Will it be possible to walk the Camino de Santiago in 2020?
This year Spain, as well as Portugal or France, has been forced to close its borders in March. The thousands of pilgrims who wanted to travel one of the many routes to Santiago de Compostela were affected by the coronavirus pandemic that hit us so hard. Some pilgrims had been planning this unforgettable journey for months or even years, but not all is lost!
Update on the situation of the Camino de Santiago in 2020
From the 8th of June, many communities are entering in Phase 3, which allows for free movement between provinces in the same region. In two weeks, if everything goes as planned, it will be possible to consider traveling freely throughout the Iberian Peninsula. The 21st of June, in fact, has been set as the date for the end of the state of emergency and the much desired “return to the normality”. Moreover, from July 1st, Spain will open its borders to international tourists who want to spend a holiday in our country.
Now, we are going to consider the Way of Saint James in this atypical scenario. We will try to understand which routes we could choose and what kind of situation we could live during the months that will follow the de-escalation planned by the Spanish Government.
First of all, we must consider that the closure of the borders, the security measures imposed and the monitoring of the cases in Spain have been decided by the competent authorities. The public health safety has always been their primary concern. This means that the gradual de-escalation steps and the measures to open up the borders and the tourism sector are the result of months of scientific assessments. The decisions implemented during these months are therefore in line with an action plan that has been studied in depth, in collaboration with the European Commission, and whose validity is guaranteed by the many professionals involved.
Walking the Camino with Galiwonders
For the Galiwonders team, ensuring the health of our clients has always been of primary importance. Therefore, it is for this reason that we have continued working, to be able to offer you the best service.
We have kept the deposits already paid valid for later, when traveling was again allowed and safe. Moreover, we have answered your questions as clearly as possible with the information we had available on the COVID-19 pandemic.
But above all, we have put the safety of our customers at the forefront. And we will continue to do so.
Considering all this, we want to look ahead as always with a positive and optimistic perspective and it seems that the numbers and the news that we receive every day, can help us in this mission.
How has been Galicia region affected by the COVID-19?
Thus, if we consider Galicia, fortunately we can state that the number of infections has been very low compared to the rest of the country and this represents a favorable element for the quick return to normality in this region.
Galicia is the autonomous community where you can find all the sections of the last 100 km of the Camino de Santiago, which also represent the minimum required to obtain the Compostela certificate if you walk the Way. The Xunta de Galicia, could develop an initiative of the tourist sector called, Galicia safe destination. This was possible not only to the dispersion of the population in rural villages and small towns, but also for the strong commitment of the Galician professionals.
This project aims to reactivate the tourism sector after the coronavirus health crisis. It offers a series of specific manuals with information on the hygienic-sanitary measures established by the Ministry of Health and also presents advice and training plans for Galician professionals.
Traveling to Galicia region in 2020
Without a doubt, this is just one of the strengths of the Galician tourism model. With its many resources of active tourism, in natural open spaces, you can enjoy the forests, the mountains or the wonderful Galician coast. The sustainability of this type of tourism, where the landscape is the real protagonist, may be the key to your holidays in 2020. A quiet, safe destination, with high quality products and enriched by the charm of a unique village.
All accommodations along the way have followed specific training courses, to implement the new health and safety measures for their guests, follow the regulation on maximum capacity and ensure the best customer service.
Measures to walk the Camino de Santiago in 2020
At Galiwonders we take these details very seriously and we ensure our clients that the structures chosen are in accordance with current regulations. This applies to all the services offered by our company, such as the transfer of your luggage between stages, restaurants reserved for dinners and hotel rooms. Each service has been carefully analysed to guarantee you the maximum security at all times.
Don’t forget that Galiwonders offers a 24h assistance service. Therefore, we will be able to help you every moment along your way to Santiago and you won’t have to worry about anything. So… what are you waiting for?
We know it will be a bit difficult at the beginning but it’s time to get back to normality, little by little. Carefully and with “sentidiño” as we say here. That means, with common sense and following the safety rules. Moreover, we can visualize how a route on foot, in the middle of nature and with reduced meetings of people during the way, can represent the best alternative for your holidays, this summer. At last you can stretch your legs after so many months of staying at home.
Eventually you can walk the many miles you were dreaming about. Outdoors, in full contact with nature! Getting that fills us with life and that we need after so many months locked up at home.
Remember that you can choose between many paths and if you are thinking of living a solo experience, with very few people around you, we can advise you many alternative routes. Discover secondary routes such as the Primitive Route, the Winter Route, the Northern Route or the Lighthouse Route. If you are looking to get away from the noise and live an adventure where only you and your path matter, one of these routes is what you are looking for.
Are we ready to walk the Camino de Santiago in 2020?
In spite of the situation, we want to see some positive aspects of this 2020 and doing the Way of Saint James is one of them. Without a doubt you will avoid the big crowds, on the most popular routes such as the French or Portuguese, which can sometimes cause a bit of a nuisance especially in the summer months
Also the local shops will treat you even better than during a trip in normal conditions, because they will appreciate your presence much more and you will be able to know the warm welcome of the Galician people.
By choosing to travel in such a sustainable way, contributing a large part of the local income thanks to local tourism, you will be participating in the support of the local small businesses and will be making a great contribution to the families that have always lived on the road.
Finally, we would like to thank you for having followed us and supported us with all your warmth during these difficult months, participating in our initiatives launched on social networks and maintaining your trust in us From Galiwonders we send you a warm hug (from a safe distance) and we hope to help you create your own path.
Galiwonders is your local agency of the Camino de Santiago!