Most tourists, including Ukrainians, who like to explore life and enjoy steep hiking routes, have definitely heard of the Camino de Santiago - the Way of St. James. Indeed, this tidbit of pilgrimage roads is one of the most famous in the world! The Camino de Santiago chain branches out mainly in western Europe, but in 2023, a part of it, called the Camino Podolico, was officially introduced in Ukraine. So, in accordance with all the rules of pilgrimage, those who wish to follow the path that runs through the picturesque lands of eastern Podillia, letting the unique atmosphere of the local landscapes of incredible beauty pass through them. The sacred heritage of Vinnytsia and Khmelnytskyi regions is truly fascinating and will not leave any pilgrim indifferent.
In spring 2026, we are launching test Camino Podolico trips starting in Vinnytsia and ending in Bar. Our route is not the same as the standard pilgrim's journey. You can find out how it differs and submit your application to participate on the route page 🙂
The sign of the pilgrims is a yellow arrow and a seashell - it can be seen in all countries leading to Santiago de Compostela. Paths, like arteries, flow through the entire body of the world... It is worth noting that Ukraine, which has a large number of ancient Catholic churches, also has something to show. Therefore, it was expected that one day, anyway, the time would come to fill the artery in our country. By the way, returning to the shells, they were also found in princely Zvenyhorod, which proves that Ukrainians also participated in such pilgrimages in the times of Kyivan Rus.
In June 2021, the first travelers started on the Podillia route. A great opportunity for cultural dialogue between Ukraine and Europe, isn't it? The Camino Podolico is not just a pilgrimage tour in Ukraine, it is an opportunity to feel part of the European community, to join the centuries-old tradition of pilgrimage that goes far beyond religion. For Ukrainians, it is an important step towards integration into the European cultural space, and for Europeans, it is a great opportunity to discover the richness of Ukrainian culture and nature. Needless to say, we should too.
The Podil Way of St. James became the first official part of the European Camino de Santiago network in Ukraine. This means that it not only meets international route standards, but at the same time retains its uniqueness, bringing the peculiarities of Ukrainian culture and nature into the tradition.
Where does the route "Camino Podolico" run?
The pilgrimage center of Ukraine currently connects 14 points in Vinnytsia and Khmelnytsky regions. The path, which is more than 250 km long, varies in length. But, on average, the duration varies from two weeks to +/- two days. And it's up to you to choose how you want to cover it - on foot or by bicycle. By the way, they took care of comfort and convenience in advance, no worse than in Europe, so there are coffee shops and overnight stays every 20 km. On the official website of the Ukrainian Camino Podolico you will find all the info, including information about such establishments.
And now to the checkpoints:
Zavallia - here you will find amazing karst caves "Malyshka-Kyianka" and "Atlantis". Just imagine! More than 7 km of underground labyrinths with crystals, some of which grow only in Atlantis. The local inhabitants are bats, which, by the way, are listed in the Red Book. There is also the old Mill in the village of Rykhta, the remains of a castle and a church that was built back in 1852.
Kamianets-Podilskyi will be remembered for its fortress, which dates back to the distant XI-XII centuries. Its observation deck offers a beautiful panorama of the Old Town. History buffs will appreciate the city's unique church, the Architectural Complex of the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Of course, they will! The Triumphal Arch, erected in 1781 in honor of the arrival of the Polish King Stanisław Augustus, stands here without any alterations. And the sounds of the ancient organ in the church are breathtaking!
Poppies - will surprise you with an unusual round church, which for a long time was refused to be consecrated, because its pointed windows look more like a basilica than a church 😉 Karmalyukova Mountain and its picturesque views, as well as stories about the culprit of its name, will help you to distract from religion.
Dunaivtsi - you will see the family palace built in the early nineteenth century, the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, located on the territory of the old German cemetery; the local history and nature museum, as well as the former Lutheran church / house of worship are also worth visiting in Dunaivtsi.
Maliivtsi will fascinate you with a waterfall that seems to flow down a person's face 😉 Indeed, the shape of the cave where monks once lived has all the "attributes" of a face - an extremely attractive place. And the Maliyivtsi Palace and the incredible former ballroom will allow you to travel in a time machine to the romantic past...
The pearl of Khmelnytskyi region, Zinkiv will be greeted by the oldest monument of Podillia - the remains of the Zinkiv Castle, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the St. Michael's Church, a vivid example of traditional Podillia sacred architecture. The roofs of the church's three domes are covered with shingles, a material that has always been used to cover Ukrainian church roofs.
Yaltushkiv is known for the Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, which was built on the village cemetery. A fire that swept through the town in the mid-nineteenth century miraculously spared the church and preserved the icon... since then it has been considered miraculous.
Vinkivtsi is located on the steep banks of the Kalyus River. The Koselski Palace, built in the Italian style, will certainly attract your attention here.
The blooming village of Severynivka is famous for the palace and park ensemble of the Orlovsky estate. There are still many valuable paintings, ancient weapons and a large library here. Although the second architectural monument, the Church of the Holy Trinity, is gradually being destroyed, it transports you back to the time when Baroque was replaced by classicism.
Bar was founded by the mother of King Sigismund Augustus in honor of his native Italian city of Bari. Ace preserved the remains of the castle of the same name, the late Baroque Assumption Cathedral and the Benedictine Sisters' Monastery.
Zhmerynka is proud of its railway station, which was designed to resemble a giant ship. That is why the main waiting room of the station has retained its beautiful algae molding. There is also the Zhmerynka Historical Museum with its ancient memories in the photo and the Church of St. Alexei, which can be seen from all corners of the city.
