What is the Compostela?
The Compostela is an official document, issued by the Pilgrim Information Office in Santiago, which certifies that you have completed the Way of St. James for religious or spiritual reasons. It is a highly valued symbol for those who walk this historic route.
What is the minimum distance to obtain it?
To obtain the Compostela you must meet the following requirements:
- On foot or on horseback: You must have travelled at least 100 kilometres to Santiago de Compostela.
- By bicycle: The minimum is 200 kilometres.
This means that you don't need to walk the entire French or Portuguese Way from the beginning. You can start at an intermediate point, as long as you meet the minimum distance and reach Santiago.
Common starting points for meeting the minimum
If you want to do the minimum necessary to obtain the Compostela, here are some of the most popular starting points:
- From Sarria (French Way) - 114 km
- From Baiona (Portuguese Way along the coast) - 124 km
- From Ferrol (English Way) - 118 km
- From Ourense (Vía de la Plata or Camino Sanabrés) - 111 km
These routes are designed to meet official requirements and are ideal if you are short on time but don't want to miss out on the experience.
How is the distance travelled verified?
To prove that you have done the Camino, you will need the Pilgrim's Credential, a document where you will stamp your passage through hostels, churches, bars or official points along the route.
For the last 100 km, you must stamp at least twice a day (morning and afternoon), as proof of your journey.
What if you do it for non-religious reasons?
Although the Compostela is only granted if you do the Camino for faith, promise or spiritual reasons, you can also request a certificate of distance, which certifies the route you have done, without the need to justify the reason.
In a nutshell
- Minimum on foot or on horseback: 100 km
- Minimum cycling: 200 km
- You need a credential with stamps to verify your journey.
- The Camino can start from strategic points such as Sarria, Baiona or Ferrol.
- The Compostela is free of charge, but it is important to fulfil the following conditions
Are you ready to embark on the Camino?
Whether you walk 100 km or more than 800, the value of the Camino is in every step you take. And if your goal is to get the Compostela, now you know exactly how far you need to walk to reach it. ¡Buen Camino!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is the Compostela?
The Compostela is an official certificate awarded in Santiago de Compostela to those who complete the Camino for religious or spiritual reasons. It is a symbolic recognition highly valued by pilgrims.
2. What is the minimum distance to obtain the Compostela?
On foot or horseback: you must travel at least 100 km. By bicycle: the minimum is 200 km. The most important thing is that the route ends in Santiago de Compostela and is properly documented.
3. Where can I start from to meet the minimum requirement?
Some popular starting points that meet the minimum distance are: Sarria (French Way) - 114 km Baiona (Portuguese Way along the coast) - 124 km Ferrol (English Way) - 118 km Ourense (Sanabrés Way) - 111 km
4. What documents do I need on the road?
You need the Pilgrim's Credential, which you will stamp along the route. For the last 100 km, two stamps per day (morning and afternoon) are required for the route to be valid.
5. Can I get a certificate if I do not do the Camino for religious reasons?
Yes, although the Compostela is only awarded if the reason is spiritual or religious, you can request a Certificate of Distance, which certifies the number of kilometres covered and the route travelled, without the need to justify the purpose.
