village the well-maintained pathways of the French Way wound across the spectacular Spanish countryside.
The French Way – Camino de Santiago Photos
Puenta La Reina in the evening
Puenta La Reina has one of the most amazing bridges I have ever seen. It was also the 1st village I had the pleasure of sleeping in after busy Pamplona.
Puenta la Reina Bridge at sunrise
Most mornings I was up and walking before the sun began to sprinkle across the horizon.
Spring flowers on the Camino de Santiago
Pilgrims approaching Cirauqui, Spain
Every village and town was built on a small hill. Sure it looks beautiful until you realise you have to go back up again to go through them all!
Church of Santa Maria in Los Arcos
While there were only about 20 pilgrims walking each section every day, it wasn’t uncommon for you to encounter them all. The people I met along the Camino de Santiago were some of the most inspiring and remarkable people I have ever spoken to. They are the ones that make the pilrgimage so special.
The endless French Way
The free flowing Irache Wine Fountain or “Fuente del Vino”
Hay bales along the French Way
Every village had at least one ancient church and it wasn’t uncommon to find them dotting the landscape in remote locations either.
Ermita de San Miguel
Iglesia de San Andrés de Zariquiegui Church
I have travelled through Spain in the past, including cycling in Costa Brava and surfing in San Sebastian with both independent planning and a vacation planner. But having the opportunity to walk at my own pace through some of the most beautiful scenery in Spain on the Camino de Santiago has so far topped them all.
Natural arches on the Camino de Santiago
Cat of Sunshine and Siestas
April 1, 2013 at 1:05 PM
So, so looking forward to the Camino this summer – and have been for nearly eight years! Looking forward to your upcoming posts.
Cole Burmester
April 1, 2013 at 1:28 PM
Wow 8 years! I decided 4 days before I went that I was going haha. But my under-preparation definitely worked against me. Enjoy it 🙂
Jose
November 12, 2013 at 7:44 AM
Hi:
El Camino is a beautiful experience, painful and inspiring…
I just want to point out that it is Puente la Reina, instead Puenta la Reina, and maybe you visited a doctor in Logroño.
cheers
Andy Wilson
February 6, 2014 at 4:42 PM
Ha Cole what was the weather like at that time of year I’m going to walk April 2014 I’m like you layed off 26th January from job in WA a few things to tidy up in NZ Auckland friends walked it 3 years ago ,had a ball, I’m planing on doing the full trek France to Spain and even contemplating cycling the Spain Portugal section after that, se how we go I’ve been training and boots are a couple of seasons old so looking forward to it
Cole Burmester
February 7, 2014 at 4:54 AM
Hey Andy.
Thanks for the comment! Very jealous you are going over and I might actually see you there… Possibly walking it again in May this year too. The weather should be reasonably fine by April. Sometimes they get some late snow in the Pyrenees but it shouldn’t affect you too much. The pass over the top closed a day before I arrived so I had to start from Pamplona but I was there a month earlier than you. All I can say is take as little gear as possible as you will regret every KG of equipment that you don’t end up using. Good luck and enjoy it!
Cheers,
Cole
EurotripTips
April 1, 2013 at 1:59 PM
Beautiful photos! And nevermind that you weren’t able to finish the Camino – the simple fact that you were motivated enough to actually start and do 100km it is very impressive! Congrats, and better luck next time!
Cole Burmester
April 1, 2013 at 2:32 PM
I met people that had been walking the Camino for 10 years! Every year they came back and did a little bit more. They plan to finish next year sometime 😉 Might be me in a few years time haha.
Jarmo
April 1, 2013 at 3:15 PM
Gorgeous shots Cole! I’ve been very tempted by the Camino, it looks gorgeous, although I am worried that the same thing that happened to you, would happen to me. But still, a good try mate!
Cole Burmester
April 1, 2013 at 4:59 PM
As long as you have broken in your shoes (I didn’t), ensured they are a little bigger than normal (mine weren’t) and you can comfortably walk 20+ km’s a day, then you will be fine! Highly recommend it 😀
Jenna
April 1, 2013 at 11:25 PM
Wow, what an experience this must have been, and what beautiful photos! I remember learning about this path in one of my art history classes and have been interested in it since then because it has been so important for so many people and for so long.
Cole Burmester
April 2, 2013 at 9:24 AM
I had never heard about the Camino de Santiago until last year when one of my friends did it. To be honest I had no desire to do it until just 4 days before I left! Wish I had prepared some more now though as I really want to finish it.
