Ultimate Camino de Santiago Guide: Everything to Know About Planning the 500 Mile Pilgrimage
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Welcome to our Ultimate Camino de Santiago Guide!
Firstly a medieval pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago is known for being a network of well-connected hiking routes in Spain.
But, the Camino is more than a trail: it’s a true pilgrimage. Walk it, and see what lessons unfold personally, physically, and spiritually.
I walked the Camino de Santiago in 2019. It was a life-changing experience. Since then, I’ve engrossed myself in the Camino community and worked on this website to help you experience the joy of the Camino!
Read on to find out everything you need to know for planning the 500 mile trek—it’s history, routes, where to stay, how much it costs, and much more! Each section will also link out to additional posts where you can find more detailed information. ¡Buen Camino!
What is the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James in English) is a collection of ancient pilgrimage trails. But, it’s much more than just a walk. Named a UNESCO world heritage site, the Camino de Santiago is a center of cultural exchange.
People from all over the world come to walk the journey of a lifetime for spiritual, recreational, physical, or cultural/touristic reasons. In fact, over 446,000 pilgrims made the trek in 2023.
The Camino’s trails lead to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. This medium-sized city is located in the lush northwestern province of Galicia. The routes, which range from roughly 75 miles (120 km) to 500 miles (800 km), start in various Spanish cities and towns throughout Spain.
Read this overview of what the Camino de Santiago is for more details.
A Brief History of the Camino de Santiago
When it comes to historical information, the Camino is originally Catholic in nature. It is here that the Apostle Saint James, also known as Santiago, is believed to be buried.
St. James’ body was reportedly discovered in Santiago in the 9th century. Thus, King Alfonso II had a small chapel constructed to hold his remains. Since religious centers at the time were competing for the best relics, he later built a large, ornate cathedral to attract pilgrims.
The relics of St. James would later transform Santiago de Compostela into one of the world’s foremost pilgrimage destinations.
Named after the apostle, Santiago de Compostela means “St. James of the Field of Stars.”
What are the Camino de Santiago Routes?
Although many people think there is just one route (Camino Francés), there are many Camino routes to Santiago.
Below, find a short description of the most popular Camino routes.
Most Popular Camino de Santiago Routes
Camino Francés: The Camino Frances, or the French Way is easily the most popular Camino route. First time pilgrims often take this route for its established infrastructure – meaning you can find plenty of accommodation, food, and other pilgrims. This route takes approximately five weeks to complete if you start the journey in St. Jean Pied de Port, France. However, many pilgrims walk the last 62 mi/100 km (5-6 days) of this route, beginning in Sarria. (474 mi/764 km, 33 stages)
Camino Portugués: If you are looking for an easy (less physically challenging) route, check out the Portuguese Way which has relatively flat inland and coastal routes. Pilgrims often begin in Porto, Portugal (174 mi/252 km, 11 stages) but you can start further away in Lisbon if you desired a longer trail. (385 mi/620 km, 25 stages)
Camino del Norte: The Northern Way begins in the Basque country, just outside of San Sebastián. Although it follows the coast before turning inland towards Santiago, this route is one of the most physically challenging. (512 mi/824 km from Irún, 34 stages)
Camino Primitivo: The Original Way is a challenging yet gorgeous course through the mountains. A favorite of Spaniards, it has been in use since the 9th Century. (313 km from Oviedo, 14 stages)
Via de la Plata: The Via de la Plata (Silver Way) begins in Andalusia in the south of Spain. Less traveled (completed by about 3% of pilgrims) and very hot in the summer, this route is not for the faint of heart. (621 mi/1000 km from Sevilla, 38 stages)
Camino Inglés: This is the shortest route, starting just north of Santiago. The English Way was once the preferred route of pilgrims who arrived via boat from the U.K. and Ireland. (74 mi/119 km from Ferrol, 6 stages)
Le Puy Camino: The Le Puy Camino begins in Le Puy in Vezelay France. There are a collection of of routes beginning throughout France, known at the St. Jacques de Compstelle. Beginning in Le Puy, it is the most popular and meets up with the Camino Frances. (475 mi/765 km, 4-5 weeks to complete)
Camino Finisterre: Some pilgrims continue to “the end of the world” along the Costa da Morte to Finisterre and Muxia. Day trips are also available and are a popular alternative to walking. (74 mi/119 km from Santiago, 6 stages)
Lesser Known Camino Routes
These routes combined are are walked by less than 1% of pilgrims each year, so you may not find many other pilgrims or frequent accommodation.
