How to get a Compostela without the crazy 100 k

[Barbara]

If you've already walked the Camino and have already got the Compostela why do you need another one? There are plenty of good long walks that avoid the crowds and are just as fulfilling.

I suppose it depends how much you have sinned since the last one....

 

[dangif123]

I have done twice the last 100 km (Norte and Francés), both in late September. Yes, the commercialism you notice near Compostela is annoying, but I actually have felt the large number of excited and happy pilgrims quite fun. It is just a different kind of experience.
As for the initial post of this thread...I frankly think that the rule of "two stamps every stage in the last 100k" is currently a clever ploy to promote local businesses. Even minuscule stands along the Camino, selling trinkets or refreshments offer "sellos". I don't mind, it is ok to me.

I have walked many times on the Camino since 1998 and the last bit from Saria is a boring mess . Some sights but always a hurry to get a bed and on the next morning very early. The first & second time exciting, but after not so much- The rule of walking at least 100 K to “qualify “for a Compostella is said to go back to the 1850’s . However is it the last 100 k or any 100 K . If you turned in your Credential showing you started in SJPP and got cellos every day to Portamarin , then took a bus to Santiago, would that qualify??? Anybody know for sure?

Are the last 100k of the Plata not a way less traveled?

I have walked many times on the Camino since 1998 and the last bit from Saria is a boring mess . Some sights but always a hurry to get a bed and on the next morning very early. The first & second time exciting, but after not so much- The rule of walking at least 100 K to “qualify “for a Compostella is said to go back to the 1850’s . However is it the last 100 k or any 100 K . If you turned in your Credential showing you started in SJPP and got cellos every day to Portamarin , then took a bus to Santiago, would that qualify??? Anybody know for sure?

The Camino De La Plata is supposed to have the most scenic last 100k from Orense to SDC. Perhaps this route is also less of a motorway than the others as it’s the end of the least walked Camino…?

 

[AnneMarie1]

Perhaps deviate at Ponferrada on the Invierno for a less crowded walk?

This is what I'm planning to do. Also starting at Somport.

 

[mgshanks]

I have done twice the last 100 km (Norte and Francés), both in late September. Yes, the commercialism you notice near Compostela is annoying, but I actually have felt the large number of excited and happy pilgrims quite fun. It is just a different kind of experience.
As for the initial post of this thread...I frankly think that the rule of "two stamps every stage in the last 100k" is currently a clever ploy to promote local businesses. Even minuscule stands along the Camino, selling trinkets or refreshments offer "sellos". I don't mind, it is ok to me.

I came on to say something similar. I found from Saria onwards a different experience but not an unpleasant one. I completed in early August which is surely one of the busiest times of the year and didn't have any difficulty getting a bed and still had large stretches of the Camino to myself.

 

[Caroline de Wit]

I have walked many times on the Camino since 1998 and the last bit from Saria is a boring mess . Some sights but always a hurry to get a bed and on the next morning very early. The first & second time exciting, but after not so much- The rule of walking at least 100 K to “qualify “for a Compostella is said to go back to the 1850’s . However is it the last 100 k or any 100 K . If you turned in your Credential showing you started in SJPP and got cellos every day to Portamarin , then took a bus to Santiago, would that qualify??? Anybody know for sure?

When you are in Ponferada, why don't you walk the Camino Invierno from there???

 

[nicollb]

I'm assuming if you've walked caminos for nearly 25 years, on each camino you've have to hunt down the twice-a-day stamp in order to get all those compostelas, correct?

2013 I don't remember any 2/day stamp rule... I got my Compostela (started in SJPP)

 

[C clearly]

2013 I don't remember any 2/day stamp rule... I got my Compostela (started in SJPP)

I have no doubt that you got your Compostela without 2 stamps/day, but I don't see what the relevance is today, given the clarity of the Pilgrim Office website.