Sarah
April 2, 2013 at 2:58 AM
Wow Cole, what lovely photos! I’m sorry about your feet but it looks like you got some great shots in there 🙂
Cole Burmester
April 2, 2013 at 9:29 AM
Imagine if I had a chance to walk the full 800 km’s! Probably would have ran out of memory space on my camera haha.
The Time-Crunched Traveler (Ellen)
April 2, 2013 at 5:27 AM
Sorry to hear you didn’t get to finish it this time around, but you got some great photos that’s for sure! What a beautiful part of the world. I look forward to reading the unfinished business post. We are trying to hike the Appalachian Trail in sections … probably will never be able to finish it, but hey, sometimes it’s about the journey, not the end goal, right?
Cole Burmester
April 2, 2013 at 9:31 AM
I met a couple that were walking the Camino de Santiago over 11 years. They expect to finish next year so it is definitely achievable when you break it down like that. So jealous of you hiking the Appalachian Trail and good luck. I am sure you will get there in the end, even if it is in 10 years time 🙂
Kerwin
April 2, 2013 at 5:45 AM
Jandals and sock! uugh…
I love the beautiful pictures; thank you!
Cole Burmester
April 2, 2013 at 9:31 AM
I think I have just destroyed my brand with that photo 😉
And thanks Kerwin!
Casey @ A Cruising Couple
April 2, 2013 at 1:14 PM
This is SO awesome–I’m really hoping that one day we get to do the pilgrimage, even if it’s just a bit of it! Great photos!
Cole Burmester
April 2, 2013 at 2:48 PM
If you come to Europe then definitely put it on the to-do list! Well worth it, even if you only do it for a few weeks/days like me 😉
Shane
April 3, 2013 at 8:50 AM
Great photos Cole! Hope the feet are feeling better.
Cole Burmester
April 3, 2013 at 12:10 PM
Thanks Shane. Feet are just about healed now haha.
Sophie @ GetACarHire
April 3, 2013 at 10:28 AM
You captured all these beauties with blistered feet?! Salute!
Cole Burmester
April 3, 2013 at 12:10 PM
Since I was walking so slowly I might as well as have taken them 😉
Matthew Karsten
April 3, 2013 at 1:49 PM
Can’t wait to try this one day. Will make sure to use your advice about the broken-in and roomy shoes though. Love the shots!
Cole Burmester
April 3, 2013 at 3:35 PM
Well worth a trip to Spain for it! Just do a little more preparation than me haha.
Rachelle Gallant
April 3, 2013 at 10:44 PM
Absolututely stuning photos!!! I walked the Camino in September/October 2012 and will definitely return one day! Thanks for Sharing!!
Cole Burmester
April 4, 2013 at 8:17 AM
You are welcome 😀 September would have been a perfect time of year to walk the Camino I think. Not too hard and not as many people!
ReAnn
April 4, 2013 at 1:37 AM
Poor feet. That’s my greatest worry as I get ready to walk the Camino next Spring. Your photos are fabulous. Would you share what type camera you used?
Cole Burmester
April 4, 2013 at 8:17 AM
Just get the right shoes now to trial them, which I didn’t do, and then you will be fine. I use Samsung NX Camera for all my photos. Check out some of my kit for travelling here: https://www.fourjandals.com/travel-resources-for-adventure-travellers/
Jade Johnston
April 4, 2013 at 2:59 AM
OUCH I have heard stories of the camino killing shoes in the past… for a hike of that length you dont want to be cheap with your hiking shoes. love the photos
Cole Burmester
April 4, 2013 at 8:24 AM
I wasn’t cheap with them, they cost me a bundle! Just didn’t break them in enough and they needed to be at least a half size bigger than normal. Learnt my lesson though and hopefully it helps others too 😉
Janice
April 4, 2013 at 3:13 AM
my husband and i walked the camino to Santiago de Compostela we took are time walking it in 42 days during Sept and Oct 2012, it is beautiful. The people we met were wonderful. we, life a lot of people packed too heavy, but after purging some of the items we didn’t need, we were much better off. We met people of all shapes and size, and all ages, kids travelling with their parents the youngest about 2 years of age the oldest 82 years of age! your images a wonderful and bring back great memories.
Cole Burmester
April 4, 2013 at 8:15 AM
42 days is a perfect amount of time to walk it. Means you can take your time and enjoy the villages rather than rushing through every day. And the people definitely make the journey. Thanks for commenting 😉
YOLANDA LEMASTER
April 4, 2013 at 3:17 AM
Great pics. Wish mine looked half as good.