Brailiv is a famous estate of the von Meck family, where Pyotr Tchaikovsky composed. The atmosphere here is simply mesmerizing. The town's most noteworthy church is a replica of the sculpture of Jesus of Nazareth.
Hnivan, with its non-standard neo-Gothic temple and church, which was built using more than 20 different types of bricks, is very interesting. And not far from the village there is an old-flooded quarry with an equipped beach. We recommend drinking fresh spring water in the forest nearby.
Vinnytsia is immediately associated with the largest floating fountain in Europe 😉 However, this city will gladly show you other places of interest - high walls, the authentic appearance of the Church of St. Mary the Angel and its Capuchin dungeons. A must-see is Khamkova Hora, where Vinnytsia Castle once stood and the oldest Orthodox church, which is located nearby.
Photo taken from the Facebook page of Max Burtsev
Remember the official documents of a pilgrim: a passport and the first stamp can be obtained at the beginning of the journey - in the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Angels in Vinnytsia or in the public library in Bar. Find the places to get the next stamps in the guidebook.
Please note: according to the postulates that have been established historically, the Camino is always laid to the West, to Santiago de Compostela. Therefore, moving from Kamianets to Bar or from Bar to Vinnytsia is not in keeping with tradition.
What is needed to follow the path of Santiago in Ukraine
To walk the Santiago Trail in Ukraine, you need to prepare not only physically but also mentally. Take a responsible approach to the journey, and then, of course, each route will bring only pleasure. Here are the main tips for preparation:
Physical preparation: the path involves long transitions, so it is important to get used to physical activity in advance, it is recommended to train with a backpack to prepare your back and legs for the weight.
Route planning: familiarize yourself with important points along the way in advance (a lot of useful and updated material is constantly published on the official website and Facebook page of Camino Podilskyi). Reading about the attractions of each destination makes it easier to choose the one you want, taking into account your physical abilities and time.
Accommodation: the route includes stops in settlements where you can find hotels, hostels or shelters. But it's worth noting that their number is limited, so book your overnight stay in advance.
Food: bring light snacks (nuts, dried fruits, bars), plan points where you can eat in cafes or restaurants along the route.
Equipment and clothing: comfortable shoes (trekking boots or sneakers, plus sandals for a change) designed for long walks on different terrain are required. Take a medium-sized backpack, 20-30 liters will be enough. Comfortable clothes - mostly hiking or sportswear, which is selected according to the three-layer dressing concept.
Motivation and the spiritual part: think about your personal goals, because the Way of St. James is not just a route, but also a spiritual reboot.
Safety: Take care of a first aid kit with basic first aid supplies, and learn basic information about the route, possible difficulties, and the nearest emergency contacts. The official website of Kamino Podoliko advises you to install the Air Alert app on your phone, don't forget to select notifications in Vinnytsia region (on the Vinnytsia-Yaltushkiv section), and change to Khmelnytskyi region (Vinkivtsi-Kamianets-Podilskyi section) midway through the journey.
Sun protection: a hat on your head, sunglasses, and sunscreen are your best friends throughout the route, as well as a sufficient supply of water. After all, dehydration makes you feel very unwell.
Useful tips
1) Do not overexert yourself - the routes are planned so that the daily walking distance is a comfortable 18-21 km, and for cyclists up to 40-50 km. If it's still a long way to the place of overnight stay and you're running out of energy, you can always take a bus. This is absolutely normal and does not contradict the spirit of the trip.
2) Plan short breaks of 10-15 minutes every hour. It's best to cover most of the day's route in the morning, leaving the rest of the mileage for the afternoon. In the summer heat, we recommend starting at 5-6 am, walking until 10-11 am, then taking a long break until 4-5 pm and continuing until dusk. In cooler seasons, adapt the schedule to your needs and comfort (speaking of safety, don't forget to put reflectors on your clothes and backpack).
3) In the event of an air raid alert, immediately go to the nearest shelter. Information on the locations of shelters is available in the section for each community on the official website. If you hear the siren on the road where there are no special shelters, but there is a forest belt nearby, move there - trees can reduce the risk of being hit by debris. If you hear explosions nearby, lie down on the ground with your hands/backpack over your head. If possible, use depressions, pits, or at least a high curb for shelter.
As you can see, Mother Ukraine is an unexplored expanse of interesting history, incredible nature, and a land of rich spiritual heritage. And such pilgrimage tours as the Podilsky Camino are more than just a trip to Western Ukraine, they are an acquaintance with its soul! By the way, with the KULUAR club you can dive into other parts of it - the Carpathian Mountains 😉 But this will be another interesting story 😉
Camino Podolico is just beginning its development - there is something to strive for! After all, the historical trails of St. James in Spain, France and Portugal have formed not only a certain cult, but also culture and infrastructure for hundreds of years, setting an example of the newest paths for today's travelers... Therefore, KULUAR did not ignore the European tracks of the Camino de Santiago to open their magic to everyone - in particular, the Portuguese Way, route from Ferrol to Cape Finisterre, as well as the St. James of Tuy Trail - our team leaders will show you the beauty of these sacred paths with great enthusiasm. The main goal of each is the Cathedral of St. James in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. These paths symbolize spiritual search, overcoming challenges, and unity with nature and history.
Whichever route you choose - a modern Ukrainian one or a legendary one leading to the Atlantic coast - you will certainly feel the sacrament of pilgrimage with every step. It is more than just a journey, it is a path to self-discovery!
If you're going to discover yourself – go with Kuluar!
