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Maria G. CaminoWays

Written by Maria G. CaminoWays

Maria is from Viveiro, in the misty and beautiful northern coast of Galicia, and now calls Ireland her adopted home. She adores Santiago, where she studied Journalism at Santiago de Compostela University. She also loves travel, food, books, and arty and crafty. She has walked and cycled many trails including many Camino routes, Japan's Kumano Kodo, the Kerry Camino in Ireland and many others.

The Puente de la Rabia Legend

15 September 2026 / By

The Puente de la Rabia Legend The Puente de la Rabia (“Rabies Bridge”) is a medieval stone bridge over the River Arga in Zubiri, Navarra, on Stage 2 of the Camino Francés between Roncesvalles and Pamplona. According to local legend, animals led three times around its central pillar were cured of rabies. The custom lasted

The Puente de la Rabia Legend Read More »

The Puente de la Rabia Legend The Puente de la Rabia (“Rabies Bridge”) is a medieval stone bridge over the River Arga in Zubiri, Navarra, on Stage 2 of the Camino Francés between Roncesvalles and Pamplona. According to local legend, animals led three times around its central pillar were cured of rabies. The custom lasted

The Collegiate Church of San Isidoro

Hotel on the Camino: Hotel Real Colegiata San Isidoro

10 September 2026 / By

Hotel Real Colegiata San Isidoro: sleeping inside an 11th-century monastery The Real Colegiata de San Isidoro in León is one of the great Romanesque buildings of Spain — a basilica, a royal pantheon holding eleven kings, a cloister, a library and a museum, all in one complex in the middle of the city. Since 2005

Hotel on the Camino: Hotel Real Colegiata San Isidoro Read More »

Hotel Real Colegiata San Isidoro: sleeping inside an 11th-century monastery The Real Colegiata de San Isidoro in León is one of the great Romanesque buildings of Spain — a basilica, a royal pantheon holding eleven kings, a cloister, a library and a museum, all in one complex in the middle of the city. Since 2005

Lavacolla: The Pilgrims Washing Place

26 October 2026 / By

Lavacolla: the pilgrims washing place Lavacolla is a village about 10km from Santiago de Compostela, on the final stage of the Camino Francés. Medieval pilgrims stopped here to wash in the stream before entering the holy city, a custom recorded in the 12th-century Codex Calixtinus. Today the village is best known as the home of

Lavacolla: The Pilgrims Washing Place Read More »

Lavacolla: the pilgrims washing place Lavacolla is a village about 10km from Santiago de Compostela, on the final stage of the Camino Francés. Medieval pilgrims stopped here to wash in the stream before entering the holy city, a custom recorded in the 12th-century Codex Calixtinus. Today the village is best known as the home of

Santo Domingo de la Calzada: the Miracle of the Hen

9 September 2026 / By

Santo Domingo de la Calzada: the Miracle of the Hen Santo Domingo de la Calzada is a town of around 6,700 people in La Rioja, 561km from Santiago de Compostela on the Camino Francés. It is known for the miracle of the hen, a medieval legend in which a roasted cockerel and hen stood up

Santo Domingo de la Calzada: the Miracle of the Hen Read More »

Santo Domingo de la Calzada: the Miracle of the Hen Santo Domingo de la Calzada is a town of around 6,700 people in La Rioja, 561km from Santiago de Compostela on the Camino Francés. It is known for the miracle of the hen, a medieval legend in which a roasted cockerel and hen stood up

Villafranca del Bierzo: Little Compostela

25 October 2026 / By

Villafranca del Bierzo is a beautiful mountain town on the Camino Francés, the last major stop before the great climb into Galicia — and one of the most meaningful places on the whole route. Known as ‘la pequeña Compostela’, “little Compostela”, it’s famous for a remarkable privilege: pilgrims who cannot complete the journey to Santiago

Villafranca del Bierzo: Little Compostela Read More »

Villafranca del Bierzo is a beautiful mountain town on the Camino Francés, the last major stop before the great climb into Galicia — and one of the most meaningful places on the whole route. Known as ‘la pequeña Compostela’, “little Compostela”, it’s famous for a remarkable privilege: pilgrims who cannot complete the journey to Santiago

Ponferrada and the Iron Bridge: The Origin of its Name

26 October 2026 / By

Ponferrada is a historic town in the El Bierzo region of north-west Spain and one of the last major stops on the Camino Francés before Santiago de Compostela. It takes its name from a medieval iron-reinforced bridge built for pilgrims, and today it’s best known for its striking Knights Templar castle, its handsome old town,

Ponferrada and the Iron Bridge: The Origin of its Name Read More »

Ponferrada is a historic town in the El Bierzo region of north-west Spain and one of the last major stops on the Camino Francés before Santiago de Compostela. It takes its name from a medieval iron-reinforced bridge built for pilgrims, and today it’s best known for its striking Knights Templar castle, its handsome old town,

Walking the Camino in hot weather

26 October 2026 / By

August is one of the hottest months on the Camino de Santiago, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C on inland routes. The key to walking comfortably in the heat is simple: start early, pace yourself, stay hydrated, protect your skin and rest during the hottest part of the day (12pm–3pm). On coastal routes like the Camino

Walking the Camino in hot weather Read More »

August is one of the hottest months on the Camino de Santiago, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C on inland routes. The key to walking comfortably in the heat is simple: start early, pace yourself, stay hydrated, protect your skin and rest during the hottest part of the day (12pm–3pm). On coastal routes like the Camino

Inside pages of a Camino Pilgrim Passport showing collected stamps along the Camino de Santiago.

