Spain is known for some of the pilgrimage routes people choose to take and those home buyers in the Costa Blanca sometimes like to follow these footsteps. Whether you choose to make a pilgrimage to enhance your well-being, for spiritual or religious reasons, to raise funds for your favourite charity, or to explore and really experience more of this wonderful country we have chosen to live in, most people return feeling positive and uplifted by the experience.
El Cid was the nickname derived from the Arabic al-sid meaning lord. The name was given to the medieval Knight Rodrigo Díaz Vivar who was exiled from court and went on to command a Moorish army after the Christian defeat. He went on to combine his own Christian and Moorish army and created his own fiefdom in Valencia. was famous for raising an army which moved around the Arab Kingdoms This route stretches across Spain following in this medieval knight’s footsteps and is a great route to follow for those who buy property in the Costa Blanca because one of the main routes begins just to the south of Valencia crossing part of the country to Burgos in the Castile and León region. The route will take you from your home in the Costa Blanca across the plains of Valencia, passing through Zaragoza, Guadalajara and Teruel and into the rugged mountains and charming medieval villages that can be found in the north western region of Castile and León and finishing in Burgos which is full of historical sights to visit including the 12th century Romanesque Monastery of Santa María la Real de las Huelgas and you final destination the Gothic Cathedral where El Cid’s tome can be found. During your journey you should take time out to explore Calatayud and 8th century city where you can see the remains of an Islamic fortress and in Daroca to admire the impressive city walls. Molina de Aragón has stately homes and fascinating medieval quarter and a castle. There are many other places of interest to see on your journey so take time to plan carefully and decide how long you want to take and where you want to stop. The route is trails divided into different stages it takes about 13 days on foot, 6 days if you choose to cycle the route and if you just want to take a leisurely drive the route by road is more circuitous and takes a relaxing 3 days.
If you are looking for peace away from the busy coastal life on the Costa Blanca, then this might be the perfect pilgrimage for you. Inland from the Costa Blanca is the serene Monastery of Santa María de la Huerta. This 14th century retreat offers peaceful cloisters, tranquil gardens and is a refuge for reflection. The atmosphere and history of this spiritual haven mixes seamlessly with the natural beauty of its surroundings. If desired pilgrims are welcome to attend mass or just wander through the grounds to soak up the experience. The journey for those who buy villas in Moraira the route will take several days to walk but, only about 4 hours by car if you just want a short but, peaceful escape.
This is probably one of the most famous pilgrim routes with people following different routes from various countries and regions of Spain to arrive in Santiago de Compostela where it is believed that the apostle Saint James is buried. Although the traditional route starts in France there are several other branches including, for those who buy property in the Costa Blanca, the Camino Valenciano or Camino de Santiago Levante. The Valencian way winds it’s way up from Valencia along a stunning Mediterranean route with wonderful views and through historical towns before turning inland to cross Spain from east to northwest and can be joined at various point along the northern Costa Blanca. The walking route will take about 9 days to complete depending upon your own requirements and frequency of stops. Your journey will take you through five Spanish regions and some fascinating cities such as Albacete, Toledo, Avila and Zamora. Albacete is the larges city in Castilla-La Mancha and is located on a vast area of flat farmland, its name is taken from the Arabic meaning plain Al-Basit. Toledo is a city of where the three religions of Christian, Muslim and Judaism have lived side by side for centuries and can be seen by visiting the Gothic cathedral which is located close to a 10th century mosque and two synagogues. This beautiful city has been depicted in paintings of El Greco. Avila is a walled city, one of the best preserved and complete in Europe the walls protect this tranquil medieval city with its interesting churches, cobbled streets and delicious cuisine. Zamora is located on the banks of the Duero River and is also a walled city full of history and art. When you reach your goal and enter Santiago del Compostela you will find so much more than the iconic Cathedral where the relics believed to be those of James the Apostle were discovered in the 9th century. This is a living city with many attractions for travellers whether on pilgrimage or not and a great place to sample the delicious seafood of Galicia. Although proud of its history and old town centre the city also houses some daring contemporary art. Most people who complete the Camino say that it does change their life in a positive way, so why not plan your journey and see who you will meet, what exciting experiences you will encounter and what stories you can recount when you return to your home in the Costa Blanca.
Carefully plan and prepare for your journey from the Costa Blanca, book accommodation in advance so that you are not left stranded and decide how many kilometres you can realistically and comfortably walk each day. Budget carefully and take out insurance for any unforeseen events. It is well worth purchasing a guidebook with will give details of each route with maps, historical information and recommendations for accommodation.
Pilgrimages are not just for religious reasons, these journeys offer you a wonderful opportunity to get to know Spain, its history, culture and natural beauty as well as giving you a chance to have a complete change from your normal routine. If you have the time, energy and budget plan your walk and perhaps ask for sponsorship to raise funds for a local charity, they are always grateful for any help that they can get and will be happy to support your journey.
A Hamiltons Real Estate guide written in 2024 by our team (formally known as Hamiltons of London)
