The Ultimate Guide to Walking the Camino de Santiago: Tips for First-Time Pilgrims
Welcome, friends! I’m so glad you’re here to dream, plan, and walk this journey together.
Walking the Camino de Santiago has been on my bucket list for years, and now that I’ve experienced it firsthand, I can honestly say it was life-changing.
When I first began planning this journey, I felt both excited and overwhelmed. There were so many questions swirling around in my mind: What do I pack? How far should I walk each day? What if I can’t keep up physically?
If you’re feeling the same way, you’re not alone. In this guide, I’ll share everything I learned—the things I got right, the mistakes I made, and the moments I’ll never forget. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a total beginner, these Camino de Santiago tips will help you feel prepared and confident as you set out on this incredible adventure.
Why I Chose to Walk the Camino de Santiago
I was drawn to the Camino for its deep history and spiritual meaning. Pilgrims have been walking these ancient paths for over a thousand years, heading toward the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
For me, it wasn’t just a physical challenge. It was an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and reset my priorities. Along the way, I met people from all over the world—each with their own reasons for walking the Camino. Some were healing from loss, others seeking clarity, and many simply craving a meaningful adventure.
The Santiago De Compostela sign as we left Roncasvalles on day 2.
When to Go: Choosing the Best Time of Year
One of the first decisions you’ll make is when to start your Camino.
Here’s what I learned:
Spring (April–June): Mild weather, fewer crowds, but occasional rain.
Summer (July–August): Long sunny days, but hot temperatures and busier trails.
Fall (September–October): Ideal weather and beautiful autumn scenery—my personal favorite.
Winter (November–March): Quiet and peaceful, but many albergues (hostels) are closed and the weather can be unpredictable.
I chose late summer into early fall and loved the balance of good weather and manageable crowds. The weather was amazing! We only had rain for one full day. The crowds were light until we got to Sarria, where the different Camino routes converged and pilgrims just starting the trail-where they can still earn their certificate by walking the last 100 kilometers.
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If you’re deciding on timing, you might also enjoy my post: “The Complete Packing List for the Camino de Santiago (What You Really Need)”
A lovely Fall Morning along Camino de Santiago trail.
Preparing Physically and Mentally
Walking 500 miles sounds daunting—and honestly, it is! But with preparation, it’s absolutely doable, even if you’re not an athlete.
Here’s what I would recommend:
Start walking regularly at least 8–12 weeks before your trip.
Gradually increase your distance each week, aiming for 8–12 miles a few times per week.
Practice with your backpack so you can get used to carrying weight.
Strengthen your core and legs—squats, lunges, and yoga were game-changers for me.
Mental preparation is just as important. There will be days when your body is tired and your spirit wavers. I found journaling and setting a personal intention for my walk incredibly helpful.
Tip: Train on hills! You will be gaining lots of elevation.
Fun Fact: If you walk the Camino Frances, The French Way, from St.Jean Pied de Port, you will have a total elevation gain of 49,000 feet, equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest twice.
Me on the trail.
What to Pack: Keeping It Light
Packing for the Camino is an art form. Remember this golden rule: if it’s heavy now, it will feel twice as heavy on day ten!
Here’s my packing list essentials:
Good quality walking shoes (well broken-in before you go)
Moisture-wicking socks (bring 3 pairs)
Quick-dry clothing (2–3 shirts, 2 pairs of shorts/pants)
Lightweight rain gear
Sleeping bag liner for hostels
Small first aid kit (blister care is essential!)
Reusable water bottle or carry a day pack with a water bladder.
Personal journal and pen
Bare minimum of toiletries (trust me on this.)
If you are planning on carrying your backpack on the trail, keep your backpack under 10% of your body weight, which will make a huge difference in comfort and endurance.
TIP: Use a transport company to transport your luggage to your next destination and carry a day pack for your water and needs while you are on the trail.
The Ultimate Packing Guide
TIP: Do Not overpack! I packed way too much stuff and it just made it so much more difficult and I didn’t use half of the stuff that I packed.
How NOT to pack!
Daily Life on the Camino
One of the most beautiful aspects of walking the Camino is the simplicity of daily life.
Here’s what a typical day looked like for me (September-October) If you are walking in the summer months, you can start your day earlier.
7:30 AM: Wake up, get ready and pack . If you are transporting your luggage, it needs to be at reception before 8:00.
8:00 AM: Breakfast
8:30 Start walking. By the time that we hit October, the sunrise wasn’t until 8:30.
Mid-Morning: Stop at a café for coffee or Lemonade and maybe a tortilla española (Spanish omelet).
Late Morning: Walk a few more miles, enjoying the changing landscapes.
Early Afternoon: Arrive at the next town, eat lunch. shower, do laundry, rest. Early on the trail, rest was very difficult for me, it felt like I was just wasting time, however, rest is essential as you will really feel the accumulation of walking so many days in a row.
Evening: Share dinner with fellow pilgrims and exchange stories.
Every day felt like a rhythm of walking, connecting, and reflecting.
Pro Tip: Take time to pause and appreciate small moments—the sound of church bells, a conversation with a fellow traveler, or a breathtaking view. These are my most treasured moments.
Navigating the Camino: Following the Yellow Arrows
At first, I worried about getting lost, but the Camino is incredibly well-marked.
Look for yellow arrows painted on buildings, roads, and trees.
You’ll also see scallop shell symbols, another traditional marker.
Most towns have clear signage pointing you toward Santiago.
I only took a wrong turn a couple of times, and a kind local quickly set me back on track!
TIP: Use an app to keep you on the trail, in case of limited trail markings.
Related post: How to Choose the Best Camino Route: Camino Francés vs. Camino Portugués vs. Camino del Norte
A scallop shell and yellow arrow marker on the Camino de Santiago
Common Mistakes First-Time Pilgrims Make
Looking back, there are a few things I wish I’d done differently.
Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
Overpacking: Seriously, you don’t need as much as you think. (I did this!)
Not breaking in shoes: Blisters can ruin your experience. (I did this, too! Ouch!)
Skipping rest days: Your body needs time to recover. (We cherished our rest days.)
Forgetting cash: Some small villages don’t accept credit cards. (We used way more than we thought we would.)
Ignoring hydration: Carry water and drink often, even on cooler days. (This is so important.)
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Final Thoughts: Embracing the Journey
Walking the Camino de Santiago is more than just a long hike—it’s a journey of the heart.
You’ll face challenges, yes. But you’ll also experience moments of pure joy: watching the sunrise over ancient villages, sharing laughter with new friends, and finally standing in front of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, knowing you’ve walked every step to get there.
If you’re considering walking the Camino, my biggest advice is this: just start. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, the perfect gear, or the perfect plan. The Camino has a way of unfolding exactly as it should.
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If you’re ready to begin planning your own pilgrimage, check out my post: “10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting the Camino de Santiago”
Blessings to you,
Renae