Cole Burmester
April 4, 2013 at 8:15 AM
Thank you Yolanda 🙂 Just takes time and practice (and a little editing haha).
Agnes Martinez
April 4, 2013 at 5:48 AM
I loooooove your photos!!! I am doing the camino next year and am sooooo excited!!! Thanks for your photos, they are going up on my wall to remind me of what’s in store for next year!!!
Cole Burmester
April 4, 2013 at 8:13 AM
You will have so much fun Agnes! Maybe I will re-do it next year too 🙂
Natasha von Geldern
April 4, 2013 at 5:58 AM
Wow beautiful photos but your poor feet! A salutary tale indeed!
Cole Burmester
April 4, 2013 at 8:14 AM
Haha thanks Natasha. Was a big mistake being so unprepared with the right shoe choice. But lesson learned for next time 😉
sepideh minaaraghi
April 4, 2013 at 4:31 PM
wow I loved looking at your photos, I am starting the walk april 29th, did you use a tent along the way? do I need one?
Cole Burmester
April 5, 2013 at 8:56 AM
Thank you 🙂 You only need a tent if you are going to be camping along the way. I recommend just staying in the Albergues. Here is my full list of what I packed for the Camino de Santiago – https://www.fourjandals.com/europe/what-to-pack-for-the-camino-de-santiago-for-2-weeks/
Lucina
April 5, 2013 at 12:58 AM
Thank you for your photos, they are inspiring and beautiful. I plan to walk the Camino one day, so I often check with this site. Good luck with your feet and your journey.
Cole Burmester
April 5, 2013 at 8:58 AM
Thanks Lucina! Let us know if you ever need any tips and good luck when you do walk the Camino.
Sil
April 5, 2013 at 8:07 PM
Ouch! Seems you felt the painful souls of pilgrims past through the soles of your feet! Hope you go back – there are fantastic photo opportunities waiting for you along the path!
Cole Burmester
April 6, 2013 at 9:27 AM
Thanks Sil! Feet are basically healed now (2 weeks later) so definitely keen to get back there soon. Maybe not this summer but should be sooner than later.
Sil
April 9, 2013 at 12:19 PM
I posted a link to this blog on the Camino Forum and most comments are about your gorgeous photography – everyone wanting to see more. Do you have a link to any other photographs?
Cole Burmester
April 9, 2013 at 4:49 PM
I don’t unfortunately Sil! I will need to go through and edit some more at some stage. And thank you so much for sharing the post on the forum 😀
Margaret
April 5, 2013 at 8:59 PM
Your Camino photos are some of the most stunning I have seen- truly beautiful. Maybe you will get back, with a bigger pair of worn in shoes- and we will get to see some more of your journey along it.
The churches mostly aren’t open in the season either by the way. In most smaller places they are open for evening mass but not much more than that.
Cole Burmester
April 6, 2013 at 9:26 AM
Thank you Margaret 🙂 Was such a wonderful experience, even if it was short lived. Definitely plan to be back in the near future to finish it off with a little more preparation!
Gretta
April 6, 2013 at 8:50 AM
Far Out!!! They are some of the best photos I have seen of the Camino. Im heading back to the Camino in August. I am about to buy my third pair of shoes…Yikes. Im so worried about this. Can I ask if you dont mind…what were the shoes that you had problems with. (Please excuse me if this has been mentioned…but I couldnt see it)
I ended up last time walking in Kumfs black dress sandals and white socks….soooooo atractive… not. But they worked.
Gretta
April 6, 2013 at 8:53 AM
Bananas!! Doup! found the shoes on your site. 🙂
Cole Burmester
April 6, 2013 at 9:25 AM
Saw that you spotted the shoes 😉 But just for anyone else, they were Northface Hedgehog shoes. It was just the size that I got so wrong. Definitely worth buying about a half-size to size bigger than normal 😀
Good luck again in August. Maybe will see ya there!
Stephen Nicholls
April 6, 2013 at 9:19 AM
Smashing photo’s! My diaries and links to over 700 photos from my last two caminos are on my web site. Off in six weeks time, from Lisbon to Porto this time, so completing the Camino Portuguese.
Ultreya!
Stephen
Cole Burmester
April 6, 2013 at 9:24 AM
Thanks Stephen! Will go check out your photos of the Camino now too 😉 Good luck for the Portuguese leg.
