Francesca Vincenti, September 2026
When I look back on the Cammino di San Francesco Nord, it is not the kilometres covered or the steep hills, valleys or forests climbed and walked that I recall. What stays with me is a feeling, a quiet sense of gratitude that grew stronger with every step that I took. I set out expecting a visually beautiful trek, but what I found was something so much deeper. The path unfolded through constantly changing terrain, from peaceful countryside tracks to more demanding stretches that challenged stamina, spirit and determination. There were moments when the climbs felt longer than expected and the destination, especially under unexpected weather seemed farther away than one would have liked. Yet those were often the moments that revealed the true spirit of the Camino.
No one ever walked alone, even when walking in silence. Somehow, encouragement always appeared exactly when needed. A smile from a fellow pilgrim, a shared joke on a steep ascent that made you stop to catch your breath from laughter rather than from tiredness and the beautiful masses celebrated in medieval wayside chapels. The camaraderie that developed among us transformed every challenge into a collective achievement, celebrated each evening over local meals. The trail tested our legs, but it strengthened our spirit. I soon realised that the journey was not about how fast or how far I could walk. Neither was it a race or a Personal Best challenge. It was all about the people walking beside me, ahead of me and behind me – I learnt from them and through them. Behind it all, was XirCammini who took care of all logistics, true experts when it comes to pilgrim travel.
I was able to immerse myself fully in the experience, appreciating each day through the simple rhythm of walking.
The accommodations reflected the journey itself: varied, welcoming and full of character. Every evening offered a different atmosphere, yet each place provided the comfort and rest needed to begin again the following morning. These daily transitions became part of the adventure, reminding me that the Camino is as much about the pauses as it is about the walking. Equally invaluable was the presence of our guide, James. Having someone who knew the route so thoroughly was reassuring, but what truly enriched the experience was the depth of knowledge shared along the way. History, culture, local traditions and the spiritual significance of the places we passed. This brings an entirely new dimension to such pilgrimages. What might have appeared to be just another village, church, or pathway suddenly became part of a much larger story.
By the end of the Camino, the most memorable moments were the simplest ones: walking in company or alone, stopping to smell a flower, admire a leaf, sharing snacks, helping someone with their backpack and the feeling a profound sense of peace, that grew stronger with each step I took.
Interested in walking a Camino? Self-guided, with family or a small group of friends locally or overseas? You walk… We’ll handle the rest. Local airport transfers, daily baggage transfers, accommodation, even a Camino guide if you wish. Interested in Malta heritage or faith tours?Contact us on information@XirCammini.org