Pilgrimage in the Belly of the Whale & Beyond
A 10 day retreat on the Camino de Santiago guided by the story of Jonah
April 7 - 17, 2026
Spiritual reflection, rest and renewal
Gather on the sacred ground of the Camino de Santiago at the serene Flores del Camino Retreat Centre for a time of deep rest and spiritual renewal. We will share abundant silence and creative contemplative practices guided by the compelling story of the prophet, Jonah.
Our time together includes 6 days on site at the retreat centre and 4 days on pilgrimage to the stunning Valley of Silence, along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Camino. Walk as much or as little as you want.
We welcome up to 10 participants to nurture an intimate experience within a small circle of fellow pilgrims. We encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment.
While onsite at the retreat centre you will:
prepare for and immerse yourself in 3 full days of sacred silence.
reflect on Jonah’s story as pilgrimage towards transformation.
engage in creative, contemplative practices.
go on slow, quiet walks.
colour prayer mandalas with foraged earth pigments.
journal gently to explore what is stirring in the silence.
walk a labyrinth as embodied prayer.
connect with the sacredness of the land.
While on pilgrimage to the Valley of silence you will:
set off from the doorstep of the retreat centre to journey along one of the most beautiful and storied stretches of the Camino — a path rich with history, symbol, and legend.
walk in a way that is gentle and spacious, always at your own pace.
know that if walking isn’t your way, you may choose to spend extra time in each village (to pray, read, journal, meet other pilgrims or gaze at the landscape) before being transported to the next village along the way.
absorb the atmosphere and energy of the ancient path, the beauty of the villages and the quiet presence of centuries in whatever way feels most nourishing and meaningful for you.
This retreat is for you if you are
Seeking rest, renewal, and the quiet embrace of silence.
Drawn to creative spiritual practices that nourish your soul.
Curious about the deeper meaning and experience of pilgrimage.
"Silence is the best response to God’s mystery." – Thomas Keating
(Image - Peñalba de Santiago - Valley of Silence)
Location
Both the location of the retreat centre in Castrillo de los Polvazares and our pilgrimage destination at Peñalba de Santiago in the Valley of Silence are considered two of the most beautiful villages in all of Spain and are steeped in the rich history and spirit of the Camino.
Flores del Camino is a family-run retreat centre situated in the historic village of Castrillo de los Polvazares designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy stunning views at every turn, which include an ancient Celtic mound, medieval village ruins and charming 16th century buildings. This beautiful village has a long history of offering hospitality to pilgrims.
Castrillo de los Polvazres
In harmony with the landscape, you will feel embraced by the warm stone walls of the village that mirror the deep red hues of the earth. The retreat centre, lovingly restored in recent years, maintains its traditional architecture with heart and soul.
Peñalba de Santiago
Peñalba is nestled within the Tebaida mountains - named after the region in Egypt where the early desert and fathers lived contemplative lives. These sacred peaks and valleys that have been home to monasteries since the earliest of times. The village is near a cave once inhabited by a hermit, which gave the Valley of Silence its name. It houses a stunning 10th-century Mozarabic church with petroglyphs and solstitial alignments. This beautiful example of sacred architecture is infused with the contemplative spirit - inviting pilgrims into mystery, awe, beauty and the interior journey.
Your Facilitators
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Sharon Seyfarth Garner (MDiv) is a United Methodist pastor, certified spiritual director, retreat leader and author. She is the founding director of Belly of the Whale Spiritual Direction & Retreat Ministries and has led spiritual renewal retreats widely including through Spiritual Director’s International and a local women’s prison. She delights in companioning those who seek to nurture contemplative creativity and spiritual vitality in their daily lives. Sharon has published several books including Praying with Mandalas: a colorful, contemplative practice. She is currently working on her next book Praying with Jonah: how to be still enough to know and bold enough to go where ever God is calling.
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Basia Goodwin (MA) is co-founder of Flores del Camino, an artist, educator, retreat facilitator and pilgrimage guide. She is dedicated to spiritual formation and crafting space for creative and contemplative journeys. An alumnus of the King's School of Traditional Arts, she specialises in the use of sacred geometry in traditional arts, craft & philosophy. In her creative practice she forages, makes & paints with natural pigments, using local Camino ochre earths and loves to share the joy of this timeless art and connection to the natural world with others. She is currently co-authoring a book on creativity and contemplation and the Sacred art of the Camino de Santiago.
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Bertrand is an experienced retreat facilitator and educator, teaching on creative and contemplative practices.Based on the Camino he finds joy in inspiring others through his knowledge and passion for the spirit, rich history and architectural treasures of the the pilgrimage. He specialises in sacred architecture and teaches sacred geometry as a contemplative, hands on practice.
What’s included
Private transport from & to Madrid airport
See times & pick up point details.
If you prefer to arrive independently to the retreat centre, see how to get here.
Accommodation
All accommodation consists of individual ensuite bedrooms. On the Camino, you may have to share a room if there are no availabilities.
Food
All meals are included except 3 lunches on the Camino.
Dietary requirements
On-site, we cater for the following dietary requirements: vegetarian, gluten-free, carb-free, dairy-free. On the Camino, options are available with advance notice.
What’s not included
Flights
Insurances (travel, health, etc.)
Lunches on the Camino
Since everyone walks at their own pace, you will have to buy 3 lunches on the Camino. There are cafés along the way where you can get a coffee, sandwich or a menu. Budget 10 - 20 € per day.
Taxis on the Camino
If you wish to take a taxi to shorten your walking day, the cost would be around 20-50€.
“Blessed are you pilgrim, when you contemplate the “Camino” and you discover it is full of names and dawns”.
from the Beatitudes of the pilrgim
Pilgrimage in the Belly of the Whale & Beyond
We welcome a maximum of 10 participants to nurture an intimate experience within a small circle of fellow pilgrims. We encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment.
April 7 - 17, 2026 4,250 €
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