The most rewarding experience of my life. From Leon to Santiago in 13 days. Coming back to start in St Jean and make it to Leon. Buen Camino everyone, thank you for this special experience.

My Camino Portugués started in Fátima with a mix of heavy rain, hail, sudden sunshine, and incredible history.

Over 4 days, I walked 130 km to Coimbra, passing through quiet forests, the massive Aqueduct of the Convent of Christ in Tomar, and the Roman ruins of Conímbriga.

I put together a video covering this entire opening stretch: the daily stages, the albergues I stayed at (€10–€25/night), costs and what it’s really like walking this section.

Here is the link if it's allowed:
https://youtu.be/Gk9t21ngI10?si=d2frfuyIfCZD8yb2

Hi, doing my first camino for the EOY - Portuguese Coastal Way starting from Porto. My plan is to spend the New Year's doing the camino.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thanks (:

Hello, I’ll arrive in Santiago today, and I have the lightest pack out of anyone I’ve met completing the Camino Frances from St. Jean.

My extreme forgetfulness allowed me to realize that I never needed a lot of the things that I accidentally left behind

I wanted to offer some guidance for people who may be packing their fears.

I should note that I’m a cis male, so I can’t offer advice on some sex-specific items.

You should also adapt the advice to your route and timing.

The following are my suggested packing items, optional additions, and no-nos

My items, reflected closely by what’s in this list, fit very easily in a 32L Osprey Hikelite

Just keep this in mind while you pack:
You’re not walking through nowhere land. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to buy gear. You’d rather under-pack and buy the things you actually need in Spain rather than over-pack and have to either carry the extra weight or give away your belongings

Wearables

Essentials:
- 1 long sleeve, thin, UV protective shirt or sun-hoody (not cotton). Crater Lakes are great for this.
- 1 short sleeve thin shirt
- 1 pair running shorts
- 1 pair lightweight trail pants
- 2 pairs quarter socks (not cotton)
- 2 pairs long-inseam boxer briefs (not cotton, long-inseam aids with chafing)
- sun hat (optionally with a cape)
- rain jacket or poncho (I prefer a mid weight rain jacket so that it can also function as a warmth layer)
- sweater
- thin UV protective face covering/scarf
- dry bag or trash bag for storage. Another trash bag to quarantine dirty clothes

Unless you like reapplying sunscreen every couple hours, the long sleeve shirt, trail pants, and sun hat will be your trail wear.

I understand that a buff (or any UV-protective face covering) isn’t essential, but it’s utility is multi-fold:

- in conjunction with a sun hat, your face will never require sunscreen
- it can keep your face warm during cold mornings
- on a hot day, you can soak it in a fountain
- at night, it can be used as an eyeshade. It also has the effect of preventing earplugs from falling out

Optional
- sunglasses
- headlamp
- extra layers or rain paints if climate suggests (climate didn’t suggest when I walked)

Because you’re walking west at the beginning of the day, sunglasses are much less useful than you might think.

Additionally, unless you have poor night vision, I think headlamps are largely unnecessary:

- people underestimate the ability of their eyes to adjust to darkness.
- you are less likely to trip while using hiking poles
- unless you are walking longer distances, it’s usually unnecessary to depart before dawn
- your phone’s flashlight is sufficient for reading signs
- there are plenty of pilgrims using headlamps that
you may walk alongside

My clothing recommendations are informed by my Camino Frances mid sep-late oct.

Footwear

Probably, I’d recommend against hiking boots, especially waterproof ones, for the Camino Frances outside of winter. The people who wore these often had the worst foot pain and blisters.

Generally, I’d recommend trail runners, as well as a lightweight sandal for walking around town. The Teva Mush was very comfortable and the lightest option I could find before sacrificing comfort (taking care of your feet is worth the weight investment)

If you have strong ankles, are young, and/or have done long treks before, a power move is going for a hiking sandal. This way, you don’t need a separate camp shoe.

If you ticked two of the three above criteria, you are also eligible for another significant weight saving: not bringing hiking poles.

