Walking the Camino Dos Faros | The Lighthouse Way
New Camino Trips
We're constantly expanding our wide range of Camino trails to help satiate UTracks Traveller's thirst for new pilgrimages. Read on to discover where you could be walking next.
Sicily – Magna Via Francigena
Travel by foot along the 'regie trazzere' or ancient road from Palermo and the Tyrrhenian in the north to Agrigento on the southern Mediterranean coast to discover the rugged beauty of inland Sicily with its archaeological treasures and friendly locals who have been welcoming pilgrims for centuries.
The
Magna Via Francigena was officially re-opened in 2017 in celebration of its rich historical legacy as a trade route connecting Africa and the Middle East to Europe. It runs through ancient landscapes to extraordinary villages clinging to the cliffs and some surprisingly green hills among lakes and rolling mountains.
However what is striking about the Magna Via Francigena is the influence of those who occupied the land over the years, from the Greeks and the Romans, to the people of Byzantium and the Moors, and the legacies they left behind in the form of mosaics and other ancient relics, traditions and culinary influences.
On arrival in Agrigento, dip your toes into the sea, receive your Testimonium at the cathedral and revel in the satisfaction of having walked across Sicily.
Camino Sanabrés to Santiago
Walk one of the oldest Camino routes that actually predate Christian pilgrims, going back to when Celt, Phoenician and Roman traders travelled the lands. Their use of the trail resulted in many hospices, temples and monasteries being built and these ancient structures perfectly complement the beautiful landscape today.
The
Camino Sanabrés starts in Ourense, a historic old city full of bustling tapas restaurants and therapeutic thermal springs, and continues through the undulating Galician countryside with its huge patches of shady oak and chestnut woods. Follow quiet lanes through rural hamlets, view the impressive Trappist monastery in Oseira, and be warmly welcomed at your cosy lodging with regional cuisines, such as the artisanal bread of Cea (allegedly Spain's finest) and the monk-made herbal liquor 'Ecualiptine'.
Walk the final stretch past charming chapels and picturesque vineyards before arriving in Santiago, where you can collect your Compostela (completion certificate) and reminisce about your journey on foot over plates of Galician delicacies.
Camino - Paradors and Charming Hotels
Following the well worn Camino trail in northern Spain is one of the world's great walking experiences. This trip provides the perfect option for those who want to experience the trail and
stay in a mix of charming hotels and paradors along the way, often in historic buildings updated inside for maximum comfort.
As you are walking more than 100kms, you are eligible to receive the official Compostela certificate. Along the walk, gain a wonderful appreciation of the historic significance of the trail while reflecting on the meditative role that walking offers the pilgrim. Passing through mixed landscapes, there are numerous reminders of the pilgrims past who travelled the route including crosses, statues and grain silos. The gates of Galicia lead on to the fabled Santiago de Compostela with its famous cathedral, site of the tomb of St James.
Best of the Via Francigena
Following the ancient pilgrimage route between Canterbury and Rome encapsulates so many aspects of Italian history, culture and landscapes. From the Swiss border high up in the Alps, we trace the very
best sections of the Francigena Way to understand the diversity and contrasts of Italy on a trail heading south, all the way to Rome and the St Peters Basilica.
In between, we discover classic Tuscan landscapes of rolling hills and medieval towns, whilst also experiencing the lunar landscape of the Crete Senesi near Buonconvento, the alpine views of the Aosta valley, the volcanic tufa rock countryside around Sutri and the plains of the Emilia Romagna. There will be ample time to soak up the surprising amount of historical intrigue. The little known Etruscans feature in southern Tuscany and Lazio where we walk through the Strada del Signorino, a road cut like a canyon between vertical stone walls.
Camino - Leon to Santiago Rambler
This last stage of the Camino pilgrimage route offers a fine balance of walks in spectacular natural settings with visits to inspiring cultural sites including the magnificent cathedral city of Leon. En route, there are numerous reminders of the pilgrims past who travelled the route including crosses, statues and grain silos.
In the valley of Ponferrada, O Cebreiro welcomes you to the gates of Galicia and leads you to the fabled Santiago de Compostela. Shorter 15 and 16 day versions are also available.
Camino dos Faros: The Lighthouse Way
The Camiño dos Faros trail was created by four friends with the aim of connecting all the lighthouses of the Costa da Morte along the northwestern Spanish coast between Malpica and Finisterre. Their main objective was to stay as close as possible to the coast, following a series of small footpaths and dirt trails along stunning cliffs and long sandy almost deserted beaches which cannot be reached easily by car. Galician fishermen, specialists in difficult to catch fish, have for centuries used these paths which can at time be quite exposed.
This moderately graded walk requires sure-footedness and a head for heights, although our route avoids treacherous sections of the trail with vehicle transfers. The joy of walking this route is the opportunity to swim in small coves uncrowded even in the middle of summer and ascend cliffs to view impressive coastal scenery. Evenings are spent in small fishing villages in welcoming accommodation. The cuisine of the region is exceptional with opportunities to dine in a range of establishments from Michelin star restaurants to a shack by the sea selling freshly grilled fish.
Which Camino trail will you be adding to your bucket list? Let us know in the comments!