5 Minutes Camino de Santiago Podcast

Walk From Ireland to Santiago Along The Celtic Camino

In olden times, Camino pilgrims would begin their journey as soon as they left their homes, which is why there are various different Camino routes crossing most of Europe. One of these routes was the Camino Ingles.

The Camino Ingles is the route traditionally favoured by British and Irish pilgrims, as well as others coming from Northern Europe. These pilgrims would take a boat from the main ports in their countries and dock in the north of Spain, ready to continue their journey to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

There are two main starting points for the Camino Ingles in Galicia: Ferrol and A Coruña. Just like with all other routes, pilgrims must complete at least the last 100kms of the Camino Ingles in order to receive their Compostela pilgrim certificate in Santiago.

The Camino From A Coruña

While A Coruña is one of the traditional starting points on this route, the actual walking trail in Spain is only 75km away from Santiago. This means that pilgrims walking from A Coruña will not be entitled to a Compostela certificate in Santiago.

However, all is not lost as Camino Society Ireland has worked to define authentic pilgrim routes within Ireland, known as the Celtic Camino. Once you complete 25km on the Celtic Camino prior to starting your walk in Spain, you can get the Irish ‘Compostela’ from St James’ Church in Dublin.

This certificate can then be used by pilgrims to complete the journey from A Coruña to Santiago and request their Compostela in Santiago.

The Celtic Camino

We have a self-guided tour on the Camino Ingles for those looking to experience all the Celtic Camino has to offer. Over 4 days, you will walk from A Coruña to Santiago, passing the ancient bridge of As Cascas, the hermitage of San Paio, Bruma, Ordes and Sigüeiro.

For more information about the itinerary and to book your own trip, read about our Celtic Camino tour.

If you are looking to start your journey in Ireland, we highly recommend the Kerry Camino trail from Tralee to St James’ Chuch in Dingle. The beauty of the west of Ireland is incomparable, especially if you’re lucky enough to walk on a sunny day!

You can find a list of suggested walks in Ireland on the Camino Society website. If you are a pilgrim from the UK you’ll be delighted to know it is now also possible to get your Compostela certificate from A Coruña if you complete 25kms of the St Michael’s Way, Way of St Andrews or Pilgrims Way to Canterbury, you can find details here or on the Confraternity of St James website.

Now of course, if getting the certificate doesn’t matter to you, you can simply begin your walk at A Coruña and just happily walk the 75km route anyway!

For more information about the Celtic Camino, starting your Camino journey from Ireland or A Coruña, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Buen Camino!

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we are in a truly loved-up mood here at CaminoWays. We hear from people who walked the Camino with a loved one every year and we would love to hear your Camino love story. Have you walked the trails with a loved one or maybe you’ve met someone special on the route?

Some decide to walk the Camino for a memorable wedding anniversary, others have found love while out on the trails. Love on the Camino has even inspired authors like Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist who wrote a book together after walking the Camino.

We interviewed Graeme and Anne about their collaboration in Two Steps Forward. After walking their first Camino together on the Cluny Way, the idea for the book was planted and by the time they’d completed their second Camino, the vision was clear.

For them, writing the book was like reliving their holidays. Using their itinerary on the Camino as a map for the book, readers get to know the characters of Zoe and Martin who meet on the trail. These star-crossed lovers come from very different backgrounds, but find their spiritual journeys collide with a little romantic comedy along the way.

Another romantic story we’ve been delighted to be part of was when Ruben embarked on a Camino adventure with his wife Jennifer for their wedding anniversary. The happy pair loved the friendly atmosphere and hand-made ice cream in Baiona. Opting to stay in the Parador as a treat, they loved looking out at the sea in the evening.

They recalled mixed emotions at the end of their journey, both grateful to finish the physical challenge but also a longing to continue the moments they shared along the way. It gave them time to reflect on life and find a lot of common ground. I think it’s safe to say we will see Ruben and Jennifer out on the trails together again soon.

Now for my own romantic Camino love story. I had a little adventure not so long ago during my very own romantic Camino trip and because of this, Santiago de Compostela will always have a special place in my heart.

