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Eco-Friendly Pilgrimage: How to be Sustainable on the Camino

a picture of a path with 2 pilgrims on it Camino

The Camino de Santiago has long been a spiritual journey for pilgrims. But today, it also provides an opportunity for eco-conscious travel. Preserving the heritage of these trails, which have existed since the Middle Ages, is vital. More sustainable holidays ensure routes such as the Camino will continue to last for hundreds of years to come. With increasing awareness of environmental issues, many walkers are turning their Camino into an eco-friendly pilgrimage, minimising their ecological footprint while still enjoying the beauty of this iconic route.

Whether choosing more eco-friendly accommodation options, reducing waste, or supporting local businesses, every small effort counts.

The Camino de Santiago: A Journey with Multiple Paths

The Camino is one of the most famous pilgrimages in the world, attracting people from all walks of life. While many are drawn to its spiritual and historical significance, others see it as part of a broader trend in sustainability holidays. With various routes to choose from, pilgrims can select the path that suits their needs and abilities. Each route offers a unique experience:

  • The French Way (Camino Frances): The most popular and well-traveled route.
  • The Portuguese Way (Camino Portugues): Known for wooded beauty and historic towns.
  • The Northern Way (Camino del Norte): A scenic option through the Basque Country.
  • The English Way (Camino Ingles): A shorter, quieter path.

Some pilgrims find themselves so inspired by their experiences on the Camino they begin to consider spending more time in Spain walking the many Camino routes, buying a holiday home, or even moving to Spain. Whether it’s the welcoming communities that draw you in, the delicious cuisine, or the sunny weather, making this country your home is something few come to regret.

Whichever route you choose, embracing eco-friendly practices will enhance your walking holiday and allow you to appreciate the stunning nature of Spain, Portugal, and France. Here are our tips to make your Camino more sustainable and help preserve the trail for future generations.

Hotel Pazo Santa María Arzua Luxury hotel on the Camino

Choose Sustainable Accommodation

Choosing eco-friendly accommodation is a simple yet impactful way to reduce your impact on the Camino. Many hostels and albergues along the route are now eco-certified and focused on improving energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction. Look for accommodation providers that use renewable energy, recycle, and promote responsible tourism. By supporting these establishments, you’re also encouraging sustainable tourism growth in the region.

It might also be a good idea to work with a tour operator committed to sustainability initiatives. Many work with locally-owned accommodation providers, ensuring that your stay supports the local economy while minimising environmental impact throughout your journey.

Pack Light, Pack Smart

Packing light is key to an eco-friendly pilgrimage. Reducing the number of items you carry lowers your overall energy consumption and the chance of waste. Opt for multi-use, eco-friendly gear such as reusable water bottles, bamboo utensils, and cloth bags. Avoid single-use plastics, which can easily become litter along the trail. Packing smart also means choosing lightweight, durable items that will last the entire trip, reducing the need for replacements.

Every small decision, from toiletries to clothing, can make a difference. Prioritise quality over quantity to ensure a minimal environmental impact.

Ingredients for vegetarian recipes

Sustainable Food Choices on the Camino

Making zero-waste food choices on the Camino is easier than you think. Opt for locally sourced, organic meals to reduce your carbon footprint. It’s also becoming increasingly simple to find nutritious (and delicious!) vegetarian and vegan meal options along the Camino, so opt for these options where possible to drop your carbon output even further.

Bring reusable containers, utensils, and cloth napkins to negate food wastage if you can’t finish a meal, and to avoid the need for single-use plastics on the road. Many vendors along the Camino offer homemade dishes, making avoiding pre-packaged options easier. Packing healthy snacks like nuts or dried fruits in reusable bags also ensures you stay fueled without creating waste. You help protect the Camino’s natural beauty by making mindful food choices.

Sustainable Transportation

How you travel to and from your walking route has a significant environmental impact too, depending on how you get from A to B. If you are traveling from within Europe to the Camino, there are numerous train and ferry services that can get you to the right country without the need for flying. Brittany Ferries operates from Ireland and the UK into northern Spain (Bilbao and Santandar), which is accessible to many Camino start points. Many train routes across Europe reach Madrid, and from there, you can connect to wherever your walk commences. If flying is unavoidable to get to the Camino, consider offsetting your carbon emissions through verified programs.

Choosing sustainable transport options, like trains or buses, can greatly reduce your carbon footprint when compared to renting a private car to get between the airport and the starting point of your Camino alone. Once on the trail, walking between stages is the most eco-friendly way to travel, but for longer distances, carpooling or using public transport minimises your environmental impact. Follow the Camino offers detailed guidance on each route webpage on how to get to the start of your Camino using public transport.

Camino de Santiago Bus tour

Respecting Nature

Practicing ‘Leave No Trace’ principles is essential for pilgrims who want to protect the natural beauty of the Camino. Carry all waste with you until you find proper disposal areas, and avoid littering along the trail, even with biodegradable items. Where possible, recycle certain materials at proper waste points.

Stick to marked paths to protect wildlife and fragile ecosystems, and refrain from picking flowers or disturbing local habitats. Additionally, please protect the built heritage of the Camino by refraining from touching or graffiting statues, buildings, waymarkers, and signs. It may be tempting, but if everyone left their mark on these features they would soon become damaged beyond repair!

Understanding how to be sustainable on holiday includes being mindful of your environmental impact at every step. Every small effort in sustainability makes a difference on this sacred pilgrimage route.

Supporting Local Communities and Fair Trade

Supporting local communities along the Camino is vital to making your pilgrimage eco-friendly. By purchasing from small, locally-owned businesses, you help sustain the local economy and reduce the environmental costs of imported goods. Opt for fair trade products whenever possible, and if purchasing souvenirs, try purchasing items relevant to the region you are in. For example, Galicia has a rich history of making wooden jewelry. These make wonderful options for memorabilia of your trip. This simple choice benefits both local artisans and the environment.

If you decide to work with tour operators, choose one that collaborates with local businesses and promotes sustainable tourism. Every purchase made consciously helps strengthen communities and preserve the Camino’s cultural heritage.

Reusable Water Bottle on the Camino route, for a more eco-friendly pilgrimage

Water Conservation Tips for Walkers

Water conservation is crucial while walking the Camino. As climate change continues to affect the world, water scarcity will become more common in places like Spain, so preserving water is even more important. Simple habits like taking shorter showers and turning off taps while brushing your teeth can make a big difference.

You should also always carry a reusable water bottle and refill it at designated stations, avoiding the waste created by single-use, plastic bottled water. Consider using purification tablets or filters instead of buying plastic bottles in areas where clean water is limited. By being mindful of your water usage, you reduce waste and help conserve precious resources.

Walk with Purpose, Leave No Footprint

An eco-friendly pilgrimage is more than just walking the Camino; it’s about making conscious decisions that preserve the trail for future generations. You protect this sacred path by embracing sustainable practices—whether in your accommodation options, transportation, or daily habits. As you complete your journey, remember that your commitment to sustainability ensures the Camino remains a cherished experience for all who follow.

Learn more about Follow the Camino’s dedication to encouraging more responsible Camino travel.

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