Maria

Written by Maria

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.

Lisbon: Discover the Timeless Charm and Culture

As the Portuguese saying goes, ‘Quem não viu Lisboa, não viu coisa boa’—those who haven’t seen Lisbon haven’t seen something truly special. And it couldn’t be more true. Lisbon is a must-visit, not just for the Portuguese, but for travellers from all over the world. With its warm atmosphere, modern charm, and rich culture, Lisbon […]

Lisbon: Discover the Timeless Charm and Culture Read More »

As the Portuguese saying goes, ‘Quem não viu Lisboa, não viu coisa boa’—those who haven’t seen Lisbon haven’t seen something truly special. And it couldn’t be more true. Lisbon is a must-visit, not just for the Portuguese, but for travellers from all over the world. With its warm atmosphere, modern charm, and rich culture, Lisbon

pilgrims walking

8 Tips for Walking the Camino de Santiago

Are you planning to walk the Camino de Santiago this year? Our walking and cycling holiday experts have gathered top Camino tips to help make your journey truly unforgettable. Whether you’re unsure about what gear you will need, what training you should do or which route you should take, the following tips will leave you

8 Tips for Walking the Camino de Santiago Read More »

Are you planning to walk the Camino de Santiago this year? Our walking and cycling holiday experts have gathered top Camino tips to help make your journey truly unforgettable. Whether you’re unsure about what gear you will need, what training you should do or which route you should take, the following tips will leave you

Camino Pilgrim passport

Pilgrim Passports & Certificates Explained in Detail

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

Yellow Arrows on the Camino: Following the Path

Today, walkers from many different countries follow the Camino de Santiago for spiritual, personal, or cultural reasons. Yet few realise how much they owe to one man—Don Elías Valiña Sampedro. His work helped shape the Camino we know today. The famous yellow arrows that guide thousands of pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela were part of

Yellow Arrows on the Camino: Following the Path Read More »

Today, walkers from many different countries follow the Camino de Santiago for spiritual, personal, or cultural reasons. Yet few realise how much they owe to one man—Don Elías Valiña Sampedro. His work helped shape the Camino we know today. The famous yellow arrows that guide thousands of pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela were part of

Pintxos Bibao

A Guide to 10 Camino Dishes for Your Camino Francés Journey

The Camino routes cross many regions—and sometimes countries—each with unique traditions, culture, and cuisine. Food is an important part of any journey, so we’ve picked 10 Camino dishes you must try. If you’re walking the Camino Francés, you’ll find many opportunities to enjoy these classic local dishes and specialties. 1. White Asparagus People recognise Navarra

A Guide to 10 Camino Dishes for Your Camino Francés Journey Read More »

The Camino routes cross many regions—and sometimes countries—each with unique traditions, culture, and cuisine. Food is an important part of any journey, so we’ve picked 10 Camino dishes you must try. If you’re walking the Camino Francés, you’ll find many opportunities to enjoy these classic local dishes and specialties. 1. White Asparagus People recognise Navarra

Things to Do in Santiago de Compostela Beyond the Camino

Santiago de Compostela is more than just the final destination of the Camino de Santiago – it’s a charming city full of character, with winding alleys and quaint granite streets waiting to be explored. There are plenty of things to do in Santiago de Compostela, from discovering its rich history to enjoying the local cuisine

Things to Do in Santiago de Compostela Beyond the Camino Read More »

Santiago de Compostela is more than just the final destination of the Camino de Santiago – it’s a charming city full of character, with winding alleys and quaint granite streets waiting to be explored. There are plenty of things to do in Santiago de Compostela, from discovering its rich history to enjoying the local cuisine

Walking the Camino in hot weather

August is one of the most popular months to walk the Camino de Santiago but also one of the hottest of the year. To help you get ready for your trip, the CaminoWays.com travel specialists have put together a few helpful Camino tips for walking in hot weather. Walking the Camino in hot weather. 1

Walking the Camino in hot weather Read More »

August is one of the most popular months to walk the Camino de Santiago but also one of the hottest of the year. To help you get ready for your trip, the CaminoWays.com travel specialists have put together a few helpful Camino tips for walking in hot weather. Walking the Camino in hot weather. 1

What is the best time to walk the Via Francigena?