Although travel is part of my professional life, my partner is not a very keen walker, but he loved it as much as me and little did I know, he had a special proposal planned for the end of our journey. I said yes of course!

We know that each Camino love story is unique. If you and your loved one met on the Camino, celebrated an anniversary on the Camino or simply spent time out on the Camino together, we would love to hear your stories.

You can send them to us at [email protected] and we will happily share them with the Camino community on our website and social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter). Maybe you’ll even inspire someone’s proposal!

For more information about the Camino de Santiago, our routes and experiences, please visit our route page and blog. If you have any questions or would like some help planning your very own romantic getaway, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Buen Camino!

A Short Trip To Galicia’s Picture Perfect Cies Islands

When planning our trip to Galicia, my friends and I were unsure whether to bring our rain gear or our sun cream! As the forecast promised sunny and warm days, we thought of going to the beach to get that last taste of summer (yes, even at the end of October) before hitting the road to Santiago.

So, together with the necessary gear for cycling, we packed bikinis, sun cream, a hat and sunglasses. We decided to embrace the sun and head off to the tropical paradise of Galicia: the Cies Islands.

The Cies Islands are an archipelago made of three small islands – Monte Agudo, O Faro and San Martiño – located off the northwest coast of Spain. These islands are known for their unique landscapes, crystalline water, flora and wildlife.

Part of the Atlantic Islands National Park, the environment of the Cies Islands is protected.  To avoid any contamination, there are no waste bins on the island so if you visit and bring your own food/drinks, please do make sure to bring your litter away with you.

Also, in order to control visits to the islands and to prevent too much disruption to the environment, visitors are required to provide their ID or passport at the time of booking. Visits are kept to a limited number, especially during the summer so it’s advised you book ahead.

As mentioned, the crystalline water and the green flora make this archipelago one of the most amazing places in Europe. The Romans were definitively on to something when they called them ‘The Islands of the Gods’. As well as the lush flora, it’s also possible to visit a pre-Roman settlement, take part in bird watching and visit local lighthouses.

There are four walking trails on the island:

* Monte Faro Route: one of the longest routes and the most popular

* Porta Lighthouse Route: less travelled route than others, but with a view of the islands closer to the sea

* Monteagudo Route: ideal for visiting the bird observatory overlooking the ocean

* Alto do Principe Route: the shortest and easiest trail, boasting superb scenery

As we were quite short on time and wanted to make the most of our visit, we decided to take the shortest path. Needless to say, once we arrived at the top of our trail, the view was just breathtaking.

We sat and took in the steep and deep cliffs, wind-shaped rocks and bushes overlooking the southern part of the archipelago. The fresh breeze combined with the glorious sunshine, lush colours and the sound of waves crashing on the rocky shores made this the undisputed highlight of our visit.

On our descent from the trail, we stopped at one of the nicest beaches on the islands, A Praia das Figueiras. This beach is well known for being a nudist paradise, don’t be too surprised if you see some unclothed bathers if you visit!

How To Get To The Cies Islands

Getting to the Cies Islands is very easy. You simply take the ferry from Vigo port or Baoina (summer only). In peak season, the journey costs approximately €20 return and the ferry journey is 45-50 minutes. During off-peak season, tickets are €15.

You can book your visit up to 45 days in advance and it can be cancelled up to 15 days before your visit. To book your tickets, you must first request authorisation and then you will have 2 hours to reserve your spot. For more information and to book your tickets, visit the islands’ official website.

If you are walking the Portuguese coastal route, I would definitely recommend spending an extra night in Vigo in order to pay a visit to this amazing earthly heaven! For more information about the Camino Portugues, the Cies Islands or to book your Camino trip,

Mindful Walking on an Ancient Camino Trail

Embarking on the Camino has often been described as a walk for the soul. Walking along the Meseta across Northern Spain, one can’t help but tune into a slower pace of life. In recent years and in light of the Covid pandemic, using the Camino for mindful walking and as a time to reflect is becoming quite popular.

The joy of walking is the ability to bask in the task of the moment and a quiet walk in natural surroundings allows us to pause, take deep breaths and enjoy the repetitive task of putting one foot in front of the other.