Ali
April 6, 2013 at 2:57 PM
Looks gorgeous! But hiking in flip flops is not ideal. I’m glad you didn’t push on, sounds like it would’ve been really bad for your already aching feet. The sections you were able to see look great though!
Cole Burmester
April 7, 2013 at 12:47 PM
I think I would have done some long term damage if I had continued without proper arch support just wearing my jandals. Now I have a real desire to go back as well.
Abby
April 6, 2013 at 6:41 PM
WOW! Some of the prettiest pictures I’ve ever seen… A good friend of mine did this, which just floored me for some reason. I remember being at the cathedral and watching the pilgrims come in and just being so overwhelmed. It never occurred to me that I would know someone who did it. Congrats on making it as far as you did!
Cole Burmester
April 7, 2013 at 12:48 PM
Two of my friends did it last year and that was the first time I had heard about it. Definitely want to finish it next time! Hopefully in a couple of years.
Stephanie - The Travel Chica
April 6, 2013 at 7:52 PM
Gorgeous views! I love the photo of the bridge.
Cole Burmester
April 7, 2013 at 12:46 PM
Such a beautiful old village and one of the first places you stay on the Camino 🙂
Laura @Travelocafe
April 7, 2013 at 10:41 AM
As always, your photos are amazing! Great job!
Cole Burmester
April 7, 2013 at 12:46 PM
Thank you Laura 😀
santafetraveler
April 7, 2013 at 9:06 PM
It’s on my list. Wonderful photos, just makes me want to go more as did watching Emilio Estevez’s wonderful film, The Way.
Cole Burmester
April 8, 2013 at 8:39 AM
I watched “The Way” a few days before my trip and recognised a couple of the places on the walk. Great film, but it is better in real life 😉
Paddy Waller
April 10, 2013 at 9:47 AM
Lovely photos.Brought back memories. I did part of El Camino years ago and finally did it from Roncesvalles to Santiago(31 days)three years ago on my own. Amazing fun and made some good friends.If I had to give one piece of advice it would be train for at least 4 weeks before going(and in the shoes or boots you will walk the Camino in). You really enjoy it so much more….a friend gave me that tip and it was so true.Saw alot of people with blisters,feet problems and they really suffered badly.
Cole Burmester
April 10, 2013 at 10:38 AM
Definitely going to be going back in the future to give the Camino another crack Paddy. Great advice from you and will take it in next time 😉
Arti
April 19, 2013 at 3:44 AM
These are stunning captures but I must say that the second shot is just surreal!! Loved it so very much! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Cole Burmester
April 19, 2013 at 11:29 PM
Thank you Arti 😀 Wish I could have kept going to take more!
Mandy
April 25, 2013 at 9:14 AM
Wow, what an incredible walk! I think 100km is impressive in itself but I can imagine that the full 800km would take some dedication and time. I’m trying to put that into perspective – it’s like walking from the Kruger Park to Durban in South Africa – not a distance I’ve ever considered walking on foot!
Your photos are fantastic. I’m sure it was a great experience and well worth the blisters, I hope.
Cole Burmester
April 25, 2013 at 7:30 PM
Walking from Kruger Park to Durban would definitely be an impressive feat 🙂 It just seems more manageable though when you break it down day-by-day. Especially when so many others are doing it too.
Christine |GRRRL TRAVELER
May 13, 2013 at 3:16 PM
Awesome photos! Just met a guy who’s taking 6 weeks off to do this trek. Thanks for the post. You’ve just bumped this higher on my bucket list! Am sharing this w/ my FB page (just to have it bookmarked!)
Cole Burmester
May 17, 2013 at 5:49 AM
Thanks for the extra share Christine! And I definitely recommend doing the Camino. Just wish I hadn’t screwed up my feet so badly, but at least I get to go back sometime and do it again 😉
Nathan Mizrachi
June 12, 2013 at 10:57 PM
Hi Cole! I’m sorry your feet didn’t hold up so well. I’m heading off to do the Camino in August–I’m starting from Paris though, so I guess I have a lot of training to do then. Your photos are gorgeous and will give me a lot of inspiration in the coming weeks! For the short time that you were walking though, did you have any particular place you wish you could’ve spent more time in? One thing I’m worried about (in a good way) is that I will want to end up staying for more time in some of the towns and cities along the way, especially the larger ones like Burgos, Leon, and Pamplona. Appreciate your response, happy trekking!
Kristy of Family Visa
June 18, 2013 at 5:28 AM
It looks like the place is a nice plot for a romantic movie because every corner has an awesome view!
