Unleash Your Inner Pilgrim: Expert Tips for Conquering the Camino de Santiago with Confidence and Comfort
Embark on a journey of a lifetime on the legendary Camino de Santiago, an extraordinary pilgrimage revered by travelers and walking enthusiasts alike. Known as the Way of Saint James, this renowned trail comprises various routes, each offering unique experiences and challenges.
Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a novice trekker, preparing for the Camino requires thoughtful planning and guidance. In this comprehensive guide, we will equip you with expert tips on conquering the Camino de Santiago with confidence and comfort.
My experience: I walked the Portuguese Camino from Tui to Santiago in June 2024.
Discover Your Camino Route
Embarking on a pilgrimage is a profound journey that requires thoughtful consideration when choosing the right route. The Camino de Santiago offers a variety of paths, each with its own unique charm and challenges.
Camino Francés
One of the most popular routes, the Camino Francés, stretches over 500 miles from the French border through northern Spain, passing through picturesque villages and historic towns. This route is known for its vibrant pilgrim community and well-established infrastructure. However, the length of the route means that you will need to allow up to 35 days to complete it from start to finish.
The route starts at Saint Jean Pied de Port at 950m altitude. The first stage is challenging and you have an option to walk through the mountains (Napoleon route) getting some amazing views of the Pyrenees.
The starting point of Saint Jean is also one of the most popular starting points for the Camino.
Portuguese Camino
The Portuguese Camino, on the other hand, offers a more coastal experience, winding through scenic landscapes and charming seaside towns. This route provides a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it a favorite among pilgrims seeking a different perspective.
This route starts in Lisbon and in Porto it can follow an inland route or a coastal route. Both have their pros and cons.
Camino del Norte
For those looking for a quieter and more rugged journey, the Northern Way might be the ideal choice. This route follows the northern coast of Spain, offering stunning ocean views and a more solitary pilgrimage experience. It starts in San Sebastian.
Other Camino routes
When selecting your route, it's essential to consider factors such as your fitness level, preferred terrain, and the type of experience you seek. Whether you are drawn to the lush greenery of the Camino Francés, the coastal allure of the Portuguese Camino, or the rugged beauty of the Northern Way, each path holds the promise of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
Source: Follow the Camino
Gear Up for Success
Embarking on a challenging journey requires careful consideration of the gear you choose to accompany you. Among all the equipment you may carry, your shoes and backpack play a crucial role in your overall comfort and performance.
Backpack choices
The backpack you select should not only be lightweight but also waterproof, to protect your belongings from the elements. It should offer sufficient storage space to accommodate all your essentials while being ergonomically designed to reduce strain on your back, allowing you to move with ease and comfort.
There are two main consideration about your backpack: will you be carrying all your trip essentials with you on a daily basis or will you outsource your luggage transfer to a specialist company?
Let's talk about luggage transfers first. The Camino de Santiago has developed over time and modernised in this respect. Travellers from abroad often choose to use a specialist company to move large backpacks between stages.
How does luggage transfer work?
You first contact a specialist luggage company. For the Portuguese Camino for example, I used Top Santiago.
You create a schedule of pick up and drop off points for your luggage
You pay the fee
You add a code on your luggage in a documents sleeve so it can be scanned by the company when they collect your luggage. The company logo will be on that printed document so that other transfer companies will know not to scan yours (sometimes, pilgrims will drop off their luggages for collection in a hotel lobby and luggages can be picked up by several transfer companies. the system is effeicient and no luggages go missing.
You will be contacted on Whatsapp so if anything changes in your daily stages and you need to make a last minute change, that is possible.
Having used the luggage transfer service I found it very organised, efficient and easy to use. In fact, they could deliver my luggage (which needs to be up to 20kg only) in all accommodations I had chosen, including AIRBNBs.
Tip: When choosing accommodation for your daily stages, check that your desired place is available on the luggage transfer company's list of accommodations.
