Pilgrim Offices on the Camino

Located at 39 Rue de la Citadelle, this office marks the official Camino Francés starting point and operates daily year-round with seasonal hours (7:30am–8pm summer, 10am–5pm winter). Multilingual staff provide credentials, detailed route information, Pyrenees weather forecasts, and accommodation lists for the challenging first stages. Processing over 60,000 pilgrims annually, summer mornings see significant queues; afternoon arrivals avoid the rush. Staff offer advice about the demanding Napoleon Route and Valcarlos alternative based on fitness and weather conditions.

Available at the Cathedral of Pamplona on Calle Dormitalería and the municipal albergue, approximately 90 kilometers from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Credentials are available if starting mid-route or replacing lost documents, with weekday hours and reduced weekend availability. Pamplona marks the first major city after the Pyrenees crossing, making it ideal for credential replacement, route consultation, or obtaining additional Camino information. Staff provide accommodation lists for upcoming stages through Rioja wine country. The office sees moderate traffic compared to starting points.

The official Camino Português starting point at Sé do Porto issues credentials near Terreiro da Sé, operating weekdays from 9am–12:30pm and 2:30pm–5:30pm. Alternative sources include Casa do Infante, the Albergue de Peregrinos, and various city churches. Both the Coastal and Central route variants use the same credential system, allowing flexibility in route choice during the walk north. The cathedral area experiences heavy tourist traffic; early morning visits provide quieter credential collection, and staff are well-accustomed to serving international pilgrims beginning their journey to Santiago.

The most popular "last 100km" starting point at Iglesia de Santa Mariña on Rúa Maior issues credentials daily with extended hours May–October (8am–9pm) and reduced hours November–April. Alternative sources include the municipal albergue and tourist office. The parish processes more credential requests than any location except St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, as the medieval town exists primarily to serve pilgrims walking the exact minimum Compostela-qualifying distance. This church marks the beginning of the Camino's busiest and most crowded section.

Located at the Cathedral of León in the city center, approximately 480 kilometers from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The office provides credentials, comprehensive information services, and serves as an informal community hub where pilgrims exchange experiences. Staff offer detailed advice for the challenging Meseta section ahead and the upcoming Montes de León mountain crossing. León's office helps pilgrims assess their progress, make accommodation plans for quieter stretches ahead, and connect with support services if equipment replacement or medical referrals are needed.

The main pilgrim office at Rúa Carretas 33 issues Compostelas for all Camino routes ending in Santiago, operating daily with extended hours during peak season (9am–9pm April–October, 10am–7pm November–March). The process involves taking a numbered queue ticket, waiting for the digital board to display your number, presenting your stamped credential to staff, answering brief questions about your pilgrimage motivation and route, and receiving your personalized Latin certificate. Wait times average 30 minutes on weekdays but can extend to 2–3 hours during peak summer periods.

The small port office in Finisterre issues the Fisterrana certificate for pilgrims completing the 90-kilometer extension from Santiago, operating with summer hours of 10am–2pm and 4pm–8pm, reduced during winter months. The certificate requires no religious motivation, though many pilgrims skip formal documentation. The office maintains a relaxed atmosphere compared to Santiago's high-volume efficiency, with staff offering local information about beaches, coastal trails, and bus schedules back to Santiago for return journeys to catch flights or trains.

Located near St. Peter's Basilica, the Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi issues the Testimonium certificate for pilgrims completing the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route that traditionally extends from Canterbury, England to Rome, covering approximately 2,000 kilometers through France, Switzerland, and Italy. Unlike the Camino system, the Via Francigena follows distinct pilgrimage traditions dating to a 10th-century English archbishop's documentation of this historic route to the Vatican. Staff provide completion certificates and can offer guidance on credential requirements.