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 …
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 …
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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 …
A Handy Guide to 13 Different Types of Camino Pilgrim Canadian travel writer Dean Johnston travelled the Camino de Santiago with his wife in 2012. Here he shares with us an excerpt from his book Behind the Albergue Door: Inspiration Agony Adventure on the Camino de Santiago, a humorous (combined with some advice!) account of …
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A Typical Day on the Camino So you’ve signed up to walk the Camino de Santiago, your bags are packed and you’ve completed a fitness plan. You are as prepared as you can be. But what actually happens on the Camino? We’re here to reveal a typical day on the Camino so that you can …
13 Essential Camino Tips Thousands of pilgrims worldwide take the many Camino routes to Santiago de Compostela each year, walking hundreds of kilometres across France, Portugal, and Spain. More than just a pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago is a unique experience, a journey to remember. Read our Essential Camino Tips below. If you are planning …
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. This is especially true if you are walking the Camino de …
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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. A ‘Botafumeiro’ 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 …
The name of Don Elías Valiña Sampedro might not ring any bells but you will certainly recognise his most ‘famous’ creation: the yellow arrows on the Camino, pointing the way to Santiago de Compostela. Don Elías (1929-1989) was the parish priest in O Cebreiro in Lugo and studied the history of the St James Way pilgrimage to Santiago …
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 …
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Pilgrims to Oviedo and not Santiago… The First Pilgrimage The city of Oviedo, starting point of the Camino Primitivo to Santiago (The Original Way) to Santiago and also the main city along the Camino del Norte (The Northern Way), has been an important attraction to pilgrims for centuries. Pilgrims to Oviedo and not Santiago… The Holy Chamber in the city’s …
The Camino de Santiago is dotted with interesting historical sites. These sites are a wonderful chance to recharge your batteries and immerse yourself in the history of the trail. One of our favourite examples is the imposing Templars Castle of Ponferrada (Castillo de Los Templarios), which is the last big town on The Camino Frances …
The fishing town of Fisterra (Finisterre in Spanish) is located on the Atlantic Coast of Galicia, some 100km away from Santiago de Compostela. Cape Fisterra and its lighthouse, on a headland just outside the town, has been the final destination for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago for many centuries, completing the so-called Camino Finisterre. …
Getting ready for your Camino later this year or next year? Here are 20 interesting Camino de Santiago facts you should know before you set off: 20 Camino de Santiago Facts to know 1. Camino de Santiago means Way of St James and refers to the different routes leading to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. 2. Santiago …
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. …
Lavacolla: the pilgrims washing place Lavacolla, in the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela, is one of the last stops for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago along the French Way and other routes coming from the East. Its name might also sound familiar as the village is where Santiago international airport is located. There are …
4 Unmissable Camino del Norte Experiences Hidden alcoves, sheltered by towering sea cliffs, picturesque lighthouses perched on lands edge, and an infinity of rolling green hills are some of the best Camino del Norte experiences. The landscape on the Camino del Norte is a tonic for the senses. There is a wealth of hidden treasures to …
Sabela’s Via Francigena Sabela, from CaminoWays, recently cycled the last section of the Via Francigena, the Camino to Rome. She shares her experience and tips: When I was offered to travel the last 100 km of the Via Francigena, from Viterbo to Rome, I didn’t hesitate for a second; after a beautiful experience walking the …
What are the Via Francigena stages? FAQ Well, today we’re going to answer exactly that. First, let’s start off with a little introduction to the trail. For those of you who don’t know, the Via Francigena is an ancient heritage trail that sets off from Canterbury in the South of England, traverses through France and …
Pilgrims’ favourite Camino routes in 2019 There are many Camino de Santiago routes, all taking pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, but which one should you take? and where should you start? Each year, the Pilgrims Office in Santiago de Compostela, records the number of Compostela certificates issued to pilgrims after completing their unique journey. …