The Camino de Santiago de Compostela Map: Navigating the Coastal Route

As I re-read Tony Brierley's guidebook on the Senda Litoral, a section of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela that runs along the coast of Spain, I was struck by his negative assessment of its markings. But for me and my fellow pilgrims, the ocean breeze proved to be a welcome respite from the heat inland, and we found the winds manageable. Of course, there were moments when we strayed off course – I missed a turn once and ended up at a dead end, but it wasn't far backtracking to get back on track.

What I appreciated most about this section of the Camino was its carefree nature. The dunes occasionally engulfed the boardwalk, forcing us to push through overgrown sections, but with the ocean always in sight, we never had to worry about getting lost. In fact, I often found myself so absorbed in the scenery that I didn't even notice which path we were on half the time.

One of our group members brought along the Wise Pilgrim app, which proved to be a useful tool for navigation, but we also enjoyed the freedom from constant checking and worrying about taking the right turn. When presented with an option, we simply took the path that seemed closest to the water's edge – and we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the ocean.

In the end, I think it's safe to say that we didn't always know which section of the Camino we were on, but we loved every minute of it. If you're considering taking on this coastal route as part of your own pilgrimage, don't let Brierley's warnings deter you – with a little flexibility and an appreciation for the beauty around you, you'll find that the Senda Litoral is a truly unforgettable experience.

Camino de santiago de compostela map