Nicole @ Green Global Travel
June 22, 2013 at 7:50 PM
We visited Spain last year and couldn’t believe the amount of people who walk this trail. I don’t think I would have even made the 100kms. We were quite happy just to drive 😛
Camino Jimmy
July 7, 2013 at 5:09 AM
Just finished the Camino from St Jean, 34 days. If you don’t prepare don’t bother, prepare and it’s worth every step.
Camino Jimmy.
Tina
July 10, 2013 at 5:57 AM
The place was really beautiful, it shows on your stunning pictures. I wish I could shoot like that…
Larry
July 22, 2013 at 7:24 PM
I had a similar problem last year (Sept/12). I had prepared well and was in good shape but was over confident and exuberant. Only lasted 5 days. Tore the cartilage in one knee and strained the other.
Knees still too sore to return but will definitely go back to complete the whole Camino some time soon.
Cole Burmester
July 31, 2013 at 9:29 AM
That sucks to here that you couldn’t finish either Larry. Hopefully we can both return in the near future 🙂 My plan is possibly 2015!
Christoffer Moen
July 25, 2013 at 8:24 PM
Breathtaking shots! I thoroughly enjoyed this post. Hope you can go back on the El Camino real soon. Cheers.
Cole Burmester
July 31, 2013 at 9:04 AM
I hope so too Christoffer!
Serena
September 13, 2013 at 1:37 AM
I’m walking the camino in October and hearing that you only made it 4 days is kind of freaking me out! I’ve been walking to and from and from work in my shoes and I’ve gone on a few long hikes, so I’m hoping that’s enough! Beautiful pictures in your four days though 🙂
Cole Burmester
September 15, 2013 at 6:58 AM
I decided 2 days before I was going that I would walk it so you will be fine 🙂 I just rushed into and that was a big mistake. Everyone suffers from blisters and I just didn’t manage them well either. Good luck!
Gabriel
September 16, 2013 at 1:58 AM
Great shots, my favorite is definitely the black and white with the yellow arrow. Great eye!
Cole Burmester
September 17, 2013 at 7:16 AM
Thanks Gabriel 🙂 I want to go back and shoot it all again one day soon.
Andy
October 15, 2013 at 3:53 PM
That are some fantastic pictures! I’d love to complete el camino someday. I think that it is wonderful that you took the time to do it, even if you didn’t prepare well enough. We learn our lessons…
Alexandra
January 5, 2014 at 10:06 AM
Walking the Camino is a dream of mine… Maybe we can start training now and do it together in 2016 😉
Cole Burmester
January 6, 2014 at 7:34 AM
Sounds good to me! Give me a date and I’m there 😀
Kevin Lydon
July 8, 2014 at 9:58 AM
This is exactly what I am looking for in order to push my dad over the edge to doing the Camino trail with me. He has been talking about for years and I keep showing him everything I can to get him to do it. Santiago looks absolutely amazing and I think once he sees all your pics I might get him to come with me.
Hitch-Hikers Handbook
August 13, 2014 at 7:20 AM
Wonderful and inspiring blog, guys! Thanks a lot for following us on Twitter! Travel safe and keep up your great work!!
Hitch-Hikers Handbook
October 16, 2014 at 11:28 AM
Incredible photos, mate! We hitchhiked (I know that’s not the proper way to do it;) a huge part of the Camino and we really loved all the places we visited on the way! Spain is an amazing country and you can travel here for months and never get bored…
I’m a huge fan of your photographic talent and I would like to invite you to participate in our Travel Photography Competition. It’s a great way to promote your blog (not that it needs promoting 😉 as every week we publish three winners with their short bios and links to their websites promoting their work. Plus, you can win some valuable prizes in the yearly edition. Anyway, I will send you more info via Twitter and you can check it out and see if it’s something you might be interested in.
Carlo Cretaro
May 18, 2015 at 1:20 AM
Hey Cole.
Love photo essay type posts 🙂
The Camino scares me – particularly because I hate the thought of walking for miles upon miles each day! 🙂
Eric || The Bucket List Project
February 2, 2017 at 8:08 AM
So I was having one of those days where you reminisce and I was thinking about my Camino adventure this past summer in 2016. I walked the entire Camino Frances, Camino Finisterre, and Camino Muxia in July and August and Loved every second of it.
Your pictures make me wish I could just jump back into them and return right now. I hope your feet healed and you were able to continue.