Whether you walk the coastal paths of the Camino Portugues or the forest tracks of the Camino Frances, each trail offers the chance to discover the power of nature.

Mindful Walking on the Camino Portugues Coastal

“Walking allows us to deeply immerse ourselves in nature, our new surroundings, and appreciate each moment. Our mind and body focus on the activity, taking step after step and enjoying every single one of them. The pleasure of meeting other pilgrims along the way makes the Camino journey even more special.”

These are the words of Galician native Maria Golpe. Maria has walked and cycled many different Camino routes and has first-hand experience of the mental health benefits the Camino provides.

Research has proven that a connection with nature provides strong social and emotional benefits. A recent study in the Journal of Religion, Spirituality, and Aging shows that nature helps to reduce levels of anxiety and enhance higher positive well-being. In fact, during the various lockdowns around the world, people constantly flocked to nature for comfort and to cope with the stress of the pandemic.

With that in mind, when you walk the Camino, make sure you take the time to be aware of the smells, sights and sounds around you. Being present in the moment when you hear birds chirping and trees rustling can be an exhilarating experience, helping to restore clarity after these trying times.

How mindful walking helped me to achieve a work-life balance

I had my first taste of a walking holiday in 2015. Since then, I’ve chosen a new Camino route each year, one that gives me the time and space to simply live in the moment. My most recent trail was the Camino Portugues from Baiona to Santiago.

This stunning route takes you along the dramatic Atlantic coastline and through a variety of beautiful historic towns. Before heading off on my journey, I was a little apprehensive. Firstly, I had little experience walking over long-distance terrain. My biggest experience before this was a Sunday stroll in the Irish hills, which led me along tree-lined paths for just over two hours. Time had never allowed for much longer, yet here I was preparing to walk over 120 km in 6 days.

How would I find my way? What types of terrain would I cross? Is it dangerous? What if I can’t keep up with the others? These were just a few of the worrisome questions that crossed my mind. However, as soon as we started out on the Camino paths with the vibrant yellow arrows guiding us, these questions quickly faded into the background. The joy of walking is truly being immersed in your immediate surroundings. No clouds of judgment exist, just clouds guiding you to your next destination. These are the simple joys we often take for granted.

As previously mentioned, I had very little experience with active holidays. For me, my job was one that was both enjoyable and demanding, with pressure being part of the package. Phrases like reaching targets, achieving results, making contacts and building profiles sprinkled my days. If I’m being honest,

For World Tapas Day (yes, there is a day dedicated to the tasty tapa!) the CaminoWays.com team has put together a list of our absolute favourite dishes you can savour on the Camino de Santiago.

Although, it’s not as if we needed an excuse to talk about Spanish food …

World Tapas Day: What is Tapas?

The word tapa comes from the Spanish verb tapar meaning “to cover”.

The culture of tapas was believed to have originated in taverns in the sunny region of Andalucia. Slices of meat or bread were used to cover drinks in order to protect them from fruit flies.

Bartenders soon figured out that salty meat made people thirsty and made them drink more, thus the tradition of offering salty snacks to accompany drinks was born.

Since then tapas have evolved into small portions of food designed for sharing and enjoying on social occasions. Below are some of the team’s all-time favourites!

1. Gambas al Ajillo 

Manuela likes the perfect combination of fresh prawns in a garlic, chilli and olive sauce and should be a staple of any good tapas restaurant, tapas party or tapas-style event. It’s one of the tastiest of all the Spanish tapas. Order this little dish every time, you can’t go wrong.

2. Zorza con patatas 

Loved by Galician natives at CaminoWays.com is this simple but tasty dish called zorza: marinated pork filling used for chorizo sausage. This flavoursome dish is typically eaten with a side of potatoes.

3. Galician empanada

Empanada is probably the most Galician dish ever, after octopus! and a favourite of Galician native Maria. This was the dish she missed the most when she first moved to Ireland.

Galician empanada, which is a savoury pastry, comes in all shapes, sizes and flavours but Maria recommends those filled with seafood or fish such as salted cod, tuna, cockles or mussels.

