People have been making their way across Europe to the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in order to pay homage or do penance ever since the miraculous discovery of his remains, over 1200 years ago.   The Camino de Santiago de Compostela is made up of these many different trails from […] The post Camino de Santiago – Special Symbols first appeared on Way To Santiago ..read more

Santigo de Compostela is welcoming pilgrims again: Find out what you can expect in this very special Holy Year!   With the good news regarding a decrease in the numbers of Covid-19 infections life is slowly going back to normal. Although the previous recommendations of social distancing, mask wearing, and hand hygiene are still in place, land borders have reopened. And do you know what that means? It means pilgrims can, once again, walk the Camino de Santiago! If walking the Camino has been on your bucket list, then there’s a good chance you know that 2021 is a Holy Year. This happens whe ..read more

If you are about to start or have completed a Camino de Santiago, you will inevitably visit the city’s magnificent cathedral. But what else is there to do in Santiago de Compostela? Quite a lot, actually, so we suggest adding an extra night or two to your itinerary so that you have time and energy to fully appreciate its charms.   See also: Portuguese Central Way vs Portuguese Coastal Way   Read on to find out what to do in Santiago de Compostela.   Join the pilgrims in Praza do Obradoiro However you arrive in Santiago, you are likely to wind up in this enormous square in front ..read more

The ancient city of Santiago de Compostela is a wonderful place to visit at any time, especially the old town. Its attractive squares, magnificent buildings, and narrow streets are atmospheric and captivating, especially so if you’ve arrived there after making the epic walking journey along the Camino de Santiago. That’s why we’re excited to share two pieces of good news. We hope they will spark your enthusiasm for following the Portuguese Camino trail in 2021 or 2022.   Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is now fully restored The 800-year-old cathedral is now gleaming in its full splendour ..read more

It’s fundamental to plan ahead when thinking of walking the Camino de Santiago. For many people, the Camino is one of the most important experiences of their lifetime and, for this reason, this experience should be as close to perfect as possible. Among the most relevant aspects of planning this experience is choosing the best months to walk the Camino. Crowds and high temperatures are always best avoided, and so July and August should positively be crossed off your list of possibilities.   It’s also important to be aware that the regions you’ll be crossing – the Minho, in Portugal, and G ..read more

What you must know about cycling the Portuguese Camino de Santiago The ancient pilgrim trails through Portugal and Galicia to Santiago de Compostela were developed by walkers. However, and luckily for cycling enthusiasts, the good news is that it is also possible to cycle the Camino. Whether you choose to follow the Coastal Way, the Central Route or the less-travelled Santiago to Finisterre route, you can be sure of spectacular scenery and delightful food throughout your journey.   Can anyone cycle the Camino de Santiago? The Camino is not an ‘easy’ route to cycle, even ..read more

If you are not used to hiking for several hours, day after day, planning ahead to prepare yourself for the Camino de Santiago will make your experience more enjoyable. Though extremely rewarding, the Camino can be physically demanding, as the terrain is varied and presents some challenges – granite cobblestones, we’re looking at you. Read on for our top tips to help you get fit if you’re thinking of embarking on this incredible adventure, and know what to expect while you’re on the Way of St. James. 1.       Consider consulting a specialist If you haven ..read more

For many people, walking the Camino is a life changing experience. But if you want to make the most of it it’s important to correctly manage the effort you’re making while also focusing on your main target: reaching Santiago de Compostela. It doesn’t hurt to also keep your eye on the smaller prizes along the way, from the beautiful landscapes to the delicious cuisine and local wines. Rest days are crucial and the stopovers we suggest are strategically located and provide the perfect combo of effort management and unique traits, ranging from mouthwatering delicacies to striking views. These sto ..read more

A good night of sleep makes a huge difference to your experience on the Camino to Santiago. There are many standards of accommodation along the Camino de Santiago, ranging from public pilgrim hostels to luxury historical hotels. Evidently, the likelihood of restful sleep will be greater if you have a private room and there are many options for this. Find out which Camino accommodation would suit you best.   Pousadas and Paradores These are generally historical buildings – often former monasteries, fortresses, hospitals or other notable buildings – which have been tastefully converted into ..read more

For many people who choose to follow the Portuguese Camino to Santiago, it’s important to qualify for the official certificate issued by the cathedral authorities to prove and distinguish their accomplishment. This is called the Compostela and to get one, you will need a pilgrim passport, also known as a Credencial, as an evidence of your journey.   What is the pilgrim passport? Simply put, the pilgrim passport in its recent form is a folded card with your personal details written in the front, which you use to record your journey to Santiago de Compostela. You need to show that you ..read more