Five Famous Thermal Waters in Galicia: Mondariz, Guitiriz, Outariz, Cuntis and Caldas
A practical and historical guide to five Galician thermal destinations, their waters, spa buildings and the towns that grew around them.
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THE ULTREYA TOURS JOURNAL
Camino History & Galician Culture
Understand the history and culture encountered on the Camino de Santiago, from medieval pilgrimage and Roman roads to Galician writers, music and popular traditions. Each article connects a documented story with places travelers can still visit along the routes.
Our Camino Continues: Why Ultreya Paused and Why We Are Reopening
After a two-year family pause, Ultreya Tours is reopening to plan thoughtful Camino journeys for 2027.
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The Official Ways to Visit Santiago Cathedral
Compare free basilica access, the Cathedral Museum, Pórtico da Gloria, roofs and Carraca tower, night visits and official Cathedral combinations.
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Galician Crafts on the Camino: Sargadelos, Azabache and Silver
Discover Sargadelos ceramics, Santiago's azabache workshops, the protective figa and the silver jewelry pilgrims encounter in Galicia.
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Arab and Andalusi Influence Along the Camino
Trace Islamic and Andalusi influence in Camino architecture, language and agriculture, and examine the story of Santiago’s stolen bells.
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The Marvels of León: Cathedral Glass, San Isidoro and a Grail Claim
Explore León Cathedral and the royal complex of San Isidoro, from Romanesque paintings and royal tombs to the debated Holy Grail claim.
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Galicia’s Cabezudos: The Giant Heads in Festivals, Museums and Bars
Discover the papier-mâché cabezudos seen in Galician processions, local museums and Santiago bars, including surviving examples in Sarria.
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Three Galician Writers: Rosalía, Valle-Inclán and Camilo José Cela
Meet Rosalía de Castro, Ramón del Valle-Inclán and Camilo José Cela, with the houses and landscapes Camino travelers can visit around Padrón.
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El Cid in Burgos: History, Exile and the Cantar de Mio Cid
Follow the historical Rodrigo Díaz and his literary double through Burgos, then understand how the Cantar de Mio Cid turned exile into epic.
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Alfonso X and the Cantigas de Santa María
How Alfonso X’s illustrated songs preserve medieval music, miracle stories and scenes of pilgrims traveling through thirteenth-century Iberia.
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