 

[Dilbin]

I have walked many times on the Camino since 1998 and the last bit from Saria is a boring mess . Some sights but always a hurry to get a bed and on the next morning very early. The first & second time exciting, but after not so much- The rule of walking at least 100 K to “qualify “for a Compostella is said to go back to the 1850’s . However is it the last 100 k or any 100 K . If you turned in your Credential showing you started in SJPP and got cellos every day to Portamarin , then took a bus to Santiago, would that qualify??? Anybody know for sure?

Hi. I understand where you are coming from with regards to the last 100kms. When I did Del Norte in 2019 I took a detour and only joined the madness for the last 10kms. As people have said there are alternative routes. Having also done the Portuguese I found the last two stages cumbersome with many tour groups etc on the way. The Ingles sounds interesting. Personally having been to Santiago twice I'm not too pushed about the end game on future Caminos. Another option is the Salvador from Leon to Oviedo which was beautiful and very few pilgrims. They issue a separate Compostela for that route in the Cathedral in Oviedo so maybe thats an option worth trying. Daniel

 

[Globetrottingpilgrim2010]

I have walked many times on the Camino since 1998 and the last bit from Saria is a boring mess . Some sights but always a hurry to get a bed and on the next morning very early. The first & second time exciting, but after not so much- The rule of walking at least 100 K to “qualify “for a Compostella is said to go back to the 1850’s . However is it the last 100 k or any 100 K . If you turned in your Credential showing you started in SJPP and got cellos every day to Portamarin , then took a bus to Santiago, would that qualify??? Anybody know for sure?

My question is what is the need for receiving a Compostela each time you walk, especially since you’ve been walking the Camino since 1998? If it is important to receive a Compostela each time you walk, I’d suggest (like others have) walking a different route. If you simply enjoy long distance walking there are countless other walks throughout Europe and elsewhere in the world that will likely provide you with stunning scenery, great food and simple walking enjoyment without the crowds.

 

[Philtration]

You can avoid the crowds in the last 100k, just plan to walk/sleep off-stage. In 2021 it was a conga line heading out of Sarria. We changed to walking off-stage and it was immediately back to normal density. Not quite the meseta, but much more comfortable for our taste.

 

[Tincatinker]

They issue a separate Compostela for that route in the Cathedral in Oviedo so maybe thats an option worth trying

That ain't no Compostela. The Visitors Desk in the Cathedral do issue a very nice certificate to those who have made their way to Oviedo on foot. You'll also get free access to the Cathedral and Camara Sancta. But it isn't a Compostela

 

[Charlie Davenport]

That’s a pity as the last bit is so crowded and that would have been an option . It is nice to meet your “ comrades” at the square

Have done 3 Camino Portuguese, Late April-Early May, September and Early May ... 2017, 2019, 2022 respectively and can't say I had a problem with "crowds" ... the crowds were in Santiago, but they were fine also... Need to set expectations a little lighter and not be bothered by other people enjoying what you are enjoying...

 

[Spartan Sandie]

I read this thread with interest. This year will be the ninth year I have volunteered to work at the Pilgrim Office. Since 2014, I have missed only one year - due to the COVID situation.

As a consequence of this experience, I have learned well the policy / rules regarding who is eligible for the Compostela. Here they are - in bullet form - to make it crystal clear.

• A pilgrim must walk the FINAL 100 km into Santiago
• This distance must be on an APPROVED Camino route - the pilgrim office has a list of these routes.
• The route must END at the Cathedral in Santiago.
• The progress or this pilgrimage journey must be recorded on a suitable credencial (approved by the Cathedral authorities - Pilgrim Office). Daily diaries are not sufficient.
• The pilgrim must have affixed in their credencial TWO SELLOS (rubber stamps) each day while on their journey. These stamps must be in chronological order and demonstrate that the pilgrim walked in a logical order on their pilgrimage route into Santiago. Beyond 100 km, a single sello is acceptable.

I have seen exceptions made due to circumstances beyond a pilgrim's control. For example, eight pilgrims are walking in a group. They follow the exact same route and stay at the exact places. One of the eight pilgrims in the group loses their credencial a night or two before Santiago. All reasonable attempts to find the credencial are futile. I have seen authorities accept a replacement credencial affirmed to by all the other members of the group.

