Making the Camino truly accessible means ensuring that every pilgrim, regardless of their dietary needs, can find nourishment and comfort along the way. Offering more “meat-free” meals isn’t just a choice, it is a commitment to inclusivity for anyone with a plant based diet and sustainability for the planet.
For many of our clients, the lack of vegetarian meal options on the Camino has been a notable challenge. After all, when you’ve walked for hours on end, there’s nothing better than a delicious, hearty meal to refuel your body.
But what if you’re vegetarian or vegan? The options can often feel limited, with meals that may lack the same attention and variety that meat-based dishes receive. There are more than 13 million vegans and vegetarians in the United States alone. This is a big issue, and it is time for change.
Why We Created Green Path: Rooted Recipes
Green Path: Rooted Recipes is our answer to this challenge. At the heart of this initiative is the concept of encouraging restaurants and hotels to focus on plant based eating when building their menus.
Together with talented local chefs, we’ve created a series of easy-to-follow recipe videos featuring fresh plant based foods from the local region.
We’re excited to have partnered with the talented chef Juan Ignacio Morai from O Acivro, who shares our passion for bringing delicious, plant-based meals to the Camino.
Juan Ignacio has worked closely with us to create vegetarian dinner recipes that showcase the best of local ingredients while offering flavour and nutrition.
Why We Chose to Lead the Way in Promoting Vegetarian Meals on the Camino
At Follow the Camino, we believe in leading by example. That’s why we promote vegetarian and vegan meals along the Camino de Santiago.
For us, this is not just about helping the environment. Reducing meat consumption clearly helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and saves resources. It is also about making the Camino accessible to all travelers, no matter their dietary needs.
For restaurants and hotels along the Camino, offering vegetarian and vegan options is a win-win situation. Not only does it support a global movement toward sustainability, but it also caters to a growing number of travelers who are seeking out these options.
Good for the planet—good for business.
Become a Sustainable Camino Partner
As part of our larger commitment to sustainability, Green Path: Rooted Recipes is just the first step in our “5 Steps to Sustainability” program. By including at least one vegetarian or vegan meal on their menus, suppliers along the Camino can become a Sustainable Camino Partner—an exciting new designation that gives preference to businesses demonstrating a commitment to eco-friendly practices.
The Future of the Camino Is Green
We are excited to see how the Green Path: Rooted Recipes initiative grows. We believe it will help create a more sustainable Camino experience.
This is just the start. By working with our suppliers, local chefs, and the Camino community, we can help the environment. At the same time, we can celebrate the rich culinary heritage that makes the Camino and the city of Santiago de Compostela so special.
So, what are you waiting for? If you’re a business along the Camino, now is the perfect time to go green.
Download our vegetarian recipes, start cooking, and join us on the journey toward a more sustainable future. Together, we can ensure the Camino is a journey of personal change and a path to a better, greener world.
