Through centuries, the routes of the Camino de Santiago have seen thousands of pilgrims etch their stories on its revered paths. With every trial, the experiences gathered along the way become a beacon of light, guiding first-timers walking the Camino to craft their own legend.
In this piece, you will find some of the best insights for walking the Camino de Santiago, including tips and tricks to help you walk the Camino like a pro. So, lace up your boots, open your heart to the journey ahead, and let’s get to it.
Photo credit: Gregorioa
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1. Pick a Trail That Appeals to You
The different routes of the Way of St. James can be quite overwhelming when planning to walk for the first time. As such, you may find that picking your route may seem more challenging than initially thought. The process becomes easier if you choose a path that appeals to you, aligns with your fitness level, and offers the benefits you desire. Each path to Santiago brims with its own unique allure and will lead you to a profound experience—one that is rightfully yours. Discover our collection of Camino guided and self gudied walks.
Don’t forget to walk the last 100 km of the Camino Francés if you intend to collect the Compostela, a certificate of completion granted to those who have completed the pilgrimage journey. Explore our range of Camino de Santiago Walking Routes, offering both guided and self-guided walks designed to suit your pace and style. Choose the freedom of a self-guided adventure, where every step is your own, or opt for the ease of a guided tour, where expert insights and local secrets enrich your experience. Whether blazing your trail or letting us lead the way, your perfect Camino awaits.
Alternatively, you might like to read our post: The Mystical Camino Routes to help guide you with a route that best suits you.
2. Befriend the Locals, Not Just the Pilgrims
While camaraderie among pilgrims is great, some seasoned walkers know that the heart of the Camino lies with the locals. Spend time in the small villages and engage with the bar owners, farmers, and old-timers who have seen countless pilgrims pass through. Learn a few phrases in Spanish (or the local dialects), and you'll unlock stories and insights that no guidebook can offer.
Photo credit: Bepsimage
3. Pack a Lightweight Backpack
It’s often challenging to avoid hoarding items for your walk, especially if you’re walking the Camino for the first time. But it’s more important to avoid packing heavy, as it would mean days of walking long stretches with a heavy backpack. For longer routes like the Via de Plata, Camino Francés, and Camino del Norte, it is essential to pack a lightweight backpack (10 percent of your body weight is generally recommended)
4. Try Different Footwear and Pick One That Fits Perfectly
The Camino can be harsh for those who tread it, especially unknown to most adventurers doing the Camino for the first time. Hiking for long stretches and hours will most likely cause your feet to inflame, leaving blisters. This is often the case on the Camino, with long distances covered over a day’s walk and varying landscapes (steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and uneven terrain) changing with every mile.
To prevent this, it's crucial to have a well-broken-in and quality hiking shoe ready before your planned trip. Use at least two weeks to break into the new hiking shoes before the trip. Alternatively, try on different pairs and pick one that fits perfectly—not overly tight, and at the same time, doesn’t wobble to your discomfort.
5. Leave the Logistics to the Professionals and Truly Embrace the Essence of the Camino
Throughout your walk, you will find luggage transfers between accommodations quite challenging. While a simple, lightweight backpack is a must-carry during your walk, heavier luggage can make your journey more burdensome.Explore our range of guided Camino tours offering luggage transfer services between hotels to enable you to focus more on your journey and truly connect with the essence of your adventure.
6. Know How Much Time It Will Take You to Walk Distances
Before you walk the Camino, it is essential to understand daily walking distances and how they affect your current walking pace. This helps you keep track of your current mileage and how long it will take you to get to the next accommodation or albergue (assuming you plan to stay in one). It is also important to note that most of the little towns on the way are often not far apart. However, there are extensive stretches between towns when transitioning from mountain areas to plains. In some cases, reaching your next snug might take a 10-15 kilometre walk.
7. Pay Closer Attention to Elevation Changes in the Routes
Spain is ranked the 2nd most mountainous country in Europe, so it’s worth noting that most routes feature significant elevation changes, especially in places closer to mountains. These changes may often affect your walking pace, especially in windy conditions. We recommend noting these elevation changes to help you better plan your walk.
8. Master the Art of Camino Cooking
The Camino offers ample opportunities to get creative in the kitchen or the albergue kitchenette. Learn to cook up simple dishes with local ingredients. If possible, invite a local or fellow pilgrim to share in your meal, and watch as the bonds of friendship and warmth of camaraderie are forged over shared meals and wines.
9. Don’t Chase the Stamps, Collect the Moments
Stamping your Camino passport along the way is a symbol of your journey, but they’re not the journey itself. Rather than getting caught up chasing these stamps at every stop, focus more on collecting moments—the laughter of fellow pilgrims, the sunrise over the hills, the feeling of the earth beneath your feet. Ultimately, it's not the distance that counts but the memories made along the way.
Find Your Rhythm on the Camino de Santiago
Walking the Camino de Santiago like a pro means embracing the journey with an open heart, connecting deeply with the land and its people, and finding peace with both the planned and unexpected. With these tips, you’ll experience a seamless journey through your chosen Camino while making the most of every moment spent on this storied path.
