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Hi Rebekah- I'm assuming you've done both parts of the trail. I'm definitely more into the historical authenticity. I was hoping the "spiritual" route was actually a peaceful spiritual experience, but it sounds like that isn't the case. Everywhere I travel needs to be historical/cultural, not at all modern with tourist traps, so it sounds like Caldas is more my style. Thank you so much for your input. Hopefully, some others will weigh in so I can make a decision. Thank you.Caldas does give you an opportunity to soak your aching muscles in springs that sore pilgrims have used for ages. If historical authenticity means a lot to you, it is the way to go.
The "Spiritual Variant" is a newly waymarked hiking trail that offers pretty scenery and a boat ride. I am still at a loss to understand what is particularly "spiritual" about it, but I guess that's marketing.
I have only walked the route through Caldas de Reis, although I've seen videos of the "Spiritual Variant".Hi Rebekah- I'm assuming you've done both parts of the trail. I'm definitely more into the historical authenticity. I was hoping the "spiritual" route was actually a peaceful spiritual experience, but it sounds like that isn't the case. Everywhere I travel needs to be historical/cultural, not at all modern with tourist traps, so it sounds like Caldas is more my style. Thank you so much for your input. Hopefully, some others will weigh in so I can make a decision. Thank you.
There was a whole thread on these forums recently complaining about the proliferation of souvenir shops in Santiago de Compostela (although I seem to recall seeing many of them in 1989 before the popularity explosion of the Camino).
Hi David- Thank you for your insight. Very helpful. I'll do a little more research then to see which route is truly best for me.I have only walked the route through Caldas de Reis, although I've seen videos of the "Spiritual Variant".
In my travels, I've often found that the historical/cultural often coincides with the modern and touristy. That's because many modern tourists are interested in seeing the history and culture. When you get to Santiago de Compostela, for example, you will be at a place of great historical and cultural significance. There will also be a lot of tourists and souvenir shops catering to them. There was a whole thread on these forums recently complaining about the proliferation of souvenir shops in Santiago de Compostela (although I seem to recall seeing many of them in 1989 before the popularity explosion of the Camino).
The route through Caldas de Reis is definitely the one that is better documented in historical records of pilgrimages. The town itself has quite the history. It also has a history (continuing into the present) of catering to tourists who come to "take the waters", and reap the reputed health benefits of the hot springs. If you want to stay an extra day there, there are nice spas where you can stay in luxury to do the same. If you aren't going to stay at those, there are a couple of public hot springs fountains. There is a small one right by the Camino where pilgrims are wont to soak their feet. That won't make the locals happy, as they see that as one for drinking water. There is a much larger one a few blocks away for foot soaking.
The "Spiritual Variant", as has been pointed out, has been waymarked more recently. It receives a fraction of the traffic that the main route receives. For that reason, it is somewhat less touristy. If quiet contemplation in nature during your walk is what you are looking for, you may find this one suits better. It does end with a boat ride for most people (although some choose to walk the last bit). The theoretical justification for the boat ride is that you are following the route taken by the remains of Saint James when they returned to Iberia after he was martyred. So there is supposed to be some history behind it. In terms of cheating, apparently the Cathedral officials don't consider it cheating (so long as one has walked far enough before taking the boat) and it does not disqualify one from receiving the Compostela. Those are the only pilgrimage rules I'm aware of that one could "cheat".
The theoretical justification for the boat ride is that you are following the route taken by the remains of Saint James when they returned to Iberia after he was martyred. So there is supposed to be some history behind it.
I walked Central and had a very good times in Caldas de Reis. Besides getting a water massage, I also ate amazing sardines in a tavern under the street level in the main road.
I've walked both, and liked bothI'm planning my trip for June 2020 and when reading about Caldas de Reis, I thought maybe I'd stay there an extra night since there are hot springs, Roman ruins, etc. It sounded really nice. Then I read somewhere that I should definitely take the Spiritual Route. Has anyone taken both and have an opinion about it?
Also, I haven't done my research on the Spiritual Route completely yet, but I see many people referencing a boat ride. To me that sort of feels like cheating the route/walk. Any feedback on the boat?
"Spiritual" can be a matter of personal perception or interpretation. My wife and I had one of our most spiritual Camino moments when we stayed one night at the Armenteira monastery on the Spiritual Variant. As part of that stay, we were able to attend the Vespers service at 7 p.m. At the conclusion, the nuns participating in the service had us and the other peregrino attendees come up for a pilgrims blessing. We found it quite touching and meaningful. The monastery grounds itself are quite lovely and quiet and we really enjoyed spending the night there.I was hoping the "spiritual" route was actually a peaceful spiritual experience, but it sounds like that isn't the case.
Yes, I had the same thought but having done it, it's not cheating at all. I haven't taken transport on any other camino but this is different because you travel in the wake of Santiago's posthumous journey. It very much feels in keeping with the camino spirit.Also, I haven't done my research on the Spiritual Route completely yet, but I see many people referencing a boat ride. To me that sort of feels like cheating the route/walk. Any feedback on the boat?
The "Spiritual Variant" is a newly waymarked hiking trail that offers pretty scenery and a boat ride. I am still at a loss to understand what is particularly "spiritual" about it, but I guess that's marketing.
Booking.com quite often have a deal at the Acuna that includes a Room, Breakfast and a session in their indoor hydrotherapy pool. The outdoor pool is free with hotel stay (non-guests can pay at Reception to use it), very warm (at +30C) and inviting but from memory and despite the water temperature it is not open all year round.I walked through the traditional route and really enjoyed my stay at Balneario Acuna in Caldas. It was one of the highlights of the whole route from Lisbon. While the rooms are definitely nothing special, the big hot springs pool on a cold wet day was absolutely amazing and I spent over 2 hours in there. Felt absolutely amazing afterwards.
Absolutely agree. In fact I find the use of this presumptuous name increasingly irritating. ...The "Spiritual Variant" is a newly waymarked hiking trail that offers pretty scenery and a boat ride. I am still at a loss to understand what is particularly "spiritual" about it, but I guess that's marketing.
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