This Friday, October 23, Galicia faces a complicated day on its coast due to the strong sea storm, a situation that also forces pilgrims who travel the sections of the Camino de Santiago closest to the Atlantic to take extreme precautions.
The weather forecast maintains adverse conditions in the coastal waters of Lugo, A Coruña and Pontevedra, with strong waves, wind and episodes of rain. The situation especially affects areas exposed to the sea, so the authorities recommend staying away from breakers, beaches, breakwaters, dikes and other points where the waves could be dangerous.
The notice does not imply the general closure of the Caminos de Santiago, but it does advise modifying some usual decisions of pilgrims during the day.
The most exposed roads
One of the itineraries that requires the most attention is the Portuguese Coastal Way.
The route enters Galicia through A Guarda and continues through Oia, Baiona and the Vigo area before moving inland. Many of its first kilometers allow you to walk very close to the ocean and offer some of the most spectacular landscapes of the entire Portuguese Way.
Precisely for this reason, during a sea storm it is advisable to avoid getting unnecessarily close to beaches, rocks, promenades and areas where waves can reach apparently safe places.
The extension of the Camino towards Fisterra and Muxía also requires special caution.
The surroundings of the Costa da Morte have numerous elevated points exposed to the wind and waves. Places like Cape Fisterra or the area around Muxía are some of the most visited spaces by those who continue walking after arriving in Santiago.
On days of strong storms, contemplating the sea from places too close to the coast can quickly become a dangerous situation.
Also attention in A Mariña
Pilgrims on the Camino del Norte who cross A Mariña in Lugo must also follow the meteorological evolution.
Although a good part of the Jacobean route progressively leaves the first coastline after entering Galicia, the surroundings of Ribadeo and other points close to the Cantabrian Sea can register wind, rain and adverse conditions.
Something similar happens in the first kilometers of the Camino Inglés from Ferrol or A Coruña.
The alert is maritime and does not necessarily mean that inland trails are dangerous, but the associated weather conditions may cause slippery terrain, mud, falling branches or additional difficulties when walking.
Santiago is not under a maritime alert
It is important to differentiate the coastal storm from the conditions that a pilgrim may encounter in Santiago de Compostela or in the inland stages.
The Galician capital is not directly exposed to maritime risk.
However, rain, wind and humidity can accompany walkers during different points of the routes, so it is advisable to check the forecast before starting each stage.
An orange alert on the coast does not mean that all roads are closed either.
Early this Friday there is no general closure of the Jacobean routes associated with the storm.
Prudence before getting a stage
Pilgrims walking through Galicia today should avoid improvising detours to beaches or coastal areas to contemplate the storm.
It is also advisable to use appropriate waterproof clothing, properly protect your phone and documentation, check the status of the route before leaving and heed any indication from Civil Protection, emergency services or municipal authorities.
If conditions worsen, shortening a stage or waiting a few hours may be the best decision.
The Camino will still be there tomorrow.
A sea storm can transform a seemingly quiet place on the coast in a few minutes.
And on days like this, going a few kilometers further should never be more important than arriving safely.
