Traditionally, pilgrims from overseas would arrive in Spain by boat. The English way took pilgrims from Britain, as well as other areas of northern Europe, Germany or Scandinavia. Visitors journey by boat arriving at one of two northern port towns, A Coruna or Ferrol.
A Coruna, while a traditional starting point, is just 75km from Santiago de Compostela, meaning that Pilgrims starting from this town will not qualify for a Pilgrim Certificate, which requires the traveller to walk at least the last 100km.
The 118km route from Ferrol qualifies, and includes pretty coastal views before heading inland passing towns of Pontedeume and Betanzos as you cross the green Galician countryside.
