The Pilgrims Credential (aka Passport) is used to collect stamps along the Camino. This serves two purposes. Most importantly it is used by the Pilgrims Office to validate you traveled the route. This is done by reviewing stamps collected at alburgues, churches, cafe's and other locations along the route. Secondly, it will become a valued souvenir from your trip.

The Pilgrim's Credential is sometimes called a passport. It is used to document your trip by getting stamps from places you visit along the way. In the common starting cities you will find credentials available at most of the Alburgues. They are generally available at cathedrals, larger churches and tourist offices as well. If you're an American and want to order it in advance, you can do that through the American Pilgrims on the Camino website (https://americanpilgrims.org/).

It's rare that we get to take time to do nothing but walk. To walk long distances day-after-day allows us to become more reflective, meditative while becoming stronger and more physically fit. All of this adds up to "life changing." Longer Camino's provide even more disruption to your normal life. It's difficult to imagine taking six weeks away from your life, where all your worldly positions fit into a backpack and you're walking for 5-8 hours per day... The combination of physical, emotional, and spiritual experiences on the Camino often leads to personal transformation. Many pilgrims return from the journey with a renewed sense of purpose, clarity, and a changed perspective on life. The Camino de Santiago means different things to different people, and not everyone may have a life-changing experience. However, the opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and a deeper connection with oneself and others is what makes the Camino such a revered and transformative journey.

The Primitivo Route is widely considered the most beautiful route and in 2015 was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. All the routes have their elements of beauty. If you like the seaside, both the Camino Del Norte and the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route provide excellent seascapes and scenery. Explore all the routes before making any decisions but it's likely you won't be dissatisfied whichever route you choose.

The most popular route is the Camino Frances starting in Sarria. This route is 66 miles (116 km) and takes 5-7 days to walk at an average pace. Any route over 100km that ends in Santiago de Compostella is considered an "official" Camino and a "Compostella" certificate can be claimed at the pilgrim office. However, there are so many different route options that there isn't a single answer to this question. The Sarria route, mentioned above, is a subset of the Camino Frances that starts in St. Jean Pied de Port. This route is 438 miles long (770 km). This route takes between 30 and 40 days to walk at an average pace. The web page https://www.caminocornerstones.com/camino-de-santiago-routes provides easy-to-use filters that allow you to see the routes that match the number of walking days you have available. Lastly, you can walk any distance you would like. Many people walk long routes like the Camino Frances, Camino Del Norte, and Vía de la Plata over a few years by breaking them up into several 5 to 10-day walks.

The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. This pilgrimage has been undertaken by millions of people from all over the world for over a thousand years. The most popular route, the Camino Francés, starts in the French town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and stretches over 800 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela. The Camino offers a unique blend of spiritual, cultural, and physical experiences, attracting walkers, cyclists, and even some equestrians. Along the way, pilgrims encounter stunning landscapes, historic towns, and a sense of camaraderie among fellow travelers. Whether motivated by religious faith, personal growth, or a love of adventure, the Camino de Santiago offers a transformative journey for those who embark upon it.

A Compostela is a special certificate that pilgrims receive when they complete the Camino de Santiago. To earn a Compostela, pilgrims need to walk at least 100 kilometers (~ 62 miles) of the Camino on foot or 200 kilometers (~ 124 miles) by bicycle. This certificate serves as proof of their pilgrimage and is obtained at the Pilgrims' Office in Santiago de Compostela. There will be a QR code on your credentials which needs to be scanned and a short survey answered before you can go into the Pilgrims Office. The Compostela is a meaningful symbol of accomplishment for those who undertake this journey.

That depends on where you live and what Passport you hold. Americans can travel to the EU for 90 days. Research the Schengen rules for travel.

