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 […]
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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
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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
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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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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 »
Spanish Words with No English Translation I’m a little bit smitten with the language and believe that the Spanish have a beautiful way with words. I’ve found that many Spanish words are quite telling of the Mediterranean, family-orientated way of life. There are many Spanish words which have no English translation, today I’ve put together
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Useful Portuguese for your Camino On the Camino de Santiago, you will meet many fellow pilgrims from all over the globe, speaking many different languages. While you might meet many English-speaking along the way (both pilgrims and service providers), you will also need a few basic phrases in Portuguese to communicate while walking the Portuguese Way or Camino
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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 coolest Camino souvenirs The scallop shell is without a doubt the most iconic and traditional Camino de Santiago souvenir. For centuries, the scallop shell has been worn by pilgrims on their way over and back from Santiago de Compostela. In addition to the classic scallop shell, the ‘coquille St Jacques’, 21st century pilgrims have
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The Camino de Santiago is one of the world’s most famous pilgrim paths with thousands of people walking its many routes every year. Although walking the Camino is something that everyone can achieve, it is important to take the time to prepare and train for your walk. The level of training you need will depend on
Simple Camino Training Tips Read More »
Discover the original Camino de Santiago The Camino Francés, or French Way, may be the most popular Camino route however, it is not the original path to Santiago de Compostela. In fact, there is an even older Camino de Santiago trail. Known as the Camino Primitivo, or the Original Way, the route is the first
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10 Must-See attractions in Orléans The city of Orléans is located on the Paris & Tours Way, the Camino de Santiago taking pilgrims from Paris to Orléans. If you are lucky enough to walk this Camino route, we have selected 10 Must-See attractions in Orléans. The beautiful city of Orléans has a rich history, as different
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What to wear to the Camino? The Camino de Santiago is a big adventure and needs to be taken seriously. For this reason we have designed a Free Packing Guide and prepared a list of gear you should take to the Camino. Of course this list will need to be adapted to your personal preferences as well
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Reek Sunday Tips: Climbing Croagh Patrick This Sunday, Reek Sunday, the CaminoWays.com team is heading to Westport to climb Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holy Mountain. Our Camino prep walk takes place on a very special date, with thousands of pilgrims visiting the Reek on this day. Here are some essential Reek Sunday tips and notes ahead of
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