Camino de Santiago, Walking the Walk…

Tips on doing the Camino de Santiago in Spain

By Regina Winkle-Bryan

When a friend of mine said he was going to do the Camino de Santiago again this year, but starting in Paris, I said, ‘You’re insane.’

Terje, (afore mentioned friend) and I did part of the Camino a couple years ago, an amazing hike which destroys one’s feet but feeds one’s soul. I am not religious, and did not do the Camino for its traditional purpose as a pilgrimage road to the city of Santiago in Galicia. I did the Camino because I had an assignment to write about it, and because I think natural tourism is a great way to get to know Spain.

Hiking the Camino de Santiago in Spain with Sheep!

Camino de Santiago, Spain

The Camino de Santiago can be done by foot, by horse or by bike, and when I was on the trail there were people of all ages and nationalities walking along it. I must say, it was much harder than I expected it to be, and those who go need to be prepared. Here are some tips if you are thinking of walking some or all of this unique trail:

1. Pack light. Real light. All you need is a drinking gourd and a staff…Really, a small backpack, a poncho/coat, sturdy shoes and basic camping equipment should do it.

Sometimes it rains on El Camino

2. Get a good guide book. There are many here at Books4Spain.com. You need something with a map that breaks the hike into 20-30 km portions, which is usually what people walk in a day.

Terje shows off his light, vintage, pack...

3. Plan for the season. Galicia is rainy all the time. In the summer, everyone and their mother and their dog is on the trail and you are less likely to get a place to stay. After September it’s smooth sailing.

Typical Albergue or Hostel on the Camino de Santiago, Spain

4. Where to stay. There are lots of hostels on the trail as well as hotels catering to walkers. Depending on the season, you may want to book ahead. We didn’t make any reservations when we did the trail and had no problem staying in hostels (well, apart from all the snoring!). However, we went in September which is off-season. Staying in hostels along the trail is very inexpensive. Most have kitchens where guests can (and do!) make meals. Pasta anyone?

On the Camino de Santiago Trail, Regina Winkle-Bryan

5. Did I mention comfy shoes? 30 kms a day means you need good shoes. One recommendable shoe choice are the North Face Hedgehog Trainers. You may also want a pair of flip-flops for showers in the hostels and to give your toes a break after a day of walking.

Get the right foot gear for the Camino!

6. A word on food. In the last 150 kms of the trail there are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the way, just carry snacks and water (but also make sure to check that there will be open restaurants where you plan to stop for the night in your guide book). At the beginning of the trail (depends where you start from) food choices may be much less.

Not all of the Camino is easy....

7. Need help? There are many tour companies like Camino Ways that will take care of all the organization for you. I’ve not been on a Camino Ways tour, but I’ve heard good things about them. http://www.caminoways.com/

8. Get into it! People are friendly on the trail. Chirp out ’Buen Camino’ to your fellow pilgrims and be open to meeting people. There are plenty of interesting folks walking the walk to Santiago.

More: http://www.santiagoturismo.com/camino/

Santiago, Galicia, Spain