The typical walking day looks something like this: Wake up (some people leave as early as 5 AM. Most alburgues kick you out at 8AM) Get ready (dress, wash face, brush teeth, apply sunscreen) Pack Start walking... 1 - 2 hours Walk until you're ready for breakfast. Knowing the distance to the next village is nice so you can mentally prepare for the time it will take to get there. Eat breakfast (coffee, croissant and juice cost about $5). While stopped, take off your shoes, maybe change socks, put away any shedded layers. Use the bathroom before you depart. Resume walking... 1 - 2 hours Eat a snack (repeat your eating routing e.g., shoes/socks/bathroom...) Resume walking... 1 - 2 hours depending on your daily distance this might get you to your destination. If not, Stop for lunch or another snack. By this time a beer or glass of wine might be in order. Resume walking... Arrive at your destination. If you pre-booked you'll be looking for your place. If. you're not pre-booked, you will start checking the various alburgues to see if they have availability. Once you're checked in... Shoes off. Shower. Wash and hang dry your clothes. Make your bed. It's better to do it now than later when people have already fallen asleep. Find food. It might be served at the alburgue. They would have told you at check-in. In Spain, most restaurants don't start serving hot food until 8PM and siesta starts between 4 - 5pm. Find your bed and fall fast asleep... See #1

Need? Probably not... If you can walk around your neighborhood then you can probably walk a Camino. But... training will help you walk the Camino with less physical discomforts. There is so much to learn about your physical capabilities while training. How far can I go without pain? Is the pain serious? If I keep going will the pain go away? How often and how much should I be drinking? How much should I be eating to keep my body fueled? Do my shoes fit right? Do these pants cause chafing? Do I like walking with poles? Will my hands swell up? Am I comfortable carrying a pack? There are mental benefits to training as well. Gain confidence. Learn how to pack efficiently. Learn how to carry a backpack. You start to recognize the games your mind plays on you. You start to recognize the physical patterns that your body goes through. While you're training, you can listen to podcasts and other informational sources to help prepare you for the Camino. So yes while you don't need to train, it is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED. We have invested hundreds of hours preparing training materials for you. There's even a comprehensive, holistic training program available for you.

Most pilgrims get into a routine of washing their clothes at the end of each day. After showering and changing into another set of clothing, wash your used clothes in a sink and hang them out to dry. Use a quick dry camping towel to wring out your clothes prior to hanging them. If no drying racks are available, you can always find a place to string up short length of cord (~10 ft). Use safety pins for hanging.

This is a very personal decision. It's highly recommended to carry your pack but there may be overarching reasona you cannot do this. Part of the pilgrim experience is learning to live off very little. There is also the freedom that comes with knowing everything you need to live can be carried on your back.

In general you will have plenty of places to stop along the way to buy food and drink. It is wise to carry snacks and some extra food in case places are closed or you're in a particularly remote location. This is also true when walking on Sundays. Many small villages will close completely after 3PM on a Sunday. Good things to carry include: Fresh Fruit (I walked when cherries were fresh!) Dried Fruit Cheese Nuts Crackers/bread Canned meats (make sure it's a pull top) Hard boiled eggs Cookies Also try to train with similar snacks. You don't want to surprise your digestive system in the middle of Spain... Lastly, don't get too carried away however because you have to carry it in your backpack. Every gram matters!

Most accommodations will be able to arrange for the pick up of your luggage and send it to the next town. You will need to know where you want your items dropped off.

Albergues: Albergues are pilgrim hostels and are the most popular and budget-friendly option. They offer dormitory-style sleeping arrangements with bunk beds. Albergues are often run by municipalities, churches, or private individuals. They are designed to provide basic amenities to pilgrims and are a great way to meet other travelers on the Camino. Monasteries and Convents: In some areas, you may have the opportunity to stay in monasteries or convents, which can provide a unique and peaceful experience. Pilgrim Refugios: Refugios are similar to albergues and provide simple, communal sleeping facilities. Some refugios may offer a meal service and are typically run by volunteer hospitaleros (hosts). Hostels: Some towns and cities along the Camino have traditional youth hostels, which offer private and shared rooms. These may be more similar to what you find in urban areas. Casa Rurales (Guesthouses and Apartments): These are rural guesthouses or bed and breakfasts that offer private rooms. They provide a more comfortable and private option compared to albergues but are often more expensive. Hotels: Hotels along the Camino vary in terms of price and quality. You can find everything from budget-friendly options to upscale accommodations with more amenities. Paradores: Paradores are luxury hotels often located in historic buildings such as castles, monasteries, or palaces. They are the most luxurious and expensive accommodation option along the Camino.

