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The Road That Made Europe
By Virginio Corsi In 2027, the feast of Saint James the Apostle, celebrated on July 25, will fall on a Sunday. Santiago de Compostela will therefore observe another Jacobean Holy Year, and the roads leading across Europe and northern Spain will once again fill with pilgrims. The event belongs to
THE ONES WHO STAY
Our Via Francigena in Italy, from the beginning WRITTEN by Dana Papenhagen Before there were official way markers, before the Via Francigena in Italy was widely known, we were already walking it. In 2009, Virginio and I marked sections of the route ourselves for our first pilgrims. We walked, searched, adjusted,
France and the Chemins
Camino in France: Paths That Shaped Europe, Then and Now To understand the Chemins of France is to understand Europe itself. Long before railways and borders, before nations defined themselves by lines on maps, Europe was shaped by movement. People walked. They crossed regions, languages, and landscapes on foot. France, placed at
Camino for Every Body – No One Left Behind
A Pilgrimage Made Extraordinary by Friendship When Virgilio and his family decided to celebrate his 60th birthday in June 2025, they knew exactly how they wanted to do it: by setting out on another pilgrimage together, this time bringing along their dearest friends. Having already completed both the Via Francigena and
The Santos Family’s Camino Journey
Three generations walking in faith and love. A Dream Born from a Film The story began in 2010, when Christine and her husband, Robert, watched The Way, starring Martin Sheen. Newly married and already passionate hikers and scuba divers, they were drawn to the idea of pilgrimage and began researching the Camino de Santiago. That’s how
Santiago de Compostela: Urban Gardening keeps rural roots alive
Have you heard? They’re all the rage in New York, Paris, London, Berlin, Montreal, and…Santiago de Compostela is leading the way in Spain as one of the cities with the most urban gardens per capita. But what’s really behind this “new” initiative? Quite simply, urban gardens are bringing neighbors together, bridging
Recommended reading
Essential Reads for the Camino
Food, Cooking & Culinary Inspiration
Spanish cuisine is an essential part of the journey. From traditional cookbooks to hands-on cooking experiences and regional dishes, these resources celebrate the flavors, stories, and rituals that define local food culture along the Camino and beyond. 1000 Spanish Recipes A comprehensive collection of classic and modern Spanish dishes, perfect
Travel Essentials for Spain: Weather, Currency & Insurance
Spain Weather (El Tiempo) Check current weather conditions and seasonal trends across Spain to help you prepare for your walking journey and pack appropriately for the Camino. Currency Exchange Rates Stay up to date with currency exchange rates to better plan your travel budget and daily expenses while walking in
Suggested Reading
A handpicked selection of books and essays to inspire your walk, deepen your connection to the Camino, and enrich your journey before and after the trail. SPAIN A Million Steps by Kurt Koontz The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago: A Cultural Handbook by Gitlitz and Davidson Following the Milky Way by Elyn Aviva The
Things to do and see in Santiago de Compostela
From the majestic Cathedral to hidden plazas and lively markets, Santiago de Compostela offers a rich blend of history, culture, and everyday life. Explore the city beyond the pilgrimage, discovering its architecture, traditions, and quiet corners that reward slow and curious travelers. SPAIN The Santiago Cathedral and Museums For breathtaking views
The Camino de Santiago in the International Press
A curated selection of books and readings to inspire your journey, deepen your understanding of the Camino, and prepare you for walking with purpose and curiosity. Asturias Adventures – Trekking Through the Pandemic – The GR-109 A summer of Covid bliss. 2020 NY TIMES – April of 2013 International Travel News Feb. 2008
Recipes
Our Most Popular Camino & Fuentes De Lucia Recipes
Queimada Gallega – Fire Water
A ritual as much as a drink. Ingredients 2 liters grape brandy (aguardiente or grappa) 300 g sugar Zest of 2 lemons Zest of 1 orange About 10 coffee beans Preparation Place all ingredients in a clay pot. Carefully ignite and step back. Let burn for about 15 minutes, stirring
Sangria
Perfect after a long walk. Ingredients 1 bottle dry Spanish red wine 2 tbsp orange juice 2 tbsp orange liqueur 1 tbsp sugar Orange and lemon slices 2 cups grapes, halved 1 cup sparkling water Preparation Mix all ingredients except sparkling water in a pitcher. Refrigerate for several hours. Add
Gambas al Ajillo – Garlic Shrimp
A classic Spanish tapa. Ingredients 2 garlic cloves, sliced ½ dried red chili pepper 1 bay leaf 5 tbsp olive oil 5 oz small shrimp, peeled Coarse salt Preparation Heat oil with garlic, chili, and bay leaf until garlic sizzles. Add shrimp and cook, stirring, about 3 minutes. Season lightly
Tarta de Santiago – Almond Cake
A beloved dessert from Galicia. Ingredients 4 eggs, separated 1 cup sugar 2¼ cups finely ground almonds Powdered sugar, for dusting Preparation Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Beat egg yolks with ¾ cup sugar until pale; fold in almonds. Whisk egg whites, adding remaining sugar, until stiff peaks form. Gently
Vieiras de Santiago – Scallops with Jamón Serrano
A festive dish traditionally enjoyed along the Camino. Ingredients ⅓ cup olive oil 1 medium onion, minced 1 red pepper, diced 4 oz Jamón Serrano ½ cup minced parsley 1 tsp sweet paprika ½ cup dry white wine Salt, to taste 16 scallops 3 tsp dry breadcrumbs Preparation Preheat oven
Pollo Asturiano – Chicken with Cider (Pollo con Sidra)
By Juan Carlos Fuentes Ingredients 3 lbs chicken, skin on 6 apples, cut into wedges 6 garlic cloves, peeled 2 lemons, sliced 1 liter Asturian cider (or dry alcoholic cider) Salt and pepper Olive oil Preparation Preheat oven to 325°F (170°C). Place chicken in a baking dish and coat with