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Camino Guides updates for 2012
Pope Benedict visited Santiago during the Holy Year of 2010 and pilgrim numbers soared to over 1/4 million (with 10 million tourists). Numbers settled back last year (2011) but still witnessed 179,919 pilgrims collecting a Compostela for completion — which requires proof of walking only the last 100 km. Twice as many pilgrims start in Sarria (115 km and the most popular starting point) as opposed to St. Jean Pied de Port (790 km) so the route gets very busy as we approach Santiago. The percentage walking the camino Francés fell (for the 5th consecutive year) to 72% with the camino portugués rising to 12% and becoming the second most popular route. Spaniards made up over half of all pilgrims at 53% followed by Germans 20%, Italians 14% and Portuguese 10%. Contrary to public belief the vast majority of pilgrims are in fulltime employment and aged between 30 and 60 years with students making up 17% and those aged over 60 only 14%.
Tithing:
The tithing from royalties of the sale of these guidebooks continues to support various initiatives that; '...seek to preserve the physical and spiritual integrity of the Caminos de Santiago.' Apart from the usual tithing to confraternities is the latest donation of $1,120.00 to the help in the production of The Camino Documentary by Lydia Smith (see attached letter). Watch out for the release of this beautifully made film which is due for release in 2012. Thank you for buying the guidebooks that help support and promote the caminos.
Camino de Santiago (Francés) Anticipating a substantial increase in numbers for the 2010 Holy Year a number of new hostels opened and others extended and improved existing accommodation. There were also some alterations to the route itself. These are all documented in the latest 8th edition printed in 2012. If you have an earlier edition you can download maps to the following stages, which incorporate the main changes. |
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Camino Portugués The Portuguese route is now rising to meet its status as the 2nd most popular route with facilities from Porto improving each year (the section from Lisbon to Porto, while now well waymarked, still has no dedicated pilgrim hostel). The 3rd edition of the guide has just been published (2011) and incorporates all the main improvements and new accommodation with the exception of the following on page 142 add: new pilgrim house, Quinta da Portela in Facha 100m before Quinta Albergaria. €15 for bed and €10 for dinner and breakfast subject to prior notice. Han & Lia Geelen (00351) 964 2571719. 2 new Xunta hostels are available in 2012 (just before Padrón). Add (Page 184 - after San Miguel de Valga) Hostel Valga, O Pino, Setecoros, Valga. Modern hostel with 78 places – also Hostel Pontecesures, Estrada das Escolas, Rua Pousa Antelo Infesta. |
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Camino Finisterre While all statistics issued by the pilgrim office and cathedral in Santiago are based on pilgrims arriving in Santiago this doesn’t extend to Finisterre, which the authorities have generally viewed as a threat to the sanctity and success of Santiago and historically discouraged. During the last few years (since the first guide was published in 2003) many improvements and additional accommodation has been added (particularly during the last year) so it would be advisable to buy the latest 2011 edition. To which you need to add (page 47 – after C-550 / Cee / Camiños Chans) the following 2 new hostels. Albergue O Bordón in Camiño Chans, private hostel with 24 places. Phone 981-746 574. Also Albergue A Casa da Fonte, Rua de Arriba in Cee old town centre. Private hostel with 42 places. Phone 699-242 711.
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