If you’re walking the Camino de Santiago, it’s important to know that the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago de Compostela has implemented a new online application option for the Compostela, which will allow you to skip the time spent queueing to receive your Compostela.  Intended to better manage the flow of pilgrims requesting recognition for their journey, the new online Compostela process creates a queue system to both reduce the time pilgrims spend waiting and to better manage the process to receive your paper documents.   REQUESTING YOUR COMPOSTELA ONLINE The Pilgrim’s Office has now ..read more

With more Americans walking the Camino de Santiago and looking for a Camino walk in the United States, the California Missions Trail has begun to draw more pilgrims seeking a pilgrimage walk in America. Born from the ancient footpaths traversing the coast between California’s twenty-one Spanish missions, the California Missions Trail connects historic missions, pueblos, and presidios over an 800-mile long pilgrimage walk. Established between 1769 and 1823, the missions offered refuge and Christian hospitality along the dusty outposts of the Golden State. From their humble, thatch-roofed beginn ..read more

One of the questions I get from both experienced and newer backpackers alike is: what first aid and foot care items should I carry in my backpack in case I get blisters or have foot pain? This is a really serious topic for hiking, whether you’re on the Appalachian Trail or the Camino de Santiago. To help answer the question, I’m sharing what I carry in my foot-care First-Aid Kit.   MY FOOT CARE FIRST AID KIT: Nail clippers Victorinox Swiss Card Micro Scissors BodyGlide Foot Anti Blister Balm – Glide works to reduce friction, lowering the risk of blisters Alcohol wipes & individual Ne ..read more

If the movie “The Way’ starring Martin Sheen inspired your Camino journey, you may be interested to learn where scenes from the movie “The Way” were filmed along the Camino de Santiago. If you’ve walked the Camino Frances, several of these locations from the movie may be as familiar as the film itself.       LOCATIONS FOR THE MOVIE ‘THE WAY’ STARRING MARTIN SHEEN   Saint-Jean Pied-de-Port, France Following the unexpected death of his son, Tom decides to walk the Camino to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. On his first day, he begins his pilgrimage along the Camino Frances at t ..read more

Considering the Camino de Santiago but not sure if you should take a sleeping bag for your pilgrimage in Spain? In this Camino 101 video, we’re answering the question for pilgrims and cold sleepers on the Camino de Santiago.     DISCUSSIONS IN THIS VIDEO: 0:00 Introduction 0:13 Should I take a Sleeping Bag on Spain’s Camino de Santiago? 0:57 No, do NOT take a sleeping bag – here’s why 3:12 Lightweight alternatives to consider 3:39 Down blanket considerations 4:34 Packing & Care for your blanket 5:25 Final Suggestions & Tips   LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: Down Camping Bla ..read more

Hiking poles (or trekking poles, as they are known throughout much of the world) are one of the most hotly debated items for pilgrims on the Camino. Some peregrinos swear by them; others swear at them.   Let’s settle the debate quickly: Hiking poles are definitely suggested gear for the Camino de Santiago or any distance walk you may undertake. The reason is simple: Trekking poles enhance your overall stability and provide support regardless of the terrain. Some hikers also find that poles help them to keep a more consistent pace given the natural rhythm they help create during the walk ..read more

Pilgrim, backpacker, and author Kevin Donahue (http://sacredstepsbook.com​) answers the question, “How Much does it Cost to Walk the Camino de Santiago? “and tips for budgeting your pilgrimage through France, Spain, or Portugal to Santiago de Compostela along the Camino de Santiago. CAMINO 101 Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list…​       DISCUSSIONS IN THIS VIDEO: 0:00​​​ Introduction 0:21​​​ Sacred Steps Podcast 0:55​ Budgeting for the Camino 1:24​ Daily Accommodation Costs 2:33​ Daily Meal Costs 2:57​ Pilgrim Menus 3:30​ Alcoholic Beverages & Tapas 3:55​ Bottle ..read more

Pilgrim and author Kevin Donahue (http://sacredstepsbook.com​​) answers the question, “What is an Albergue and Where Do I Sleep on the Camino de Santiago?” in the episode of CAMINO 101.   DISCUSSIONS IN THIS VIDEO: 0:00​​ Introduction 0:23​​ Sacred Steps Podcast 0:56​ What is an Albergue? 1:29​ Private Room Options in Albergues 1:37​ Albergue Costs per Night 1:59​ The difference between Municipal and Private Albergues 2:20​ Pensions, Hotels, and Paradors for Pilgrims 2:30​ Camino Pilgrimage Advice   *********************************************************** CAMINO DE SANTIAGO RESOUR ..read more

From the Sacred Steps Podcast, pilgrim and author Kevin Donahue (http://sacredstepsbook.com​) answers the question, “How many days to walk the Camino de Santiago?” in the episode of CAMINO 101.   DISCUSSIONS IN THIS VIDEO: 0:00​ Introduction 0:23​ Sacred Steps Podcast 0:45​ The Camino Routes to Santiago 1:09​ The Camino Frances 1:57​ How Many Days to Walk the Camino Frances 2:48​ Shorter Walks to Santiago 3:10​ The Most Difficult Days on the Camino Frances 3:51​ Camino Pilgrimage Advice   *********************************************************** CAMINO DE SANTIAGO RESOURCES: Sacre ..read more

Table Of Contents The Camino de Santiago, month by month CAMINO DE SANTIAGO WALKING ROUTES Must see places when visiting Camino de Santiago 1. Astorga 2. Finisterre 3. León 4. Molinaseca 5. O Cebreiro 6. Panes 7. Picos de Europa 8. Rabanal del Camino 9. Samos 10. Santiago de Compostela 11. Sarria 12. The Sea Route The most popular months are July and August, though they can be uncomfortably hot with burnt vegetation. The ideal months to walk the Camino de Santiago are May-June and September, when the weather is nice, downpours are less common, and you’ll have plenty of companionship ..read more