Camino de Madrid: A lesser travelled Camino, the Camino Madrid is beautiful in the springtime. It meets with the Camino Frances in Sahagún. (186 mi/300 km from Madrid, 13 stages to Sahagún)
Camino de Levante: The Camino de Levante starts in the southeastern corner of Spain, allowing you to cross through many landscapes on your way to meet with the Via de la Plata. (745 mi/1200 km from Valencia, 28 stages to Granja de Moreruela)
Camino Mozarabe: There are several routes included in the Camino Mozarabe, all in the south of Spain. If you start in Almería, you’ll meet up with the Via de la Plata in Granada and walk the longest Camino! (882 mi/1420 km, stages vary)
Camino Catalán: The Catalan Way has multiple variations and eventually meets with the Camnio Frances. A popular starting place is the Montserrat monastery outside of Barcelona. (length and stages vary)
How Much Does the Camino de Santiago Cost?
In general, the Camino is an inexpensive trip. This excludes the flight to get there, of course!
The Camino costs around 30-40€ (euro) per day. This modest budget includes shared accommodation in a private hostel, a full meal, and drinks throughout the day.
You may save money by staying in public hostels and cooking your own meals. On the other hand, you may pay more for private accommodations.
Day-to-day expenses are low. These typically include:
- A night in a hostel
- Meals and drinks
- Laundry
- Backpack transport (optional)
There is also no entrance fee to walk along the Camino.
Get a better idea of what it costs to go on the Camino de Santiago.
It’s interesting to note that the government, and other associations, subsidize some accommodations along the Camino. This makes the trip affordable for pilgrims from all countries and walks of life, while maintaining the Camino’s status as a popular tourist destination.
Camino de Santiago Accommodation
There are multiple types of accommodation along the Camino to suit a variety of preferences.
Walkers typically stay in pilgrims’ accommodations called albergues. Albergues are mixed-gender hostels with a variety of amenities specifically for pilgrims.
Typical Accommodation
Here’s what to expect when it comes to accommodation along the Camino de Santiago:
- public/municipal/parochial albergues – shared dorms run by various pilgrim associations and municipalities
- private albergues – hostels with slightly more amenities and less beds per room than public albergues
- hotels – not available in the hamlets, but readily available in many towns and cities
- casas rurales – these rural guest houses are rooms in private homes along the Way
Typical Albergue Amenities
Typical albergue amenities to look for:
- communal kitchen
- restaurants, bars, café
- laundry facilities (sinks, laundry lines, washer, drier)
- bike parking
- air conditioning/heating
Learn more on finding and booking accommodation in our full guide to Camino albergues.
Food on the Camino de Santiago
The mealtime culture of Spain is quite different than in much of the world, with late lunches and even later dinners. For example, kitchens don’t open for dinner until around 8 pm at the earliest.
But, don’t let that deter you! Fortunately, restaurants on the popular Camino routes (especially the Camino Frances) are set up to accommodate the pilgrim’s day.
Here’s a brief explanation of what to expect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks along the Camino:
Breakfast:
Breakfast along the Camino consists of coffee, orange juice, and a toast (with olive oil, jam, or ham) or a pastry at an outdoor café.
Lunch:
Some bars offer ham sandwiches or Spanish tortilla (egg and potato omelets). Depending on the town, you may be able to find a more substantial meal for lunch or grab something at a grocery store.
Dinner:
Many pilgrims eat at the restaurants which are connected to the town’s albergues. Here, you can order a pilgrim’s dinner or “menu del peregrino.” This consists of three courses—an appetizer (soup, salad), a main (pork chop, chicken cutlet), and a dessert. You’ll be served a bottle of wine to share (or devour yourself, solo pilgrims) and bread as well.
If your albergue has a kitchen, you may opt to cook and eat in. Many pilgrims like to do this to save money, eat something home-cooked, and share meals with other pilgrims.
Snacks & Drinks:
It’s a good idea to purchase and carry nuts, fruit, yogurt, or other snacks with you to fuel yourself throughout the day.
Coffee and wine is plentiful, delicious, and inexpensive (1,5 euro/glass).
Learn more about opening times, food costs, the pilgrim’s menu, and typical food on the Camino.
Camino Dictionary: Sayings & Symbols
You will quickly learn that the Camino has a language all of its own. Check out the top words to know:
Albergue – This is a pilgrim’s hostel, where you will sleep in the same room with a number of other pilgrims. Here at the albergue, you will share a number of facilities (shower, laundry) and common areas (kitchen, lounge, garden).
