A journey of 800 km. begins with the first step. Crossing the Pilgrim’s bridge over the River Nive at Saint-Jean-Pied-du-Port to begin the climb over the Pyrenees and start the Camino de Santiago. There will be a lot of uphill and then a lot of downhill crossing over the Pyrenees. Don’t rush it, the […]
Pamplona is the first major city the pilgrim reaches after descending from the Pyrenees. It is also the largest city along the Camino Francés and the historic capital of the ancient kingdom of Navarra. Over 90% of the wine production of Navarra is red. The main grape variety is tempranillo, but other types such as garnacha […]
Like all the other sights along the Camino Francés, the housing styles reflect the history, geography and climate the pilgrim will encounter along the route. The climate of northern Spain can run from the searing heat of the meseta to the misty lands of Galicia (known locally as España verde or green Spain). Building materials […]
Spain… land of eternal sunshine. Maybe in the tourist literature or some memory of a long ago holiday. But in truth, the climate of the Camino Francés will exhibit all four seasons of weather, from the heavy snows which smothered Burgos, driving rains and muddy trails come springtime in Navarra, the parched lands near Hornillos del […]
Most pilgrims will spend at least several nights in the company of their fellow walkers in a local albergue. These places form the backbone of the Camino experience. Some are very rustic (the albergue at Manjarín), delightfully eccentric (Albergue parroquial San Juan Bautista in Grañon), religious (Albergue del Monasterio de Samos) or beautifully restored in […]
Like Hansel and Gretel following a trail of pebbles out of the woods to find their way back home, the Camino walker seeks signs to point the way forward. Over the length of the Camino Francés, the ever-present yellow arrow shepherds the pilgrim onwards. This special marker is a recent invention (1984), the initiative of […]
Olive oil, salt, meat, fried potatoes (in many forms) and bread are the five basic essentials of the Camino kitchen. Breakfasts are simple affairs. Many easily carried sandwiches are available. But, when the pilgrim sits down at a table to eat, there can be a startling sameness to the restaurant menu. A quick glance at […]
Man has always needed to celebrate and commemorate important people and events. The pilgrim’s passage on the Camino de Santiago is no different. Along the 800 km. route, cities, towns and villages as well as individuals have erected or placed statues, memorials and monuments to the arduous trek made so many people. These posts will […]
As the Camino Francés winds its way through northern Spain, much of the landscape can appear sunny, hot and dry. In reality, Spain is a land of many rivers. Over the centuries, many bridges were built to span the water. It is said that water signifies your emotions in the dream state. Through the course of your […]
There will never be a shortage of wine along the Camino de Santiago. The route passes through some of Spain’s most iconic hillsides of the vine. In many cases, the cost of drinking the local “vino” will be less than purchasing a 500 ml. bottle of water. Many a pilgrim menu dinner will find a […]