What size backpack should I have with me while walking?
Even if you use a luggage transfer company, you will still need a reasonably sized backpack to carry things like: passports, camera, extra socks and t-shirt, your water and maybe some snack (although you can buy snacks along the way in coffee shops on the route) and even walking sticks.
I used a 30l backpack and found it too big - and somehow I kept filling it up. So I would recommend a 20l backpack like this.
If you go for anything bigger, make sure there is additional support for your waist. Side clips and back straps help hold stuff like your walking sticks when you don't use them. Most larger backpacks also include a rain cover. If not, you should get one.
See the difference between the 20 and 30l backpacks? Left: a 20l backpack | Right: a 30l backpack
Carry your sticks on your backpack when you don't use them | Rain cover
The alternative of course is that you carry all your belongings with you on a daily basis. And I can tell you, that is NOT an easy thing to do. You would need a 50l backpack for that. That extra weight on your shoulders will really wear you down. Of course, it can be done, but I would not recommend this practice for any walk over 3 days long.
What are the best shoes for the Camino?
One of the most discussed topics on Pilgrim forums, the footwear choice could make or break your Camino experience.
Should I wear hiking boots on the Camino?
Wearing heavy and non breathable shoes (as are the waterproof hiking shoes or boots) could wear your feet down faster, give you blisters and add to the weight you are carrying.
On the other hand, plain running shoes might not be appropriate for rainy days and won't give you the grip you need when walking uphill or over stone paths.
So the first thing to consider is which month you are walking the camino and what your route looks like. When walking the Portuguese Camino in June for example, we only had light rain for one day and the route was very dry throughout before and after that day. Even when walking through the forest or shaded areas, normal trail shoes or running shoes would have worked fine.
Should I wear my normal running shoes on the Camino?
On a drier day, wearing running shoes on the Camino is definitely possible, especially if you are walking a stage where there is a lot of asphalt or even terrain. That is not always the case though. Most days you will end up walking a combination of terrains.
Whatever you choose to wear investing in high-quality running shoes for heel pain sufferers is paramount. These shoes should not only be durable but also provide excellent cushioning and support to ensure your feet remain comfortable and well-supported, even during long hours of walking.
Proper footwear can make a significant difference in preventing injuries and enhancing your stability on uneven terrains, ultimately contributing to a successful and enjoyable journey.
My favourite hiking shoes for the Camino
For my Camino, I chose the Salomon XT 4 OG. The are lightweight, made from breathable mesh, they're fitted with an Agile Chassis™ Skeleton and EnergyCell™ midsoles for comfort and stability no matter the distance.
They rest on All Terrain Contagrip® soles and have laceless, toggled fronts for easy on-off wear. I loved mine so much I bought them again in a different (winter) colourway.
Why I think they were perfect for the Camino: The Portuguese Camino has a combination of sections that run through forests (and some that run on asphalt next to main roads.
Some of the terrain on the Portuguese Camino. My dad (pictured) chose to wear his Underarmour training shoes on all days except the first one (when it was raining). He reported no problems with his feet. He is a fit 76y old who plays tennis daily.
Physical preparation
It's natural to wonder whether you are fit enough to walk the Camino. When embarking on the Camino, it is crucial to prepare your body adequately, particularly if you are an older individual.
Beginning with low-impact exercises such as walking, hiking, or swimming is essential to gradually enhance your endurance levels. These activities help condition your body for the long days of walking ahead.
The most important is to get used to walking longer distances. You can do this wearing you comfortable running shoes and going out for gradually longer walks. You should aim for 6-8km, build up to 10km, and then up to 18-20km. This can be something you work on simply 2 months before the Camino.
For my own preparation, noting I was overweight and not as fit, I followed the regime above and even had 'trial weekends' where I walked longer distances (15-25km) daily for 3 days. I did get blisters the first time but these helped my feet get used to the distances and so I had not a single blister during the Camino.