Zamburiñas (queen scallop) empanada has to be one of the best! You can pick up a portion at any good bakery across Galicia.

4. Tortilla con chorizo

We’ve spoken of our love for the humble tortilla before. For those of you unfamiliar with the Spanish staple, it’s not a flour wrap but more like a thick omelette made with potatoes.

The tortilla can be found in just about any bar in Spain, in some, you might even get it complimentary with your drink. Tania from Santiago de Compostela likes her tortilla with chorizo. Betanzos on the Camino Ingles is famous for its own runny tortilla and Bar Tita in Santiago de Compostela will offer you free tortilla with each drink.

 

5. Espinacas con Garbanzos 

This dish is most commonly found in the South of Spain in particular in the enchanting city of Seville on the Via de la Plata. If you are a vegetarian, the combination of protein and iron is exactly what you need to keep you fuelled for your Camino!

6. Pulpo a la Gallega 

This is a must-try while in Galicia, the country’s most iconic and traditional dish. Cooked octopus served with boiled potatoes, olive oil and sweet Spanish paprika. You’ll find restaurants dedicated to octopus called ‘Pulperias’, particularly famous are those in the town of Melide on the Camino Frances. In Galicia, it’s also known as Pulpo á Feira (market day octopus).

7. Homemade croquettes

Laura’s favourite tapa is ‘croquetas’, particularly homemade, which you can find in many bars and with a variety of fillings: serrano ham, salted cod, etc…

She has inherited a secret recipe from her great aunt. They are huge and spectacular! You will need milk, egg, bread crumbs,

Portugal is an outstanding and diverse country, full of possibilities, different landscapes, and kind and generous people. After Lisbon, Porto is its biggest city.

We got a taste for this wonderful city on the Portuguese Coastal Way. As pilgrims, we are aware of the limited time you have to discover each new place.

Therefore, we want you to make the most of this marvelous city and here, we tried to make it easier for you to enjoy it and experience everything that Porto has to offer.

Experience Porto in 48 hours

This is an amazing, lively city full of students, tourists, and locals.

It is full of possibilities, whether you like: green areas, beaches, lots of museums, charming narrow streets to wander, amazing food, a wide range of delicious wines and outstanding landscapes.

THE OLD PORTO

As a pilgrim, you can’t miss an opportunity to visit the Porto Cathedral – Sé Catedral do Porto – where you can get your stamp and where it’s also possible to buy a pilgrim’s Passport in case you don’t have yours yet.

This Romanesque construction is the perfect location to continue your tour along the popular bridge Luis I. After the mandatory picture, it will lead you to the other side of the Douro River: Vila Nova de Gaia. This is the town where all the Porto wineries can be found and of course, you can’t miss the opportunity of tasting the most popular Portuguese sweet wine there.

Another essential visit is Torre dos Clérigos, from where you’ll find an impressive viewpoint besides visiting its Museum and beautiful surroundings.

Majestic café is a must in your itinerary. Ask for a bica and enjoy the delight of enjoying a coffee in this elegant “Bélle Époque” cafeteria.

THE NEW PORTO

In the past few years, Porto has become more and more active both culturally and artistically. You will find enormous murals on the walls, creative people enjoying its streets, new design cafés and shops, and the perfect mix between old and new in the most unexpected corner.

Bombarda Shopping Centre and Miguel Bombarda and have become exciting places to discover new artists and definitely an area to enjoy music and new vibes from international creators. Other spots that are definitely worth a visit are the Photography Museum (Museu da Fotografia) or the Music Museum (Museu da Musica).

THE AUTHENTIC PORTO

But Portugal is a country also attached to its tradition. If you want to have a feeling of this authentic Porto, head over to the Vida Portugueza shop. A beautiful store where you can find their lifelong products with an impeccable design.

Far from being just a shop, Livraria Lello is an experience itself. The bookshop is said to have inspired J.K Rowling for Harry Potter Series and today is one of the main attractions of this unique city.

Get some fresh fruits to boost your energy for the rest of the day at colourful Mercado do Bolhao, a great mix between local and touristy venues.

