Safety on the Camino de Santiago

Instances of harrassment and other uncomfortable situations on the Camino are rare despite the high numbers of people walking these routes each year. Here are the types of incidents you could encounter on the way:

• Exhibitionism. Very occasional incidents of exhibitionism have been reported along the Camino routes. The offending person rarely takes any other actions and is usually acitng alone.
• People Following You. It’s natural to meet the same people over several days on a shared path. While this is usually friendly, it is best to remain vigilant with people you see regularly or are staying in the same lodgings. We recommend only sharing your accommodation details and travel itinerary if you feel comfortable and trust them.
• Harassment. As in any public area with open access to all times of people, please exercise the same caution you would in familiar social settings, whether moving between accommodations or dining out.
• Offers of Car Rides. People will occasionally offer pilgrims rides along the Camino. These people are, in the vast majority of cases, well intentioned. However, please stil use the same caution when talking to strangers as you would if offered a lift by a stranger at home.

• Stick to the Main Trail. Use the route markers, and our walking notes and mobile app (as well as any other guidebooks and maps you need), whenever possible to stay on the main Camino route. Even if you are traveling solo, the trail is usually busy enough to ensure other pilgrims are nearby while you walk.
• Meet People, But Be Mindful. Building connections is a wonderful part of the Camino. The added benefit of getting to know other people is that there is safety in numbers. We encourage walking in groups if possible, especially if an encounter with someone on the Camino feels uncomfortable.
• Limit Itinerary Sharing. Refrain from publishing your detailed itinerary on social media or sharing a copy of it with strangers, even if you feel comfortable and trust them.

• Check-In with Someone at Home. Let friends or family know your daily travel plans and timings. Also, share quick updates when you arrive in each place you are staying. It is best to send these messages when you arrive in towns along the way as phone signal coverage on the Camino can be patchy.
• Use Personal Safety Apps. Download safety apps, such as Spaniah app AlertCops, and add them to your mobile phone home screen for easy access. This way, when you see an incident which could affect your safety or that of other pilgrims. you can instantly notify local security forces.