Moreover, integrating strength training into your routine is key to strengthening the muscles that will endure the challenges of the Camino.
By consistently training and pushing your limits, you not only improve your physical fitness but also cultivate the mental resilience needed to conquer the demanding journey, noting that the last day of the journey is one of the longest and most demanding, physically but also mentally.A
Remember, the Camino is not just a physical test but also a mental and emotional one, and proper training plays a vital role in ensuring a successful and fulfilling pilgrimage experience.
Embrace Comfort and Safety
Embarking on a spiritual journey is a profound experience that requires careful consideration of your well-being. Prioritizing your comfort and safety is essential to fully immerse yourself in the transformative process.
One way to ensure this is by investing in moisture-wicking clothing, which not only keeps you dry but also helps prevent chafing, especially during long walks under the scorching sun.
Equipping yourself with the right gear is crucial for a smooth and worry-free journey. A refillable water bottle is a must-have to stay hydrated and energized throughout your travels.
Sun protection, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, will shield you from harmful UV rays, allowing you to focus on your spiritual growth without the distraction of sunburn or heat exhaustion.
Your Camino First aid kit
Furthermore, carrying a reliable first aid kit is a proactive measure to handle any unforeseen situations that may arise along the way. From minor cuts and bruises to insect bites or blisters, having essential medical supplies at hand will give you peace of mind and the ability to address any health concerns promptly.
During my Camino walk, I was able to use my first aid kit to help other pilgrims with major blister injuries. Here are some thing you need to include in yours:
Good quality hydrocolloid plasters, in several sizes. I only ever use Compeed.
To better keep plasters in place consider some wrap tape (I also use it to wrap skin which is turning read but a blister has not yet formed. This helps avoid further friction.
Anti-blister powder like Blister Shield
A small pair of scissors to cut tape or moleskin to shape/length
Moleskin to cover skin before blisters can form (helps avoid friction)
By embracing comfort and safety as integral parts of your spiritual journey, you create a supportive environment that nurtures both your physical and emotional well-being. With the right preparations and mindset, you can fully embrace the transformative power of the experience ahead.
Can everyone walk the Camino de Santiago?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions because the Camino attracts the interest of people from all backgrounds and ages throughout the world. In fact, when I walked the Camino Portugues in June 2024, I did so with my 76y old father.
With meticulous preparation and unwavering determination, everyone, regardless of age, can conquer the Camino de Santiago. The trail welcomes pilgrims from all walks of life, offering a transformative experience that transcends physical boundaries.
My personal experience walking the trail to Santiago was that the age groups varied massively. The shortest stages were more busy with younger people (students, or late teens) whereas the earlier stages had people that appeared to me to be in all age groups from 20s to 70s.
As you navigate through picturesque landscapes and ancient villages, remember that each step taken is a testament to your inner strength and resilience.
Final Words
As you gear up for the pilgrimage of a lifetime, remember that the Camino de Santiago is not just a trail; it's a profound journey of self-discovery and connection.
Embrace the challenges, cherish the moments, and trust in your ability to overcome obstacles along the way. Unleash your inner pilgrim, step by step, and unravel the transformative magic of the Camino.
A pilgrimage that transcends time and unites souls from across the globe, the Camino de Santiago beckons you to explore, discover, and find solace in the beauty of the journey itself. Walk on, pilgrim, and embrace the transformative magic of the Camino.
In conclusion, the Camino de Santiago is not merely a physical journey; it's a spiritual quest that beckons travelers of all ages to seek solace, self-discovery, and unwavering determination on its legendary paths.
As you prepare for this extraordinary pilgrimage, remember that the Camino is not about reaching the destination but relishing the transformative experiences woven into every step taken. Embrace the challenges, savor the moments, and let the Camino de Santiago lead you on a transformative odyssey of the mind, body, and soul.
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and All The Pretty Homes in 2024. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home or goes for long walks!
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