From here you can continue exploring the ruas (streets) that will bring you to the center and the marvelous Cais da Ribeira, on the banks of the River Douro. This is the perfect place to enjoy a moment for yourself and just contemplate the beauty of being there.

THE NATURAL PORTO

For green spots: Parque de Serralves, reachable by bus or Metro, is a surprising place. One of the lungs of the city with a Museum and always busy with many activities. Crystal Palace Gardens (Jardins do Palácio de Cristal), closer to the center, is a lovely location to have a relaxing walk and enjoy the impressive Douro River and its bridges.

Now for the local Beaches: Taking the metro to Matosinhos, 30 min walking distance, you will be able to enjoy a fantastic salt water pool: Maré...

We are all familiar with the delicious tapas that can be found throughout Spain and now adopted throughout the world but have you ever heard of Petiscos?

Today we are going to talk about this little-known slice of Portuguese cuisine that can be found if you plan to walk the Coastal Camino from Porto.

Petiscos are small, special snacks accompanied by your choice of drink in many bars across Portugal. Just like tapas, Petiscos are often made for sharing with friends. We asked Portuguese native, Mario, to share some insights about this delicious local cuisine in Portugal.

LISA: So let’s talk about some tasty portuguese dishes. Can you tell us a little bit about these snacks?

MARIO: No problem. I love petiscos, I think I could live just with petiscos… But bear in mind that petisco in Portugal means something to eat with a few drinks (like tapas) or some dish that you can’t find every day, made with a special ingredient or made by your grandmother for example (something you can’t get everyday).

LISA: What is the main difference between the famous Spanish Tapas and Petiscos?

MARIO: There are some similarities between petiscos and tapas, in Portugal you have to pay for petiscos everywhere, it’s not like in Spain where you are lucky to find a few free pinchos along the Camino routes.

LISA: Great, they are unique. We always want to hear about new foodie experiences. Now what types of Petiscos can we find and where?

MARIO: About the petiscos, I would say that there are some differences on the type of petiscos in the north, coast and center regarding the products of each region. Petisco examples – Portuguese snails, Paté de atum – Tuna paste, Amêijoas (shells cooked in variation styles), cod pataniscas, Octopus and squid dishes, Chorizo sausages, farinheira sausages, regional cheeses, Favas beans, chick pea dishes.

On the coast, the petiscos are mainly made of seafood and fish like all kind of shrimps (grilled, fried, boiled, etc), “santola recheda” which is crab with a delicious sauce made with the crab meat, “percebes” which is a sort of crustacean.

In the north, petiscos are more about smoked sausages, cheese and olives.

In the center (mostly, but you can get everywhere), there is a special petisco during the spring, which is snails :) I’m not a big fan but it’s very appreciated.

Then there are the classic petiscos that you can get everywhere like salted cod fritters (delicious), rissóis which is a sort of patties and it can be made with shrimps, fish and meat. Then we have “moelas” which is the chicken stomach, stewed chicken hearts, boiled pork ears with garlic and herbs (it doesn’t sound great but it’s delicious), etc. There are many other petiscos, but these are the most famous petiscos in Portugal.

LISA: Now that we know what petiscos can be found throughout Portugal we would love to know where to find the best Petiscos in Porto, the starting point of the Coastal Camino?

MARIO: I would say that you can find them almost everywhere, but in the riverside, called Ribeira, it’s a good place to get some petiscos and enjoy the view.

LISA: It sounds like we are in for a few treats in Portugal. To finish our short interview, can you tell us about your favourite Petiscos?

MARIO: It is difficult to nominate just one, but I might say that “alheira” is my favourite petisco. Alheira is a sausage made of chicken, bread, parsley, and a few other ingredients. The aspect is similar to farinheira sausage, but it’s completely different.

I would like to thank Mario for giving us a better understanding of Petiscos in Portugal and providing us with these mouth-watering snippets of information.

Renowned for its superb food, unique culture, and lush scenery, the Basque Country is a fascinating region.

