5 Minutes Camino de Santiago Podcast

Nothing says summer like a picnic in the garden with some wine and tapas. To help inspire you to cook up a storm, try our delicious Spanish tapas recipe to really spruce up your summer. We’ve taken inspiration from Yosmar Martinez’s book of recipes, Tastes of the Camino: 30 authentic recipes along the French Way. [https://www.whiskandspatula.com/books] Yosmar has walked the Camino de Santiago [https://caminoways.com/camino-de-santiago]many times and is very active in the pilgrim community in the United States. Enjoy this short sneak peek into her book, which is sure to be a hit with foodie lovers everywhere. Tapas Recipe: Toasted Bread with Tomato and Serrano Ham Pan con Tomate y Jamón Serrano is my all-time favorite tapa from Spain and one that I indulged in quite often while walking the Camino as well as one that I frequently resort to when I’m entertaining at home. Jamón Serrano is Spain’s national treasure, shared by everyone. Cured for at least a year, it has a deep, salty flavor and firm texture. spanish-recipe-tapas-caminoways Tapas Recipe [https://media.caminoways.com/glt-website-media-live/spanish-recipe-tapas-caminoways.jpg] In this tapa, the saltiness of the ham is softened by the freshness of the tomatoes and the fruitiness of the olive oil. Typically the bread is rubbed with tomato and sometimes garlic and then drizzled with olive oil, before topping with the Serrano ham. I prefer putting the tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic in the food processor to create a paste that I can then brush onto the toasted bread. I find that this produces a much more flavorful tapa. Ingredients for 18 tapas: * 18 slices of country or rustic bread, about ½ inch thick * 4 cloves garlic, peeled * 1 large ripe tomato, cut into large chunks * ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil * 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt * 1 teaspoon (5 g) sugar * ½ teaspoon (3 g) pepper * 18 slices of Serrano ham (if you cannot find Serrano ham in your area, you can substitute prosciutto) Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). 2. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. 3. In the meantime, process the garlic cloves in a food processor until they are finely chopped. 4. Add the tomato and process until smooth. Gradually add the olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar. 5. Remove the bread from the oven and allow to cool down for at least five minutes. 6. Using a pastry brush, spread a thin layer of the tomato mixture on each slice of bread. 7. Top with a slice of Serrano ham and serve. Make it ahead: The tomato mixture can be made up two days ahead. We hope that you enjoy this little tapas recipe and learn to make some easy tapas that will remind you of the Camino. You can buy signed copies of the book on Yosmar’s websiteWhisk and Spatula. [https://www.whiskandspatula.com/books] Make sure to visit our food and wine section [https://caminoways.com/blog/camino-food-wine-articles] for more delicious inspiration. If you have any questions about the Camino or to book your own adventure, please don’t hesitate to contact us [https://caminoways.com/contact-us].

Cycling the Camino is a wonderful alternative to walking. There are many advantages to cycling the Camino, including covering more ground in less time and it’s definitely easier if you are bringing children on the Camino [https://caminoways.com/the-camino-with-children]. If you are thinking about Cycling the Camino de Santiago routes [https://caminoways.com/cycling-the-camino-routes] we have prepared this useful list answering some of your questions about cycling and your new best holiday friend: your bike! beach-cycling-the-camino-portugues-coastal-caminoways [https://media.caminoways.com/3f8beec1-beach-cycling-the-camino-portugues-coastal-caminoways.jpg] CYCLING THE CAMINO: HOW IT WORKS You have decided to cycle the Camino, you have booked your self-guided holiday and you are now wondering how it will work. First, we recommend cycling the Camino de Santiago only if you have some experience as a cyclist and are familiar with essential bike maintenance such as changing a tube, fixing the chain if it comes off, or attaching the pedals. If you are cycling for over a week we also recommend adding rest days, particularly if you are cycling with children. This would allow you to have a day’s rest and also explore some of the great cities and towns along the Camino routes [https://caminoways.com/camino-de-santiago-routes] such