Camping along the Camino de Santiago is generally discouraged and often prohibited to protect the environment, cultural heritage, and safety. It's essential to research and follow specific regulations for the route you plan to walk, as rules can vary by region. Instead, use established pilgrim accommodations or guesthouses provided along the route. Camping without permission can lead to fines. Here's a great article on the legality of camping. https://www.diemburden.com/post/wild-camping-in-spain-legal-or-not

Bedbugs are not very common along the Camino, but you should be attentive to the possibility. Most alburgues and other accommodations provide you with new sheets to put on your mattress. Inspect the mattress and bed for signs of bedbugs (do an internet search if you don't know - look at images) and let the attendant know if you see anything suspicious.

It's nice to have 1 - 2 nights booked in advance to allow you to get your feet on the ground and get the hang of "winging it." It also depends greatly on your anxiety level related to not having a reservation in advance. You will hear a lot of pilgrims say "trust the divine" and "let the Camino provide." Those with past experience grow more comfortable with this. If it's causing stress to now know, then book in advance. Pro Tip: Booking.com doesn't reflect all the available beds and it may look like everything is completely booked when beds are available. However, Booking.com is a good barometer / indicator of the general availability.

Bed bugs are easy to kill using heat over 115° F. Putting your infested pack and clothing in a hot dryer is an excellent way of killing bed bugs and their eggs.

Don't count on the meal being included but Albugues often serve dinner and sometimes breakfasts for an additional cost.

There are many factors to consider when considering how much it will cost. Think about it in two categories: (1) What will it cost while I'm walking, and (2) what will it cost to get ready and get there? The short answer to #1 is it depends largely on the type of accommodations you plan to stay. That combined with food, entertainment, and daily incidentals typically adds up to $50 - $120 per day with an average of $65-70 if you're budget-conscious. The answer to #2 is easier to plan. Your transportation to the starting point and from the ending point makes up about two-thirds of this cost. If you're flying across an ocean it will probably be much more. If you spend $1000 on flights, trains and buses, and your trip is only 10 days long, that equates to another $100 per day in cost. The last category of cost is gear, but except for shoes that's mostly a reusable expense and your Camino shouldn't be fully burdened with these expenses. Camino Cornerstones has a program "How Much Does a Camino Cost" that contains a comprehensive budget worksheet and detailed descriptions of all the costs.

It varies by type of location and by route and by season. Alburgues are the cheapest option and usually range between $15-$20 per night per person. These will usually be large dormitory rooms with up to 40 pilgrims. Monasteries may be available for donation. Space is usually very limited. Private Hostels range from $15 - $30 per night per person for a dormitory-style room. Hotels range from $45 - $200 or more per night. Camino Cornerstones has a program "How Much Does a Camino Cost" that contains a comprehensive budget worksheet and detailed descriptions of all the costs.

You will have many options for spending money along your Camino. Accommodations and Food will be your largest expense categories. Others include: Special services - Massages, luggage transfer, taxi to dinner Donations - ranging from lighting a candle in a church to making a donation towards food someone is providing along the trail. Others include consumables (sunscreen, bandaids), sours, souvenirs, beer/wine, wireless data (SIM card), ATM / Credit Card Fees and Trip Insurance. Camino Cornerstones has a program "How Much Does a Camino Cost" that contains a comprehensive budget worksheet and detailed descriptions of all the costs.