Claire shares her top tips for walking the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao:

Camino del Norte from San Sebastian: Claire’s Top Tips

Tip 1: Take time in San Sebastian

It’s definitely worth spending a full day in San Sebastian (or Donostia in Basque) before you start your walk. European capital of culture in 2016, without a doubt San Sebastian has something for everyone; fantastic Pinchos, a wonderful beach only a stone’s throw from the old town, and beautiful architecture. San Sebastian is a foodie paradise, with world-renowned Michelin star restaurants if you fancy a lovely treat before starting your Camino del Norte adventure.

Bear in mind though, that eating well in this city doesn’t have to cost a fortune; the streets are lined with great Pincho bars where small portions of various dishes are served, often on a thick slice of crusty bread, meaning that you can taste a little of everything! If you have time, it’s worth taking the funicular to the summit of Monte Igueldo at the end of La Concha Bay for unrivalled views of the city.

Tip 2: Go prepared!

It’s important to leave in the morning with enough supplies to last you for the day. This section of the route has limited places to stop for lunch and snacks along the way, so it’s a good idea to bring a packed lunch if you feel that you may not be at the next destination by lunchtime. Some cafés on route only open in the summer, so it’s worth bearing in mind especially if walking in Spring or Autumn.

Water stops are quite limited too, so we recommend bringing at least a couple of litres with you in the morning to prevent dehydration.

Tip 3: Don’t forget your camera

Ok, so this one goes for all Camino routes but the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian is particularly scenic and you’ll want to capture those views to make friends and family back home jealous! There are many great view points along the way and the lush green countryside paired with clear blue skies make for wonderful photos. A great way to jazz up your Instagram!

Tip 4: Taste the Txakoli

This is the slightly sparkling, dry white wine native to the Basque Country, Cantabria, and northern Burgos. Pronounced sha-ko-lee, it’s the perfect accompaniment to some Pinchos or to a seafood dinner. Txakoli wine has become increasingly popular since the late 1980s onwards when some varieties from the Basque country achieved the “Denominacion de Origen” certification, a regulatory classification system used mainly for wines but also for some food items. The first variety of Txakoli to receive this certification comes from around Getaria and Zarautz, which you will pass through on route to Bilbao.

Tip 5: Pack your swimming gear!

If you are looking for a Camino which combines great walking with the beauty of the Spanish coastline, this is the route for you! Many of the towns have some great beaches where you can relax after your walk and even go for a dip to cool off. The longest beach in the Spanish Basque country is in Zarautz, and it’s lovely promenade has some great shops and restaurants.

For more information about the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian or to book your trip, contact our travel specialists

People often describe the Camino as a walk for the soul.

Walking along the Meseta across Northern Spain one can’t help but tune in to the slower pace of life. Using this long-distance trail as a time to reflect is becoming more and more popular.

In a world buzzing with distractions a quiet walk in natural surroundings allows us to pause, take deep breaths and enjoy the repetitive task of putting one foot in front of the other.

The joy of walking is the ability to bask in the task of the moment.

Whether you walk the coastal paths of the Camino Portugues or the forest tracks of the Camino Frances, each trail offers the chance to discover the power of nature to enhance your attention span.

Mindful Walking on the Camino Portugues Coastal

“Walking allows us to deeply immerse ourselves in nature, our new surroundings, and appreciate each moment.

Our mind and body focus on the activity, taking step after step and enjoying every single one of them. The pleasure of meeting other pilgrims along the way makes the Camino journey even more special,” explains Galician native Maria Golpe. Maria has walked and cycled many different Camino routes.

Research has proven that a connection with nature provides strong social and emotional benefits. A recent study in the Journal of Religion, Spirituality, and Aging shows that nature helps to reduce levels of anxiety and enhance higher positive well-being.

Walking your chosen path, aware of the smells, sights and sounds can be an exhilarating experience with restorative benefits. Enjoy being present at the moment, listening to the sounds of birds chirping, trees rustling, and waves swashing.

How mindful walking helped me to achieve a work-life balance

In 2015 I had my first experience of a walking holiday. Now each year I choose a new Camino route that allows me time and space to live in the moment. This year I completed the Camino Portugues from Baiona to Santiago.

