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 the Camino with you. Ranging from practical tips to inspiring and emotional pilgrim stories, these are the very best Camino …
For more than 1,000 years, pilgrims have gathered to walk the Kumano Kodo (熊野古道) through the tranquil Kii Mountains in Japan. At the center of this religious area are the three Kumano shrines: Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha, and Nachi Taisha, collectively known as Kumano …
For over 1,000 years, people from all levels of society have journeyed to the tranquil Kii Mountains in Japan, following the many pilgrimage routes to the revered Kumano Sanzan Shrines. The Kumano Kodo (熊野古道), comprised of seven routes to the region’s holy shrines, is one …
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 …
Born from the ancient footpaths traversing the coast between California’s twenty-one Spanish missions, the California Missions Trail or El Camino Real in California (“The Royal Road”) as it is also known connects historic missions, pueblos, and presidios over an 800-mile long pilgrimage walk. Established between …
In researching the California Mission Walk, also known as “El Camino Real” for an upcoming pilgrimage, I quickly found a number of wonderful resources and communities of walkers. However, specific GPS, GPX, and KML files for Google Maps detailing for the California Missions Trail were …
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 …