The Camino de Santiago is much more than just a hike. It’s a historical route that has been walked for centuries and retains its historical and cultural values, as well as providing a fantastic opportunity for personal discovery. According to tradition, the pilgrims would walk to Spain, where the remains of the apostle St. James are buried. Today, however, people walk the Camino for many different reasons: spiritual, cultural, or even just for the challenge. If you’re planning to take on the Camino, you should know what to expect. Make sure to prepare, choose the right route, and understand how life on the trail unfolds day by day before you go. Here is our practical Camino de Santiago travel guide, packed with tips to help you get started.
Choosing your route
When people say “the Camino,” they more often than not mean the Camino Francés, which starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and stretches about 780 km across northern Spain. It’s the most popular route, with good infrastructure and plenty of other walkers.
But there are many Caminos you can walk. The Camino Portugués begins in Lisbon or Porto, following the coast and crossing into Galicia – although we’d skip the Lisbon-Porto stretch and just start in Porto, as that first part is a bit too industrial.
The Camino del Norte hugs Spain’s northern coast with dramatic sea views but tougher climbs.
The Via de la Plata starts way down south in Seville and is quieter, more solitary, and much longer.
Each route has its own rhythm, landscapes, and challenges.
If you’re walking your first Camino, the Francés or the Portugués are usually best—they have very clear signage, affordable accommodation, and a strong pilgrim community.
For most of the Camino, you don’t even need a map: you can just follow the yellow arrows painted on walls, lamp posts, buildings… they all point towards Santiago de Compostela.
How long does it take?
The answer depends on the route and your own pace. Not everybody is able to walk the same amount per day, or can spare the same time off for this adventure.
The full Camino Francés takes about 30–35 days if you walk 20–25 km per day.
The Camino Portugués from Porto takes about two weeks.
Many travelers who don’t have a month off choose to walk only the final 100 km from Sarria to Santiago, since that’s the minimum distance required to earn the Compostela certificate.
It’s worth asking yourself: do you want the full experience, or just a taste? Both are valid, but walking several weeks gives you time to settle into the rhythm of Camino life.
Daily life on the Camino
A typical day on the Camino starts very early. Pilgrims wake up at dawn, lace their boots, and set off before the heat builds.
Walking 20–25 km usually takes four to six hours, depending on terrain. Midday is for lunch (and maybe a siesta), afternoons are for resting, exploring the town, or chatting with fellow walkers.
Evenings often end with a communal pilgrim dinner - depending on where you’re staying and how social you are, of course.
Accommodation is usually in albergues. These are very simple pilgrim hostels where you’ll share dorms with others. They range from municipal (basic, cheap, often just €5–8) to private (a bit nicer, €12–15). Some are donation based.
You can also stay in guesthouses or hotels if you want privacy - or to know you’ve definitely got a bed, as public albergues don’t accept booking beds ahead.
One of the best parts of the Camino is the community: you’ll meet people from all over the world, share meals, swap stories, and often bump into the same faces again and again as you all move westward.
Something you’ll often hear from other pilgrims is “the Camino provides”. We won’t spoil the surprise, but we think you’ll see what this means when you’re there.
Packing smart
Packing light is essential. Most experienced walkers recommend carrying no more than 10% of your body weight, ideally under 8 kg.
Essentials include:
- A good pair of broken-in walking shoes or boots
- A lightweight sleeping bag or liner for the albergues
- Quick-dry clothes (two sets are enough)
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Basic first aid kit (especially blister care)
Don’t overpack, because you can always buy supplies along the way. Many towns also offer laundry services.
Some even have luggage transfer services if you need a break from carrying your pack. These aren’t too expensive, ranging from 4 to 10€.
Best season to walk the Camino de Santiago
The best time to walk the Camino de Santiago is spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October). The weather is pleasant, the paths aren’t too crowded, and accommodation is easier to find.
July and August can be very hot, especially on the meseta (the central plateau of Spain), and popular albergues fill up quickly. Winter is possible, but some hostels close and conditions in the Pyrenees can be harsh.
Costs on the Camino
Compared to many long trips in Europe, the Camino is affordable.
A basic daily budget is around 30-40€ if you stay in albergues, cook some meals, and eat the occasional pilgrim menu (a set three-course meal with wine, usually 10-12€).
If you opt for private rooms or frequent dining out this will raise that cost, but even then it remains much cheaper than a typical European vacation.
The Pilgrim passport and Compostela
Before you start walking, you’ll need a Credencial del Peregrino, or pilgrim passport.
This is stamped at albergues, churches, and cafes along the way. It serves as proof that you’re walking the Camino and gives you access to pilgrim hostels. All the different places along the way have their own stamp, and some get really creative with theirs! It also makes for a nice keepsake of the trip.
If you walk at least 100 km (or cycle 200 km) and collect stamps along the way, you can receive the Compostela certificate in Santiago de Compostela. It’s a tradition that makes arriving at the cathedral even more meaningful.
Tips for a smooth Camino
- Train a little before you go. You don’t need to be an athlete, but your body will thank you if it’s used to walking long distances.
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases. Most locals along the Camino are friendly and used to pilgrims, but English isn’t always spoken.
- Stay flexible. Some days you’ll feel strong and walk farther, other days you’ll need to rest. The Camino isn’t about sticking rigidly to a plan, it’s about listening to your body.
- Take care of your feet. Blisters are the number-one complaint. Break in your shoes before the trip, use good socks, and stop to treat hot spots immediately.
