The Camino de Santiago is an unique experience that each of us lives in a special way. We enjoy meeting people from different nationalities, across breathtaking landscapes, through different climatic conditions and crossing a spectacular cultural heritage.
Physical training
It is the most important for living a good pilgrimage aspect. We recommend getting in shape ,a few months before, following a plan of gradual training, using the same footwear, equipment and backpack to take the road. We recommend to avoid the elevator, start easy walks and gradually increase the distance, weight and difficulty.
Experts recommend a three-month trainingnto acquire musculature. The Way will not need the speed. Never force your own pace, do not try to adjust to others. Walk comfortable with yourself.
Medical review
It is advisable to visit your regular doctor to pass a basic medical check and we recommend to carry a basic AID Kit with some kind of remedy for muscle ache, blisters, chafing, etc.
Time of year
During the months of July and August usually gets hot and there is a bigger volume of pilgrims
During Winter months it will rain and sometimes you can get some snow so some shelters are closed. On the other hand pilgrimage at that time also has its charm.
Guide
It is advisable to purchase a printed guide of the path you are going to follow. It will have much information about the itinerary, history, monuments, secrets, etc.
The Credential
It’s your pilgrim passport. You will find it in Associations of Friends of the Way and in some religious or tourist establishments in the major cities at the starting point of the different Routes. Find out where to get it before starting the trip. You will have to seal it at every stage and with it you will have access to public shelters.
Bring your Credential with you when you arrive to Santiago de Compostela so you can demostrate your pilgrimage (you must have walked at least 100 kilometers to obtain the Compostela). The Credential does not expire, so you can use over time to reach Santiago de Compostela.
The Compostela
This is the document that certifies that you have completed the pilgrimage to Santiago and is granted by the ecclesiastical authorities of the Cathedral of Santiago.
Clothing and accessories
Loose and breathable clothing. If you choose to carry canes, better two than one, because on slopes they reduce the overhead of the legs.
Boots
Buy them well in advance and make sure not to wear them for the first time when you start your Way.Keep them clean after each stage. Remove the sole pad to be aired and use newspaper putting several tight wrinkled leaves inside, changing them after three or four hours to remove moisture.
Culture
Take advantage of your pilgrimage to know the amazing cultural heritage that marks the different paths of Santiago, which is largely a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
Food
Take a good breakfast and bring energy food during your walk. You can have a good and comfortable dinner when you reach your destination. Use the end of every stage to gather whatever you need for the next day. You can find Pilgrim Menus or Daily Menus in most of the restaurants along the Way.
Stages
Accommodate the Way to your possibilities. Start with shorter stages and go increasing the kilometers as you are adapting. You can divide the longer stages, it is better to use more than a day per stage than exhaust yourself walking great distances.
Walking
Whenever you have to walk on roads do it on the shoulder, with great caution and always on your left side to see cars coming forward. If you go in a group try to walk in single row. It is not advisable to walk at night, but if you have to do it, wear reflective clothing.
Signage
Follow the yellow arrows and shells. Associations of Friends of the Camino maintain marked routes.
Stops
Experts recommend three stops about 15-20 minutes each, to regain strength. Avoid heavy meals. When you get to destination, eat quietly in the hostel or in a restaurant.
Hostels
There are shelters for pilgrims to stay at night. If you are staying, the first thing you have to do is to make your own bed. As public shelters usually do not reserve, the occupation is in strict order of arrival. You have to present credentials and follow its rules regarding schedules. Usually close at 10 pm and usually wake up between 6-7 in the morning.
Be clean, respectful and friendly as you are sharing space with other people like you. Leave your clothes ready for the next day before going to bed. Public shelters can be free, but donation or a price can be stipulated by the administration. The hostels have small kitchens where you can prepare dinner.
In populations where there is no hostel, municipalities can make places for welcoming pilgrims, which are usually sports halls, schools and cultural centers where you may have to sleep on the floor, then it is advisable to carry a mat to isolate soil, usually you have to tell them in advance.
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Lodging
In all the ways there are different accommodation types in addition to public shelters and private shelters, boarding houses, hostels, hotels, cottages, where the welcoming for pilgrims is very good. It is advisable to book in advance.
Washing clothes
You can do your laundry every day. There are washing machines in most shelters.
Plan your Stages
Check the kilometers, the profile and the populations you are passing though as well as interesting places to visit. Bring plenty of water and some energy food.
Animals
If you go on a pilgrimage with your pet reseach first about pet friendly accommodation during the Way. Try your pet to stay hydrated and do not force the march. You have to realize that they do not wear special shoes and they will go go through different types of roads, asphalt, forests, etc. Do not approach to the animals that you encounter if they are not with its owner and tied.
Valuables
Try not to bring anything of value, it is easy to forget in hostels or stops in the way. Always have located and close your phone, camera and personal objects. Take only what is necessary, in the way you will find everything else, so we advise you to carry little of everything and avoid too heavy backpack..
Backpack
When you decide to buy it, ask an expert. It should not exceed 10% of our body weight and never exceed 10 kilogrames.
When you go to buy it asks an expert to advise you which is the best for your physiognomy and explain you how to adjust. It is recommended that it has different departments have quick access.
Place the heaviest material at the bottom attached to the back.
Leave close by the most necessary things: water bottle, snacks, rain gear.
Documentation
The Credential.
Documentation. Passport, Identity Card, Health Card.
Insurance and Travel Assistance. Credit Card.
Cash (few).
Printed guide of the Route you are going to follow.
Material
Mat
Sleeping bag suitable for the season you are going to do the Camino.
Backpack Rain Cover
Pillowcase.
Whistle.
Lighters.
Utility knife.
One liter water bottle or camelback.
2 Walking sticks.
Headlamp.
Plastic bags for wet or dirty clothes.
Safety pins for hanging clothes backpack if not dry.
Clips clothes.
Pen or pencil.
Small notebook.
Basic Food.
Transparent food bags.
Few salt.
Some sweet, as candy or chocolate.
Nuts.
Clothing (adapted to the season)
Hat or cap.
Neckerchief.
Hat, scarf and gloves (winter).
Trekking boots you’ve previously used.
Flip flops for the shower.
Footwear to rest.
3 trousers, one short, one long to walk and one to rest.
3 t-shirts.
1 jersey.
3 sets of underwear.
3 pairs of seamless socks.
1 polar lining.
1 windbreaker.
1 reflective vest.
1 reflective bracelet.
1 bathing suit.
Accessories
Sunglasses.
Mobile phone.
220 volt european charger.
External battery for mobile.
Toilet (small containers)
Microfiber towel light and fast drying.
Shower gel.
Shampoo.
Deodorant.
Razor blades.
Brush and toothpaste.
Hair comb.
Body moisturizer.
Sunscreen cream.
Toilet paper and tissues.
Laundry soap.
Medical kit (small containers)
Earplugs.
Vaseline for feet.
Cream for tired feet.
A cream for muscle pain.
Plasters and dressings for blisters.
Alcohol.
Antiseptic.
Medical gauze.
Sticking plaster.
Medical bands.
Analgesic.
Anti-inflammatory.
Needle and thread.
Insect repellent.
Scissors.
Grapples.
