Planning a Camino de Santiago trip is an exciting process, but for first-time pilgrims it can feel overwhelming. With several routes across Spain and Portugal, different starting points, and multiple accommodation options, it is natural to have questions before beginning the journey.
The Camino de Santiago is a historic pilgrimage that leads to the city of Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain. For more than a thousand years pilgrims have walked these routes for spiritual, cultural and personal reasons. Today the Camino attracts travellers from all over the world who want to experience its landscapes, historic villages and unique pilgrim culture.
Whether you want to walk for one week or complete the full pilgrimage over several weeks, good preparation will make the experience far more enjoyable. This guide explains how to plan your Camino de Santiago trip step by step, covering route selection, trip length, accommodation, preparation and practical logistics.
Step 1: Choose the Right Camino Route
The first step when planning the Camino is deciding which route you want to walk. There are several official Camino routes across Spain and Portugal, each offering a different experience.
The Camino Francés is the most famous and most popular Camino route. Starting in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France, it stretches approximately 790 kilometres across northern Spain. It is especially popular with first-time pilgrims because the route is well marked and has excellent infrastructure including accommodation, restaurants and luggage transfer services.
Another popular option is the Camino Portugués, which begins in Portugal and travels north to Santiago. Many pilgrims start their walk in Porto and complete the final 240 kilometres over ten to fourteen days. This route is slightly quieter than the Camino Francés but still offers great facilities.
For travellers with less time, the Camino Inglés is a shorter historic route that begins in Ferrol. It can often be completed in around one week.
More experienced walkers sometimes choose the Camino del Norte, which follows Spain’s northern coastline. While incredibly scenic, it is also more physically demanding due to frequent hills and longer stages.
Choosing the right route depends on several factors including how much time you have, the level of difficulty you prefer and whether you want a lively pilgrim atmosphere or a quieter experience.
Many first-time pilgrims start with the Camino Francés or Camino Portugués, as both routes are well supported and easy to navigate.
Step 2: Decide How Long You Want to Walk
Not everyone walks the entire Camino. In fact, many travellers choose to walk just a portion of the route.
The full Camino Francés takes around four to six weeks to complete, which is not always practical for travellers with limited time.
Instead, many pilgrims choose to walk the final 100 kilometres of the Camino from Sarria to Santiago, which typically takes about seven or eight days. This section is especially popular because walking at least the final 100 kilometres qualifies pilgrims to receive the official Compostela certificate in Santiago.
Other common Camino itineraries include:
One week Camino walks covering the final stages of a route
Ten to fourteen day journeys covering larger sections of the Camino Francés or Portuguese route
The full pilgrimage over several weeks
Choosing the right trip length depends on your schedule, fitness level and the experience you want from the Camino.
Many travellers prefer shorter Camino journeys where accommodation and logistics are organised in advance, allowing them to focus on enjoying the walk itself.
Step 3: Choose the Best Time of Year to Walk the Camino
The Camino can be walked most of the year, but each season offers a different experience.
Spring is one of the most popular times to walk the Camino. Between April and June the weather is generally comfortable, landscapes are green and flowers are in bloom.
Summer is the busiest season, particularly during July and August. While long daylight hours make walking easier, temperatures can be high and accommodation can fill quickly on popular sections of the route.
Autumn, particularly September and October, is another excellent time to walk. The weather is often mild and the number of pilgrims begins to decrease after the summer peak.
If you’re looking for precious weather and temperature along the Camino routes – check out our weather map for detailed information.
Winter offers a quieter Camino experience but some services may be limited, especially on less travelled routes.
For many travellers, spring and early autumn offer the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
Step 4: Book Accommodation in Advance
Accommodation on the Camino ranges from simple pilgrim hostels known as albergues to private guesthouses and hotels.
Public and private albergues are typically the most affordable option and often offer a social pilgrim atmosphere. However they may operate on a first-come basis and can fill quickly during busy periods.
Guesthouses and small hotels offer more privacy and comfort, and many travellers prefer these options, especially after long days of walking.
Because the Camino has grown significantly in popularity, many pilgrims now choose to book accommodation in advance to avoid uncertainty during their trip.
This is one of the reasons some travellers opt for self-guided Camino tours, where accommodation is arranged before the journey begins.
Camino tour operators such as ourselves organise accommodation along the route while still allowing walkers to experience the Camino at their own pace.
Step 5: Decide How to Carry Your Luggage
One practical consideration when planning the Camino is whether to carry all your belongings or use a luggage transfer service.
Some traditional pilgrims choose to carry a backpack containing everything they need for the journey. This can be rewarding but also physically demanding, especially over long distances.
Many modern walkers prefer using luggage transfer services, which transport a suitcase or bag between accommodations each day. This allows pilgrims to walk with only a small daypack containing essentials such as water, snacks and rain gear.
Luggage transfer is widely available along popular Camino routes and is commonly included in organised Camino tours. Learn more about our luggage transfer services here.
Step 6: Prepare Physically for the Camino
Walking the Camino typically involves covering 15 to 25 kilometres per day, often over several consecutive days.
While you do not need to be an athlete to complete the Camino, preparing with regular walking before your trip will make the experience more comfortable.
Training can include:
Regular long walks
Walking on hills where possible
Breaking in your walking shoes well before your trip
Gradually building your walking distance in the weeks before your journey can help prevent injuries and fatigue. Download our detailed training plan, created to help you plan and train for your Camino.
Step 7: Consider Booking a Supported Camino Tour
Planning the Camino independently requires organising accommodation, transport logistics, route planning and luggage transfers.
Many travellers choose a self-guided Camino tour instead, where the logistics are organised but the walking experience remains independent.
These tours typically include:
Accommodation booked along the route
Daily luggage transfer
Route notes and navigation support
Local assistance if needed
This approach allows pilgrims to focus on enjoying the walk without worrying about daily logistics.
Follow the Camino specialises in these supported Camino experiences, helping travellers organise their pilgrimage while still preserving the freedom and spirit of the Camino.
Planning a Camino de Santiago trip involves several important decisions including choosing your route, deciding how long to walk, selecting the right season and organising accommodation.
With the right preparation, the Camino can be one of the most rewarding travel experiences in the world. From historic villages and beautiful landscapes to the unique sense of community among pilgrims, the journey offers something truly special.
Taking time to plan your Camino carefully will help ensure your experience is smooth, enjoyable and unforgettable.
FAQs
How far do you walk each day on the Camino?
Most pilgrims walk between 15 and 25 kilometres per day, depending on the route and the stage.
What is the easiest Camino route for beginners?
The Camino Francés and Camino Portugués are often considered the best routes for first-time pilgrims due to their strong infrastructure and clear waymarking.
How many days do you need to walk the Camino?
A full Camino journey can take four to six weeks, but many travellers choose to walk a shorter section such as the final week from Sarria to Santiago.
Do you need to book accommodation on the Camino?
While some pilgrims book accommodation day by day, many travellers now reserve accommodation in advance, particularly during busy seasons.
