Camino de Santiago

I created an article because I am getting a lot of seniors asking about the Camino Pilgrimage.

I covered everything from choosing a route and packing essentials to managing physical and mental challenges and enjoying the experience to the fullest.

Have a read

I see so much information about what to pack, where to stay etc. I'd love to know what we're your outstanding moments of clarity on the Camino?

For example, on my first Camino I found myself doing a lot of self-reflection but only had my phone to take little notes. This time I'm bringing a small journal and use my spare time in the evenings to put those thoughts to paper.

We are 2 days in and by far our favourite stretch. Wildflowers, big sky, stiff breezes and lovely villages. 100% worth it.

hi everyone!

i'm planning to do my first camino in september and have been trying to figure out what to bring for bedding. i know a lot of people like the sea to summit sleeping bag liners, but i have a REALLY hard time with sleeping bags — i find them too restricting.

with that in mind, i've been thinking about making my own bedding for the camino. specifically, i was thinking about sewing my own twin-size fitted sheet (with a pillow pocket??) out of a very lightweight silk-blend fabric, and bringing a backpacking quilt to sleep underneath. i'm not amazing at sewing, but it certainly wouldn't need to look super clean and pretty as long as it got the job done. has anyone done something like this?

First of all sorry for the wierd question but: how do you people go about daily necessities on Camino? Shower, evacuation? Is it in the morning before going out or afternoon when arriving at Albergues? My bio is synced to wake up 7:30 and go direct to CR. Then follow with a shower. Go on with my life and shower before bed. I guess it will be impossible to keep that on Camino.

I'll keep it brief. I started in Irún, and now I'm in Bilbao on the Northern route. I had a pretty decent go of it until Larrabetzu when the foot pain made it difficult to walk around later after getting to my room.

I'm flatfooted, about 10kg overweight and not very trained up for hiking but I do run a few times a week back home. My pack is probably right at 10kg.

My question: what kind of pain is normal after your 20-30km days? Any ways to mitigate it? I'm wearing some hiking shoes with cleats. Maybe that's doing it since the pain is mostly on flat, street terrain? Any advice is helpful.

Hello! I’m going to ride (by bicycle) the Portuguese coastal route in late June and curious if anyone has suggestions or feedback on my tentative itinerary?

Day 1: Porto to Vila do Conde

Day 2: Vila do Conde to Viana do Castelo

Day 3: Viana do Castelo to Oia

Day 4: Oia to Vigo

Day 5: Vigo to Pontevedra

Day 6: Pontevedra to Padron

Day 7: Padron to Santiago

First timer here, going solo. Mid-40’s male, in good health, active, and have already booked hostels (cancellable) in these towns. Thinking I’ll be able to pack and travel ultra-light with a backpack and bike panniers.

I am old and have sleeping issues so I would like my own room and bathroom for my Camino. I will book accordingly.

I don’t want to miss out on the communal meals however.

Is this possible?

I walked the Frances from mid Sept to the end of Oct 2023. My plan was that I would always take the longest route if there were options. This didn't always happen, but almost always the alternative path was a great diversion and when I joined back up with my camino family, they weren't happy with their route. Usually the alternative routes are longer but the benefit is they take you away from roads and into more nature.

I'm going to use Gronze maps to explain where these are. I primarily used the Buen Camino app while walking, and Gronze sometimes implies the alternatives are the main path...

1. SJPDP to Roncesvalles - the Napoleon vs Road route is described a lot. However on the Napoleon at the start of the decent down to Roncesvalles you can go directly down on the path through the forest or take the winding gravel road to the right. The pilgrims' office in SJPDP told everyone to take this road due to the conditions, almost no one did and they had a hard time with the steepness and mud. The road has amazing views, including that of the main albergue in Roncesvalles. It's far safer, less steep, but it is somewhat exposed. Towards the end there is a km or two next to a river and the road, but overall highly recommended. Extra distance - about 500m. link to map

2. Estella to Los Arcos - There is a shortcut "variant" just outside Ayegui, don't take this as you'll miss the famous Irache winery (free wine). Many people did though, by accident. Then, a little ways past the winery, there is an alternative path to the south, "variant de Montejurra". I don't think this path is much longer, might even be shorter, but it's far more scenic from what I heard. You get on to single track through trees which is really nice especially on a hot day. There are some terrific views and you're far away from the main roads. link to map

3. Logroño to Nájera - This is a long days walk, but there is the little town of Ventosa which can be bypassed saving you 1km. However this "detour" takes you along an "art walk", away from the road, and Ventosa is a nice place to stop for a drink/ice cream/tapa. The bypass is marked on the map as "camino directo". link to map

4. Entering Burgos - This one is essential. The main camino route takes you north of the airport, through a lot of industrial areas etc. Or, the alternative takes you south and you enter Burgos along its river. It's a stunning walk, and if the sun is out you'll see all the locals hanging out and enjoying their main park. We even had a quick swim in the river! It's about 1km longer, but that river walk is so nice and shady. There is a sign to show you where to turn, but many still missed it. link to map

