Ever dreamed of walking in the hallowed footsteps of hundreds of thousands of people? The Camino de Santiago hike is one of the most notable trails in the world, for both devout Christians and those simply pursuing a walking route laced with a unique culture and gastronomy at every turn in the road.
But, with stunning walking trails with similar connections to a rich history across Europe, why hike in Spain, and why the Camino de Santiago? In this blog we’ll offer some top tips for how to hike the Camino de Santiago your way.
Is the Camino de Santiago a ‘hike’?
A hike is typically longer and more challenging than a ‘walk’. Hikes often take place across multiple days, whereas walks are usually less than 1 day. Hikes take place in rural areas, while walks can take place in urban locations too. You wouldn’t expect a hike around Times Square! Lastly, hikes are often more challenging than walks. This can come through uneven terrain, steep elevations on the trail, or a lack of way-marking. These points make hiking seem an activity more suitable for people of a certain level of fitness and experience.
The Camino blends a traditional hike and a walking route accessible to all kinds of people. On the many of the trails in the pilgrimage network, travellers can hike over multiple days in rural peace and seclusion.
However, these routes are still often popular enough to have a wide range of amenities, such as cafes, shops and a choice of accommodation, along the way.
Additionally, some of the Camino trails are flat and on paved or well-worn paths, and well way-marked, while others are off the beaten track and require more personal navigation. One of the joys of the Camino is getting to choose an experience most suitable for you!
Is the Camino hike suitable for all types of walkers?
There is no specific ‘type’ of walker along the Camino (which you may get on more adventurous routes). On the more popular routes, you will see everyone from families walking with babies in buggies to older people well past retirement. You will see individuals seeking the chance for self-reflection while they walk, couples walking to celebrate a romantic milestone, families across multiple generations, and guided tours made up of friends and strangers alike.
The one thing uniting all of these people is their mutual respect for the values of the Camino and desire to reach the cherished Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
When is the best time to hike the Camino de Santiago?
Because of the variety of the terrain along the Camino network of routes, you are able to hike on the pilgrimage much of the year. Regular festivals and celebrations according to regional customs and traditions also means there always is a buzz along the Camino.
Spring is a good time to hike, ranging from 13°C (55°F) in March to 18°C (64°F) in May, a peak travel month. Autumn is also suitable, with an average of 23°C, or 73°F, in September (the other peak month for hikers) down to 13°C, or 55°F, in November. Summer in northern Spain and Portugal (where many of the Camino routes are) is often cooler than elsewhere in the Iberian Peninsula, making it a busy time to hike.
Winter on the Camino can be tough, with regular rain and temperatures about 13°C (55°F). However, there are Camino routes that suit winter conditions, such as coastal trails, the Via de La Plata, and the ‘Winter Way’.
If you want to get engrossed in the real Iberian experience through festivities, there is something going on throughout the year. The landmark cultural celebrations on the Camino, include: Semana Santa each Easter; July’s ‘Running of the Bulls’ in Pamplona; St James Festival in Santiago de Compostela in the last week of July; the Autumnal San Mateo Wine Festival in La Rioja; and more!
How long does it take to hike the Camino de Santiago?
The beauty of having a trail as popular and well-served as the Camino (particularly if you travel with a specialist tour operator) is that you can customise the hike to suit your timelines. For example, the most popular route, the Camino Frances, is 771km (479 miles) end to end. Hiking this trail takes around 36 days. The French Way is one of the longest Camino routes, but nearly all of the pilgrimage trails in the network will take you more than a week to hike.
Because of this significant time commitment, many people choose to walk it in more manageable sections. The hiking route sections that Follow the Camino operates range from 55km (34 miles) in 5 walking days to 123km (76 miles) in 8 walking days. The Follow the Camino team can also add rest days, split walking days, and arrange trips to local sites of interest, meaning the length of your Camino de Santiago hike will depend on your needs.
How do you organise a hike on the Camino?
As with any multi-day hike, there are a number of factors you have to consider when planning your trip to ensure everything runs smoothly.
The first and most important is somewhere to sleep each night. Because of the Camino’s popularity, there are often a range of accommodation options. These vary by price point and style, with everything from affordable albergues with dormitory-style bunking to luxury private rooms in converted historical buildings, or ‘paradores’.
However, this popularity also means accommodation can be booked out long in advance of when you travel. You regularly see long queues of pilgrims outside albergues each afternoon after their day’s hiking, each hoping to get a spot in a bed! Because of this, we recommend booking all of your accommodation well in advance, to avoid this stress!
Another factor to consider is packing. We offer a more extensive packing list, but general tips include packing for all weather conditions (better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!), ensuring you can treat minor ailments, such as blisters and headaches, in case you can’t access a pharmacy each day, and bringing a reusable water bottle to fill each day.
And, once you have everything needed and the right backpack, you still have to carry that weight each day! This is a factor that puts more casual walkers off hiking, as a heavy pack on your back is an added discomfort when the trail itself is already enough of a challenge.
Planning your Camino de Santiago hike with a specialist tour operator takes the stress out of planning. Follow the Camino can arrange your accommodation each night, transport your baggage, and provide you with support to train your body for an unforgettable experience!
Contact our team for a free, 10-minute chat about the Camino and you’ll see why it’s one of the world’s most popular hikes!
