The Valença City Council has approved the process of classifying two emblematic crosses of the Camino de Santiago as Municipal Heritage: Cruzeiro do Senhor dos Aflitos (Cross of the Lord of the Afflicted) and Cruzeiro do Senhor dos Caminhos (Cross of the Lord of the Ways), both located in Fontoura. These crosses are symbolic landmarks of the Camino route and testimonies to the historical and spiritual significance of the journey. The Cruzeiro do Senhor dos Caminhos stands out as a symbol of protection and faith for pilgrims, representing one of the most distinctive elements of this ancient itinerary....

The Portuguese Coastal Way, which crosses the municipality of Caminha towards Santiago de Compostela, is being neglected by the local council, according to opposition councillor Liliana Silva. A lack of maintenance, scarce signage, and the absence of a promotional strategy are driving pilgrims away, with many opting for the Spanish route, where promotional efforts are more evident. This situation has created difficulties for tourism operators who have invested in the Portuguese route between Caminha and Valença. At the latest council meeting, Liliana Silva stressed the need for greater attention...

The Via Lusitana Association’s Pilgrims Office, “Informação ao Peregrino” (www.peregrino.info) reopened on March 1, following a temporary closure that began on November 1. The decision to close during the winter was due to the reduced number of pilgrims in those colder months of the year, making it unfeasible to keep the center open, when there are almost no visitors. Located in the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha, on Rua da Alfândega in Lisbon, this center aims to support pilgrims on their journey, assisting with their preparation and providing information about...

The municipality of Albergaria-a-Velha is launching the Third Edition of its Photography Contest dedicated to the theme “Caminho de Santiago – Albergaria-a-Velha” (The Camino de Santiago – Albergaria-a-Velha), aiming to highlight this cultural route and its significance in the local identity. Open to amateur and professional photographers over the age of 16, the contest is free to enter, and registrations must be completed online through the municipality’s website. Each participant may submit up to 10 original and unpublished photographs that have not won any previous...

The Teatro Villafranquino in Vilafranca del Bierzo, Spain, will host the 1st International Seminar on Safety on the Camino de Santiago this Friday and Saturday, March 7th and 8th, bringing together experts from various countries, representatives of institutions, and law enforcement agencies. The event will address the challenges and strategies to ensure the protection of pilgrims, promoting the sharing of experiences and best practices. Safety on the Camino de Santiago is an increasing concern as the number of pilgrims grows. Issues such as theft prevention, proper signage, support in medical...

The Via Lusitana Pilgrim Association has just launched “On my Way”, a journal for the pilgrim, designed for those who want to record their Camino memories in a practical and personal way. In an A5 format, ideal for carrying in a backpack without taking up much space, this diary was created to accompany every stage of your journey. The diary includes space for preparation lists, important contacts, and notes about the route. It also allows you to write down the names and contacts of the people you meet along the way, describe the most memorable moments, and reflect on the experience....

The Pilgrim’s Albergue of Areias, in Ferreira do Zêzere, officially opened its doors on February 14, in a ceremony presided over by the Mayor of Ferreira do Zêzere, Bruno Gomes, accompanied by the vice-mayor and other members of the local government. The key to the new Albergue was formally handed over to Sónia Santos, the concessionaire and new manager of the establishment. Eight months after the inauguration of the refurbishment works, which transformed the old Primary School of Areias into a welcoming facility, with an investment of 120,000 euros, the Albergue is finally ready to welcome...

The installation of standardised signage and information along the Leon de Rosmithal Route is expected to take place this year, ensuring that this route meets the same conditions as other recognised Jacobean itineraries. The topic was discussed in a meeting of the technical team responsible for the route, led by the technicians from Póvoa de Lanhoso Municipality, archaeologist Orlando Fernandes and cultural coordinator Francisco Machado. Currently, this route does not have physical signage, requiring the use of GPS maps and digital information for navigation. Despite this, around 80 pilgrims...

The municipalities of Alvaiázere and Ansião are implementing several initiatives to qualify the territory for outdoor sports activities and enhance the natural heritage, with the aim of boosting tourism. Within the framework of the intermunicipal project “Sicó Outdoor Center”, the main interventions focus on improving the Camino de Santiago, one of the region’s key tourist assets. Along the Camino route, the existing signage is being reviewed and reinforced with the installation of new informational panels aimed at the thousands of pilgrims who pass through both municipalities...

Around two dozen volunteers dedicated themselves to cleaning and marking the Portuguese Coastal Route in the municipality of Esposende, in an initiative organised by Via Veteris – Jacobean Association of the Ways of Esposende, with the support of the Municipality and the municipal company Esposende Ambiente. The initiative took place in two stages, carried out on the 4th of January, along the route between Apúlia and Esposende, and on the 11th of January, on the section linking Esposende to Antas. During the work, the volunteers cleaned the trails, removed invasive species and debris,...

The project “Flourishing Camino de Santiago: Exploring Biodiversity in Correlhã” was one of the winners of the latest edition of the Participatory Budget of Ponte de Lima, in the area of Sustainable Development. Proposed by José Manuel Gonçalves Negrão, the project has received funding of 10,000 euros from the local government to beautify the section of the Camino de Santiago between Correlhã and the historic center of Ponte de Lima. Ponte de Lima plays a prominent role in the pilgrimage routes, integrating the paths traveled by pilgrims coming from the south, passing through Porto,...

At the end of 2024, the American association American Pilgrims on the Camino conducted a Zoom interview with Canon D. Vitor Suárez Gondar of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela to discuss various topics related to the Camino. This interview is available on the association’s YouTube channel here. Founded in 1994, American Pilgrims on the Camino is dedicated to promoting the Camino de Santiago experience by supporting pilgrims, funding infrastructure projects, and collaborating directly with hostels on official routes. During the conversation, the canon mentioned that it would no longer...