Where are the Pilgrim Credential Offices?

[Michael Mattalo]

Okay, as the day to our first Camino gets closer, I think of questions and hope this is not a silly one. Are there only certain towns along the way where you can get your official Camino stamp or do most towns along the route have a Camino office? We are following John Brierley's guide, but there may be times we stray from the plan . . . thanks for your patience as I explore these silly details.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Hi Michael , they will stamp your Credencial in the alberque.
But you can get stamps almost everywhere.
Remind that you need two stamps a day at the last 100km. That is from Sarria to Santiago.
Wish you a wonderful time and a Buen Camino,Peter.

 

[trecile]

I think that you can even get a stamp at the Post Office!

 

[C clearly]

Assuming that you have your credencial, you will have no problems getting it stamped. However, there are limited places where you can get the credencial.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

There is only one "Pilgrim Office" and it's in Santiago where you present your credencial to get a compostela or other achievment certificate, if you qualify.

Other than that, some towns may have a "Camino Association" office of some sort, but honnestly, other than the ome in SJPP I have never been to one. In fact when I tried to go to the ine in Barcelona to pick up a credencial it was closed despite the fact that I showed up during opening hours.

Stamps are available at albergues, bars, churches, post offices, some are offered by locals who live along the route and leave a stamp out with fruit and water for pilgrims, etc.

 

[Michael Mattalo]

Thanks everyone. We are staying in budget priced hotels versus hostels / auberges along the way. We did not purchase a credencial yet - I was told we can do this in SJPdP. Will this be an issue?
Michael

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Thanks everyone. We are staying in budget priced hotels versus hostels / auberges along the way. We did not purchase a credencial yet - I was told we can do this in SJPdP. Will this be an issue?
Michael

Not an issue.

 

[Michael Mattalo]

Gracias.

 

[KinkyOne]

Thanks everyone. We are staying in budget priced hotels versus hostels / auberges along the way. We did not purchase a credencial yet - I was told we can do this in SJPdP. Will this be an issue?
Michael

You will get official Camino Frances credencial in SJPdP Pilgrim Office along with some other info about the route, albergues, weather etc. But you can also order it from Forum Shop.

 

[Bala]

Michael, regardless of your type of accommodation, if it is anywhere near the Camino you can be pretty well assured they will have a stamp. (And it's a good bet there will be other pilgrims there as well. ) They generally stamp and date it when you check out in the morning. Enjoy!!

 

[KinkyOne]

...They generally stamp and date it when you check out in the morning. Enjoy!!

Usually not at least they never stamped mine in the morning on any of my Caminos. When you check into the albergue hospitaleros have to identify you as a pilgrim with credencial and that's when they stamp and date it.

 

[Bala]

Usually not at least they never stamped mine in the morning on any of my Caminos. When you check into the albergue hospitaleros have to identify you as a pilgrim with credencial and that's when they stamp and date it.

If course, in albergues. The OP is planning on staying in budget hotels, though. My experience in hotels, inns, casa rurals, was that they mostly stamped in the mornings. Main thing is, everybody has stamps!

 

[kerdi]

Thanks everyone. We are staying in budget priced hotels versus hostels / auberges along the way. We did not purchase a credencial yet - I was told we can do this in SJPdP. Will this be an issue?
Michael

Hi
Buen Camino. You will get Credentials at the Pilgrims Office in StJDP. Easy to find. They will give you one for a donation of a few Eurros.