5. Fromista to Carrión de los Condes - Just as you leave Población de Campos the Way splits and there is a northern path that takes you away from being next to the road for about 10km. Well worth it. Instead you are on a single track path next to a small river, and farm roads. You can actually see the road to you left a few hundred meters away!. Adds about 1km, but absolutely worth it. You have to look for this, there isn't obvious signs. link to map

6. León to Hospital de Órbigo - The official camino path takes you alongside a main road all day here, and from what people have told me, it was the worst day on the entire camino. The alternative route breaks off into the countryside just as you finally leave the outskirts of León. There are a number of small villages with albergues along this route so you don't have to make it all the way to Hospital de Órbigo. It's mostly still on roads, some dirt, but there were almost no cars. We stayed in a casa rural called Molino Galochas (just after Villavante), which I highly recommend, book though. This detour is about 4km longer. Gronze documents it over two stages. link to map

7. Hospital de Órbigo to Astorga - As you exit Hospital de Órbigo there is yellow paint all over the road telling you to turn right. Most people missed it, don't! Gronze suggests it as the main route. Again you avoid the main road, and there is the best snack oasis of the camino on this path, plus decent views of Astorga. <1km longer perhaps. link to map

8. Entering Ponferrada - many people stick to the side of the road going into town, but the Way breaks off to the left through some more countryside. It's a tough decision because it's a hard day of walking and this adds a bit more of a hill and about 1km. Nothing amazing to report about this section but you avoid the main road ("variant por carretera"). link to map

9. Entering Villafranca - another must do.... just after Pieros at the top of the hill, you turn right away from the main road, as per Gronze's suggested path. This takes you through some very scenic countryside, and away from the main road, adding about 1km. link to map

10. Leaving Villafranca - I didn't do this alternative as guides and people suggested not to. It takes you up a mountain which is fairly steep and it was pouring down the day I walked this. But it's on the Gronze map. link to map

11. Triacastela to Sarria - well documented southern route to the monastery in Samos. About 7km longer but well worth stopping there and doing the tour. A really beautiful trail that day too, but I'm sure the other way is great too. link to map

12. Leaving Portomarín - this one isn't on Gronze's maps, but just as you cross the bridge leaving town you can go right following the road, or left following a lesser used road. I went left (longer), it was nice - very green, no cars at all. There are two camino markers pointing in each direction at the end of the bridge so you can't miss it. Probably <1km longer and you get views of the river for a bit.

There will be other detours and alternatives that you see on your Camino. I encourage you to explore..... Buen Camino!

I've only got 28 days to do the Del Norte plus the Primitivo and I don't think I'm gonna be able to finish it in time. Is there a section of that you would recommend to skip? Road walking, industrial areas, etc? Thanks in advance!

Hi! In june I will be walking my very first Camino from Vigo to Santiago. I would love to hear some of your experiences and if you have any tips or tricks for this route, feel free to drop them in the comments! Thanks in advance! Lots of love - Caroline 🫶🏼

Hello People!

I will start the Camino Portuges on tuesday next week.

I already booked my accomodation in Porto and I am planning to start walking the coastal route to then switch to the central one.

I have two questions:

-Should I buy any specific app to follow this route?

-Should I book ahead if I am planning to stay mostly on albergues ?

For my first stop which would be Labruge I haven't found affordable accomodations online but I saw there are albergues nearby.

Thank you so much

Leaving for Porto next week. Trying to decide between a light fleece blanket or a 50F degree sleeping bag. I plan to stay in municipal albergues. If you are on the walk now, what's the temperature like at night indoor? Thanks.

Currently walking the Camino and I’ve developed a very bad blister on the ball of my foot. I covered with Compeed when it was small, and it burst (compeed still on) while walking the next day. That same next day, the blister seemed to expand, so I added a second compeed over the new area (blister roughly 1.5x the width of a golf ball). Walked 28k, 32k the next few days, and it is only hurting more. Much more.

Should I pull off the compeed or will that hurt it more? Take a rest day? Any other advice?

Hey everyone! So I've been thinking about going on the camino for a while but recent life events made me move things up quite spontaneously. I have planned and booked for my first 2 days of arrival and staying in leon but nothing further.

It would really help my nerves for the first few days of the camino if someone has some practical tips for that area (best albergues, interesting towns, favourite restaurants)

Also if you can recommend a downloadable guide (paid or free) with those sorts of tips, and less spirituality or history focused that would be awesome.

Thanks and buen camino!

Due to sickness on the way and time constraints, I will need to be in Santiago in seven days. I am currently in El Ganso, 250km away and right before Cruz de Ferro. I can manage 25-30km a day so I will need to skip at least 50km to make it in time.

Does anyone know a good option (bus, train etc?) to skip here? I am not hellbent on getting the Compostela so a skip after Sarria would theoretically also be okay for me. Finding options with public transport is quite confusing to me because there is so many different companies.

Any help is greatly appreciated!