CAMINOLOVERS.COM – FROM PILGRIMS TO PILGRIMS WITH LOVE
Author: Matej
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How to get to Irun – Starting point of Camino del Norte
Pilgrims start their Camino del Norte in various places. San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, or Gijon belong to the most popular starting locations, depending on how much time pilgrims have for their Camino, and also whether they want to skip the first hilly week ending in Bilbao. Those who want to cover the entire distance of…
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“Donativo” concept explained. Everything you need to know about donativo albergues
Following any of the Caminos in Spain, you’ll come across a variety of pilgrim hostels (called “alebrgues” in Spanish). Some will be run by local municipality, other by Catholic church. Many places are run by individuals as well, or small businesses, communities (either religious or secular). It provides for an excellent mix, and no doubt…
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Stray Dogs on Camino de Santiago – Myths vs Reality
If you’ve ever traveled to Latin America, or to certain parts of South East Asia, no doubt you’ve seen thousands of them. Dogs in poor health, often half-dead, spending their days spread out on the ground, waiting for a miracle, or for a stranger throwing them some food. Or those huge dogs in Nepal with…
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Can dogs (or other pets accompanying you on your camino) stay in pilgrim hostels?
Dogs are amazing companions. They help us cope with solitude, bring joy to our life, and can teach us what it means to love unconditionally. Living with a dog, or taking care of one, however, has also some drawbacks. Dogs need to eat, to go for a walk, they need someone to be there for…
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What is the best time to walk Via de la Plata?
The one thousand kilometers long Camino, traversing Spain from south to north, all the way from Seville to Santiago de Compostela, is a common favorite amongst the ranks of experienced pilgrims. The way has a lot of to offer, for both nature and history lovers, not to say for pilgrims who walk the camino from…
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Camping on Camino de Santiago – Can it be done, and how?
Many people tend to think that pilgrims do not camp while walking the Camino. Why should they, after all, with so many nice pilgrim hostels around? In my experience, at least one in every fifty pilgrims camps on the way, either most of the time, or occasionally, from one of the following reasons: They are…
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Can you lose weight walking Camino de Santiago? Personal experience + advice
You would be surprised how many people actually try to lose weight on the Camino. It is rarely their primary goal, or the main reason why they packed their stuff and left for a one month long pilgrimage in Spain (if not for a longer one), but it often sits high on their list of…
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Getting a pilgrim passport in Irun – Guide on how to find the place
A modern-day pilgrim tries to plan everything in advance. Ordering two (or four) pilgrim passports online (just to make sure they’ll have enough space for all the beautiful stamps they’ll collect on the way), paying more for shipping than for the actual passports, pilgrims hope to simplify the start of their pilgrimage. In the old…
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What’s the best time to walk Camino del Norte, from Irun to Santiago de Compostela?
Camino del Norte, or Camino de la Costa, or simply the “Coastal Camino”. Some people love it and will return every year, for endless beaches and pleasant temperature in the summer, and actually now with the climate change even in spring and autumn. Or perhaps they come back for the healing power the waves of…
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Can you walk Camino de Santiago in December?
Walking Camino in winter is not typical, but it isn’t something unheard of. Some of us simply cannot make holidays in spring or summer (whereas almost everyone can take some days off in December, or even a couple of weeks), and some of us cannot tolerate the heat of Spanish sun. I’ve also talked to…
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Can you learn Spanish while walking Camino de Santiago?
People embark on a pilgrimage for a variety of reasons. Some want to grow spiritually, or find the meaning of life. Others want to have a good time, meeting interesting people while traversing beautiful countryside of Spain. And some simply need a change, an escape, seeking an end, or a new beginning… Besides the primary…
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Walking stick(s) on Camino de Santiago – pros and cons, special tips
Walking sticks. Some people would hardy leave their house for a walk without them, whereas others hate to carry them. But should you take one, or two sticks on the camino with you? What are the real pros and cons, and what should you take into account when deciding about this piece of equipment? Last…