I have also seen long distance pilgrims, coming from St. Jean Pied de Port, or farther away, granted a Compostela, even if they did not have more than a single sello for every single one of their final days into Santiago. The office staff and volunteers can examine the pilgrim, their credencial, story and gear to readily determine wether this person did in fact go the entire distance.

This even happened to me on my second Camino from France in 2014. I forgot to get the second stamp on two of the final five-days. But, the entirety of my presentation more than supported the fact that I had walked the entire route. Long distance pilgrims, look, act, and sometimes smell different that short distance pilgrims. Their gear and clothing also show signs of having been on Camino for a longer period of time,.

Exceptions are VERY rare - but they do happen. There is no rule book for granting exceptions. The staff use experience and common sense to determine when, where and how to grant any exception to the rules above. They are not cruel and heartless. They are trying to enforce reasonable standards equally.

Bottom line - follow the rules I listed above. you will have no problem getting a Compostela for walking a minimum 100 km pilgrimage into Santiago. For bicyclists, the distance is 200 km. On a horse - 100 km. Riding a horse brings with it challenges that make the journey more difficult than riding a bicycle.

I my experience, people seem to have problems when they say they started at Muxia or Finisterre, then walked over 100 km on a "higgly piggly" route of their own contrivance to finally arrive at Santiago. The problem is not that they did not walk 100 km or more. The problem is that the route they followed is not an approved Camino route. The process for acceptance as a Camino route is a long one and carefully managed by the Cathedral authorities.

I hope this helps clarify matters.

Tom

Hi Tom,
Can I check on something if you don't mind. What if you start in santiago, walk to Muxia, Finisterre then back to Santiago, would this be accepted for a compostela? Do you know please, your time in this will be much appreciated.
Sandie

 

[Tincatinker]

Hi Tom,
Can I check on something if you don't mind. What if you start in santiago, walk to Muxia, Finisterre then back to Santiago, would this be accepted for a compostela? Do you know please, your time in this will be much appreciated.
Sandie

I can answer that while Tom is busy. The walk from Santiago counts for nothing, though it is a great walk.
Walking from Fisterra to Muxia (or contrariwise) and then to Santiago equates to a pilgrimage to Santiago of more than 100kms on a recognized route and therefore entitles the pilgrim who meets the other criteria of the Pilgrims’ Office to request a Compostela. Just to emphasize (or rub it in, some might suggest) a walk from Santiago is not a pilgrimage to Santiago.

If you undertake that delightful triangular walk you’ll get a Compostela for two legs, not three

 

[Canche]

I have walked many times on the Camino since 1998 and the last bit from Saria is a boring mess . Some sights but always a hurry to get a bed and on the next morning very early. The first & second time exciting, but after not so much- The rule of walking at least 100 K to “qualify “for a Compostella is said to go back to the 1850’s . However is it the last 100 k or any 100 K . If you turned in your Credential showing you started in SJPP and got cellos every day to Portamarin , then took a bus to Santiago, would that qualify??? Anybody know for sure?

There are plenty of other ways to get 100km. Other Caminos like the Ingles por part of the Invierno. I agree the part from Sarria to Santiago is awful.

 

[Lrsawdog5]

I finished my first pilgrimage on All Hallows Eve 2022 mesmerized by the Cathedral in Santiago de Compestela! I walked 60 days from SJPdP and by October 31st the crowds had trailed off. I never prebooked Sarria to Santiago. Yes, I saw the buses, the singing school groups, the excited turigrinos and it made me more excited for my arrival. I live in Colorado where there are all kinds of long hikes as well as other places in the world: St Olaf's in Norway, Kumano Kudo in Japan or any remote hikes in Patagonia. I'd say go somewhere else and find your bliss!

 

[Tincatinker]

There are plenty of other ways to get 100km. Other Caminos like the Ingles por part of the Invierno. I agree the part from Sarria to Santiago is awful.