as Burgos [https://caminoways.com/burgos], León, Porto, etc… CYCLING THE CAMINO: YOUR BICYCLE Your bike will be delivered to your first hotel, ready for the following day: your first day of cycling. The bike will be neatly packed in a box so the handlebar needs to be straightened and the pedals need to be attached and secured (instructions included). It is important you check your bike before you start your journey, making sure everything is working properly. If you think there is something not quite right, let us know so your bike can get replaced and avoid trouble on your way (in a way, it is similar to renting a car). cycling-the-camino-de-santiago-ebike-caminoways [https://media.caminoways.com/97ffa4f3-cycling-the-camino-de-santiago-ebike-caminoways.jpg] Once you finish your cycling trip,  your bike will be collected from your last hotel, when your route doesn’t finish in Santiago. If you are finishing in Santiago, you can bring it back to the bike shop in the city. You can see full details in the general information document included in your holiday pack. If mid-tour, you decide you don’t need some of the bike accessories (such as the pannier, etc…), make sure to pack them in your luggage so it can be transferred easily (avoiding additional charges and risk of losing the equipment). Please do not leave pedals or any other bike accessories supplied behind in your hotel, as you will be charged for loss or damage to equipment. A minimum period of 3 days (4 nights) applies when hiring a bike for your Camino de Santiago trip with CaminoWays.com; a minimum of 10 days if you are hiring an e-bike. cycling-camino-with-children-caminoways [https://media.caminoways.com/3ecae972-cycling-camino-with-children-caminoways.jpg] CYCLING THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO: WHAT’S INCLUDED * Your Camino bike: You will get an aluminum 27-gear mountain bike with disc brakes and 27.5-inch wheels, as standard from a local company. * These bikes are specifically designed for the Camino de Santiago terrain and will be adapted to your height (it is essential that you give the reservations team your exact height so you are provided with a suitable bike – particularly if you are cycling the Camino with children). * The bike comes with a rack, bottle holder, lock, and reflectors. Contact our travel specialists if you would like to upgrade your hired bike. * Camino e-bikes are available on selected routes, for Camino trips finishing in Santiago de Compostela. * Pannier Pack: with a bike repair kit inside. (*If you don’t need it, just let us know in advance). The repair kit includes a pump, set of tools, spare inner tube, and cables; as well as a simple label showing you how to carry out essential bike maintenance. It also comes with a bike lock. * Please note that the panniers are not water-proof so it advisable to bring a dry bag with you for the trip. * Helmet rental is also included as part of your package, but if you don’t need it and you rather bring your own, please let our team know. Bear in mind, by Spanish law, both cyclists must use officially approved protective helmets when riding outside urban areas (children under 16 should wear them at all times), except in long steep slopes, on the grounds of medical reasons, or under extremely hot conditions. Failure to comply with this could result in a traffic fine. * Additional Caminobike accessories such as waterproof paniers, GPS, gel seat cover, Go Pro Camera, additional front bag and front holder for maps, for instance, can also be hired, just let our customer care team know when booking your trip. You can bring your own clip for the bike as the plug is universal so you shouldn’t run into any issues. * If you are cycling the Camino with kids, let our travel consultants know in advance as we also have got various options. We will also give you suggestions for a children-friendly route/itinerary. We generally suggest covering approximately 25kms per day with children. MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE STANDARD CAMINO MOUNTAIN BIKE: * Frame – Aluminium * Fork – Suntour SF-15 XCM RL * Pedals – Aluminium (not automatic) * Hubs – Shimano BRM 33 * Front derailleur – Shimano FDM 370 * Rear derailleur – Shimano RDM430 Alivio * Shifter – Shimano SLM 370 Altus * Disc brakes – Shimano AM355 * Chain – KMC X9 * Saddle – Selle Royal Mach * Rims – Mach Neuro Disc * Lights and safety retroreflectors *Ebike: Trekking e-bike available with 28″ wheel. cycling-the-camino-de-santiago-coastal-caminoways [https://media.caminoways.com/cycling-the-camino-de-santiago-coastal-caminoways.jpg] CYCLING THE CAMINO: SUPPORT We have carefully planned the distances you will cover by bike on the Camino, taking into account the nature of the terrain, type of track, and other circumstances such as the fact that the trail is shared with walkers in most cases. If you feel distances for your Camino cycle are too short or long, talk to our travel consultants when you are planning your trip. There is probably a good reason behind the mileage chosen, just ask us! The Camino de Santiago routes cover thousands of miles so it is difficult to have someone on the ground at all times but relax, it runs smoothly all the time! CaminoWays.com has a 24/7 support number should you need assistance and advice (this number is provided with your booking/holiday pack); we also provide you with a support number from the bike provider. While we are not able to send someone to repair your bike on the Camino trail, our trusted providers will give you as much support as possible. Your bike comes with a repair kit for essential repairs such as flat tires and punctures. In the unlikely event that you had a second puncture, we can provide you with the contact details for the closest bike repair shop (you will be responsible for repair costs). If you are in a remote area and don’t feel like walking, we can also get your contact details for local taxi drivers (a taxi transfer will be at your own cost). If you feel you need a break from cycling, we might be able to organise a transfer for your bike but we will need 48hrs notice and there will be a cost associated with the bike transfer (as additional luggage transfer). group-cycling-the-camino-portugues-galicia-caminoways [https://media.caminoways.com/12a12cef-group-cycling-the-camino-portugues-galicia-caminoways.jpg] When cycling the Camino it is important to bear in mind you are sharing the tracks with walkers, so be mindful and respectful to other pilgrims, whether on foot or two wheels. SURCHARGES Please make note of surcharges that will be charged should any of the following occur: * Theft or loss of bicycle MTB 27 gears model: €300 * Theft or loss of bicycle MTB 20 gears model €450 * Theft or loss of bicycle E-MTB or E-Hybrid: 1.500€ * Theft, damage or loss of panniers: €30 * Theft, damage or loss of helmet: €15 * Theft, damage or loss of tool kit: €15 * Theft, damage or loss of bicycle lock: €15 * Theft, damage or loss of handlebar bag: €15 * Theft, damage or loss of saddle gel cover: €15 * Late return fee for per each day that the customer exceeds the return date stated in the booking agreement MTB 27v: €19 * Late return fee for per each day that the customer exceeds the return date stated in the booking agreement MTB 20v: €23 * Late return fee for per each day that the customer exceeds the return date stated in the booking agreement E-BIKES: €50 (from the deposit). * NOT return the E-BIKES at Cycling the Camino: €300 (full deposit) * Bicycle collection at customer’s hotel: €30 EBIKES SURCHARGES * Theft or loss of Ebike: 1.500€ * Theft, damage or loss of battery and charger: 500€ * Theft, damage or loss of LCD screen: 200€ * Theft, damage or loss of key: 200€ * Damage or scratches of frame: 250€ * Damage on wires: 200€ ENJOY THE CAMINO RIDE! For more information about cycling the Camino, please don’t hesitate to contact us. contact-us-button-2017 [https://media.caminoways.com/contact-us-button-2017.jpg] [https://caminoways.com/contact-us]

10 MOST DELICIOUS GALICIAN DISHES TO TRY ALONG THE CAMINO If you’re planning your Camino de Santiago trip, it’s very likely that you’ll be visiting Galicia soon. One of the best parts about travelling is trying all the local dishes, especially if you’re a foodie. We’ve picked what we think are the 10 most delicious Galician dishes you absolutely must try on your Camino adventure. octopus-pulpo-food-camino-de-santiago-caminoways [https://media.caminoways.com/octopus-pulpo-food-camino-de-santiago-caminoways.jpg] 1. OCTOPUS The ultimate Galician traditional dish. You will find it referred to as ‘pulpo á feira’ (in Galician), ‘pulpo a la gallega’ (in Spanish) or simply ‘pulpo’. Boiled to a perfect point and served with paprika, salt, and olive oil, cooking octopus is an art in Galicia. It can’t be too hard or too mushy, it has to be just perfect. