Day 32 - Padron to Santiago de Compostela

Distance on the Camino - 18.5 miles
Total for today - 20.5 miles

There was something different about waking up this morning—an anticipation unlike any other day on the Camino. Sure, the knee pain was still there, the morning routine was familiar, and we still had our usual plan to meet up with Gina before starting the day. Our room sat directly across from the train station, and throughout the night we heard the trains coming and going. Knowing that one of those trains could take us directly to Santiago in just 35 minutes somehow added to the feeling that today was different. We weren’t taking the train though—we were walking the final leg.

We got an early start around 6:30 a.m. because we had about 25 kilometers ahead of us. A light drizzle and cool temperatures made for perfect walking weather. As we set out, there was a quiet excitement in the air. This was it—the last stretch to Santiago, the destination we had been working toward for weeks. This is where all the lines on the scallop shell converge, where pilgrims from different routes and different countries come together with a shared purpose.

The day itself was another beautiful reminder of what I would call “real life” in rural España. We followed paths that ran near the railway tracks, passed through larger towns and tiny villages, and watched everyday life unfold around us. Farmers tended their gardens and land. Chickens wandered through backyards while roosters announced the morning. Goats, dogs, cats, and beautiful horses peacefully grazed or rested nearby. We saw old stone homes standing beside renovated modern houses, each with its own story. Residents greeted us with smiles and friendly nods, seemingly unfazed by the endless stream of pilgrims passing through their communities.

As always, we took our time along the way, stopping at cafés for a café con leche and a chance to rest our feet. The occasional stop to remove a pebble from a shoe or simply catch our breath became part of the rhythm of the day.

There were noticeably more pilgrims on the trail today. Everyone seemed to be smiling, chatting, and energized by the fact that Santiago was finally within reach. People from all over the world walked together, often speaking different languages, yet somehow communicating perfectly through the simple greeting, “Buen Camino.” One of the greatest gifts of this journey has been meeting fellow pilgrims, hearing their stories, and sharing a few miles together. Those conversations always make the distance pass more quickly.

The route included several steep climbs, but after weeks of walking, our legs have grown stronger and more accustomed to the challenge. We felt confident tackling the hills, knowing exactly what awaited us at the end of the day.

Eventually, Santiago came into view. The first glimpse of the cathedral brought a surge of excitement, but there were still several kilometers to go. As the countryside gradually gave way to the city, sidewalks replaced dirt paths, and our feet certainly noticed the difference. We even made a brief stop at a phone store to replace the screen protector on my phone after countless drops along the Camino had left it covered in cracks and scratches.

As we approached the city center, it became clear that there were many different paths leading toward the cathedral square. It felt symbolic. Thousands of pilgrims had arrived by different routes, each carrying their own stories, struggles, and reasons for walking, yet all of those paths led to the same destination.

And then we entered the square.

There is something truly awe-inspiring about stepping into a place like that. Hundreds of people filled the plaza—individuals, couples, families, and groups—all celebrating their accomplishment in their own way. Some were emotional, some were reflective, and others were simply overwhelmed with joy. It was especially heartwarming to watch a large group of teenage girls singing together as they walked the final few hundred meters into the square.

We stopped for celebratory photos before making our way to the Pilgrims’ Office, where we received our Compostela certificates. Holding that certificate was a thrilling and emotional moment after all the miles we had walked. We also spent some quiet, reflective moments in the small chapel nearby before wandering through the city.

Tonight, Bob and I are celebrating in a very special way. We are staying for two nights at the Parador, a beautiful historic hotel dating back to 1908. It feels like the perfect place to mark the completion of this incredible journey. We are looking forward to enjoying a nice dinner, listening to music in front of the cathedral, and staying up later than our usual Camino bedtime of 8:30 p.m.

The day’s journey certainly took its toll. Our feet, knees, and legs are reminding us of every kilometer we have walked. The long distances, steep climbs, and challenging descents have tested us physically in ways we never imagined. Tonight, our bodies are ready for some well-earned rest.

As I reflect on today, my heart is filled with gratitude. God has blessed us with the health, strength, and opportunity to experience adventures like this. The Camino has challenged us, inspired us, introduced us to wonderful people from around the world, and reminded us how fortunate we are.

Tomorrow will be a rest day before we begin the next chapter of our journey—the Camino from Santiago to Finisterre. But tonight, we celebrate.

Buen Camino.Læs mere