¡Buen Camino! – The greeting of the pilgrim, translated loosely to “Good Way!”
Credencial – The credential or pilgrim’s passport allows you to stay in pilgrims accomodations and receive pilgrim’s discounts.
Compostela – a certificate issued in Santiago that certfies that you have walked “the Way.”
Hospitalero/a – The workers at the albergue, typically volunteers in the public albergues, and likely the owner or manager at private
Pilgrim – Someone who walks the Camino de Santiago.
Shell – The symbol of the Camino. In some accounts, St. James’ body was said to be found washed ashore, covered in shells.
See these related articles:
What is the Best Time of Year to Do the Camino?
Each time of year on the Camino has its pros and cons.
Here are some important considerations when deciding when to walk the Camino de Santiago:
- Late May and early June is a great time to walk for spring flowers and avoid spring rain showers.
- July and August are typically the busiest months and hottest months of the year. However, walking in summer is also be quite enjoyable: you carry less in your pack and you clothes and hair will dry quickly. (I walked in summer and loved it!)
- September and the first half of October are also a popular time to walk. Pilgrims take advantage of this time in between the scorching summer and coming winter. A downside is you must carry more gear (hats, gloves, sleeping bags) to accommodate the changing seasons.
- If you’d like to walk December-February, the French Way is a good option as it has the most pilgrim infrastructure. However, you’ll need to be prepared that you may have to walk longer to find open accommodation, respect detours, and bring a warm sleeping bag.
I’ve detailed each season’s pros and cons in this article to help you decide when to walk the Camino.
Is it Safe to Do the Camino de Santiago Alone?
Spain and the Camino is relatively safe for travelers.
Many pilgrims (including many women) choose to walk the journey alone.
It is said that you “never walk alone.” There are always other pilgrims on the main trails, especially in the high season.
In addition, because the local economy relies on the support of the pilgrims, locals and business owners watch out for pilgrims. I’ve heard many stories of locals going out of their way to help pilgrims, as they want them to have a safe and enjoyable Way.
The Spanish Police (Guardia Civil) also patrol parts of the Camino.
Top Safety Tips for the Camino
- Keep your valuables on you at all times. Dedicate a fanny pack or other small bag to carry with you wherever you go (even in the shower!).
- Bring a whistle (many hiking packs have a built-in whistle on the strap). Pepper spray is illegal in Spain.
- Walk with other pilgrims if setting out before dawn.
- Download the AlertCops APP. Register before your trip so that you can alert the Spanish police (Guardia Civil) quickly if needed.
- Choose a more established route with better infrastructure.
- Trust your gut.
- Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance prior to your trip in case of an emergency or injury. You can start by getting a quote from Safetywing ⤵
Camino Packing List & Gear
This Camino de Santiago guide wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t include some notes on packing for the Camino.
The best way to travel the Camino is to pack light.
While I detail everything you need to know in my free packing list, here’s the Camino gear to splurge on:
- 30-45L Hiking Backpack – Not too big, and not too small. Find our backpack recommendations.
- Trail runners – Be sure to break them in ahead of time to avoid blisters (I prefer Hoka One One’s).
- Trekking poles – These can be purchased ahead of time or upon arrival in Spain.
- Dry fit hiking clothes – Keeps you cool and dry.
- Dry bags – Keeps your dirty and/or wet clothes separate.
- Multi-port charger – Allows you to charge all your devices as well as share outlets with other pilgrims.
Favorite Camino Guidebooks, Tools, & Apps
Check out our recommended Camino de Santiago guidebooks, books, apps, and more!
- Best Camino de Santiago Guidebooks
- Best Camino de Santiago Books & Memoirs
- Top Camino de Santiago Apps to Download
- Best Camino de Santiago Podcasts
- Quick Spanish for Travel Course
- Favorite Camino de Santiago Movies
Camino de Santiago Travel Guide
Read here for essential tips on planning and booking your trip to Spain for the Camino de Santiago.
🏨 Where should I book accommodations for the Camino?
Search Booking.com hotels, hostels, B&Bs, and guesthouses on the Camino.
🚉 How do I buy train or bus tickets in Spain?
Search for train tickets in Spain on Omio which will show you the best selection of trains and buses. You can also look directly on Renfe or ALSA.
📱 Where can I get cellular data for Santiago de Compostela?
Try using Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store! Download, and install your eSIM, and get connected as soon as you land.
📃 Should I buy travel insurance for the Camino de Santiago?