Awful, as in fill you with awe at the magnificence of creation. “Such life, so much humanity, so do we come to our very selves in the throng of what was wrought…”

 

[Canche]

Awful, as in fill you with awe at the magnificence of creation. “Such life, so much humanity, so do we come to our very selves in the throng of what was wrought…”

To each his own.

 

[Tigger]

I should add that, in medieval times, if you were on the road and could prove to be very sick/dying (dying was of course a valid proof), you could get your Compostela in Villafranca del Bierzo, in the church at the entrance to the town: A final service from the church... It still stands there, as a church, but today you'll have to keep on walking: New rules...

So no Monty Python wagon to pick up the dead and carry them on to Santiago then?

 

[trecile]

That ain't no Compostela. The Visitors Desk in the Cathedral do issue a very nice certificate to those who have made their way to Oviedo on foot. You'll also get free access to the Cathedral and Camara Sancta. But it isn't a Compostela

Right. It's a Salvadorana. And the certificate that is issued in Fisterra is a Fisterrana, and in Muxía you can collect a Muxiana. On the Portuguese Camino you can get a Pedronia in Padrón to round out your collection to add to whatever drawer you put your certificates.

The end of each Camino; all the pilgrim's certificates.

There are many certificates apart from the Compostela, some of them as well as the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago and here we show you all.

viajecaminodesantiago.com

 

[Germander]

I have walked many times on the Camino since 1998 and the last bit from Saria is a boring mess . Some sights but always a hurry to get a bed and on the next morning very early. The first & second time exciting, but after not so much- The rule of walking at least 100 K to “qualify “for a Compostella is said to go back to the 1850’s . However is it the last 100 k or any 100 K . If you turned in your Credential showing you started in SJPP and got cellos every day to Portamarin , then took a bus to Santiago, would that qualify??? Anybody know for sure?

You are required to walk the LAST 100kms of any recognised Camino route in order to get your Compostela - you are not confined to the Camino Frances. So this means you can walk from Tui to Santiago on the Portuguese Way; Ferrol to Santiago on the English Way; the Portugeuse from Baiona; Camino Sanabres from Ourense; or the Camino de Invierno from Monforte. These routes are nowhere near as busy as the Camino Frances, so the choice is yours. There is plenty of info available on distances for each stage and albergues etc. Just remember it is the last 100kms of one of these routes, there is no way around this.

 

[Arctic_Alex]

This even happened to me on my second Camino from France in 2014. I forgot to get the second stamp on two of the final five-days. But, the entirety of my presentation more than supported the fact that I had walked the entire route. Long distance pilgrims, look, act, and sometimes smell different that short distance pilgrims. Their gear and clothing also show signs of having been on Camino for a longer period of time,.

And the same happend to me 2019 ... I deliberately only went for one sello a day as I did not want to start a second credential as the first one was nearly filled up with sellos. The friendly person at the office told me that he would make this an exception but next time I should please follow the rules ;-)

But on a related issue: I plan to walk the Camino Primitivo, but in Melide leave the Primitivo straight south (walking) and join the Camino Sanabrés near Lalín. I know this is not really a shortcut and I will have more than 50 km walking off any Camino route but I want to avoid the last crowded bit into Santiago on the Primitivo/Francés. But I wonder, despite being on the Sanabrés less than 100 km, if I still have a chance for a compostela? After all I walked the last 100 and more, just I walked in on two different recognised routes with an unofficial connection between the two. Is this more of a grey zone or a guaranteed no?

 

[Lindsay53]

And the same happend to me 2019 ... I deliberately only went for one sello a day as I did not want to start a second credential as the first one was nearly filled up with sellos. The friendly person at the office told me that he would make this an exception but next time I should please follow the rules ;-)

But on a related issue: I plan to walk the Camino Primitivo, but in Melide leave the Primitivo straight south (walking) and join the Camino Sanabrés near Lalín. I know this is not really a shortcut and I will have more than 50 km walking off any Camino route but I want to avoid the last crowded bit into Santiago on the Primitivo/Francés. But I wonder, despite being on the Sanabrés less than 100 km, if I still have a chance for a compostela? After all I walked the last 100 and more, just I walked in on two different recognised routes with an unofficial connection between the two. Is this more of a grey zone or a guaranteed no?