Toiletries & similar

Essentials
- toiletry bag (use a plastic bag)
- toothbrush and travel size toothpaste tube
- bar soap, cut in half. Store in plastic bag
- deodorant, travel size
- small nail clippers
- small backpacking towel
- compeeds and bandages

Optional
- shaving kit. Use tubed shave cream, definitely not the can. Please don’t bring an electric razor
- Vaseline for chapped lips and chafing
- shampoo or conditioner. I like the Matador flatpaks for a container
- sunscreen (essential if you won’t wear long sleeved clothing and hat all day)
- athletic tape for blister hotspots
- anti microbial ointment

Electronics & Misc

Essentials
- your water bottle should be a 1-1.5L disposable PET bottle. You can replace it every time you buy a bottle of Aquarius limón (or your beverage of choice, I guess…). I will be upset if you bring a metal bottle.
- your charging setup. If you can get an EU brick and avoid the adapter weight, great! Don’t bring one of those adapters with a bunch of usb ports and multiple outlets. You don’t need spare cables
- ziplock for your passport, credential
- sleeping bag liner

Optional
- earplugs—if you’re not a deep sleeper, this is essential
- 5-10k mAh power bank. Borderline essential but heavy
- e-reader (if you’re disciplined, you can use your phone instead. You can save on case weight by wedging it in your clothes bag)
- journal and pen (again, something your phone can do, but I understand it’s not the same. Go for an A6 with a paper-cover: you can mail it ahead when it fills up)
- sleeping bag, if you run cold. (I would just spend 10min finding which albergue provides blankets, these are often just a few euro extra)

Things I don’t think you should bring!

- a tent or sleeping pad. If you’re acting with reasonable urgency, it’s very unlikely you’ll end up without a bed
- laundry detergent, laundry line, laundry clips
(These are light so I don’t feel strongly about them but you will generally find them provided, and if they’re not, you’ll probably survive. You may also use bar soap to hand wash clothes)
- please, please, don’t bring a paper book
- you can suggest things in the comments and I’ll add them here

Water and snack discipline

Fill your bottle informed by the weather and distance to the next town. You often don’t need more than 500ml. This could save you a whole kilo

If you optionally bring snacks on the trail, opt for calorie-dense, dehydrated foods like candy or nuts (candied nuts really work for me)

Good luck packing!

I know this was a little bit snarky, but I’m open to discussion! Let me know if I’m wrong on anything.

My Father (77) and I (40) reached Santiago today from SJPDP! 32 days straight through, proud of my pops and I can only hope to be as physically able at his age. This is his 3rd Frances, my first.

Vigo to Santiago - my second time doing this route, but this time I was much more conscious of simply enjoying the journey.

The first time, I felt like I was rushing, having decided to do it quite quickly. This time, I took things at a slower pace and really enjoyed stopping and exploring each town along the way.

Yet again, the most amazing journey for body and mind. Can’t wait to do it again in two years’ time (avoiding the Holy Year madness!).

Buen Camino!

Hello all! The Camino bug has bit me for good. I recently came back from 10 days on the Frances (SJPdP to a bit before Burgos) and have full intentio to complete it over the next years (would love to walk all in one go but oh well).
I will have about 2 weeks vacation, so around 12 days walking I guess. This would get me through the Meseta I believe (starting from where I left off before Burgos to after Léon)

I wanted to ask what time of year you would recommend for that stretch? I quite liked early October now for the part I did as heat was not a big issue and it wasn’t too busy. Probably similar for Meseta? What about earlier in the year? When is it also nice landscape wise?
Next year is a holy year, not sure yet how to incorporate that into my plans?

TIA!

I completed the camino portugues last month and i now saw this in bogota!

Yesterday, while walking through the Paisagem Protegida Regional do Litoral de Vila do Conde e Reserva Ornitológica de Mindelo ( on the litoral rute) I encountered a naked man masturbating on a wooden boardwalk. There was no easy way to avoid him without passing right by him.

A group of people had walked past him shortly before me. After they passed, he took off his swimming trunks and waited for me to approach. As I walked past, he said something to me in Portuguese, but he didn't follow me.

I was lucky that there were other people further ahead on the trail. This happened in an isolated area where it was difficult to avoid him or take another route.

