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!
FAQ: tourist tax in Italy When you are travelling the Via Francigena in Italy, you will find in some cities and historic towns you will have to pay a local tourist tax, what is called ‘Tassa di soggiorno’. This local tax is collected by hotels on behalf of the local authorities and they are charged […]
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FAQ: Types of Via Francigena Accommodation There are various types of accommodation available when walking the route from Canterbury to Rome. You will find a mixture of luxurious hotels, rustic hotels and agriturismo (farmhouses) along the way. Due to the long distance that the route covers we won’t be covering every style of accommodation but
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CaminoWays.com awarded Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2015 The entire CaminoWays.com team is delighted to receive the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence again this year! On behalf of the team, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our fantastic clients: many of you have been travelling with CaminoWays.com for many years, you have
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History of the Via Francigena The history of the Via Francigena pilgrim route dates back to the Middle Ages. The full Via Francigena pilgrimage is from Canterbury to Rome, covering 1,700 km, passing through France and Switzerland along the way. The pilgrimage from northern Europe to Rome was first illustrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury in
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The Great Camino Clean Up CaminoWays.com is supporting The Great Camino Clean Up this summer. Canadian environmental organisation ‘A Greener Future’ will travel the Portuguese Way for three weeks. To continue our efforts in support of eco-friendly travel, we have developed a special fund for responsible travel and inspirational projects. The Green Life Fund is
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Camino Culture: Casas de Indianos When you are walking the Camino del Norte (the Northern Way route of the Camino de Santiago) you will often encounter magnificent period houses with very unique and exotic styles. They are known locally as ‘Casas de Indianos’ and they were built by locals who emigrated to America or ‘made the
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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 »
Francis Brennan walks the walk for Cappagh Hospital Cappagh Hospital Foundation’s patron, Francis Brennan, got in a bit of hill walking at the launch of the ‘Camino for Cappagh’. The fundraising walk will take place from October 10th to 17th and will cover the last 115km of the spectacular Portuguese Coastal Way route of the
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Following the Yellow Arrows to Santiago The name of Don Elías Valiña Sampedro might not ring any bells but you will certainly recognise his most ‘famous’ creation: the yellow arrow pointing the way along the Camino de Santiago. Don Elías (1929-1989) was the parish priest in O Cebreiro in Lugo and studied the history of the St James
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How long is the Via Francigena? The Via Francigena, or Camino to Rome, covers over 2000kms from Canterbury in the UK to Rome in Italy. This epic trail, following the pilgrimage route taken by Sigeric the Serious, Archbishop of Canterbury, back in the 10th century, crosses regions of spectacular beauty, such as the Alps and
How long is the Via Francigena? Read More »
Camino preparation: how to avoid blisters On his latest Camino preparation post, Peter Duffy from D-Pete Health and Fitness in Dublin, shares useful tips to help walkers understand and how to avoid blisters. Very handy advice whether you are getting ready for your Camino de Santiago adventure or simply enjoy hiking and hillwalking. By Peter
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Planning your Camino de Santiago trip? Many interesting festivals take place along the different Camino routes throughout the year; as most towns and villages host annual festivals to honour their patron saint’ but also celebrating their local food and wine and other special events. Whether they are world-famous such as San Fermin in Pamplona, local
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5 special seaside Camino villages The French Way, the most famous of the Camino de Santiago routes, covers 800kms inland from the French Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. However, there are many other Camino routes, many of them with impressive coastal stretches dotted with stunning towns, villages and of course sea views! We
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Stepping into Easter traditions in Ferrol Semana Santa de Ferrol or the Easter Festival in Ferrol. Easter is a famous and extraordinary time of the year to walk the Camino de Santiago. During Easter Week or ‘Holy Week,’ you will be a witness to centuries-old traditions full of emotion along the way, many of them
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Camino Recipe: Monk’s Ears – Orellas Our Monk’s ears recipe has its roots in Carnival. Carnival or Entroido is a special time on the Camino de Santiago. In Galicia, food plays a very important role in the celebrations, as usual, with traditional pork dishes and sweets being prepared for the occasion, and the days leading
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CaminoWays.com is Feefo Gold Trusted Merchant The CaminoWays.com team is delighted to announce we have been awarded 2015 Gold Trusted Merchant status by Feefo, the trusted independent ratings and reviews website. This isn’t our first year using Feefo. Last year we received the Feefo certificate, which is awarded to companies with up to 94% positive
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The city of Assisi is not only the geographic centre but also the spiritual core of the St Francis Way or Cammino di Francesco: many essential sites linked to the life of Saint Francis are located in this unique city sanctuary, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its art, architecture and unique history.
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WALKING THE CAMINO de SANTIAGO by Judi Kent The remains of St James the Great, one of Christ’s twelve apostles, were discovered at the beginning of the 9th century in the north-west of Spain. For more than twelve centuries millions of pilgrims have walked along a route to the city of Santiago de Compostela in
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Highlights of the Vezelay Way The Vezelay Way is one of the classic routes of the Camino de Santiago in France and has been used as a pilgrimage trail for centuries. The Way is split into five sections which will take you through the heart of rural France on a journey of discovery, which will
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Cathedrals of Galicia Santiago de Compostela cathedral is the most famous cathedral in Galicia but did you know there are four other cathedrals in Galicia, along four main Camino de Santiago routes to Santiago de Compostela. Most of Galicia’s cathedrals are medieval in origin, following a classic Romanesque style, although later additions have given the
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