Embarking on the Camino de Santiago is more than just a trek; it’s an exploration of culture, history, and oneself. Whether walking the Camino or cycling the Camino, the journey offers a chance to disconnect from everyday life and connect with a centuries-old tradition. The path is filled with beauty but also demanding, requiring physical […]
13 Essential Camino Tips: Preparing, hiking & Post-Adventure Read More »
How to choose between the Camino de Santiago vs Via Francigena? In this piece, we delve into the fascinating world of Europe’s most renowned heritage trails: the Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena. Both paths are steeped in history and offer unique journeys for travellers seeking spiritual, cultural, or physical challenges. But how do
Camino de Santiago vs Via Francigena? Read More »
Credenziali and Testimonium, the Via Francigena’s Pilgrim Passport and Certificate The Testimonium Peregrinationis ad Limina Petri Testimonium is the name given to the certificate you can receive when you complete your pilgrimage to Rome along the Via Francigena. The Via Francigena equivalent of the Compostela was awarded to those walking the Camino de Santiago. To request
What is the Testimonium? Via Francigena Pilgrim Certificate Read More »
Rome in a Day: 24 Hours in the Italian Capital The magical Via Francigena trail finishes in historic Rome. Although 24 hours isn’t enough time to explore one of the world’s most visited places, it will give you a little taste of Italian life. To help you embrace la dolce vita, here are a few
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Why We Love Ferrol Why we love Ferrol on the Camino Ingles! We talk to Ferrol’s native, Andrea, about what makes her home one of the most special Camino de Santiago towns. Andrea was born in Ferrol on the Camino Ingles but moved to the south of Spain a few years later. Her time in
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The Camino is full of interesting facts and phrases, and it’s always a delight to learn of another one. You might have heard or seen the word ‘Ultreia’ mentioned when researching, reading, or while walking the Camino de Santiago. The word “Ultreia” is derived from the Latin word “ultra,” which means “beyond” or “farther.” In
What does the word ‘Ultreia’ mean? Read More »
The Via Francigena in Tuscany: A Walk for the senses Every day of our lives, we are exposed to external stimulation. We wake up to the sound of an alarm clock, a ringtone or the song chosen by some radio DJ to tease our last minutes of sleep and see the hustle and bustle of
The Via Francigena in Tuscany: A Walk for the senses Read More »
The scallop shell is one of the most iconic symbols of the Camino de Santiago. Today, it is used, along with the yellow arrow, to guide pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela along its many different Camino routes. Painted on trees, sidewalks, tiles, etc… the scallop shell (or ‘Vieira’ in Galician and Spanish) will help
The Scallop Shell and the Camino de Santiago Read More »
Joe and Judi’s Camino Adventure Joe and Judi from California walked the Camino de Santiago with CaminoWays.com earlier this year. We share Joe and Judi’s Camino adventure as written by the couple on their Camino blog. If you bumped into Joe and Judi along the way, you might have noticed they wore very special t-shirts:
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Experience Holy Week in Italy – Unmissable Easter Events in Rome Are you planning to finish your Via Francigena walk in Rome this Easter? Holy Week is one of the most important weeks in the Catholic calendar, so this is a special time to spend a few days in Italy’s capital. If you find yourself in
Experience Holy Week in Italy – Great Easter Events in Rome Read More »
The days at the desk are long, and daydreaming about the next getaway gets you through the most brutal Monday. We’ve all been there. Suppose you are sharing that feeling and, in addition, are showing the following symptoms. In that case, we can accurately diagnose you with acute Camino de Santiago withdrawal syndrome or Caminoitis.
5 signs that you need to plan your next Camino trip Read More »
Pilgrim’s Mass in The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela Many pilgrims who finish their Camino in the city of Santiago de Compostela often want to attend a special pilgrim’s mass in the cathedral. It’s the ultimate reward after the long journey to the city. If you are hoping to attend mass when you are in
Pilgrim’s Mass in The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela Read More »
Catherine’s Camino: St Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona Catherine’s Camino I’ll be honest. I didn’t know what to expect. I had seen photos and read books, but leaning on the wisdom of poet, Seamus Heaney who once said, “I’m a firm believer in learning by heart”, I settled with leaving the unknown, unknown. In
Catherine’s Camino : St Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona Read More »
What makes the Camino del Norte special? The Camino del Norte or Northern Way is one of the oldest Camino de Santiago routes. It developed around the same time as the Camino Primitivo coming from Asturias and was the preferred route not just for pilgrims from Northern Spain but also from further afield, as many pilgrims
What makes the Camino del Norte special? Read More »
The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage in Spain, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. Despite the pandemic, in 2020 this pilgrimage in Spain was completed by almost 54,000 pilgrims. In a normal year, however, the pilgrimage can see upwards of 340,000 pilgrims taking many different routes to the holy city of Santiago
Why do we go on a Pilgrimage in Spain? Read More »
Must-see: Unmissable Rome Adam from our Products team shares his unmissable Rome. Suppose you are walking or cycling the Via Francigena. In that case, we recommend you take an extra day to explore the Eternal City before returning home and re-joining the real world. Having cycled the last section of the Via Francigena from Viterbo
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Your spiritual journey can begin long before you begin walking the Camino de Santiago with a great travel book. There are a number of well-written Camino books, entertaining Camino movies and Camino blog posts to get you in the mood for the long walk ahead. We have come up with a list of 5 of
5 Camino books to read before (or after) your trip Read More »
Aoife’s Diary: The Via Francigena on foot “You won’t know yourself once you start driving”,“Cycling will save you so much time.” These are the words of persuasion that I hear on a daily basis. Urging me to ditch my favoured mode of transport. They are words motivated by the capitalisation of time and centred on moving quicker.
Aoife’s Diary: The Via Francigena on foot Read More »
The Confraternity of St. James [Podcast] The Confraternity of St. James, London is a non-profit organisation that has been helping pilgrims visit the Camino since 1983. Originally founded by six Camino enthusiasts, the confraternity currently has over 2000 members. The CSJ’s office and library close to Blackfriars bridge in London are open to the public
The Confraternity of St. James [Podcast] Read More »
Food on the Via Francigena: 4 things to know Many of you have asked about the specifics of food on the Via Francigena. In today’s blog we’re going to cover food in Italy, including meal times, courses, etiquette, and what to expect, in general when dining on the Italian regions of the Via Francigena. Italy is
Food on the Via Francigena: 4 things to know Read More »