25 Essential Spanish Words and Phrases for Pilgrims Walking the Camino de Santiago
Why Learning a Little Spanish Matters
The Camino passes through rural towns and villages in Spain where English isn’t always common. Knowing basic Spanish helps you:
Order food and drinks confidently at cafés or restaurants
Understand directions when you’re unsure of the route
Express gratitude to those who help you along the way
Connect with locals and fellow pilgrims
It’s also a sign of respect — even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, locals appreciate the effort.
Related post: The Ultimate Guide to Walking the Camino de Santiago: Tips for First-Time Pilgrims
25 Essential Words and Phrases
Here are the must-know Spanish words and phrases, grouped by what you’ll most often need on the Camino.
Greetings and Politeness
Hola (OH-lah) – Hello
Buenos días (BWEH-nos DEE-ahs) – Good morning
Buenas tardes (BWEH-nas TAR-des) – Good afternoon
Buenas noches (BWEH-nas NOH-ches) – Good evening / Good night
Gracias (GRAH-syahs) – Thank you
Por favor (por fah-VOR) – Please
De nada (deh NAH-dah) – You’re welcome
Why it matters: Starting interactions with a warm greeting goes a long way in creating friendly connections with locals.
On the Camino
Buen Camino (BWEHN cah-MEE-noh) – Have a good walk / pilgrimage
Peregrino/a (peh-reh-GREE-noh/nah) – Pilgrim
Albergue (ahl-BEHR-geh) – Pilgrim hostel
Credencial (creh-dehn-see-AHL) – Pilgrim passport
Sello (SEH-yoh) – Stamp (for your pilgrim passport)
Flecha amarilla (FLEH-chah ah-mah-REE-yah) – Yellow arrow (trail marker)
Why it matters: These words help you find accommodations, navigate trail markers, and understand key Camino terms.
Related post:The Complete Packing List for the Camino de Santiago (What You Really Need)
Each region of the Camino has different directional signs with the “yellow Arrow.”
Ordering Food and Drinks
Agua (AH-gwah) – Water
Café con leche (cah-FEH con LEH-cheh) – Coffee with milk
Desayuno (deh-sah-YOO-noh) – Breakfast
Comida (coh-MEE-dah) – Lunch
Cena (SEH-nah) – Dinner
Menú del peregrino (meh-NOO del peh-reh-GREE-noh) – Pilgrim’s menu (fixed-price meal)
Vino tinto (VEE-noh TEEN-toh) – Red wine
Pro Tip: Point to menu items while saying the word if you’re unsure about pronunciation. A smile works wonders!
A wonderfully primitive cafe along the Camino.
FOLLOW THE CAMINO CHRONICLES
FACEBOOK: THE CAMINO CHRONICLES
Asking for Help
Dónde está…? (DON-deh es-TAH) – Where is…?
Baño (BAH-nyoh) – Bathroom
Farmacia (far-MAH-syah) – Pharmacy
Ayuda, por favor (ah-YOO-dah, por fah-VOR) – Help, please
No entiendo (noh en-TYEN-doh) – I don’t understand
Pilgrim Tip: If you get lost, a friendly local will often go out of their way to guide you when you politely ask for help.
Related post:10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting the Camino de Santiago
A pharmacy along the Camino de Santiago
Tips for Learning and Remembering These Words
Learning these words doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Here’s what helped me along the way:
Practice daily:
Spend 5–10 minutes reviewing words before you leave.Use flashcards or language apps:
Duolingo, Quizlet, or simple index cards work great.Speak often:
Don’t worry about making mistakes — locals appreciate the effort.Print the cheat sheet:
Keep the cheat sheet in your pocket for quick reference.Personal experience: I wish that I would have started brushing up on my Spanish sooner. Don’t wait until you are on the trail.
Get Your Gifts and Gear Here
Printable Cheat Sheet
I’ve created a printable Spanish phrase cheat sheet for you! This compact PDF is perfect for you to carry in your pocket or journal while walking the Camino. It includes all 25 essential words and phrases, neatly organized by category for quick reference.
You can download it here:
The trail in the Meseta, Camino de Santiago
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Final Thoughts: Connection Through Language
One of the most beautiful parts of the Camino is the shared humanity you experience along the way. Even if you don’t speak Spanish fluently, learning just a few words shows respect and builds meaningful connections.
I still remember a moment when I greeted a kind woman with “buenos días” as she swept her doorway. Her smile was so warm and genuine that it instantly brightened my morning. Small interactions like these make the Camino special.
So, as you prepare for your journey, take a little time to learn these phrases. They’ll help you navigate the practicalities — and enrich your experience in ways you’ll treasure forever.
Buen Camino!
Renae