This stunning trail takes you along the Atlantic coastline and through historic towns. Before heading off on my journey I was a little apprehensive. Firstly, I had little experience walking over long-distance terrain. The most I had carried out was a Sunday stroll in the Irish hills which led me along tree-lined paths for just over two hours. Time never allowed for much longer but now, here I was preparing to walk over 120 km in 6 days. How would I find my way? What types of terrain would I cross? Is it dangerous? What if I can’t keep up with the others? These were just a few of the worrisome questions that crossed my mind. However, as soon as we started out on the Camino paths with the vibrant yellow arrows guiding us, these questions quickly faded into the background. The joy of walking is truly being immersed in your immediate surroundings. No clouds of judgment exist, just clouds guiding you to your next destination. Such simple joys are often taken for granted.

As I mentioned I had little experience of activity holidays. Personally, I had an enjoyable but demanding job. The pressure came as part of the package. Phrases like reaching targets, achieving results, making contacts, building profiles, sprinkled my days, and haunted my evenings. Most people working with multi-national companies will be familiar with these action points. What extra steps can you take to achieve your results for the four quarters that will help you to come closer to a bonus at the end of each quarter? I needed time out. I needed to just be, to live in the moment, to drag myself far away from forecasts and plans. Walking the

The Camino de Santiago was traditionally travelled on foot or on horseback. Today many people also cycle this ancient trail.

Now there is a new method; doing the Camino on an e-bike! If you are travelling with Caminoways.com and cycling into Santiago you can rent an e-bike for your journey.

The Camino on an e-bike: FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about e-bikes:

What is an e-bike?

An e-bike is a bicycle with a motor that is used for propulsion. E-bikes use rechargeable batteries for power and assist the cyclist’s pedal power. This makes cycling much easier, especially on uphill climbs.

Can I get my Compostela on an e-bike?

Yes, you need to cover 200km to get your Compostela on an e-bike.

What routes are the e-bikes available on?

You can rent an e-bike on any route that finishes in Santiago.

What is the minimum number of days that an e-bike can be rented?

The minimum number of days an e-bike can be hired for is seven. The bike must be returned to our partner’s office, Cycling The Camino, in Santiago at the end of the journey.

When I receive the e-bike do I need to put it together?

The e-bike will be delivered to your first accommodation almost completely prepared. You will need to attach the pedals and make adjustments to the saddle and handlebars to suit your needs. Simple instructions and the necessary tools are included for both manoeuvres.

Should I have experience in the use of e-bikes?

You don’t need prior experience as e-bikes are very similar to regular bicycles. You need to pedal in order to make full use of the bike. Once you read the instructions and take care of the bike explained, you’ll enjoy cycling with ease!

Are they difficult to use?

No, e-bikes are simple and intuitive to use. You will become familiar with the machine very quickly, but you should start slowly and take your time. You’ll be flying after an hour or so.

The e-bike has various levels of assistance from low to high and you will be able to control the level you require depending on the difficulty of the terrain. In addition, the e-bike also has the usual gears so you can change to a lower or higher gear depending on the terrain.

Do they come with instructions on how to use/charge them, etc.?

Yes, a basic manual developed by the Cycling the Camino team is attached. You should familiarise yourself with it before you begin cycling.

Should they be charged every night?

This depends on how much power was used during the previous day, but it is recommended to charge nightly. A full charge takes about 6 hours. It is very important to check that it is charging correctly to avoid a surprise the following morning. However, even if you run out of battery, you will still be able to pedal as with a normal bike to finish your day.

Both the battery and the monitor on the handlebar will display the amount of battery left.

Can I cover more distance than a normal bike with an e-bike?

That depends on the power usage throughout the day. The bike has four power settings and the less power you use the longer the battery will last. You can cycle assisted comfortably for 40km.

The e-bikes are designed to make cycling a little easier, not to cover more distance. You will cycle the same distance as a pilgrim on a regular bike each day.

Are they suitable for all types of terrain?

We will provide an e-bike that is suitable for the terrain that you will face on your Camino. All e-bikes have adequate suspension, tyres and are very comfortable to ride.

Should I clean the bicycle?

Yes, you should clean your bicycle each day if it has gotten muddy after your cycle.

What sizes are available?

E-bikes are available in sizes for heights from 1.55m (5 foot) to 1.