Oviedo: The First Pilgrimage Destination Before Santiago The city of Oviedo has long been a sacred stop for pilgrims. It is the starting point of the Camino Primitivo (the Original Way) to Santiago de Compostela and is also a prominent stop on the Camino del Norte (Northern Way). Oviedo has held special significance for Christian […]
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The Via Francigena is a historic pilgrimage route that starts in Canterbury, England, weaves through France and Switzerland, and ends in Rome, Italy. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages. This scenic trail is a journey through history, culture, and stunning landscapes, making it a treasured route for modern-day pilgrims and travellers alike. Below,
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The Camino de Santiago is rich in history and offers numerous fascinating sites. These landmarks provide a chance to rest while discovering the Camino’s historical significance. One of the most impressive sites is the Templars Castle of Ponferrada, also called Castillo de Los Templarios. Ponferrada is the last major town on the Camino Francés before
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Pilgrim’s Mass in The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela Many pilgrims who finish their Camino in Santiago de Compostela often want to attend a particular 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 Santiago, there are
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Weather on the Camino de Santiago The weather on the Camino de Santiago varies greatly depending on the season and the region you choose to travel through. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for your journey. Summer weather on the Camino Some parts of Spain can reach very high temperatures in summer. The
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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. 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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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
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The Camino de Santiago is a bucket-list experience for many people, and the journey to Santiago along the Way of St. James has been popular for centuries. If you’re hoping to experience the Camino, here are 20 interesting Camino de Santiago facts you should know before you set off: 20 Camino de Santiago Facts to
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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
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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 Camino Finisterre. Fisterra:
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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
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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
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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
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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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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.
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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
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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
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