Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) is a network of ancient pilgrim routes stretching across Europe and coming together at the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. In 2019, I completed my first Camino – the Camino Portuguese.   These articles and guides are intended to assist pilgrims as they plan their Camino, including recommended gear, tips, and key learnings gathered from my pilgrimages in Spain and Portugal as well as hiking experiences on the Appalachian Trail, the Florida Trail, and the Via Francigena.

 

 

A Beginner’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago

With any luck, you've found this page while researching the Camino de Santiago through Europe to learn more about pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella, Spain. Some pilgrims find the Camino through books or blogs. Others may learn about the Camino through movies, such as "The Way". Regardless of what first sparked your interest in the Camino, this beginner's guide to the Camino de Santiago is intended as an introduction to the different routes through Spain, France, and Portugal as well as a primer on the unique culture among pilgrims along The Way ...
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2023 Packing List: My Recommended Gear for Walking the Camino de Santiago

In the summer of 2019, I set out on my first Camino de Santiago pilgrimage along the ancient route from Portugal into Spain to Santiago de Compostela. As an experienced hiker, I spent a lot of time researching my backpack and clothes to ensure I had the right packing list for the Camino. Since returning from Spain, I've since walked the Via Francigena, California Missions Trail, England's Pilgrims' Way, Way of St. Cuthbert, and other supported pilgrimage walks. I'm sharing my own packing list for anyone planning a supported distance hike - ...
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CAMINO 101 VIDEOS


 

 

CAMINO ESSENTIALS


 

 


CAMINO DE SANTIAGO PODCASTS


EP5: Interview with “Boots to Bliss” Author Claude Tranchant

Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.com Australian author Claude Tranchant ("Boots to Bliss", "Boots to Freedom") joins author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com) to discuss overcoming ...
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EP4: Interview with Global Pilgrim Kevin Considine

Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.com Pilgrim Kevin Considine joins author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com) to discuss his global pilgrimages: the Kumano Kodo, ...
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EP3: Interview with Camino Pilgrim Johnniewalker / We Walk For You Camino 2020

Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.com Camino de Santiago pilgrim Johnnie Walker (http://www.wewalkforyour2020.org/) joins Author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com) to discuss the Camino ...
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EP1: Interview with Camino Pilgrim & Author Sandy Brown

PODCAST HOMEPAGE: www.sacredstepspodcast.com Cicerone Press Associate Publisher Sandy Brown (www.caminoist.org) joins Author Kevin Donahue (www.sacredstepsbook.com) to discuss their pilgrimage experiences, Sandy's ...
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EXPERT ARTICLES


THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO TRAVEL GUIDE & MUST VISIT PLACES !

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 ...
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Charging your Phone, Headphones, and Battery on the Camino de Santiago

For an extended pilgrimage, such as the Camino de Santiago or the Via Francigena, keeping your phone battery and devices charged can be very important ...
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Online Compostela Requests for the Camino de Santiago

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 ...
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CAMINO 101: HOW TO PREVENT BLISTERS HIKING THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

One of the biggest concerns for pilgrims and backpackers is: How to Prevent Blisters While Backpacking the Camino de Santiago? In this video from the ...
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CAMINO 101: The Pilgrim Routes on the Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago is a network of ancient pilgrim routes stretching across Europe and coming together at the shrine of the apostle Saint James ...
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CAMINO 101: Five Mobile Phone Apps for Pilgrims Walking the Camino de Santiago

What are the best smartphone apps for walking the Camino de Santiago? In this CAMINO 101 video, author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com) explores five essential iPhone ...
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CAMINO 101: Should you take a sleeping bag on the Camino de Santiago?

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, ...
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CAMINO 101: The Pilgrim Passport

Pilgrim, backpacker, and author Kevin Donahue (http://sacredstepsbook.com) discusses the pilgrim passport and how to document your journey along the Camino de Santiago, Via Francigena, and ...
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CAMINO 101: 3-Month Training Plan for Walking the Camino De Santiago

Pilgrim, backpacker, and author Kevin Donahue (http://sacredstepsbook.com) gives a three-month training guide for Training to Walk the Camino de Santiago as well as five tips ...
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CAMINO 101: How Much does it Cost to Walk the Camino de Santiago?

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 ...
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CAMINO 101: How to Sleep Comfortably on the Camino de Santiago

Pilgrim and author Kevin Donahue (http://sacredstepsbook.com​​​) gives four tips on how to sleep comfortably on the Camino de Santiago on this episode of Camino 101 ...
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CAMINO 101: What is an Albergue and Where Do I Sleep on the Camino de Santiago?

