What's the Significance of the Scallop Shell on the Camino?

  • By Eva Jul 09, 2019
Scallop Shells Backpack & Pillar

When walking the Camino you will see countless scallop shells, as this is the most iconic symbol associated with The Way. Painted on buildings, on official Camino signs, in store windows and on travelers’ backpacks, the simple shell becomes a friendly image that shows pilgrims they are on the right path. But how exactly did this symbol become so popular and representative of The Road of St. James?

shell
scallop shell

Easygoing Camino

pilgrims posing with picture along the Camino
Our easygoing Camino is perfect for those wanting to experience walking the Camino but are worried about keeping up with the daily distance and fitness level. We believe the journey is the destination and that’s why our popular Easygoing Camino allows travelers to break up the Camino into smaller stages, walking less than 10 miles a day, but still have the authentic experience and immersion into the beauty of Spain. Let us handle all the details to make your trip an unforgettable one.
Last 100 Km Tours
French Camino Tours
$3,995

Santiago de Compostela

San Martin Pinario Monastery
In the morning, take some time to tour Santiago's main landmarks. Find out about Santiago's rich cultural heritage and visit its famous monuments and squares. Your Camino adventure ends after breakfast. If you would like to extend your tour with other activities, let us know and we'll arrange them for you. Congratulations, you did it!

Ventas de Narón - Palas de Rei

Camino landscape on the way to palas de Rei
Today we will leave Ventas de Narón. Before we enter the town of Ligonde we will see the famous cruceiro de Lameiros, from 1670, that represents Jesus' passion and death on its base. Towards the end of the stage we will visit the famous monastery of Vilar de Donas, with the Church of our Savior, where we will enjoy a guided tour. Back on el Camino, we will reach the larger town of Palas de Rei for dinner and overnight stay.

Portomarín - Ventas de Narón

Roman and modern bridges over the Minho river
Today we will leave Portomarin behind, as we make our way to Gonzar where we will see the romanesque St Mary's church which is very well conserved. Further on, we will visit the Castro of Castromaior, a series or celtic ruins from pre-roman times. We will stop when we reach Ventas de Naron, with a small chapel that seems to suggest the existence of an old pilgrim's hospital, just before the Sierra de Ligonde.

O Pedrouzo - Lavacolla

Church on the way to Lavacolla
Today we will be crossing into the Santiago province, a reminder that we are getting close to our final destination. Beautiful eucalyptus forests will surround us during most of the stage. As we approach the main road, we'll see small crosses that travelers have attach to the barriers as symbols of their pilgrimage.

Meet in Madrid

madrid train station backdrop with skyscrapers
Our team will meet you in Madrid where our journey will begin. Your welcome packet contains directions to the station and your meeting point. Our trip starts with a journey by train to Sarria, where we will have our welcome dinner and spend the night, resting as we prepare for the first walking day.

Morgade - Portomarín

St Nicholas Church in Portomarin
Today we will set out on foot for Portomarín, famous for its roman bridge and medieval churches. Our itinerary will take us through forest paths lined with oak and pine trees. We will pass by the Romanesque church of St Mary and cross several small towns until we start a sharp descent to the Mino river. We will enter the town through its old roman bridge rebuilt with steps that lead to a chapel. We'll enjoy a wonderful dinner and a well deserved rest.

Sarria - Morgade

Church of San Salvador
Our first day on el Camino! In Sarria we will see the first cross or cruceiro, located on a vantage point above the city. Then after we pass by Mary Magdalen's convent, we will leave the city through the medieval bridge Ponte Aspera. We will be walking through meadows and chestnut forests most of the way, perfect places to enjoy your picnic lunch. We will also see some of our first hórreos (granaries) along the way as we reach the official 100Km marker.
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