Here you’ll find quick answers to the most frequently asked questions about walking the Camino and pilgrimage routes. If you need more information, feel free to explore the blog articles or book a free short consultation.

Questions about: Which Camino route and when?

What are the most popular Camino routes?

The most popular Camino route is the Camino Frances, an approximately 800-kilometer trail starting from the French-Spanish border in the Basque Country, traversing Castile-Leon and La Rioja, and ending in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.

The second most popular route is the Camino Portugues from Porto, available in both a coastal and an inland variant. It can be completed in less than two weeks, making it especially popular with beginners.

Ranking third is the Camino Ingles, the shortest Camino route where you can earn a Compostela for completing the entire journey in just about a week. Despite its name, the Camino Ingles lies entirely within Spanish Galicia.

Next are the Camino del Norte and Camino Primitivo, both of which are more challenging and better suited for experienced pilgrims or those with a high fitness level.

For more details on Camino routes suitable for beginners, check out this blog post.

What is the best time to travel the Camino Frances?

Since the Camino Frances has many long stretches without shade, the peak summer months are less suitable. Especially if you're planning to walk with a dog, it's best to avoid the summer.

The Camino Frances starts in the Pyrenees, and the pass is usually still closed in March, with many albergues also closed at that time, making early April a good time to start. September is also a good option, though it is usually quite crowded.

Since you will need 4-6 weeks to complete the route, you'll experience all types of weather.

The last 100km before Sarria are particularly crowded in August, as many Spaniards take their vacations during that time.

What is the best time to travel for the Camino Portugues?

The best months weather-wise are May and September, although May tends to be quite crowded.

If you're someone who doesn't mind rain, I recommend April or October for the Camino Portugues. If you prefer sun over rain, June is the best month for your Camino Portugues.

You can find more information on the best time to travel for the Camino Portugues in this blog article.

Which Camino is the best if you only have one week?

Thanks to the new rules for obtaining the Compostela, you are no longer restricted to walking the last 100km to Santiago.

However, if you still want to do that, don't choose the Camino Frances from Sarria, as it's too crowded. It’s only recommended outside of the high season—besides, the last 100km are not the most scenic part of the Camino Frances.

Instead, the Camino Portugues starting from Vigo is a great option.

If traveling to Ferrol isn’t too inconvenient for you, the Camino Ingles is the best choice if you only have one week, as you can complete the full Camino in that time.

Can the Camino Frances be split up?

Yes, you can complete any part of the Camino in multiple stages. Not everyone has the opportunity to step away from daily life for weeks at a time.

However, if you do have the chance to be on the road for a whole month, I highly recommend it. The life-changing effect is greater when you give your mind more time to enjoy the distance from daily life.

Additionally, it's a wonderful experience to see how the landscape changes. Take a look at this photo gallery of the Camino Frances.

Questions about: Accommodations on the Camino de Santiago

Should you book accommodations on the Camino de Santiago in advance?

It depends on many factors, mainly on how flexible you are with the type and price of your accommodation and whether you're walking during a quieter or busier time.

If you're willing to take both a €5 bed in a public albergue and occasionally pay €80 for a hotel room, you'll almost always find something on the same day.

However, if you have a strict time frame and are walking during a very popular period (like around Easter), there's no harm in reserving your beds or rooms in advance.

If you're walking outside the high season or on less crowded routes like the Camino Portugues from Lisbon or the Camino Ingles, you usually don't need to book ahead.

A middle ground is to book your accommodations 1-3 days in advance while on the road. Public albergues, however, cannot be reserved.

What do you do if you can't find a bed or room while on pilgrimage?

If you haven’t made a reservation and can’t find a place to sleep, you have several options. The staff at public albergues often know of hidden accommodations that don’t appear on booking platforms.

If the entire town is fully booked, your choices are usually to walk further or take a taxi to another town.

There are locations along every Camino route where finding a bed is easier, and others where it’s worth arranging a place at least a day in advance. I include these insights in your personalized pilgrim guide or share them during consultations. If you prefer, I can even handle last-minute accommodation searches for you while you enjoy your well-deserved end-of-day beer 🙂

What are the differences between an albergue, hostel, pension, etc.?

