Ever wondered what secrets the Camino de Santiago is keeping? Beyond the famous paths and well-known sights, there are hidden gems that only a few know about. If you’re looking for a unique experience on your pilgrimage, you’re in the right place. Whether it’s your first time walking the Camino or not, we’ve got insider tips just for you. From secret cafes to rooftops in Santiago offering breathtaking views, we’re about to spill all the secrets. So, lace up your walking shoes, and let’s dive into Santiago’s hidden wonders together. Ready for an adventure that goes beyond the well-worn path? L ..read more

The Operational Excellence Awards 2024 judges have nominated Follow the Camino as finalists in a ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Follow the Camino joined a tough field of competition in the ‘Operational Excellence in Tourism & Entertainment’ category. The project entry focused on Follow the Camino’s B-Corp Certification. The project also incorporated the company’s ‘green team policies’. These aim to improve the sustainability of administrative operations and incentivise employees to make more eco-friendly decisions. Other prestigious organisations attending the Operational Excellence ..read more

In 2015, Pope Francis announced that the next Catholic Jubilee would take place in a decade’s time. Nearly 10 years on, in January Pope Francis launches a year of prayer ahead of the 2025 Jubilee. For Catholics, the Vatican Jubilee 2025 is one of the holiest dates in the calendar. But what exactly is the 2025 Jubilee? And why is it such an important time for prayer and pilgrimage to Rome? What is the Jubilee of 2025? In Catholicism, a Jubilee is a special year of the remission of sins and universal pardon, for both the living and the deceased. The Rome Jubilee 2025 will last around a year, lik ..read more

Turigrino /noun/ (also spelled Touragrino): A pilgrim that prefers having their luggage transported and staying in private rooms. My name is Angie Moreira and I am the Reservations, Operations & Products Team Leader for tour operator Follow The Camino. I recently walked the last 100km of the Camino de Santiago, and want to share my experience with you! My Relationship with the Camino de Santiago My introduction to the Camino dates back to my days working at a travel agency in Buenos Aires, Argentina. One of my colleagues told me that the Camino de Santiago walk was on her bucket list. I di ..read more

The pilgrimage route in Japan’s Kii Peninsula – Kumano Kodo offer a unique journey steeped in history and spirituality. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these ancient pathways connect sacred shrines and temples, offering a mix of history, culture and spirituality for travelers. The shrines and temples of Kumano Kodo are like nothing you will find anywhere else in the world. Importantly, the Kumano Kodo is part of a dual pilgrimage with the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Completing both routes earns pilgrims a special Dual Pilgrim certification. This emphasises the universal search fo ..read more

Is sustainable travel possible when tourism contributes to approximately 8% of global carbon emissions? Travel companies can certainly take steps towards addressing climate change issues through campaigning for ‘slow travel’ practices and carbon offsetting. While Follow the Camino promotes the first, our recent strategic alliance with carbon project developer DGB Group will help us on our journey to greater carbon efficiency. Follow the Camino’s Sustainability Advisor, María Lihué Tula, shared her thoughts on sustainable travel and tourism, and how our DGB Group partnership is reducing the car ..read more

Follow the Camino has signed the EU Commission Sustainable Consumption Pledge at a ceremony organised in cooperation with the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU in Brussels.  They are now part of a network of forward-thinking companies including Capgemini, Decathlon, and Phillips, which have taken a voluntary pledge to support more sustainable consumption. This is as part of the EU’s New Consumer Agenda. The EU Commission Sustainable Consumption Pledge commits companies to reducing their carbon and environmental footprint. It also encourages companies to increase circularity in o ..read more

Life is about the journey, not the destination. This is certainly true of the Camino de Santiago, with taking the time to savour new experiences, sights and tastes a must on The Way. Day Tours from the Camino are an excellent way to give your body a break while you visit cultural and historical hotspots. Follow the Camino organises everything for you, allowing you to experience the most authentic parts of Spain and Portugal knowing that you can continue your trip afterwards. Here’s some recommendations for Day Tours from the Camino walks, with options from a range of pilgrim routes. 1) Ribeira ..read more

Are you passionate about Sustainable Travel and looking for a way to train for your upcoming Camino in Dublin? Look no further! We at Follow the Camino, a leading provider of organised Camino de Santiago Tours, are thrilled to announce a series of Training Walks in Dublin. These walks are not only a fantastic way to prepare for the Camino journey but also align perfectly with our deep commitment to Sustainability and Responsible Travel. Sustainability at Heart: Leave No Trace In line with our Sustainability Initiatives, these training walks embody the “Leave No Trace” principle. We are dedica ..read more

After miles of walking, endless discoveries, and moments of reflection, you finally arrive at the heart of it all – Santiago de Compostela! As you reach Santiago de Compostela, the sight of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela seems to welcome you into the city. But not only that – it’s a moment of triumph as you realize you’ve made it to the journey’s end. So – what now? Let’s dive into the traditions and rituals awaiting you in this city. The Pilgrim’s Mass: A Celebration of Community The most popular tradition is stepping into the Cathedral for the Pilgrim’s Mass. It’s not just any servi ..read more