As my husband and I were approaching turning 60 and celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary, we wanted to do something meaningful—something that reflected the life we’ve built together and the adventures we’ve shared. After much thought (and a little courage), we decided to walk the Camino de Santiago.

It turned out to be one of the most transformational experiences of our lives. Along the way, we celebrated our milestones, strengthened our bond, and discovered new depths of resilience and joy.

Whether you’re considering the Camino for spiritual reasons, personal growth, or simply as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, I hope our story inspires you to take that first step.

Why We Chose the Camino

For years, we’d heard about the Camino de Santiago—the famous pilgrimage leading to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. It’s a path walked by millions of pilgrims over centuries, each with their own reasons for making the journey.

Some walk for spiritual renewal, others for fitness or adventure, and some simply for the chance to slow down and reflect.

For us, the Camino was a way to:

Celebrate our milestone birthdays and anniversary in a truly meaningful way.
Disconnect from the busyness of everyday life.
Share uninterrupted time together, free of distractions.
Challenge ourselves physically and mentally.

Man and woman on airplane — On our way to Spain.

Preparing for the Journey

Walking hundreds of miles across Spain isn’t something you do on a whim—especially when you are turning 60! Preparation was key, and honestly, getting ready for the Camino was almost as rewarding as the walk itself.

1. Training Our Bodies

I started walking several miles a day months in advance( He didn’t.). On weekends, I increased distance and added hills to mimic the terrain we’d face, like the climb over the Pyrenees Mountains on the first day.

2. Choosing the Right Gear

Good gear makes all the difference. Here are a few essentials that helped us:

Lightweight backpacks (no more than 10% of our body weight). In the end, we decided to carry only a daypack and use luggage transfer.
Comfortable hiking shoes we had broken in ahead of time.
Moisture-wicking clothing for varying weather.
Hiking poles to reduce strain on knees and improve balance.

3. Planning Our Route

We chose the Camino Francés, the most popular route, starting in St. Jean Pied de Port. This path gave us a mix of beautiful countryside, ancient villages, and plenty of opportunities to meet fellow pilgrims from around the world.

The Journey: Laughter, Love, and Lessons

From the very first day, as we climbed into the Pyrenees, I knew this would be unlike anything we’d ever done together.

Simple Moments, Lasting Memories

We spent long stretches of the day simply walking side by side, talking about our life together, sharing dreams for the future, and laughing at silly memories.

At times, we walked in comfortable silence, soaking in the stunning landscapes and the rhythmic sound of our footsteps.

Some of my favorite memories:

Sitting on a stone wall, talking and laughing together.
Watching the sunrise as we left a tiny village in the early morning mist.
Meeting other pilgrims and swapping stories over communal dinners.
Receiving a warm “Buen Camino!” from locals and fellow walkers alike.

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Challenges Along the Way

The Camino isn’t easy. There were blisters, sore muscles, and days when the heat felt relentless.

But those challenges brought us closer. When one of us struggled (usually me), the other offered encouragement(usually him). When we both felt tired, we leaned on the kindness of strangers or the joy of knowing we’d made it through another stage together.

The Spiritual Side of the Camino

While we began our walk as a physical challenge and an anniversary adventure, it became so much more.

The Camino has a way of stripping away distractions and bringing you face-to-face with what truly matters. For us, it deepened our faith and our gratitude—not just for the journey, but for each other and the life we’ve built together.

What I Learned Walking the Camino With My Husband

Looking back, the Camino gave me invaluable lessons:

Presence matters more than perfection. Some days weren’t pretty, but we walked them together.
Shared experiences create unbreakable bonds. Facing challenges side by side strengthened our marriage in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Life is about the journey, not just the destination. While reaching Santiago was thrilling, the real treasure was every step along the way.

Related post: Walking the Camino Solo vs. in a Group: Which Is Best for You?

two hikers on the camino de Santiago — My husband and I heading out in the morning.

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Tips for Couples Walking the Camino

If you’re considering walking the Camino with a spouse or partner, here are a few tips we found helpful:

Train together before you go to match your walking speeds and stamina.
Communicate openly about expectations for pace, rest, and daily plans.
Pack light, but don’t forget small comforts like blister care and snacks.
Give each other space—it’s okay to walk alone for part of the day.
Celebrate milestones, whether it’s finishing a tough climb or reaching a meaningful town.

Man and woman in monastery in Leon, Spain — Celebrating our birthdays on the Camino.

Internal Linking Suggestions

To give readers extra resources, add links to these related posts:

Camino Foot Care: Preventing Blisters & Injuries for a Comfortable Pilgrimage

How Much Does It Cost to Walk the Camino de Santiago?

Managing Altitude Changes on the Camino: Breathing and Lung Health Tips

The Complete Packing List for the Camino de Santiago (What You Really Need)

A couple kissing in the square in Santiago, Spain — Arriving at the Cathedral in Santiago.

Final Thoughts: A Journey That Changed Us Forever

Walking the Camino de Santiago with my husband was more than a bucket-list adventure. It was a pilgrimage of love, faith, and connection.

We celebrated our 60th birthdays and 40th wedding anniversary in a way that was profoundly meaningful—not with a fancy party, but by walking side by side through beautiful landscapes, ancient villages, and moments of stillness and joy.

If you’ve ever considered the Camino, my advice is simple: go for it. It will challenge you, inspire you, and transform you in ways you can’t imagine.

Buen Camino, dear friend. May your journey be filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Renae

My Life-Changing Camino de Santiago Journey: Celebrating 60 Years and 40 Years of Love

Why We Chose the Camino