Welcome to our Camino de Santiago blog page! Embarking on this incredible journey, whether on foot or by bike, is more than a physical adventure – it’s a spiritual and emotional exploration, too. Here, we’re thrilled to share insights, advice, and heartfelt stories that make the Camino de Santiago much more than a simple trek.
Are you a seasoned pilgrim looking to reminisce or seeking new routes to explore? Maybe you’re a curious first-timer seeking guidance, tips, or simply a glimpse into this fascinating world. You’ve found the right place!
Our blog is an open road that weaves through the hearts and minds of those who love the Camino de Santiago. Whether you’re planning a future pilgrimage or walking down memory lane, our articles are penned with love, knowledge, and a genuine desire to assist and inspire.
Join us, explore, and be part of this beautiful Camino community. We are here to guide, support, and walk with you, every step of the way. Happy reading, dear pilgrim!
To help you on your Camino journey we have teamed up with fitness expert Peter Duffy, from Physical Therapy Ireland, to provide some simple and useful Camino fitness tips. To prepare for the Camino or any long distance walking route you will need to keep in mind that you could have to walk between 16 […]
VIDEO: Top 10 Camino fitness tips Read More »
6 things that make the Via Francigena special! What makes the Via Francigena special? This is one of the world’s longest marked walking routes, covering 2,000 kilometres, that stretches all the way from Canterbury to Rome. We have carefully divided the route into 16 walking and cycling stages. Whether you are an adventurer, life long
6 things that make the Via Francigena special! Read More »
Must-see: unique San Gimignano The towers of San Gimignano, perched on a pretty Tuscan hilltop, are one of the most magnificent and unusual views pilgrims will encounter as they make their way along the Via Francigena trail. The medieval skyscrapers of San Gimignano are a fascinating reminder of the might and power of local feuding
Must-see: unique San Gimignano Read More »
What is the best footwear for the Camino? Taking care of your feet is one of the most important steps in preparing for your Camino adventure. Having the best footwear for the Camino de Santiago or any other long distance trail you are planning will help you to stay comfortable and enjoy the journey! When
What is the best footwear for the Camino? Read More »
Camino statistics part 2: the pilgrims The annual Camino statistics from the Pilgrims Office in Santiago give us a very interesting picture of the Camino de Santiago. In part 2 of our Camino statistics, we find out a bit more about the pilgrims, where are they from? are they walking or cycling? The Pilgrims Office
Camino statistics part 2: the pilgrims Read More »
2015 Camino Statistics The latest Camino statistics from the Pilgrims Office in Santiago are out, giving us a very interesting insight into the Camino in 2015; they reveal the most popular routes, top countries on the Camino and the pilgrims’ favourite starting points. Please note the statistics reflect the number of Compostela certificates, hence taking
Camino statistics part 1: most popular in 2015 Read More »
If you only book one holiday in 2016, make it a walking holiday. Here’s why: Walking is great exercise The health benefits of walking are innumerable. Studies have shown that not only does walking aid weight-loss .It also; improves sleep, lightens mood, leads to a longer life, lowers blood pressure, strengthens the heart and slows mental
Why your next holiday should be a walking holiday Read More »
CaminoWays supports Basecamp backpack challenge The team at CaminoWays.com are delighted to support the Basecamp team in their backpack challenge to help the homeless this Christmas. Basecamp has teamed up with Dublin City Council and Crosscare Social Support Services to ask their customers, readers and friends, to fill a backpack to help at least one
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5 things you didn’t know about Portugal Since you loved reading our post on 5 things you probably didn’t know about Spain, this week, with the help of our resident Portuguese member, we bring you 5 weird and wonderful facts from stunning Portugal. There is so much more to Portugal than just sun, sea and
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Lili shares her Camino story Thank you to Lili from Manila in the Philippines who has kindly shared her Camino story with us. Lili bravely took on the Camino solo and cleverly prepared with some practice walks before the beginning of her trip. You can enjoy reading Lili’s Camino story below. Buen Camino for Life
Lili shares her Camino story Read More »
Claire’s top things to do in Tuscany Tuscany is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and after having spent a few days cycling in the heart of its countryside from Lucca to Siena, it’s easy to see why. Here are the highlights from my Via Francigena cycling trip in Tuscany. Beautiful scenery
Claire’s top things to do in Tuscany Read More »
San Sebastian European Capital of Culture 2016 San Sebastian, or Donostia in Basque, is a city of two names, different languages and conflicting attitudes. There is something almost paradoxical about the Basque capital. Even the landscape contains an element of disparity, between the beach and the city and the lush greenery that envelope it. A gastronomical
San Sebastian European Capital of Culture 2016 Read More »
An Amateur Cyclist in Tuscany I could never be described as an avid cyclist or, any type of cyclist come to think of it. But this October I had the enviable honour of going on a cycling tour through Tuscany along the Via Francigena cycle from Lucca to Siena with two of my work colleagues.
An Amateur Cyclist in Tuscany Read More »
Our favourite food experiences in Tuscany Three amigos from the CaminoWays.com team recently cycled from Lucca to Siena along one of the most popular routes on the Via Francigena. Myself, Claire and Caroline began this great adventure in the medieval city of Lucca and finished in the Italian capital of Rome. The cycle took place
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Jennifer’s favourite stops on her Camino trail My colleague Martin from the groups department and myself had the opportunity to cycle three days on the French Way Camino trail from Sarria recently. The trip was a great experience and we enjoyed it immensely, regardless of a few challenges along the way. These are a few
Jennifer’s favourite stops on her Camino trail Read More »
Route Napoleón or Valcarlos? The first section of the Camino Frances across the Pyrenees starts in the pretty Basque town of Saint Jean Pied de Port, in France, and finishes in the city of Pamplona, famous for the San Fermín running of the bulls. The first walking day on the Camino de Santiago, from Saint Jean
Route Napoleón or Valcarlos? Read More »
With Halloween, All Souls and All Saints Day coming up, we reveal the spookiest places and most haunting spots in Santiago de Compostela. Here’s our Halloween guide to spooky Santiago de Compostela! Praza da Quintana The Praza da Quintana at the back of Santiago’s Cathedral is divided in two areas: a lower part called Quintana dos
Spooky Santiago de Compostela Read More »
It is difficult to estimate the exact number of Via Francigena pilgrims, those walking or cycling any of the sections or the full Camino to Rome each year. According to Cicerone Guides, there was an estimated 2,500 Via Francigena pilgrims in 2012. Taking into account the route stretches across Europe all the way from Canterbury to Rome,
FAQ: will I meet other Via Francigena pilgrims? Read More »
Annie’s Camino for Solomon Islands Rangers Intrepid Annie Knappstein, currently cycling and walking 1500kms of the Camino de Santiago from Le Puy to Fisterra, has raised over 6,000 dollars so far with her project Ride & Stride to support the work of the Solomon Islands Rangers. Annie, former AVID volunteer with local Solomon Islands community
Annie’s Camino for Solomon Islands Rangers Read More »
Most popular routes on the Via Francigena The Via Francigena walking and cycling route spans over 1,700 kilometres from Canterbury to Rome. This famous pilgrimage crosses four countries at different stages: UK, France, Switzerland and Italy. All of the routes on what is commonly known as the ‘Camino to Rome’ offer the opportunity to create
Most popular routes on the Via Francigena Read More »