Albergue: There are public, church-run, and private pilgrim albergues. Public and church albergues usually do not take reservations—beds are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Private albergues often allow reservations. The amenities are typically very basic, and dormitories can be large. Most albergues offer an affordable pilgrim menu. Many also lock their doors at night and require pilgrims to leave by 8 a.m. If you sleep well in shared spaces, albergues are the cheapest option (5–10€) and a great place to meet fellow pilgrims.

Hostels: Hostels cost more (10–18€) but provide greater comfort. Some offer curtains for privacy, better-quality mattresses, and reservations. Many also provide blankets and bedding.

Pensions: These are simple private rooms, often with shared bathrooms. However, you’ll always have bedding, blankets, and towels, and a private space. Prices range from 25 to 50€, depending on location and season.

Hotels: In larger towns and cities, full-service hotels with a wide range of comforts and price points are available.

For more details on accommodation types, check out this article.

Gear for the Camino de Santiago

What are the best shoes for the Camino de Santiago?

For both the Camino Frances and the Camino Portugues, Camino Ingles, or Camino Finisterre, there are really only two types of suitable shoes:

Trail runners or soft hiking boots.

For most people, trail runners are the best choice. However, if you are prone to twisting your ankle and prefer more support, soft hiking boots that cover the ankle are recommended.

None of these Caminos are truly alpine. Sure, the first stage of the Camino Frances crosses the Pyrenees, and there are a few other hills along the way, but heavy hiking boots are not necessary anywhere.

How many liters should a pilgrim backpack have?

Around 40 liters.

If you plan to stay in hostels and carry essentials like a sleeping bag and towel, don’t buy a backpack that’s too small.

Many recommend choosing a smaller backpack to avoid over-packing, but you’ll regret it if you have to strap your jacket awkwardly outside or find there’s no room for a packed lunch.

More information on choosing the right backpack can be found in this blog article.

Further Questions About the Camino de Santiago

What does a Camino de Santiago cost?

You can manage with 20€ per day if you sleep in dormitories, but if you opt for private rooms, 75€ including meals is realistic. For gear, expect to spend 300-500€ if you buy everything and don’t rent anything.

If you don't plan the route yourself or have me plan it for you, but instead book a ready-made package from a travel agency, you’ll often pay over 150€ per night just for accommodation.

As you can see, there's a wide range, and where you fall in that spectrum depends on your comfort needs.

For more details on the costs of the Camino de Santiago, check out this article.

Is it safe for a woman to walk the Camino de Santiago alone?

Yes.

Of course, there is no place in the world where you are 100% safe. But if you are comfortable walking alone in your own hometown, you shouldn't worry about the Camino de Santiago.

For more information, you can check out this article.

Can an overweight person go on a pilgrimage?

Of course!

The biggest challenge is finding the right clothing.

Other than that, the same rule applies to people with significant weight as it does to anyone with physical limitations: plan your stages so that you can take your time. Find out how many kilometers per day are comfortable for you and allow more time for your pilgrimage.

You can find more information about hiking with excess weight in this article.

Can you walk the Camino de Santiago despite having an anxiety disorder?

Yes, but it requires more preparation.

Walking the Camino with an anxiety disorder can be a huge step in the healing process, but it can also backfire if you overwhelm yourself.

Discuss the idea with your therapist and seek specialized support. Depending on the severity of your anxiety, digital support may be enough, or it might be better if I walk at least the first few days of the Camino with you.

More information about walking the Camino with anxiety disorders, depression, or PTSD can be found on this page.

Can you walk the Camino de Santiago with a dog?

Yes, but it’s not always a good idea.

For it to be a positive experience, you must bring a certain level of trust. Additionally, your dog needs to be fit, adaptable, and compatible with both people and other dogs.

Usually, you’re not allowed to bring your dog into the albergues, and the journey to the Camino can often be complicated. I’m happy to provide advice on this.

If the conditions are right, walking the Camino with a dog can be a fantastic idea.

For more information about walking the Camino with a dog, you can visit this page.