What is the best time to walk the Via Francigena? The Via Francigena, or Camino to Rome, is a 1900km-long pilgrimage route crossing most of Europe from the UK to Italy, therefore weather will vary greatly from North to South throughout the year. So what is the best time to walk the Via Francigena? While

What is the best time to walk the Via Francigena? Read More »

What is the best time to walk the Via Francigena? The Via Francigena, or Camino to Rome, is a 1900km-long pilgrimage route crossing most of Europe from the UK to Italy, therefore weather will vary greatly from North to South throughout the year. So what is the best time to walk the Via Francigena? While

Medieval Pilgrim Meal

The Journey of a Medieval Camino Pilgrim

The Journey of a Medieval Camino Pilgrim Did you ever wonder about the Camino to Santiago in Medieval times? And how pilgrims from overseas made their journey to Compostela? Along the English Way from the UK or Ireland for instance? Esther Taboada is a journalist and photographer from Galicia. She lived in Ireland for a

The Journey of a Medieval Camino Pilgrim Read More »

The Journey of a Medieval Camino Pilgrim Did you ever wonder about the Camino to Santiago in Medieval times? And how pilgrims from overseas made their journey to Compostela? Along the English Way from the UK or Ireland for instance? Esther Taboada is a journalist and photographer from Galicia. She lived in Ireland for a

Semana Santa on the Camino

Semana Santa, Easter in Spain

Semana Santa (Holy Week) or Easter in Spain, is one of the most important festivals of the religious calendar. When does Semana Santa take place? Easter in Spain generally starts on Palm Sunday and finishes on Easter Sunday, hence the term ‘Holy Week’ or Semana Santa. During Easter week, many towns and cities host impressive

Semana Santa, Easter in Spain Read More »

Semana Santa (Holy Week) or Easter in Spain, is one of the most important festivals of the religious calendar. When does Semana Santa take place? Easter in Spain generally starts on Palm Sunday and finishes on Easter Sunday, hence the term ‘Holy Week’ or Semana Santa. During Easter week, many towns and cities host impressive

pancakes, crepe, pancake-2020863.jpg

Camino Recipe: Galician Pancakes

Happy Martes de Entroido (Pancake Tuesday) from the CaminoWays.com team! Filloas: A Traditional Camino Treat If you’re walking the Camino de Santiago during Carnival season, you’re in for a delicious surprise! Galicians love filloas (also known as freixós), a thin, crepe-like pancake they enjoy in both sweet and savoury varieties. For centuries, people have made

Camino Recipe: Galician Pancakes Read More »

Happy Martes de Entroido (Pancake Tuesday) from the CaminoWays.com team! Filloas: A Traditional Camino Treat If you’re walking the Camino de Santiago during Carnival season, you’re in for a delicious surprise! Galicians love filloas (also known as freixós), a thin, crepe-like pancake they enjoy in both sweet and savoury varieties. For centuries, people have made

Camino Culture: Carnival in Galicia

Experience the Magic of Carnival in Galicia Also known as Antroido, Entroido, or Carnaval, Carnival is one of the most beloved festivals in Galicia and across Spain. People of all ages take part in the celebrations, making it the perfect time to experience a vibrant and unique side of the Camino de Santiago. Carnival is

Camino Culture: Carnival in Galicia Read More »

Experience the Magic of Carnival in Galicia Also known as Antroido, Entroido, or Carnaval, Carnival is one of the most beloved festivals in Galicia and across Spain. People of all ages take part in the celebrations, making it the perfect time to experience a vibrant and unique side of the Camino de Santiago. Carnival is

Vineyards on Camino de Invierno

Secret Camino: Camino de Invierno

Secret Camino: Camino de Invierno 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

Secret Camino: Camino de Invierno Read More »

Secret Camino: Camino de Invierno 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

More Camino movies to get you inspired

The Camino de Santiago has inspired many books and films in many languages, both documentaries and works of fiction. In Camino movies, talented writers and filmmakers have reflected on their personal journeys and created fantastic stories for their fictional and yet very real characters, encouraging many to grab their walking boots and experience the Camino