Pilgrim Passports & Certificates Explained in Detail

25 October 2026 / By

Camino Pilgrim Passports & Certificates Explained This guide breaks down the key differences between the various Camino Pilgrim Passports (Credencials) and the official certificates you can receive, including the well-known Compostela. 1. Traditional Camino Passport & Compostela Certificate Many walk the Camino de Santiago for spiritual, personal, or social reasons. Regardless of your motivation, you’ll

Pilgrim Passports & Certificates Explained in Detail Read More »

Camino Pilgrim Passports & Certificates Explained This guide breaks down the key differences between the various Camino Pilgrim Passports (Credencials) and the official certificates you can receive, including the well-known Compostela. 1. Traditional Camino Passport & Compostela Certificate Many walk the Camino de Santiago for spiritual, personal, or social reasons. Regardless of your motivation, you’ll

Finisterrana Certificate

Finisterrana and Muxiana Camino Certificates

25 October 2026 / By

The Finisterrana (also called Fisterrá in Galician) is the official pilgrim certificate awarded to walkers and cyclists who complete the Camino Finisterre, the route from Santiago de Compostela to Cape Fisterra on the Atlantic coast of Galicia. Pilgrims who continue on to Muxía can also receive a second certificate, the Muxiana. Both certificates are issued

Finisterrana and Muxiana Camino Certificates Read More »

The Finisterrana (also called Fisterrá in Galician) is the official pilgrim certificate awarded to walkers and cyclists who complete the Camino Finisterre, the route from Santiago de Compostela to Cape Fisterra on the Atlantic coast of Galicia. Pilgrims who continue on to Muxía can also receive a second certificate, the Muxiana. Both certificates are issued

What does the word ‘Ultreia’ mean?

25 October 2026 / By

Ultreia” (pronounced ool-TRAY-ah) is a Latin word meaning “onwards” or “beyond“, used as a traditional greeting and rallying cry between pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. The traditional response is “Et Suseia” (meaning “and upwards”). The phrase dates back to the 12th-century Codex Calixtinus, the earliest known guide to the Camino de Santiago. The Camino

What does the word ‘Ultreia’ mean? Read More »

Ultreia” (pronounced ool-TRAY-ah) is a Latin word meaning “onwards” or “beyond“, used as a traditional greeting and rallying cry between pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. The traditional response is “Et Suseia” (meaning “and upwards”). The phrase dates back to the 12th-century Codex Calixtinus, the earliest known guide to the Camino de Santiago. The Camino

camino cycling etiquette

Bike etiquette on the Camino

25 October 2026 / By

September is one of the busiest months on the Camino, with walkers and cyclists sharing the trails. Understanding good bike etiquette on the Camino is essential to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for everyone. As cycling continues to grow in popularity, knowing how to ride considerately helps preserve the unique spirit of the

Bike etiquette on the Camino Read More »

September is one of the busiest months on the Camino, with walkers and cyclists sharing the trails. Understanding good bike etiquette on the Camino is essential to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for everyone. As cycling continues to grow in popularity, knowing how to ride considerately helps preserve the unique spirit of the

Via de la Plata Diary – Gus’s Camino Story

21 September 2025 / By

A Journey on the Via de la Plata Every Camino tells a different story. For Gus from Canada, the Via de la Plata became more than just a trail across Galicia—it was six days of friendship, resilience, and discovery. Starting in Ourense, Gus joined friends old and new to walk the final 100 km of

Via de la Plata Diary – Gus’s Camino Story Read More »

A Journey on the Via de la Plata Every Camino tells a different story. For Gus from Canada, the Via de la Plata became more than just a trail across Galicia—it was six days of friendship, resilience, and discovery. Starting in Ourense, Gus joined friends old and new to walk the final 100 km of

Camino Pilgrims Office in Santiago de Compostela

26 October 2026 / By

When you complete your Camino journey in Santiago de Compostela, you can visit the Pilgrims’ Office to receive your Compostela certificate along with a warm and friendly welcome. The Pilgrims’ Office, officially called the Oficina de Acogida al Peregrino, is located right in the heart of the city, only a short walk from the Santiago

Camino Pilgrims Office in Santiago de Compostela Read More »

When you complete your Camino journey in Santiago de Compostela, you can visit the Pilgrims’ Office to receive your Compostela certificate along with a warm and friendly welcome. The Pilgrims’ Office, officially called the Oficina de Acogida al Peregrino, is located right in the heart of the city, only a short walk from the Santiago

