The Other Certificates of the Camino de Santiago

Besides the Compostela, there are many other Camino de Santiago certificates: the Cotolaya, the Perregrina, the Compostela Dual, the Fisterrana, the Pedronía, the Salvadorana and many more. We tell you where to get them and what you need for each one.

All pilgrims know that there are many Camino de Santiago routes to walk and that, on arriving in Santiago, they can get the Compostela. What not everyone knows is that there are many other pilgrimage certificates you can get when you walk a Jacobean route. If you consider yourself a seasoned pilgrim and want a great pilgrim résumé, keep reading, because there is a lot of ground to cover: the Camino de Santiago "Peregrinoteca" is very extensive.

Documents issued in Santiago, besides the Compostela

Beyond the world-famous pilgrim certificate, the Compostela, in Santiago you can get other documents. Here they are.

The Cotolaya

Also known as the "Franciscan Compostela", the Cotolaya is a certificate awarded by the Franciscan community of Santiago to pilgrims who arrive in the city. It has been issued since 2014, when the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi's pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela was commemorated. Its name comes from the legend of Saint Francis and the charcoal burner Cotolay: according to tradition, the saint of Assisi made the pilgrimage to Santiago in the XIII century and good old Cotolay welcomed him into his home. Saint Francis also entrusted him with building the convent of San Francisco, very close to the cathedral.

Head to the sacristy of the church of San Francisco and show your well-stamped credential to get this free certificate, although donations are accepted.

The "Perregrina"

Our furry friends make great companions on the Camino de Santiago, and walking the Camino with your dog is a wonderful experience. What is more, your best friend can be recognized as a "perregrino", as long as they carry their well-stamped canine credential.

The Asociación Protectora de Animais do Camiño (APACA) issues the canine credential and its certificate, the "Perregrina" or canine Compostela. What is raised goes to help abandoned animals on the Camino.

The Compostela Dual

Since 2015 it has been possible to get this very special certificate, although we warn you that you will have to travel a bit. It is given free of charge to those who complete the two pilgrimage routes that are World Heritage Sites. Which ones are they? The Camino de Santiago, in Spain, of course, and the Kumano Kodo, in Japan.

You can get the certificate when you finish both routes, either in Santiago or in the city of Tanabe (Japan). It is a curious pilgrimage that will take you from sunrise to sunset.

Documents issued along the Camino de Santiago

There are also other certificates given along the Jacobean routes, as proof of having reached some special place. Some were once certificates of passage that worked as safe conducts and guaranteed pilgrims safety and hospitality.

The Fisterrana and the Muxiana

If you walk the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre and Muxía, you can get two certificates: the Fisterrana in Finisterre and the Muxiana in Muxía. It is a very special route, the one that takes pilgrims to the End of the World.

When you reach these towns, you can ask for them at their public hostels or at their tourist offices by showing your stamped credential.

The Ayeguina

Another old safe conduct is the Ayeguina, the certificate proving that you have walked the first 100 kilometers of the French Way from Roncesvalles to Ayegui. It was formerly issued by the medieval monastery of Irache; today it is given in this Navarrese town.

The Olvidada

When you finish the Forgotten Way, which runs from Bilbao to Villafranca del Bierzo, you can get the Olvidada. This certificate, which has its own credential, is given at the Tourist Office of Villafranca del Bierzo. The Forgotten Way has another possible starting point in Pamplona and is considered one of the oldest Jacobean routes.

The Pedronía

On the Portuguese Way of the Camino de Santiago you can get a very special certificate. When you pass through Padrón, where according to tradition the remains of the Apostle James arrived, you can ask for the Pedronía. You can also get it if you walk the Portuguese Way by the Coast.

And if you choose the Spiritual Variant, you also pass through Padrón. The Pedronía is given at the Tourist Office of Padrón and at the municipal pilgrim hostel, and costs 2 €. You just need to show your credential with the stamp of the church of Santiago de Padrón or that of Santa María de Iria Flavia.

The Lebaniega

The Lebaniega, with its own credential, is given to those who walk the Lebaniego Way. This route is a detour from the Northern Way that leaves from San Vicente de la Barquera to reach the monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana.

For centuries this monastery has safeguarded the Lignum Crucis, the relic considered to be part of the cross on which Jesus died. It also celebrates its own Lebaniego Jubilee Year, just as Santiago de Compostela celebrates the Holy Year.

The Salvadorana

This certificate is earned by walking the Salvador Way, which runs from León to Oviedo. The saying makes the importance of this route clear: "Whoever goes to Santiago and not to the Savior, visits the servant and forgets the Lord". Remember that the Holy Chamber of the cathedral of Oviedo houses relics as important as the Holy Shroud.

There is a credential specific to the Salvador Way, although any other works, with one stamp per stage. On reaching Oviedo, the Salvadorana is requested at the cathedral, where it is free, and it is also issued by the city's pilgrim hostel.

The Ignaciana

This is the certificate of the Ignatian Way, the route taken by Saint Ignatius of Loyola in 1522 from Loyola (Guipúzcoa) to Manresa (Barcelona), before sailing for the Holy Land. It has its own credential, which you can pick up in Azpeitia, in Manresa and in some of the cities the route passes through. It works like the Jacobean credential, although a stamp and the date at each stage are enough.

The Ignaciana is collected at the end of the route, in Manresa, and is given to those who cover at least 100 km on foot or 200 km by bike. The credential and the certificate cost 0,50 € each.

The Carta Peregrina

It is a good example of an old safe conduct that has survived to this day. At the midpoint of the French Way of the Camino de Santiago on the Iberian Peninsula lies Sahagún, in the province of León. At the sanctuary of the Virgen Peregrina or at the Casa de la Cultura of this town, you can get the Carta Peregrina. It is free, although donations are welcome.

Pilgrims who walk the Camino de Santiago from Madrid, which ends in this historic town, regard it as their final certificate.

The Jacobea Canaria

Bet you did not know there is a Camino de Santiago and a certificate from the Canary Islands? If you are from the islands, you probably know the Camino de Santiago of Gáldar, the "path among volcanoes" on the island of Gran Canaria. Since 1965, the church of Santiago de los Caballeros in Gáldar has had the same jubilee privileges as the cathedral of Compostela. This Jacobean Way, which has its own credential, lets you get the Jacobea Canaria.

A broad pilgrim résumé

There are many routes and many certificates. Some details, such as where they are given or their prices, may change over time, so it is best to confirm them before you set out. If you do not have any yet, we recommend starting with the first one, the Compostela.

After your first experience, you will feel inspired to walk other Jacobean routes and to expand your pilgrim résumé. Once you are clear about which Camino you want to do, calculate the price of your Camino de Santiago here and start filling your credential with stamps. Ultreia!