Interesting question ArcticAlex. The 'recognised Camino route' rule may come into play here and disqualify you. Can the Pilgrims Office give you an answer?

 

[Kirkie]

@Germander states: You are required to walk the LAST 100kms of any recognised Camino route in order to get your Compostela

Does that answer your question?

 

[alexwalker]

So no Monty Python wagon to pick up the dead and carry them on to Santiago then?

With a good travel insurance, it can be arranged Call me.

 

[Flog]

But on a related issue: I plan to walk the Camino Primitivo, but in Melide leave the Primitivo straight south (walking) and join the Camino Sanabrés near Lalín. I know this is not really a shortcut and I will have more than 50 km walking off any Camino route but I want to avoid the last crowded bit into Santiago on the Primitivo/Francés. But I wonder, despite being on the Sanabrés less than 100 km, if I still have a chance for a compostela? After all I walked the last 100 and more, just I walked in on two different recognised routes with an unofficial connection between the two. Is this more of a grey zone or a guaranteed no?

Officially it would be a no, it won't entitle you to a compostela since you will have walked only the last 55km or so of the Sanabres, an official route into Santiago. Or you might convince or persuade them to make an exception for you because you've walked further, on another route..

But you could also ask yourself.. you have one or more compostelas already, yes? What about forgoing another one and saving the busy staff the headache of having to indulge yet another pilgrim who feels entitled to a special dispensation because they wanted to "avoid the last crowded bit into Santiago"

 

[LavanyaLea]

I plan to walk the Camino Primitivo, but in Melide leave the Primitivo straight south (walking) and join the Camino Sanabrés near Lalín.

There are different options to branch off from the Primitivo - head over to the Primitivo thread for more details. NB: these are not on officially accepted Camino routes, so… compostela or not will depend on who you meet at the Pilgrim’s Office.

From Lugo (100k) join Camino Verde (marked in green!) to Friol then Sobrado dos Monxes (Norte) - great monastery there, funny monks, make good beer and wine. Don’t miss the Roman temple/bath in Santa Eulalia de Boveda (you can also visit this on normal Primitivo on the stage between Lugo and Ferreira).

Or from Lugo, stay on Primitivo until Ferreira. Then follow a homemade 25km path to Sobrado (then follow the Norte). Every 10-15km or so, there may be a yellow arrow (!). There is GPX routing provided by Albergue Ponte Ferreira.

Sobrado is 60km from Santiago, so strictly speaking these route variations won’t entitle you to a compostela.

Perhaps one day the Camino Verde will be added to official list of recognised routes…

From Sobrado to Santiago there are at least 3 alternative routes… these are official alternative/complementary routes with Camino mojones showing you directions and distance. So you can avoid people on the Frances by avoiding to join in Arzua (standard Norte will have you join Frances in Arzua). The alternatives will join Frances in A Brea or Lavacolla.

After all I walked the last 100 and more, just I walked in on two different recognised routes with an unofficial connection between the two. Is this more of a grey zone or a guaranteed no?

Grey zone! Officially it is a no. So don’t do it if you really want to get a compostela.

 

[Arctic_Alex]

There are different options to branch off from the Primitivo - head over to the Primitivo thread for more details. NB: these are not on officially accepted Camino routes, so… compostela or not will depend on who you meet at the Pilgrim’s Office.

From Lugo (100k) join Camino Verde (marked in green!) to Friol then Sobrado dos Monxes (Norte) - great monastery there, funny monks, make good beer and wine. Don’t miss the Roman temple/bath in Santa Eulalia de Boveda (you can also visit this on normal Primitivo on the stage between Lugo and Ferreira).

Or from Lugo, stay on Primitivo until Ferreira. Then follow a homemade 25km path to Sobrado (then follow the Norte). Every 10-15km or so, there may be a yellow arrow (!). There is GPX routing provided by Albergue Ponte Ferreira.