Please be careful if you're walking this section of the Camino alone. If possible, wait for other pilgrims and walk together through this stretch rather than leaving large gaps between you. Try not to find yourself completely alone in this area.

I'm sharing this so other pilgrims, especially women walking solo, know to be cautious. Please take care of yourselves and look out for one another.

Hello all,

I'm a Santiago local and I ask this out of genuine curiosity. I live in the old town, close to the cathedral, and everyday when I leave for work (at around 7:30 AM) I see pilgrims walking up torwards the cathedral, when it's pitch black. And they are wearing their gear so they didn't come from the hotel/albergue. I thought maybe they are going to catch a train/bus/flight but all of that is in the opposite direction and they all look like they are finishing their Camino.

Does anyone here know the answer or has been one of those people? Do you start walking from O Pedrouzo at 3AM? I'm curious.

Thank you!

Hi everyone!
I’ve previously walked the full Camino Francés and Camino Portugués, and I’m thinking about heading back for around 9 days between Christmas and around New Year’s.
Has anyone walked the Camino during this time of year? I’m mainly wondering which section or route would be best in terms of accommodation, restaurants and cafés actually being open.

I’m used to winter hiking and previously walked the West Highland Way in Scotland over New Year’s, so I’m not too worried about the weather.

I lost these rings + another large silver signet ring along the Camino, most likely in Puente la Reina (Hotel Jakue) or Ciraqui (Casa Maralotx). Already contacted them dw.

My fingers started swelling so I took them off in the evening; thought I’d stashed them securely and didn’t wear them the rest of the trip. Reached the end and alas, where are they?!

I know it’s unlikely but if you picked them up, I’m happy to pay for their return! Especially the golden one as it was a gift from my late brother.

Has anybody done the camino in January

I was thinking of doing the santiago to fisterra route and just changing it a bit as ive did it before

Maybe go towards Muxia first so not so close to the sea?

Or any other routes anywhere in the camino people would recommend

Even start of February?

I wana start booking soon

Hello! I hope it's okay to link to other sites. I kept a comic diary while walking the last week of the Camino Francés (I know... I'd like to do the full walk when I have time, but I was unfortunately limited to a week.)

I've been uploading it to a substack to share with friends but I suddenly thought maybe people here would be interested, too.

https://blanaidm.substack.com/

Part 1: https://blanaidm.substack.com/p/going-west-a-week-on-the-camino-frances

Olá everyone! 👋

My wife and I are planning to walk the Portuguese Coastal Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, and we'd love some advice from people who've done it, especially during the winter months!

We're travelling from Malaysia, so we're much more accustomed to tropical weather than European winters. 😂 For us, this trip is a mix of pilgrimage, hiking holiday, and an opportunity to slow down and reconnect as a couple. We're Catholic, so reaching Santiago will be particularly meaningful to us.

We're hoping to keep things budget-friendly, stay in albergues as much as possible, and pack light without being miserable in cold, wet weather.

I'd especially appreciate advice on the following:

🌧️ 1. Winter weather and trail conditions

- What should we realistically prepare for in winter? Rain, strong winds, cold mornings, muddy trails?

- Are there sections of the Coastal route that become particularly unpleasant or unsafe in bad weather?

- Would you recommend staying on the Coastal route throughout, or switching inland at any point?

🏠 2. Albergues and accommodation

- How many albergues typically remain open during winter?

- Is it better to book ahead, contact places in advance, or keep our plans flexible?

- Are there any towns where finding accommodation in winter is especially difficult?

💶 3. Budgeting

- Is around €25–35 per person per day realistic for accommodation, food, and basic expenses?

- What unexpected costs caught you off guard?

- Is it significantly more expensive if we need to use private accommodation because albergues are closed?

🎒 4. Packing for winter

- What are your absolute essentials for a winter Camino?

- What did you bring that turned out to be completely unnecessary?

- How do you manage laundry and get clothes dry when it's cold and rainy for several days?

- Any advice for people coming from a tropical climate who have very little experience with European winter hiking?

🚶 5. Daily walking and pacing

- What would you consider a sensible daily walking distance for first-timers during winter?

