The Camino de Santiago is one of the most popular long-distance walks in the world. It has been welcoming both pilgrims and hikers for ages, and it’s only growing in popularity each year. The Camino and its network of trails that lead to Santiago de Compostela are constantly evolving, and 2026 is shaping up to be a special year. More and more people are finding joy in walking long distances, especially outside the busy summer months. This shift means that the trails are more pleasant, and you can have a more personal, reflective experience.
The Camino is becoming a truly worldwide phenomenon, and many people who have never done it before are making plans for this upcoming year, so if you’re one of them, know that you’re not alone! Whether you decide to go with an agency like SantiagoWays or plan alone, this post will walk you through the most important things you need to know before even planning!
Camino de Santiago and Its Many Routes
The Camino is not just a single trail; no, in fact, it’s a whole network of trails that spans all over Spain, with some of them starting in other countries. That’s why the most exciting part of planning a trip like this is choosing a Camino route!
Since there are so many routes, you can get overwhelmed, so the first thing you need to know is that your choice depends on how much time you have, the scenery you love, and how much of a challenge you want.
For your first Camino, many experts from specialized agencies like SantiagoWays recommend that you start with a short section, especially if you have never done a long-distance hike before. A good example is the final stretch from Sarria to Santiago on the Camino Francés or the Camino Portugués Coastal route from Porto.
These sections are well known for offering manageable distances, excellent services, and the qualification for the Compostela pilgrimage certificate. Also, it’s the go-to for people that doesn’t have a lot of time to do the whole route.
Now, if you’re looking for something else, here’s a quick look at some popular options to get you started:
- Camino Francés: The classic, most popular route. Great infrastructure & pilgrim support. Ideal for first-timers. It can take up to 30-35 days to do the full route.
- Camino Portugués (Coastal): Stunning Atlantic ocean views, boardwalks, and a lot of seafood. It’s more flat compared to the first one and a more scenic alternative. Can take anything from 12 to 14 days from Porto.
- Camino Inglés: A short, historic route from northern ports. Great for a beginner with limited time. 6-7 days
- Camino del Norte: Rugged coastal beauty and challenging hills. It’s perfect for people that lover the sea cliffs and quieter trails. This one can take up to 35-40 days.
Getting Your Body (and Mind) Ready to Walk
Now, something that most people miss is getting ready to actually walk. While some routes are shorter than others, most of the time you will be walking for hours, even for a whole day on some occasions. That’s why you need to practice beforehand, nothing crazy, but it’s best if you do it.
The key isn’t to become an Olympic athlete, but to gradually get your body used to walking day after day. So, start by training at least two to three months before your trip.
You can begin with short walks a few times a week, then slowly add more and more distance and time as you go. A great goal is to work up to walking 15-20 km in a single session on the weekend. When you start to feel comfy walking 20 km in a single session, then you’re more than ready for the Camino de Santiago.
All you need to do is practice, and please, don’t forget about the backpack (on the Camino, you will likely carry a backpack). So, don’t forget to train with the daypack you’ll use, loaded with the same gear. This will help your muscles adjust to the weight.
Also, never start the Camino with new shoes! This will save you several headaches. Make sure you wear and break in your shoes for weeks before you go to avoid painful blisters.
Finally, prepare your mind. The Camino isn’t a race. It’s a chance to slow down, talk to yourself, and reflect. Let go of strict schedules and be open to whatever the day brings.
Conclusion
The Camino doesn’t need to be complicated; it’s there for religious purposes but also to unwind, to slow down, to take a rest from our daily life and reset, reflect, and connect with you and nature. The best part is that all you need is a good agency like SantiagoWays that takes care of all the logistics for you, choose a good route that suits you, and practice a few months beforehand. Whether you have a week or a month, whether you seek stunning coastlines, quiet forests, or vibrant Spanish culture, there’s a route with your name on it, and remember that the first step is deciding to go.
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