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.
This guide is 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.
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. However, pilgrims may receive the Compostela (Pilgrim Certificate) by walking at least the last 100km to Santiago de Compostela.
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 are preparing to walk the Way in what will be a very special and important year: the 2021 Holy Year …
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.
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 hiking distance routes and trails in Europe,
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 a metaphor for the Camino de Santiago, its lines said to represent the different routes to the tomb of Saint …
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 …
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 the Cathedral and the California Mission Trail through the major metro areas of San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. …
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 – more often than not – retail first aid kits are not specialized enough for backpacking – lacking a few …
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 home without a GPS map and guidebook. Since your phone contains a GPS chip that does not require cellular or …
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 …
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. All but one died a martyr. Here are the final resting places of the relics of the Apostles. WHERE …
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 …
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 …
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 albergues. Available exclusively to pilgrims, these facilities offer an inexpensive one-night stay option along The Way. Generally, albergues provide …
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 routes. One resource I couldn’t find was how much does it cost to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain. …
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 in distance, the Via Francigena is a more European route. The customs and languages are much more varied and there …