Amazing coastal route

6 Amazing Coastal Trails on the Camino de Santiago

26 October 2026 / By

“Have you seen my beloved by the waves of the sea of Vigo?” asked Martín Códax, a famous Galician troubadour of the 13th century. If the sea also inspires you, just as it inspired poets of the past, here are 6 amazing Camino coastal trails to spark your next walking adventure. 1 – Portuguese Coastal

6 Amazing Coastal Trails on the Camino de Santiago Read More »

“Have you seen my beloved by the waves of the sea of Vigo?” asked Martín Códax, a famous Galician troubadour of the 13th century. If the sea also inspires you, just as it inspired poets of the past, here are 6 amazing Camino coastal trails to spark your next walking adventure. 1 – Portuguese Coastal

Vineyards on Camino de Invierno

Secret Camino: Camino de Invierno

28 August 2025 / By

Every year, thousands walk the Camino de Santiago, but some seek a quieter path. The Camino de Invierno, or Winter Way, is the newest official route. This trail offers stunning landscapes and hidden paths. It is ideal for those wanting a less-travelled Camino experience. This route takes you through peaceful villages, lush vineyards, and dramatic

Secret Camino: Camino de Invierno Read More »

Every year, thousands walk the Camino de Santiago, but some seek a quieter path. The Camino de Invierno, or Winter Way, is the newest official route. This trail offers stunning landscapes and hidden paths. It is ideal for those wanting a less-travelled Camino experience. This route takes you through peaceful villages, lush vineyards, and dramatic

How to access money on the Camino-256314.jpg

How to Access Money on the Camino

28 August 2025 / By

How to Access Money on the Camino Running out of money on the Camino is something no traveller wants to experience. It can be stressful on any holiday. In very remote places, accessing money can be difficult. Thankfully, this is not the case on the Camino de Santiago. Payment Methods on the Camino Spain, like

How to Access Money on the Camino Read More »

How to Access Money on the Camino Running out of money on the Camino is something no traveller wants to experience. It can be stressful on any holiday. In very remote places, accessing money can be difficult. Thankfully, this is not the case on the Camino de Santiago. Payment Methods on the Camino Spain, like

Camino Guided Tour

How Many People to Expect on a Camino Journey?

28 August 2025 / By

How Many People Will Be on My Trip? The number of people on your trip depends on the type of Camino experience you choose. If you’re doing a self-guided Camino, there is no set group size. You are free to walk solo or with friends and family. Self-guided tours offer complete flexibility. You can start

How Many People to Expect on a Camino Journey? Read More »

How Many People Will Be on My Trip? The number of people on your trip depends on the type of Camino experience you choose. If you’re doing a self-guided Camino, there is no set group size. You are free to walk solo or with friends and family. Self-guided tours offer complete flexibility. You can start

Traditional Scallop Shell on the Camino

The Scallop Shell: A Symbol of the Camino

26 October 2026 / By

The scallop shell is one of the most recognisable symbols found along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes. Along with the yellow arrow, it helps guide pilgrims towards Santiago de Compostela from various starting points across Europe. Shells appear painted or carved on trees, tiles, pavements, posts, and walls throughout the journey. Known as vieira

The Scallop Shell: A Symbol of the Camino Read More »

The scallop shell is one of the most recognisable symbols found along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes. Along with the yellow arrow, it helps guide pilgrims towards Santiago de Compostela from various starting points across Europe. Shells appear painted or carved on trees, tiles, pavements, posts, and walls throughout the journey. Known as vieira

24 Hours in Santiago de Compostela: A Local Guide

26 October 2026 / By

24 Hours in Santiago de Compostela You’ve walked for days and finally reached the promised land: Santiago de Compostela! You are sitting at the Praza do Obradoiro, your aching feet finally getting a rest, staring in awe at the mighty Cathedral de Santiago, and you are wondering… were to do next? Well, if you are

24 Hours in Santiago de Compostela: A Local Guide Read More »

24 Hours in Santiago de Compostela You’ve walked for days and finally reached the promised land: Santiago de Compostela! You are sitting at the Praza do Obradoiro, your aching feet finally getting a rest, staring in awe at the mighty Cathedral de Santiago, and you are wondering… were to do next? Well, if you are

technology, flag, internet-2646431.jpg

Useful Spanish Phrases for Your Camino Journey

25 October 2026 / By

Walking the Camino de Santiago (particularly along the French Way route and as you get closer to Santiago de Compostela), you will meet people of all nationalities. Most people will come back from the Camino having made at least a few friends. You will find some Useful Spanish for the Camino below. Alternatively, for a more

Useful Spanish Phrases for Your Camino Journey Read More »

Walking the Camino de Santiago (particularly along the French Way route and as you get closer to Santiago de Compostela), you will meet people of all nationalities. Most people will come back from the Camino having made at least a few friends. You will find some Useful Spanish for the Camino below. Alternatively, for a more

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