On Caminos organised by Xircammini, one is introduced not only to the country of each Camino but also to its people, culture and way of faith.”
Cynthia Far | May/June 2025
All caminos are different. all are special. All hit home in different ways…sometimes in more ways than one.
From singing along the way, to finding joy in breathtaking views, peace in tranquil surroundings, special moments shared with newfound friends for life, that bond which binds us through having experienced it together, not only within a small group of pilgrims but also those made along the way, be it at quaint tea/cerveza places as well as joggers or pilgrims seen the other day on our same route.
There is something truly special with spending time with like-minded people but finding pleasant differences and a personal meaning of it all.
I have been abroad several times with Xircammini and the loving care and attention to detail I feel is unparalleled to any other trip.
We started off from bustling Lisbon and walked along the peaceful boardwalk along River Tejo, each day ending in a different location and accomodation which were all well-chosen by James and one could tell there was plenty of research behind it all in the way it was put together.
We walked through endless vineyards, stopped to refuel in quaint old villages all with their own character yet welcomed by its kind locals, getting our booklets stamped and trying some delicacy or their speciality for lunch before continuing on our way. Its always a relief and marvel to me how one can walk all those kilometeres and yet waking up the next day all excited to do it all over again.
Breakfasts were very abundant at every hotel and one time we even had a liqueur included with our toast/homemade pies as is customary for example at Santarém.
On the final day, entering Fatima was truly emotional for me since I was named after one of the children of the apparition so many years ago…truly a dream come true. I was pleasantly surprised at the titular painting inside the basilica similar in style to our very own Esprit Barthet but painted by João de Sousa Araújo depucting the Message of Our Lady of Fátima as a descent of light and peace to the seers, with representations of the Church and popes in the background.
One could see and feel the contentment of all pilgrims inside the basilica. We were fortunate enough to find a Holy Mass happening at Our Lady’s Shrine and receiving Holy Communion right there, truly moved me.
I felt so close to Our Lady who has guided me so many times in my daily life through the years. There is something special in Her story that binds me to Her. I feel humbled and a loving warmth at the same time.
I know I shall return one day to visit Fatima. On Caminos organised by Xircammini, one is introduced not only to the country of each Camino but also to its people, culture and way of faith, the Christian and Ecumenical faith is felt throughout.
Dulcis in fundo as is customary of James Portelli, Xircammini’s president, we had an unforgettable cultural visit at nonetheless than Convento de Cristo, HQ of the Knights Templars in 1159, a magnificent convent of elaborate and intricate architecture wherever you look. We were so transported back in time, I could just imagine myself with thermos and croissant, armed with pencils and a mini set of watercolours, setting a 30-minute timer for a quick sketch at every corner, storey and roof of this gorgeous building…and maybe even book a photo-session dressed in period costume for the poster to a solo exhibition to be held when my thick sketchbook was complete! Who knows, maybe one day I shall return.
XirCammini is walking this Caminho again in 2026. Interested? Please follow this link to learn more or to register: https://xircammini.org/event/caminho-do-fatima-registration-required/
If you are interested in our other overseas hiking trips, check out the summary here: https://xircammini.org/news/summary-of-2026-activities/