More Camino movies to get you inspired Read More »

The Camino de Santiago has inspired many books and films in many languages, both documentaries and works of fiction. In Camino movies, talented writers and filmmakers have reflected on their personal journeys and created fantastic stories for their fictional and yet very real characters, encouraging many to grab their walking boots and experience the Camino

Great restaurants in Santiago de Compostela

Many of you are walking the Camino de Santiago soon and have asked the CaminoWays.com team to recommend great restaurants in Santiago de Compostela. Fish and shellfish lovers will be in for a treat while in Galicia, considered to be the seafood capital of Spain. If it swims, Galicians are probably eating it! However, if

Great restaurants in Santiago de Compostela Read More »

Many of you are walking the Camino de Santiago soon and have asked the CaminoWays.com team to recommend great restaurants in Santiago de Compostela. Fish and shellfish lovers will be in for a treat while in Galicia, considered to be the seafood capital of Spain. If it swims, Galicians are probably eating it! However, if

Statue of pilgrims on the Camino

Insiders Guide to Santiago de Compostela

Insiders Guide to Santiago de Compostela Heading to the Camino and Santiago de Compostela this year? Great! We’ve got this Insiders Guide to Santiago de Compostela to inspire your trip! It is difficult not to fall in love with this miniature city of arched granite streets and charming hidden nooks and crannies. Where students, pilgrims

Insiders Guide to Santiago de Compostela Read More »

Insiders Guide to Santiago de Compostela Heading to the Camino and Santiago de Compostela this year? Great! We’ve got this Insiders Guide to Santiago de Compostela to inspire your trip! It is difficult not to fall in love with this miniature city of arched granite streets and charming hidden nooks and crannies. Where students, pilgrims

24 Hours in Santiago de Compostela

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 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

Camino Culture: Muxia & Our Lady of the Boat

A Sanctuary by the Atlantic The Virgin of the Boat, or Our Lady of the Boat, is Muxía’s most beloved sanctuary. It stands at the very end of the Camino Finisterre and Muxía, overlooking the powerful Atlantic Ocean. Pilgrims who complete this route find peace in its breathtaking coastal setting. A Unique Camino Route The

Camino Culture: Muxia & Our Lady of the Boat Read More »

A Sanctuary by the Atlantic The Virgin of the Boat, or Our Lady of the Boat, is Muxía’s most beloved sanctuary. It stands at the very end of the Camino Finisterre and Muxía, overlooking the powerful Atlantic Ocean. Pilgrims who complete this route find peace in its breathtaking coastal setting. A Unique Camino Route The

Finisterrana Certificate

Finisterrana and Muxiana Camino Certificates

What is the Finisterrana? Many of you will be familiar with the ‘Compostela’, the pilgrim certificate you can obtain from the Pilgrims Office in Santiago de Compostela if you have walked a minimum of 100 of the Camino de Santiago to the city or cycled at least the last 200. But did you know that

Finisterrana and Muxiana Camino Certificates Read More »

What is the Finisterrana? Many of you will be familiar with the ‘Compostela’, the pilgrim certificate you can obtain from the Pilgrims Office in Santiago de Compostela if you have walked a minimum of 100 of the Camino de Santiago to the city or cycled at least the last 200. But did you know that

What is The Botafumeiro And When Can I See it?

What is The Botafumeiro And When Can I See it? The ‘Botafumeiro’ is the famous giant thurible or censer in the Santiago de Compostela cathedral. It has been used since the Middle Ages, originally to clean the air when crowds of pilgrims, having completed the Camino de Santiago, arrived in Santiago de Compostela after their long

What is The Botafumeiro And When Can I See it? Read More »

What is The Botafumeiro And When Can I See it? The ‘Botafumeiro’ is the famous giant thurible or censer in the Santiago de Compostela cathedral. It has been used since the Middle Ages, originally to clean the air when crowds of pilgrims, having completed the Camino de Santiago, arrived in Santiago de Compostela after their long

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