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 ...
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Layering Ultralight Clothing for Pilgrimage Backpacking

For those who follow this blog or my podcast (APPLE | GOOGLE | YOUTUBE | WWW), you're familiar with my essential packing list for the ...
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CAMINO 101: How many days to walk the Camino de Santiago?

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 ...
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PILGRIM RESOURCES FOR COVID-19

Following the deadly outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, most pilgrimage plans along the Camino de Santiago and Via Francigena were canceled or delayed in 2020 ...
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The Best Camino De Santiago Podcasts

Whether you're looking to learn about the Camino De Santiago or to connect with the global pilgrim community, podcasts are a great way to carry ...
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Walking the Last 100KM of the Camino de Santiago

For many pilgrims, the commitment of time required or the physical demands of walking the entirety of the Camino de Santiago may not be possible ...
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2021: Holy Jubilee Year for the Camino de Santiago

Following a year which saw the fewest pilgrims arriving in Santiago de Compostela in more than a decade due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, many ...
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Key Differences between the California Missions Trail and Camino de Santiago

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 ...
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HOW TO: Follow Trail Markers and Trail Blazes in Europe

As an experienced backpacker in the United States, I'm well-acquainted with how to read and follow trail blazes in North America. However, when I started ...
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HOW TO: Make Your Own Camino Backpack Shell

One of the universal symbols of pilgrims in western culture is the simple scallop shell. The shell is used both both for waymarking and as ...
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PACKING LIST: First-Aid Kit for Blisters and Foot Care

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 ...
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HOW TO: Five Tips for Urban Hiking

Nearly all of my pilgrimage trips have included some amount of urban hiking through modern cities, including the Camino de Santiago as you arrive at ...
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PACKING LIST: Backpacking First-Aid Kit

As a lifelong Scout and Scout Leader, I've probably created and carried more than 30 unique first-aid kits over the years. I say "created" because ...
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The Top Hiking GPS Apps for iPhone and Android

Looking for the best GPS apps for your iPhone or Android smartphone for your next hike? As a solo hiker and pilgrim, I never leave ...
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Where was “The Way” filmed along the Camino de Santiago?

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" ...
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Where are the Apostles of Jesus Buried?

Some of the most revered pilgrimage routes in the world culminate at tombs of Jesus's disciples, including the Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena ...
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2023 Packing List: My Recommended Gear for Walking the Camino de Santiago

In the summer of 2019, I set out on my first Camino de Santiago pilgrimage along the ancient route from Portugal into Spain to Santiago ...
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The Best Hiking Poles for the Camino de Santiago

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 ...
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How To: Sleep Peacefully on the Camino de Santiago

One of the more unique aspects of the Camino de Santiago is the system of pilgrim hostels established as accommodations along the way known as ...
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How Much Does it Cost to Walk the Camino de Santiago?

When I began planning to walk my first Camino de Santiago, I found quite several guides on how to walk and details about the various ...
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Key Differences Between the Camino de Santiago and Via Francigena

It is important for pilgrims to know that the Via Francigena is completely unlike the Camino de Santiago in many ways. Beyond the obvious difference ...
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Review: Sea to Summit Coolmax Adaptor Traveller Liner with Insect Shield

Whether I'm walking the Camino de Santiago or hiking the Via Francigena, one of my essential pieces fo backpacking gear is the Sea to Summit ...
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PACKING LIST: Trekking The World

By far the most frequent question I receive relates to how to pack for an international hiking trip. With that in mind, I'm sharing my ...
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Review: Osprey Manta 34L Backpack

I carried the 2019 version of the Osprey Manta 34L backpack through Portugal and Spain on the Camino de Santiago and recommend it most highly ...
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Why is the Scallop Shell the Symbol of the Camino de Santiago?

The scallop shell is one of the most iconic symbols of the Camino de Santiago and today it is used, along with the yellow arrow, ...
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Recommended Apps and Maps for Camino de Santiago

Looking for the best iPhone and Android apps to assist in walking the Camino de Santiago? These Apple and Android apps can help make The ...
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How To: Train to Walk the Camino de Santiago

A common question for those planning to walk the Camino de Santiago in France and Spain is what is the best way to train for ...
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How To: Select a Backpack for the Camino de Santiago

The most frequent question for those planning to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain is: What is the best backpack for the Camino?  From ...
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A Beginner’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago

With any luck, you've found this page while researching the Camino de Santiago through Europe to learn more about pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella, Spain ...
Read More