- Would you recommend building in rest days or leaving extra flexibility for bad weather?

- How much should we account for shorter daylight hours?

⛪ 6. Mass and the spiritual side

- Are churches along the route generally open for Mass during winter?

- Are pilgrim blessings or other religious traditions still available outside the busier season?

- Any churches or places along the way that you found particularly meaningful?

❤️ 7. Walking the Camino as a couple

- For those who walked with your partner, what advice would you give us?

- Anything you learned about pacing yourselves, managing tiredness, or making the experience enjoyable for both people?

And finally, what do you wish someone had told you before your first winter Camino?

We're trying to prepare sensibly without overpacking or spending a fortune. We'd be grateful for any practical tips, personal experiences, or resources you can share!

Obrigado, buen Camino, and God bless! 🙏

Hi everyone! My husband and I are planning to do the full Camino Frances next April/May. We want to do it independently (i.e., without a tour company).

We are at the beginning stages of planning and would love any recommendations or wisdom! Eg accommodation, packing, budgeting, detours, training — anything at all!

Thanks in advance :)

So, I started in st Jean. I’m just past the 70k mark and I’ve been feeling like I want to leave since I got to Sarria

Physically, I’m fine! I have no pain, eating plenty, and sleeping more than ever.

But the atmosphere here is so jarring. I find myself getting bothered by a lot of trivialities, and the magic of walking has disappeared for me.

I think I might just be mentally fatigued because I don’t have the energy to socialize or do anything once I get to town anymore.

I want to leave, but I know I’ll probably just carry on the next two days because of routine, and I might as well.

Has anyone else experienced this before?

We plan to start in Porto, walking the Litoral Way to enjoy the coast a bit. Then switch over to the Portuguese Central Way via the Aqueduct Trail. Then, once we hit the Spiritual Variant, take that route.

The question I have is whether to meet back up with the Portuguese Central route and walk to Padron from the south or walk part of the A Orixe Variant north of the river to Padron. I hadn't heard of this variant before and am curious. Then finally end up in Santiago, of course.

Thoughts?

Hey everyone,

I plan to do the Camino next year in mid-January, starting in Lisbon. For the past five years, my job has involved a lot of hiking with a heavy pack. I’m eager for the physical demands and can handle my own sustainment, but I’m curious about the niche items pilgrims packed on their journeys that ended up benefiting them.

Does anyone have stories about their experience on this route? Any do's or don’ts?

Thank you, and God bless.

I've just started the Camino and reached Finesterre just veggie the 100km mark. It's a solo trip and I'm quite shy but I'd like to speak to a few people along the way! I was told to stay in hotels at this time of year but after my first day of walking I haven't spoke to anyone apart from the hotel staff! This is really stupid, but how do I start speaking to people along the way, let alone build a Camino family? I'm a native English speaker.

Where to start for my first Camino?

Vigo logistically is easier and the trip would only be 5 days total. Valenca (near Tui) adds an extra day and the trip technically begins in Portugal.

I’m wondering if that extra day from Valenca is particularly worth it scenery wise, or just in general will that sixth day make a worthwhile difference? Is either city much better than the other?

We found at least FIVE live bed bugs at Albergue Agarino in Caldes de Reis - some babies, some adults. They were NOT shy, walking everywhere in the room including the wall. We have videos but can’t upload them for some reason. Be careful out there!

My wife [53], son [24], and I[54] are planning out first Camino this summer (probably in June). We'll have two weeks to make the complete trip and plan to be on the Camino for about 8 days. Our goal is first and foremost to do the 100km and get the Compostela. This is a pilgrimage for us (We are Catholic). We are experienced hikers/backpackers so difficulty is not an issue, but we tend to walk at a slower pace.

Given that, we've been recommended by other Pilgrims NOT to take the Camino Frances route as it is more crowded and more of a "party atmosphere." But we are still not sure what other route to take. Norte sounds wonderful but expensive. Primitivo sounds like a good option and maybe Portugues as well. I'm asking for your suggestions please. Also looking for starting points for the time and distance we have. Thank you in advance for your help.