Yes! Protect your investment from trip interruptions to unexpected injuries — compare rates on Travel Insurance Master and SafetyWing (which has some of the cheapest rates when you subscribe to a 1+ Month plan).
🎒 How can I book backpack transport on the Camino?
To arrange for backpack transfer on the Camino, check with Jacotrans or Pilbeo.
✈ What are the best sites to book flights within Spain?
Search Skyscanner for best flights that other search engines miss!
🏙 Where do I find the best Santiago de Compostela tours?
Search for top-rated Santiago de Compostela tours or day trips (with reviews!) on Viator and/or Get Your Guide.
🥾 What should I pack for the Camino de Santiago?
Download the Camino de Santiago packing list.
💦 Can I drink the water in Spain?
Tap Water is safe to drink in Spain, and water fountains are widely available along the Camino.
🤑 What currency does Spain use?
Spain uses euros which can be withdrawn from any ATM.
🔌 What plug does Spain use?
Spain uses a type C plug. Bring an adaptor with multiple inputs to share at the albergues. (Note, there are always plugs, but they are not always available).
🛌 Where’s the best place to stay in Santiago de Compostela?
Camino de Santiago FAQ’s
Check below for some of the most frequently asked questions from first-time pilgrims.
Where do you stay on the Camino de Santiago?
Along the Camino, there are albergues for pilgrims to sleep in. These are hostels that cater to pilgrims on. Facilities range from 30 beds per room to private hotel rooms. We review them in our guide to albergues! No matter where you choose to stay, however, rest assured there will be a place for you to rest your head (and your tired feet!)!
Do I have to walk the whole Camino?
In short, no. You do not have to walk the whole thing. This is your Camino. While the goal of most pilgrims is to walk, you may choose otherwise should you prefer to skip a part to make up time, for instance. You may also walk as quickly or as slowly as you’d like. You can followed the prescribed stages, or you can walk at whatever is a comfortable pace for you. However, if you would like to receive a pilgrim’s certificate or Compostela in Santiago, you must complete at least the last 100 km from Sarria by foot (or 200 km by bike).
How do I get a pilgrim’s passport?
Unlike some other popular trails (for example, the Inca Trail), you do not need to register or sign up for the Camino in advance. However, you do need to get a pilgrims’ passport or credencial the first day of your Camino in order to stay in pilgrim accommodation, receive discounts, and receive a compostela.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Traveling is always made more pleasant by speaking a bit of the local language, in our opinion. However, you do not necessarily need to know Spanish to communicate. Some staff and albergue owners speak English, and others are used to working with people from all over the world. A combination of words, gestures, and a smile will do! Additionally, you’ll often hear English spoken between pilgrims since they come from all over the world. I have also been in communal dinners where the hosts established that English is the official language for the evening.
If you’d like to brush up on your Spanish before leaving, check out The Intrepid guide’s month-long Spanish for travel course.
How hard is the Camino?
Anyone can walk the Camino de Santiago, regardless of fitness level. The routes vary in terms of how challenging they are, with some flatter routes and some more mountainous. The Camino Norte is one of the more challenging routes, and the Camino Portugues is easier. We highly recommend that you train ahead of time to reduce the risk of injury.
Can I bike the Camino?
Yes, you can bike the Camino! Although, your route will differ slightly since you will often bike on the road. You can get a guide for biking the Camino.
Do I need a guide for the Camino?
The Camino is easy to plan, and the main routes are very easy to follow. There are no special permits or entry fees, and a guide is not required. In fact, you can book accommodation yourself either online, on the phone, or by simply showing up day of! However, if you prefer, you may go with a tour company. Tour companies will arrange your accommodations, meals, and can provide transportation should you need it. Tour companies are good for travelers who prefer private accommodation and do not want to have to plan anything.
What is the best Camino de Santiago Guidebook?
We prefer the Brierly guide, but Village-to-Village is well-respected. Learn more in our full review on Camino de Santiago guidebooks.
Do I have to carry my backpack?
No, if you’re physically unable to carry your pack, need a rest from carrying it, or simply don’t want to, there are multiple backpack transport companies operating along the Camino. These companies will pick your backpack up at your albergue and drop it off at the next. Don’t risk injury — or risk injuring your pride — by feeling like you have to carry your pack.
Where do you go to the bathroom along the Camino?
There are plenty of bathrooms along the way as you pass through villages. As long as you can walk a few hours, you will not have to use the restroom “in the wild.” Stop at any bar, and make a small purchase to use the restroom. It’s usually time for a break anyway. If you don’t want to take a break, you can buy a bottled drink or snack, or simply leave a donation.
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