El Camino de Santiago Resources
MOVIES
The Way - 2010 movie starring Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez; inspired by the Camino experience that Sheen and Estevez completed together; movie profiles pilgrims traveling the Camino Frances (French Way)
Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago - 2013 documentary with stories of 6 people traveling the Camino de Santiago; pilgrims ages 3 and up are profiled on pilgrimage
Santiago: The Camino Within - 2023 Spiritual/Religious movie released about the Camino de Santiago, promoted by the Catholic Church, narrated by Bishop Donald Hying of Madison, Wisconsin
BOOKS
John Brierley Guides: Specific practical guides for the various Camino routes including The French Way, Sarria to Santiago, The Portuguese Way, Finisterre/Muxia Way, and maps of the routes.
The Camino Portugues, Kat Davis, British guide published by Cicerone press.
The Art of Pilgrimage: The seekers guide to making travel sacred, author Phil Cousineau, 1998, 2012 updated. General information about spiritual journeys.
Rick Steves Guidebooks- writer specializes in guides to various areas of Europe, including Spain and Portugal; general guides, not specific to the Camino.
Camino de Santiago Map Guide for the French Way; Michelin guide.
Guidebooks and maps in general are available for countries in Europe from Rough Guide, Lonely Planet, Fodors, Moon, DK Eyewitness, Michelin and many others.
Santiago de Compostela Guide, Escuda de Oro, guide to the town and surrounding area around Santiago de Compostela, purchased in Spain. Photos include the Cathedral and other historic sites.
Galicia Guide, Escuda de Oro, guide to the area of Galicia, Spain with maps and photos, not specific to the Camino; includes basic information about Santiago de Compostela, purchased in Spain.
Memoirs: Stories from Pilgrim Journeys
Camino de Santiago: A Spiritual Companion - brief inspirational stories offered by the Camino Chaplaincy in England, compiled by John Rafferty, published by Redemptorist publications.
Steps Out of Time: One woman’s journey on the Camino, author Katharine B. Soper; reflections on her journey and her life.
I’m Off Then: Losing and finding myself on the Camino de Santiago, author Hope Kerkeling, a German celebrity’s travelogue account of his experience on the Camino.
What the Psychic Told the Pilgrim: A midlife misadventure on Spain’s Camino de Santiago de Compostela, account by Jane Christmas
For history buffs
The Pilgrim’s Guide to Santiago de Compostela, author and translator William Melczer, 1993; history of the Camino de Santiago beginning in the 11th and 12th centuries and the translation of Book Five of the Codex Calixtinus, from the archives of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
For Deeper Exploration: The meaning of Pilgrimage
The Alchemist, author Paolo Coelho, a pilgrimage story of an Andalusian shepherd boy; a fable for our time of the power of our dreams and importance of listening to our hearts.
The Pilgrimage, author Paolo Coelho, a parable about the path of universal quest, set on the Camino de Santiago.
The Warrior of the Light, author Paolo Coelho, the way of the Warrior, one who appreciates the miracle of being alive.
Walking in Wonder: Eternal Wisdom for a Modern World, author John O’Donohue, poet, philosopher, a meditative read.
For Poetry Lovers
Pilgrim, author David Whyte, Irish poet residing in the Pacific Northwest. Any and all of his works are inspirational.
A bit of a favorite poem from Pilgrim:
Finisterre
The road in the end taking the path the sun had taken,
Into the western sea, and the moon rising behind you
As you stood where ground turned to ocean…
Techno Help
Facebook groups:
Ours! Please request to join: Camino Portugues 2023!
American Pilgrims on the Camino- highly recommend
Camigas~A Buddy System for Women on the Camino- great for women traveling the Camino esp. solo
Camino de Santiago All Routes- helpful info in planning a Camino
Pilgrimage in Place- walking for practice before the Camino
Camino Pilgrim International Discussion Group- Q&A about pilgrimage
Rick Steves Europe Group- general travel advice about Europe including Spain and Portugal
Whatsapp: if you haven’t used this app before, it’s great to have available for us to text one another or call via wifi with no phone charges. You may want to use this to message and talk with family or friends along the Camino, too.
Camino Ways: our outfitter will provide us with a link to use their maps and step by step directions for the Camino before we go.
Many other Camino apps with maps and walking guides are available from the app store on your phone. Check the reviews and make sure you know the cost for any fee before downloading something.
Updated Jennifer Grohmann Schiller, May 2023
