Camino de Santiago Blog

I have been writing about the Camino on this blog since 2006. The site grew too large, and I consolidated posts as there was not … Read more

I met Mony, one of the authors of Walking for Peace, at a conference about the Camino de Santiago in October 2015.  I found Mony … Read more

For most pilgrims undertaking the Camino de Santiago, the end of the journey is Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. The cathedral lies at the heart of … Read more

Ponferrada holds a special place in my heart. One year I left the Camino de Santiago at this point and on another year I walked … Read more

Pamplona is the first major city on the Camino; whole guide books are written on the city and therefore only the basics are covered here. … Read more

To judge by the first sight of its outskirts, Leon, in northern Spain, is like any other modern Spanish city: a few smoke-belching factories and … Read more

The towns, villages, and cities along the 780km of the Camino Frances that you will walk or cycle through are quite diverse and typical of … Read more

My book, which includes a daily guide, maps, hostels, history, myths, legends, and a big list of frequently asked questions, is now available for sale. … Read more

In May and June, I walked along with my husband the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage as a vegan and sugar and gluten-free. I spent a … Read more

This section, on the Le Puy Camino, took us to the windswept plains of the Aubrac. Cold, I got frostbite on my nose which took … Read more

Since the Middle Ages, the roads that lead to Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain have sustained their popularity. I undertook this journey in July … Read more

Charlemagne was King of the Franks and the first Holy Roman Emperor. Born in 742 AD, he was a medieval king renowned for his accomplishments … Read more

Due to its location, Astorga has been an important crossroad and city since Roman times. It sat at the junction of two main Roman roads, … Read more

The name Santiago might not sound common to a lot of people. It is, therefore, rare for a lot of people to tell who Santiago … Read more

I enjoyed reading Wild: A Journey from Lost to Found by Cheryl Strayed. I found the book gritty, ruthlessly honest and inspiring. All that from … Read more

This small town, founded in the 9th century, (about 700 inhabitants), has the slightly grandiose name of the Three Castles – none of which still … Read more

Like many small rural towns, the population has nearly halved since 1960; from 2,057 to 1,182 in 2013. However, the town has all the facilities … Read more

My name is Ineke and I’m from The Netherlands. The idea of cycling the Camino started about two years ago. I saw the movie ‘The … Read more

by Syl Nilsen El Camino de Santiago We trained for months to walk the trail Got all the guide books in the mail We knew … Read more

I wonder if there if something that for many of us we do not get from our daily life.  I have met and talked to … Read more

Carrion was first settled by the Romans and was known as Lacobriga. Later the Visogoths held the city, their existence is evidenced by the tombs … Read more

Portomarin developed along both sides of the River Mino, the town was of strategic importance and always garrisoned first by the Order of Santiago, then … Read more

Palas de Rei was referred to as the Royal Palace in the first pilgrims’ guide from the 12th century, however, there is little in the … Read more

Ponferrada became a city in 1908 with a population of only 3,000 at that time. Today the population has grown to over 67,000 making it … Read more

Arzua is the last large town you will pass through before Santiago, (pop circa 7,000). Historically there is little to see apart from the local … Read more

Belorado with a population of just over 2,000 was a welcome resting place for me in 2004. I only walked 12km this day and rested … Read more

There is a tourist office at 16 Calle Masones, they can provide a town map and a city map for Leon. Mansilla was a Roman … Read more

It was where I was heading, as was everyone else on this pilgrimage across northern Spain. Each city was different, Leon is a pleasure, Burgos … Read more

I asked for book suggestions a few weeks back on the Camino Facebook page and the weekly newsletter. The Way, My Way by Bill Bennett … Read more

After the ravine known as “Barranco Mataburros” – the mule killer, you reach the plain where Viana can be seen in front of you. Viana … Read more

Every person walking the Caminos has a different story. When walking it is enchanting to listen to the tangled, exciting or boring stories of other … Read more

The earliest references to El Burgo Ranero is from 1126, there are a few interpretations of the town’s name: one is the town of frogs, … Read more

A pilgrimage is a term primarily used in religion and spirituality of a long journey or search of great moral significance. Sometimes, it is a … Read more

The hotel attendant walked me down a very long, wide, immense stone hallway and showed me to my room. It was just what I needed! … Read more

The patron saint of the village is Santiago and the local parish church is dedicated to him. Inside it has one of the most warlike … Read more

Santo Domingo de la Calzada is named after Saint Dominic, (pop. 6,700), and has been declared a site of historic interest. The tourist office is … Read more

San Juan de Ortega is a tiny hamlet with a population of 18 permanent residents. Nestled in a calm landscape and rich in cultural and … Read more

The Camino Madrid joins the Camino Frances from the south in Sahagun. Today Sahagun is a small dusty market centre on the Meseta, with a … Read more

Navarrete is a municipality in the Autonomous Community of La Rioja ( Spain ). It lies on the Camino Frances route. Because of the culture … Read more