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the dish: a great ‘pulpeiro’ (someone who specialises in cooking octopus) is not that easy to come by! If you are walking the Camino Frances via Melide [https://caminoways.com/camino-frances/camino-frances-from-sarria-to-santiago], you should stop at A Garnacha for a taste of delicious octopus. Many pilgrims have recommended it to us. 2. PADRÓN PEPPERS The little green peppers from Padrón are quite unique and should be eaten in the right season (Summer). Simply fried and sprinkled with rock salt, they are the food equivalent of the Russian roulette. The Galician expression goes: ‘Pementos de Padrón; uns pican e outros non’ (some of them are hot and some of them are not). And it is so true: they are mostly perfectly sweet little peppers, but there is always the odd one as hot as a chili. Many people have different theories to guess which ones are going to be spicy: is it the ones with the pointy end? would it be the smaller ones? or the larger pepper? the truth is nobody knows but it is all part of the fun. padron-peppers-vegan-camino-de-santiago-caminoways [https://media.caminoways.com/55e06db4-padron-peppers-vegan-camino-de-santiago-caminoways.jpg] 3. EMPANADA Galicians would eat anything in empanada… these savoury pastries or pies come in many fillings and shapes but the most popular ones are filled, of course, with seafood or fish. Cod (bacalao/bacallao), mussels (mejillones/mexillóns) and tuna (bonito) are some of the most popular empanadas. The quality of your empanada will depend on the bakers, the type of pastry, the quality of the filling… but they are all delicious. 4. CALDO GALEGO Beware, vegetarians! Caldo galego (Galician broth) might look like a harmless veggie-friendly dish with its cabbage, green leaves and beans but it tends to be ‘seasoned’ with pork lard and sometimes with other types of pork meat. Caldo is a hearty, homely Galician dish, cooked in every home, especially in wintertime. caldo-galician-dishes-camino-food-caminoways [https://media.caminoways.com/b9fcb266-caldo-galician-dishes-camino-food-caminoways.jpg] 5. SQUID: ALL SIZES AND SHAPES! Crispy squid rings (calamares or luras in Galician) and baby squid (chipirones) are cooked in a light batter and simply eaten with a sprinkle of lemon juice. Hot or cold, they are one of the most delicious snacks. 6. QUEIXO DE TETILLA Cheese lovers might not be familiar with Galician cheese, mainly softer, mildly cured cow cheeses, usually eaten with quince jelly as a dessert. Galicia’s most characteristic and unique looking cheese is called ‘queixo de tetilla’ (meaning ‘little breast’) for its pointy shape. On your way to Santiago, along the Camino Frances [https://caminoways.com/camino-frances], you will pass Arzúa, famous for its pointy ‘tetilla’ cheese. Tetilla-cheese-galician-dishes-camino-food-caminoways [https://media.caminoways.com/5cbcf107-tetilla-cheese-galician-dishes-camino-food-caminoways.jpg] 7. SHELLFISH Galicia is considered to be the shellfish and fish capital of Spain: clams, mussels, cockles, lobsters, prawns, crab or the extravagant gooseneck barnacles, tuna from Burela, hake, monkfish, sardines… the variety of seafood found in fish shops and restaurants in Galicia is impressive, seasonal and of premium quality. Go for a stroll to the Market in Santiago and you will understand, if you are visiting the coast, you are in for a treat. grilled-fish-galician-dishes-camino-food-caminoways [https://media.caminoways.com/bbf50753-grilled-fish-galician-dishes-camino-food-caminoways.jpg] 8. GALICIAN BEEF Also greatly appreciated in the rest of Spain is the ‘Ternera Gallega’ or Galician beef. If you are not into sea creatures, you can always go for beef. 9. TARTA DE SANTIAGO The traditional almond cake with Santiago’s cross is a perfect sweet treat to go with a coffee or after a meal. Many other towns in Galicia have similar almond tarts, but each with its specific differences. Check out our recipe for Tarta de Santiago [https://caminoways.com/tarta-de-santiago-santiago-almond-tart]. 10. FLAN Creme caramel or flan is quite a popular dessert in Galicia. In Autumn, many restaurants and bars will make flan with chestnuts. If you have a chance, have a taste! it is delicious with a bit of whipped cream. … and if you need a nightcap to help digestion, try a little ‘chupito’ of herbs liquor or coffee liquor… A great spot for foodies is the Mercado de Abastos in Santiago de Compostela, the city’s biggest attraction after the cathedral, of course! For all, you need to know about food along the Camino routes you can download our new Camino Food eBook [https://caminoways.com/free-camino-food-ebook] before your next trip. For more information about the Camino de Santiago or to book your Camino trip, contact our travel specialists. contact-us-button-2017 [https://media.caminoways.com/contact-us-button-2017.jpg] [https://caminoways.com/contact-us]

