On the April 25, public holiday, around 20 volunteers from the Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago from Viana do Castelo (AACS-Viana) walked and re-marked the stretch between Vila Praia de Âncora and Seixas, along the Portuguese Coastal Route, in a symbolic action that combined the celebration of Freedom with the preservation of one of the Iberian Peninsula’s most iconic pilgrimage routes. During the morning, participants repainted the traditional yellow arrows guiding pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela and the blue arrows indicating the way towards Fátima. In addition to maintaining...

The National Republican Guard (GNR) launched the “Bom Caminho 2025” operation this Monday, 22 April. Running until 31 October, the initiative aims to reinforce the safety of pilgrims travelling along the Camino de Santiago routes within Portuguese territory. The operation focuses on the Portuguese Camino, the Coastal Route, and the Interior Route — three of the country’s main pilgrimage routes. Each year, thousands of pilgrims of various nationalities cross Portugal on their way to Santiago de Compostela, which requires increased attention from the authorities, particularly during peak seasons....

The Ultreia SUDOE project, funded by the European Interreg Sudoe programme, will be presented on 24 April at 6:30 p.m. at the Queen D. Teresa Pilgrims’ Hostel in Albergaria-a-Velha. The event is part of the “A Inspirar Caminhos” (“Inspiring Routes”) series and will feature Catarina Chaves, tourism technician for the Municipality of Vila Pouca de Aguiar and route manager at the Portuguese Federation of the Camino de Santiago. The initiative aims to revitalise the territories crossed by pilgrimage routes in southwestern Europe — particularly the Camino de Santiago — by enhancing their natural...

The city of Madrid now has its first permanent albergue dedicated to pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Located in the historic Real Monasterio de las Comendadoras de Santiago, in the Conde Duque neighbourhood, the new facility offers 26 beds and also includes the newly established International Pilgrim Centre. This project is the result of a partnership between the Astorga Camino de Santiago Association, the International Network of Jacobean Associations and the Comendadoras de Santiago community, with funding from the European Union’s Next Generation programme, under the Experiencias...

The municipality of Barcelos has joined the Caminho Vertical – Operação de Importância Estratégica (Vertical Route – Operation of Strategic Importance), a cross-border initiative supported by the Interreg VI-A Spain–Portugal (POCTEP) 2021–2027 programme. The project aims to enhance and promote lesser-known Santiago routes across the Iberian Peninsula. Barcelos’ participation was formalised during a public event held in Badajoz, with councillor Elisa Braga, responsible for Culture and Tourism, in attendance. With this commitment, Barcelos becomes the only Portuguese municipality included in the...

The Geira and Arrieiros Route, which connects Braga to Santiago de Compostela, was once again in the spotlight in Galicia during the Abadesa Mariana Awards ceremony, held in early April at the Museum of Móvel e da Madeira, in A Estrada. The event highlighted the cultural, heritage and tourism value of this route, with several individuals and organisations honoured for their contributions. The mayor of A Estrada, Gonzalo Louzao, emphasised the importance of this route in strengthening the ties between Portugal and Galicia, and praised the crucial role played by civil society and local...

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....