Rough statistics for pilgrims are: Men 54% Women 46% Walkers 89% 30 – 60 age group make up 55% of pilgrims, 28% are under 30. 68% of pilgrims walk the Camino Francés The Pilgrim Office in Santiago keeps detailed statistics for each day, month and year. The number of pilgrims receiving the Compostela each year: […]

Which one is Camino Primitivo? It is also called the Original Way and it´s said to be the first Camino route to Santiago the Compostela when in te 9th century most of Spain and Portugal were under Moorish Control. The route takes you approximately 320k from the north coast at Villavicosa, through the city of […]

Astorga is the traditional market town of the Maragatos, a distinct ethnic group of unknown origin, Marrying only among themselves, they maintained their traditions and individuality well into recent decades. However, apart from the locally famous Maragato cocido – a typically hearty stew made with up to seven types of meat and sausage, plus chickpeas and cabbage – […]

Queens, maids, women crusaders, fraudsters, beggars, saints…There are plenty of stories related to female pilgrims that break the stereotype of women on the Camino de Santiago from Middle Ages. A recent book “Women and Pilgrimage in Medieval Galicia” narrates and describes the role of these relevant women. A book written by a professional team and coordinated […]

      New exclusive entrance just for pilgrims in Santiago´s Cathedral. Pilgrims are allowed a new exclusive entrance in Santiago´s Cathedral. This new entrance is placed in Praterias square. Only pilgrims with credential will be permitted to get into the Cathedral through this gate. The exit will be through the gate out of Azabacheria. The […]

When you walk over hard rough surfaces for more than 20 kilometers a day, you’re going to get blisters. And bruises, and pulled muscles, and perhaps sprains or worse. You can’t tough it out when you have to walk again tomorrow. Take care of yourself, especially your feet. Remember that there are plenty of  “farmacias” […]

For those  who are traveling in Europe for the first time, the Camino may become  a culture shock to find different things and different attitudes on the Camino. I have known from Sylvia Nilsen( from South African Camino Pilgrims) a list with some hilarious complaints that some foreign pilgrims have made while walking the Camino […]