Walking the Camino: Cristina and Nacho’s Journey from Sarria to Santiago

Every Camino de Santiago story is unique. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Cristina and Nacho, a couple from Texas who walked the French Way starting in Sarria and finishing in Santiago de Compostela. Their reflections highlight the beauty, challenges, and lessons that the Camino offers to every pilgrim.

Choosing the French Way from Sarria

Cristina and Nacho began their journey in Sarria, the most popular starting point for pilgrims who want to walk the final 100 km of the French Way and earn the Compostela. They traveled from the U.S. to Madrid, then took a train to Sarria before beginning their pilgrimage.

From the very start, the walk became more than a physical journey, it was spiritual, cultural, and personal.

Perfect Weather and Perfect Memories

They walked in September, a time Cristina remembers fondly for its perfect weather—clear skies and no rain. Walking at their own pace (Nacho a little ahead, Cristina slower but steady), both found joy in different ways:

• Connection with faith: For Cristina, the Camino deepened her relationship with God.
• Health and well-being: The daily walking was both exercise and emotional renewal.
• Enjoying nature: From small towns to rolling countryside, the scenery provided beauty and peace.

And of course, there were the little pleasures, like freshly squeezed orange juice from roadside cafés, a simple joy Cristina still recalls with a smile.

Overcoming Challenges on the Camino

No Camino is without difficulties. Cristina developed blisters despite using Vaseline and Compeed, and resorted to wrapping her feet with gauze to keep moving. They also learned valuable lessons, such as eating before checking into their hotels.

Once, after arriving in town and taking time to shower, they found every restaurant closed for the Spanish afternoon break. Their improvised dinner of bread, ham, and cheese became a memorable Camino story in itself.

Walking with Intention

Both pilgrims approached the Camino thoughtfully:

• They trained in Texas for weeks before leaving, walking seven miles daily to build stamina, though they recommend hills whenever possible since the Camino includes challenging ascents and descents.
• They carried only light daypacks, sending luggage ahead to reduce strain. Cristina quickly realized her camera was too heavy and switched to using just her phone for photos.
• They chose hotels over albergues, preferring private rooms and bathrooms to recharge for the next day’s walk.

Community on the Road

Along the way, Cristina and Nacho met pilgrims from around the world.

Cristina was especially moved by encountering fellow Venezuelans, which gave her a sense of connection and comfort. They also witnessed inspiring moments of solidarity, like three friends helping their companion complete the Camino in a wheelchair, one pulling, one pushing, and one guiding.

Spirituality and Daily Rituals

For Cristina and Nacho, attending Mass each evening was an important part of their Camino. Staying in town centers allowed them to walk to churches easily and integrate faith into their journey. For them, the Camino was not only a physical achievement but also a spiritual practice.

A Taste of Galicia

Food and drink also left lasting memories. Nacho especially loved pulpo (octopus), while Cristina preferred chorizo, tortillas, and those unforgettable orange juices. They discovered the importance of timing meals in Spain, and they enjoyed returning to favorite restaurants—even twice in one day!

After Santiago: Exploring Galicia

Cristina and Nacho recommend staying several extra days in Santiago and exploring Galicia. After finishing their Camino, they rented a car and visited Vigo, Pontevedra, Asturias, and the stunning Playa de las Catedrales. They also toured a cooperative winery in the Rías Baixas region, learning about Albariño wine production. They even made it to Fisterra, once thought to be the “end of the world.”

Advice for Future Pilgrims

Cristina’s main advice: train and prepare, physically and mentally.

• Be ready for long walks, blisters, and the unexpected.
• Stay flexible and open to meeting people from around the world.
• Walk with intention, whether your Camino is about faith, fitness, nature, or connection.
• And, perhaps most importantly, carry light, every ounce counts.

Why They’d Walk Again

When asked if they would do it again, Cristina answered without hesitation: yes. Despite the blisters and the tired legs, the Camino gave them peace, beauty, and unforgettable memories. Next time, they may try a different route, perhaps the Northern Way or even the Portuguese Coastal Camino, but the draw of the Camino remains strong.

Cristina summed it up beautifully: “It was peaceful, it was painful, it was beautiful.”

Every Camino has its challenges, but it also offers pilgrims the chance to connect with themselves, with others, with nature, and with something greater.

Buen Camino!