Food is ever-present in the camino walker’s mind. When to eat, what to eat, where to eat can be questions posed daily. Should the day end in Logroño, consider it your good gastronomic fortune. It is here, in the provincial capital of La Rioja, that the pilgrim can sample all the wonders of the tapas/pintxos […]
Not every representation of the pilgrim’s passage is formed in the round. Sometimes, that which we remove makes what is left more visible. On the camino path, as you leave Frómista heading towards Carrion de los Condes, this iconic rendition of the pilgrim silhouette stands out clearly against the blue Spanish sky. It stands guard […]
After leaving Zubiri, the camino continues on its downhill march toward Pamplona, closely following the course of the Rio Arga. Five kilometers after leaving the town, a footpath spanning the river appears on your right, This single arch Romanesque style stone bridge (12th century) leads into the village of Larrasoaña. Legend states that bandits would […]
No doubt that Spain is a land of great red wines. But there is also a long history of rosés or rosados. These paler versions are produced in all the wine regions that the Camino Francés passes through. The main grape variety is garnacha, but tempranillo can be part of the blend. The rosados […]
You don’t need to visit Barcelona to see the works of Spain’s greatest architect, Antoni Gaudí. Along the Camino Francés, there are two examples of Gaudí’s work, once in Léon and then Astorga. After a fire destroyed the original building, Gaudí was commissioned to design a new Episcopal Palace in Astorga by his friend, the […]
Autumn has arrived on the camino with its warm days and cooler evenings. What to wear has re-entered the daily conversation when getting ready for your early morning departure. It was only a short six weeks prior that the main concern was sufficient water, sunscreen and the coolest clothing possible. July and August on the […]
For over 85 years, the paradores of Spain have welcomed guests. Originally conceived in 1910 as a way to boost Spain’s tourism image, the first location opened in 1928. The hotels are often located in adapted castles, palaces, fortresses, convents, monasteries and other historic buildings. The paradores allowed old buildings to be re-purposed for modern usage. Along […]
The little yellow arrow is always there pointing the way forward. But it never answers the question – are we there yet?? Pilgrims need not worry. Distance markers are a constant presence along the camino, placed to remind you that there are still many miles to go before you sleep (apologies to Robert Frost). You […]
Walking for 20 km. through the Spanish countryside can build a healthy appetite. But, stopping for a real sit-down lunch is not always desirable or practical. Luckily, there is a ready-made solution to the problem of what to eat while trekking along the camino…. sandwiches Spanish-style! A “bocadillo” is a favorite transportable meal usually consisting […]
After departing Pamplona, you walk through suburban towns and villages before entering the Navarran countryside. Always in front of you is the heights of the Alto de Perdon, crowned with 21st century windmills. A long, steady climb brings you to the top with its magnificent 360° views. It is here that one of the most […]