When to hike the Camino?

When to hike the Camino?

Different paths and different times of the year offer a lot of variety – from windy days on the coast to snowy days in the mountains. Since Portugal and Galicia are outlined by the Atlantic Ocean, the climate is quite whimsical and generous on rainfall. Every...
What is the Spiritual Variant?

What is the Spiritual Variant?

The Spiritual Variant (Espiritual Variente) is an alternative path just 2km outside of the town of Pontevedra.  Pontevedra is after the Central and Coastal routes have come together, so regardless of which of those two routes you take, you can still enjoy the joy of...
Why is the Shell the symbol of the Camino?

Why is the Shell the symbol of the Camino?

The Scallop Shell is used as a symbol of direction along the Camino, pointing pilgrims towards Santiago – many paths leading to one point. Pilgrims also wear this symbol themselves which further enhances the camaraderie along this great walking trail. Here are...
Why people walk the Camino?

Why people walk the Camino?

Historically pilgrims would have made the long walk to Santiago de Compostela for religious reasons. Caminoways.com completed a survey of why modern pilgrims walk the Camino. Their responses showed the following: 28.2% – looking for a new challenge 28% –...
What are Rituals and Traditions of the Camino?

What are Rituals and Traditions of the Camino?

On the Journey For pilgrims treading the route across the Pyrenees, the monks at the monastery of San Salvador rang the chapel bell to guide the pilgrims across the mountains when the weather was bad. At Triacastela, the earliest pilgrims were given a piece of...
Who is St. James?

Who is St. James?

Saint James, also called James, son of Zebedee, or James the Greater, (born, Galilee, Palestine—died 44 ce, Jerusalem; feast day July 25), one of the Twelve Apostles, distinguished as being in Jesus’ innermost circle and the only apostle whose martyrdom is...