Curiosities about the Camino de Santiago

To understand the importance and symbolism of the Camino, and to know how to interpret many of the things that you will find while walking it, we have included in this article, some curiosities about the Camino de Santiago that you cannot miss.

These are historical, original and surprising aspects that you should know and that will give meaning to the experience, as well as enriching your entire Path from beginning to end.

If before starting an adventure, it is usual to look for information and recommendations from other travelers, why not include the curious details as well? We're starting!

12 curiosities about the Camino de Santiago that you may not know.

Curiosity leads us to learn and pushes us to discover new things. And today you will go to bed knowing much more about what may become the pilgrimage of your life.

1. One way, multiple routes

Although the Camino de Santiago is mentioned in singular, the Camino de Santiago is really composed of several routes that start from different parts that share a final destination: the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in the Plaza del Obradoiro.

There are 12 officially recognized routes although there are more. The routes started in Spain, but currently they also extend through Europe, connecting Santiago with other countries such as France and Portugal.

2. The apostle James

The Camino owes its name to the apostle Santiago, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. His remains rest in Galicia, under the main altar of the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where they found a grave after a trip from Jerusalem.

Santiago was condemned for preaching the gospel and defending the Christian faith, and died beheaded by order of King Herod Agrippa I. The Way is the pilgrimage to his tomb, on a spiritual journey, of personal reflection and inner peace.

3. Campus Stellae, the field of stars 

The word Compostela comes from Campus Stellae, which means field of stars in Latin.

The legend tells that it was a hermit who found the tomb of the apostle James guided by a trail of light in the sky. From that moment the place became sacred and was the origin of the first pilgrimage center.

4. Ultreia, “Good Road” 

When crossing pilgrims en route, it is usual to hear an exchange of two words, Good way!. This is a greeting to inspire encouragement during the stages, which descends from the Latin term Ultreia. It can be translated as “Let’s go further,” or “Let’s go further” in reference to the pilgrimage to Santiago.

5. The Knight of the Shells and the scallop

Photo of stux

The legend of the Knight of the Shells explains the origin of the scallop as a universal symbol of the Camino de Santiago and of the pilgrimage.

The story begins in Bouzas, a seafaring village in Vigo, during a wedding. One of the entertainments for the guests was a game that was developed on horseback, and that consisted of throwing a spear or cane into the air, and recovering it before it touched the ground. When the groom took part, a blow deflected his spear into the sea and, when he went to pick it up so as not to lose it, it disappeared sunk in the water next to his horse.

After a distressing time, and coinciding with the passage of the boat carrying the remains of the apostle James from Jerusalem, he emerged covered with scallop shells on his horse. Athanasius and Theodore, the disciples of the apostle, considered it a divine sign and said that anyone who visited the tomb carrying scallop shells would be recognized by God. The knight converted to Christianity and the conch of vieira was consecrated as the symbol of the faith and protection of the pilgrim.

6. Codex Calixtino

Written in the 12th century, the Codex Calixtino is a medieval manuscript considered the first guide to the Camino de Santiago. It contains information from the time about history, traditions, customs and routes in France and Spain.

7. The yellow arrows 

Photo by  schnurzipurz

The yellow arrows are found all along the Camino, painted on different surfaces (tree trunks, rocks, stones and walls). 
Relatively recent, from the early 80s, are distinctive signs so that pilgrims can orient themselves and follow the routes correctly without deviating.

8. The credential and the Compostela 

Every pilgrim must carry the credential to register each stage of the Camino completed on any of its routes.

This form is stamped in hostels, parishes, etc., and when you arrive in Santiago, and it is correctly filled in at the Pilgrim Reception Office, you get the Compostela. A document that certifies that the Camino has been carried out, fulfilling a series of necessary conditions.

9. Antarctic Road or White Road

With a starting point 14,075 km from Santiago de Compostela, on Deception Island in the Antarctic, the Antarctic Way is the most demanding distant route. Although she is not recognized as one of the officers. Inaugurated in 2016, the first group of pilgrims was formed by Spanish scientists and military.

10. The embrace of the Apostle

The traditional embrace of the apostle, found in the Cathedral of Santiago, marks the end of the Camino for pilgrims. It is an exciting act after the effort made, the experience lived and having successfully completed the feat.

11. Kilometre zero and the Cape of Finisterre

Photo of Le sixième rêve

Kilometre zero marks the end of the Camino for the vast majority of pilgrims. It is located in the Cathedral of Santiago, under the main altar, in the tomb of the apostle Santiago. However, some pilgrims continue a few more kilometers to conclude the crossing, to the Cape of Finisterre.

Also known as the end of the world, this magical place facing the Atlantic Ocean, is full of symbolism and invites to reflect and take stock of everything lived. The perfect farewell to an unforgettable adventure while contemplating the beautiful horizon.

12. Pilgrims and nationalities

Visitor records are recorded every year. In 2025, until July, more than 180 nationalities have collected their Compostela (about 300,000 people). Most of the pilgrims have been Spanish, and internationally, the first have been arrivals from the United States, followed by Germany and Portugal.

The various curiosities about the Camino de Santiago contribute to make the experience even more special. History, traditions and legends of yesteryear that persist today, intermixed with more recent ones, to connect you with a legacy that lasts after many centuries.

Photo of zally