With more and more people doing the famous Camino de Santiago in winter, we take a look at this new trend as well as the pros and cons of doing the famous pilgrimage over the colder months of the year in Spain.

You may be aware that most pilgrims usually do the Camino de Santiago over the summer months.

This is often characterised by early rises and long days spent sweating away under the summer sun. But in recent years a new trend has emerged: pilgrims taking on the trek during the colder winter in Spain.

READ ALSO: Top tips to safely enjoy Spain's Camino de Santiago on foot or by bike

What is the Camino de Santiago?

El Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage that leads to the shrine of the apostle Saint James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, north-western Spain, where many believe his remains are buried.

Nowadays many make the pilgrimage as a form of spiritual healing, be it for religious purposes or as a way of 'resetting' their busy lives.

It has become very popular with hikers and cyclists and organised tour groups and many people create their own personalised routes that end in Santiago de Comp