Planning Your Next Adventure After the Camino
Why Planning Your Next Adventure Matters
The Camino isn’t just a long walk; it’s a transformational experience. Many pilgrims describe a sense of post-Camino blues when they return home. You’ve been walking 10–15 miles a day, surrounded by history, culture, and community, and suddenly, it all stops.
Here’s why planning your next adventure is so important:
Maintains momentum: Setting new goals keeps you motivated and prevents feeling stuck.
Deepens your journey: Reflection and travel help you integrate what you’ve learned on the Camino.
Gives you something to look forward to: Having an upcoming trip on the calendar keeps the excitement alive.
Encourages growth: The Camino likely changed you. A new challenge helps you keep growing.
The coastline along Muxia, Spain
Reflect Before You Plan
Before jumping into another big trip, take some time to pause and reflect on your Camino experience. This will help you plan your next adventure with more intention.
Ways to reflect:
Journal your journey: Write about the highs, lows, and lessons learned.
Create a photo book: Organize your favorite photos to relive the journey visually.
Share stories: Host a dinner with friends and family to tell Camino stories and inspire others.
Reflection not only helps you process your pilgrimage, but it also gives you clarity about what you want from your next adventure.
We weren’t ready to leave the Camino after arriving in Santiago, we went to Finisterra, The End of the Earth.
Post-Camino Travel Ideas
If you’re already in Spain—or anywhere in Europe—you may want to extend your trip before heading home. After all, you’ve come all this way!
Here are some ideas for continuing your travels:
1. Walk to Fisterra or Muxía
Many pilgrims choose to keep walking beyond Santiago to Fisterra (Finisterre), known as the “end of the world.”
Distance: About 90 km (55 miles) from Santiago.
Highlight: Watching the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean—a symbolic and moving finale to your pilgrimage.
Muxía is another beautiful coastal town worth visiting, just a bit further along the Galician coast.
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2. Explore Northern Spain
The Camino takes you through stunning parts of northern Spain, but there’s still so much more to see. Consider exploring:
San Sebastián: World-famous for its beaches and tapas.
Bilbao: Home to the incredible Guggenheim Museum
Oviedo: A historic city with delicious cider and pre-Romanesque architecture.
Related post:The Benefits of Slow Travel: Lessons From the Camino de Santiago
The marina in Finisterra.
3. Venture Into Portugal
If you walked the Camino Portugués or were intrigued by it, spend a few days exploring Portugal.
Lisbon for vibrant city life and history.
Porto for charming riverside walks and incredible wine.
The Algarve for relaxing beaches.
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4. Take a Restorative Retreat
After weeks of walking, your body deserves some pampering.
Consider a yoga retreat, spa getaway, or quiet countryside escape. The region of Galicia has many rural guesthouses perfect for rest and reflection.
The coastline of Finisterra.
How to Choose Your Next Adventure
When deciding what to do next, think about what you loved most about the Camino and what you want to experience moving forward.
Ask yourself:
Did you enjoy the physical challenge?
Consider another long-distance hike like the Tour du Mont Blanc or Cinque Terre trails in Italy.
Did you love meeting fellow pilgrims and building community?
Look for group trips or cultural exchange programs.
Were you inspired by history and spirituality?
Explore routes like the Via Francigena in Italy or the St. Olav’s Way in Norway.
Tips for Staying Connected to the Camino
Even if you aren’t planning another big trip right away, you can keep the Camino spirit alive at home.
Here’s how:
Practice daily walking: Even short walks help maintain your Camino rhythm.
Cook Spanish dishes: Try making tortilla española or pulpo a la gallega.
Learn Spanish: It’s a meaningful way to connect with your journey.
Follow Camino blogs and social media: Like @Camino.Chronicles for inspiration and tips.
Volunteer with a local Camino association: Give back by helping future pilgrims.
Packing for Future Adventures
If your gear served you well on the Camino, you’re already set for many future trips. However, you might consider upgrading or replacing a few essentials.
Some gear recommendations:
Backpack: Lightweight and comfortable, ideally 30–40 liters.
Hiking shoes or boots: Well-fitted and broken in.
Day pack with water bladder: Perfect for shorter trips or city explorations.
Quick-dry clothing: Especially helpful for travel days and multi-day hikes.
Browse my Camino Collection on Amazon for my favorite gear and gifts for pilgrims.
Final Thoughts
Completing the Camino de Santiago is a monumental achievement, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventures. Whether you extend your travels in Spain, plan another pilgrimage abroad, or simply bring the lessons of the Camino into your daily life, you have a world of possibilities ahead.
Remember, the Camino is not just about the destination—it’s about the journey, both inner and outer. Keep walking, keep exploring, and keep saying “Buen Camino” to whatever life brings your way.
Ready to plan your next big adventure?
Follow along with Camino Chronicles for tips, travel guides, and inspiration for pilgrims and adventurers just like you.
How Walking the Camino de Santiago Can Transform Your Health and Mindset
Top Camino Souvenirs and Gifts for Pilgrims: Meaningful Keepsakes and Ideas
How to Keep the Spirit of the Camino Alive After You Return Home
Buen Camino Friends,
Renae