Sobrado is 60km from Santiago, so strictly speaking these route variations won’t entitle you to a compostela.

Perhaps one day the Camino Verde will be added to official list of recognised routes…

From Sobrado to Santiago there are at least 3 alternative routes… these are official alternative/complementary routes with Camino mojones showing you directions and distance. So you can avoid people on the Frances by avoiding to join in Arzua (standard Norte will have you join Frances in Arzua). The alternatives will join Frances in A Brea or Lavacolla.


Grey zone! Officially it is a no. So don’t do it if you really want to get a compostela.

Thank you for all the effort
Been there (Primitivo forum) and had my discussions already last year. As my hard requirement is to walk all of the Primitivo which I have not already walked, I must walk until Melide. This rules our most other alternative routes into Santiago. So my only two options are to either continue on the Francés/Primitivo till the end or if i want to avoid the Melide-Santiago stretch which I already know ... to build my own walk-around as described ;-)
Another Compostela would be just a nice to have and is hence secondary.

 

[Arctic_Alex]

Officially it would be a no, it won't entitle you to a compostela since you will have walked only the last 55km or so of the Sanabres, an official route into Santiago. Or you might convince or persuade them to make an exception for you because you've walked further, on another route..

But you could also ask yourself.. you have one or more compostelas already, yes? What about forgoing another one and saving the busy staff the headache of having to indulge yet another pilgrim who feels entitled to a special dispensation because they wanted to "avoid the last crowded bit into Santiago"

"who feels entitled" is certainly totally wrong wording here when it comes to me.
If there is a chance I will stand in line and ask. If it is a no, so be it, that takes only 30 seconds maybe. I never said I want to force anyone at the office into a discussion as I felt "entitled" to anything.
If it is very crowded, I might certainly consider hopping over it anyway.

 

[Flog]

"who feels entitled" is certainly totally wrong wording here when it comes to me.

When it comes to you? Do you feel entitled to different wording or something?

If there is a chance I will stand in line and ask. If it is a no, so be it, that takes only 30 seconds maybe. I never said I want to force anyone at the office into a discussion as I felt "entitled" to anything.

Well, in reality, no it most certainly won't take 30 seconds if a volunteer at the desk is unsure and has to ask someone more experienced and there will be to-ing and fro-ing, looking at stamps etc. Sure, at the end of it, the pilgrim might walk away with the compostela that they are or aren't 'entitled' to, but there will be a time element to consider - for all involved. Just saying.

At the end of the day, staff and volunteers want to see happy pilgrims and strive to please everyone, but there is no pleasing everyone.

I'm happy for you that another compostela is a secondary consideration, then you won't be too disappointed if it doesn't work out.

Buen Camino

 

[Arctic_Alex]

When it comes to you? Do you feel entitled to different wording or something?

In this context regarding me and a Compostela, yes.

 

[Arctic_Alex]

Buen Camino

And thank you, I hope this time my travel plans work out ...!

 

[Scott Sweeney]

I suppose it depends how much you have sinned since the last one....

What does a Compostela have to do with sinning or not sinning?

 

[David Tallan]

What does a Compostela have to do with sinning or not sinning?

Since the middle ages there has been an indulgence (reduced time in Purgatory) associated with pilgrimage to Santiago. (In Holy Years it is a plenary or full indulgence, even more attractive for believing Catholics). So there is a connection in many people's minds between pilgrimage to Santiago and remission of sins.

Since a Compostela is certification of completing a pilgrimage to Santiago, many people see it as connected to that remission of sins. But it isn't really. A Compostela is certification of walking a certain distance to Santiago for religious or spiritual purposes or at least in the spirit of searching (those aren't the exact words, but they capture the gist). On the other hand, for the purpose of remediation of sins one must come to Santiago as a Catholic pilgrim, visit the relics of the saint (I believe) and confess and take communion. There is no minimum walking distance. You can fly directly to the SdC airport.. And there is no requirement to get a Compostela.