Today, I’m sharing highlights from my recent chat on the podcast with Yolanda, a Spanish teacher from Valencia. Yolanda told me about her experience cycling the Camino de Santiago way back in 1993.
Yolandas’s Camino
Yolanda completed the Camino Francés in 1993!
Back then, the Camino was far less crowded than it is today, though it still felt lively since it was a Holy Year (Año Jacobeo). She cycled the Camino Francés from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Santiago de Compostela with a group of coworkers in just 17 days.
In 1993 there were not as many accommodation options as today, and it was a busy year on the Camino. The existing albergues were not enough, so Yolanda recalls camping along the way in special tents set up just for cyclists. These campsites were well-equipped with comfortable mattresses, proper showers, and even laundry facilities.
Yolanda described her journey as “privileged.” They had fantastic weather for most of the trip, with no rain until they reached Galicia.
Even more surprising? They didn’t get a single flat tyre over 800 kilometres! That said, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. On one particularly tough day, they had to ride 90 kilometres to find a place to sleep, leaving Yolanda completely exhausted by the time they arrived.
Still, the experience of cycling through different landscapes, meeting pilgrims from around the world, and feeling connected to nature made it unforgettable. As Yolanda puts it, “It was magical – the skies, the air, the feeling of moving at your own pace.”
Valencia
Yolanda and I also talked about her hometown: Valencia, starting point of the Camino de Levante and a city she highly recommends visiting. She suggests renting a bike to explore the Jardín del Turia, a 12-kilometre park from which you can go into different parts of the city, like the old town or the stunning Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.
And, of course, you can’t leave Valencia without trying its famous rice dishes. Yolanda explained that while paella is the most well-known, there are countless other varieties, including arroz al horno (baked rice), arroz a banda (seafood rice), and arroz del senyoret (rice with peeled seafood – perfect for the “rich gentleman” who doesn’t want to get his fingers dirty).
Final Thoughts
Yolanda’s story is a reminder of how unique every Camino experience can be—whether you’re walking, cycling, or simply dreaming of your journey. Her 1993 pilgrimage might seem worlds apart from today’s Camino, but the magic of connecting with others, enjoying the journey, and embracing life at a slower pace is timeless.
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