5 SPECIAL PLACES TO EXPERIENCE THE CAMINO AT EASTER Easter or Holy Week as it’s also known is widely celebrated across Spain, with many cities and towns along the Camino de Santiago [https://caminoways.com/camino-de-santiago]hosting impressive processions. There’s a huge variety of different places to experience the Camino at Easter. Whether you want to celebrate by the coast or in one of the more well-known spots, or even in the most traditional, there’s so much choice. Here are 5 special places to experience the Camino at Easter and discover unique centuries-old Easter traditions [https://caminoways.com/camino-culture-semana-santa-easter-spain]. semana-santa-ferrol-easter-camino-de-santiago-caminoways [https://media.caminoways.com/87492022-semana-santa-ferrol-easter-camino-de-santiago-caminoways.jpg] 1. FERROL ON THE CAMINO INGLES Most towns and cities in Galicia celebrate Holy Week and Ferrol hosts one of the most traditional and spectacular Easter events. The port city of Ferrol is the starting point of the Camino Ingles [https://caminoways.com/camino-ingles], a Camino de Santiago route traditionally followed by pilgrims from Britain and Ireland. Easter would be the perfect time of the year to start the English Camino in Ferrol, experiencing the city’s most important event of the year and then walking to Santiago de Compostela, where there are also colourful Easter processions all week. You can walk from Ferrol to Santiago [https://caminoways.com/camino-ingles/camino-ingles-from-ferrol-to-santiago] in just one week. [https://media.caminoways.com/908f1825-passion-christ-easter-in-spain-camino-de-santiago-caminoways.jpg] 2. SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA As the capital of Galicia and the destination point of the Camino de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela [https://caminoways.com/santiago-de-compostela] also hosts its own Holy Week processions, with religious imagery hitting the streets for locals and visitors to admire in the beautiful setting of Santiago’s Old Town. 3. LUGO ON THE CAMINO PRIMITIVO Another city on our list for a very special Easter week is Lugo [https://caminoways.com/camino-tips-afternoon-in-lugo], which is the starting point for the Camino Primitivo [https://caminoways.com/camino-primitivo], the oldest of the Camino routes. Holy Week parades in Lugo take place in the old town, nestled within the city’s famous Roman wall, the best-preserved Roman wall in Europe, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/987/]. camino-for-easter-santiago-de-compostela-caminoways [https://media.caminoways.com/4f9d1a24-camino-for-easter-santiago-de-compostela-caminoways.jpg] 4. FISTERRA ON THE CAMINO FINISTERRE For an Easter celebration with a maritime feel, you should head to Fisterra [https://caminoways.com/fisterra-pilgrims-legend-and-beauty] and experience Holy Week in the heart of the Costa da Morte [https://caminoways.com/galicia-costa-da-morte]. The focal point of celebrations is the Church of Santa María das Areas and the Saint Christ of Fisterra, popularly known by the locals as ‘The Golden Beard Christ’. Locals also reenact some of the scenes of the Passion as part of the week’s proceedings on the Camino Finisterre [https://caminoways.com/camino-finisterre]. 5. SEVILLA ON THE VÍA DE LA PLATA Easter, along with the colourful Feria de Abril, is the most important and unique festival of the year in this stunning city. Processions and floats with religious sculptures representing the Passion of Christ, called ‘pasos’, parade around the streets. The most dramatic ‘pasos’ are on display for Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Seville’s Easter celebrations are renowned around the world and it’s by far the most impressive and Holy Week location in Spain. Also along the Vía de la Plata [https://caminoways.com/via-de-la-plata] route, the cities of Salamanca and Zamora host important Holy Week processions. For more information about the Camino at Easter or to book your trip, please don’t hesitate to contact us [https://caminoways.com/contact-us]. Please do keep in mind though that Easter is one of the busiest times of the year and bookings may need to be made up to a year in advance. It’s never too early to start planning next year’s adventure!

EXPERIENCE HOLY WEEK IN ITALY – UNMISSABLE EASTER EVENTS IN ROME Are you planning to finish your Via Francigena walk [https://caminoways.com/via-francigena]in Rome over Easter? Holy Week is one of the most important weeks in the Catholic calendar, so this is a special time to spend a few days in Italy’s capital. If you find yourself in Rome during Easter, we’ve compiled a list of some of the ceremonies and celebrations you can attend. Don’t forget to also visit some of the city’s fantastic historic attractions [https://caminoways.com/unmissable-rome] too, especially the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the incredible Sistene Chapel. Full Via Francigena [https://media.caminoways.com/a6a743ea-colosseum-rome-via-appia-cycling-route-camino-ways.jpg] HOLY THURSDAY Holy Thursday falls on April 14th this year. The Pope is giving a morning mass in Saint Peter’s Basilica from 9:30 am. Tickets are required for this event (they are free, but you need to book ahead, the sooner the better). Later in the day, there is a Holy Thursday mass in the Basilica of Saint John Leteran. Today might be a good day to visit the Pantheon in Rome and enjoy a coffee in one of the city’s beautiful squares. Rome-pantheon-via-francigena-italy-caminoways [https://media.caminoways.com/3fe363da-rome-pantheon-via-francigena-italy-caminoways.jpg] THE VIA CRUCIS ON GOOD FRIDAY April 15th is the date for Good Friday this year. Today is one of the most important days during Holy Week and the Pope will lead a ritual procession called the Via Crucis or Stations of the Cross. This ceremonial parade commemorates the events of the passion of Christ from station to station. It takes place between the dramatic settings of the historic Colosseum and the Temple of Venus. At each station, the Pope reads a meditation in various languages. Thousands of spectators will gather to watch the events. You do not need a ticket but you should get there as early as possible to see the procession. The official ceremony usually starts at 9 pm. TESTIMONIUM-PILGRIM-CERTIFICATE-ROME-ST-PETERS-VIA-FRANCIGENA-CAMINOWAYS HOLY WEEK [HTTPS://MEDIA.CAMINOWAYS.COM/EAB7C2F8-TESTIMONIUM-PILGRIM-CERTIFICATE-ROME-ST-PETERS-VIA-FRANCIGENA-CAMINOWAYS.JPG] HOLY MASS IN ST. PETER’S SQUARE Easter Sunday is the most important day of the Holy Week celebrations. This year, Easter Sunday is taking place on April 17th. There is a special Papal Mass at 10 am (tickets are required and you should book as soon as possible). No tickets are required for the second service, also taking place in St. Peter’s Square. The papal address will take place at noon and the Pope will be providing a message and a blessing called the Urbi et Orbi. This means ‘To the City and the World’. This is a wonderful event and is usually performed from the balcony of St. Peter’s Square. attractions-in-rome-via-francigena-walking-route-caminoways [https://media.caminoways.com/539b3ff5-attractions-in-rome-via-francigena-walking-route-caminoways.jpg] To finish off your short stay in Rome, don’t miss the fireworks display that closes Easter week on Monday at the Castel Sant’ Angelo. All of the tickets for the above mass services are free but some need to be booked in advance. For more details on booking tickets for the Holy Mass or the calendar of events, you can visit the official Vatican website [https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en.html]or the Papal Audience website [http://www.papalaudience.org/schedule]. For more information about the Via Francigena [https://caminoways.com/via-francigena], walking the last 100km to Rome [https://caminoways.com/via-francigena/via-francigena-from-viterbo-to-rome]or any of our walking and cycling routes, please don’t hesitate to contact us [https://caminoways.com/contact-us].