At a minimum you should plan to spend about $20 per day for food. A budget of $35-$40 is more reasonable especially if you plan to have beer or wine. Breakfast usually consists of a croissant, coffee and juice and averages $5-$8. Lunch options vary depending on your location. Tortas are common as are sandwiches. Plan on $8-$12 for lunch Dinner options start around $10-$15 for a "pilgrim meal" (protein, potatoes, veggies) and can quickly become more expensive. Plan on $15 - $25. This expense can be offset if you stay at locations with a common kitchen and cook for yourself. Groceries tend to be inexpensive. American items such as Coca Cola will be more expensive. Camino Cornerstones has a program "How Much Does a Camino Cost" that contains a comprehensive budget worksheet and detailed descriptions of all the costs.

10% of your body weight is the guidance given. Your ligaments and muscles are used to carrying a certain weight and increasing by 10% is within a normal tolerance for not injuring yourself. However, this is simply a suggestion. A strong 100 pound female might be able to carry 20% without any difficulty whereas an out of shape 225 pound male would certainly struggle with 10%. The key is training and minimalization. Carry less than you think you need. Most minimalist pilgrims only carry 1-2 shirts, 1-2 pants, 2 socks and and under and outer layer as needed for inclement weather. Your toiletries and accessories will probably outweigh your clothing. See Packing List for suggestions.

These are nice to have and close to being essential. There are steep sections of the trail where they are extremely helpful. Further, on the flat sections, they help distribute weight off of your tired feet. Consider buy collapsible poles that are easy to carry on your pack when not in use. The Osprey Backpack recommended in the Packing List has a great feature for easy access to poles clipped to the outside of the pack

Most people seem to use packs between 30 and 45 liters. You don't want to use a pack that's too big because it is likely to not fit as well if it's only 1/3-1/2 full.

Options on footwear are vast. The best answer is that you can walk the Camino in just about anything so wear what's most comfortable for you. The most popular options are Hiking Shoes (e.g., Saloman, Merrell) and Running Shoes/ Train Runners (e.g., Hoka, Saloman, Asics). Hiking Boots are more popular with Germans and other Europeans used to hiking in more mountainous areas. Hiking Sandals (e.g., Tevas and Keens), Birkenstocks and Crocs have been seen on the Camino as well. The most important thing is that they fit you and you've had a little time to break in the shoes beforehand. Don't over train in the shoes you plan to wear especially if you're walking a long route. You don't want your shoes to wear-out mid-Camino.

Although this is recommended by many, it comes down to what fits you best. If you trained for the Camino in right-sized shoes then use right-sized shoes for your Camino. See FAQ RE: Blisters

Fortunately, it is not common. There will be incidents but they are rare amongst pilgrims. Take precautions, like locking up your valuables. Pick pockets are common in tourist areas and transit stations. Safety pins are a good deterrent to this. Simply use the pin on any visible zippers

It’s a good idea to check with your local insurance carrier to understand your coverages when out of the country. It’s highly recommended to obtain some travel insurance coverage for catastrophic events. See pilgrim resources for helpful links.

Yes. There is no need to buy bottled water. There will also be plenty of freely flowing fountains with potable water.

Spain typically does not have any dangerous wild animals that pose a significant threat to pilgrims. While there may be some wildlife along the way, such as farm animals, birds, insects, and small mammals, they are generally not a danger to walkers. However, it's always a good idea to take basic precautions, like avoiding feeding any animals you may encounter and being aware of your surroundings, especially in more remote areas. There are snakes on the Camino de Santiago, but it is HIGHLY UNLIKELY to be seen. Snakes and wolves are very rarely seen on the Camino, and if you do see them, give them space. You may encounter dogs, but they are generally nothing more than an annoyance.

Prayer, Good Fortune, Paying Attention, No Cotton... Blisters are almost unavoidable, but many people do walk hundreds of miles without getting blisters. The key is keeping your feet dry or free from rubbing against your socks and shoes. Some people recommend toe-socks. Others recommend rubbing vasoline on your feet prior to putting on your socks. Some people recommend doing both... No matter what, avoid cotton socks. Merino wool socks are the best at wicking away moisture. Also... it's very important to pay attention to "hot spots" while you're walking. If you feel something, don't wait. Deal with it right away. It's also a good practice to take of your shoes and socks a few times throughout the day to let the sweat evaporate and to cool off your feet. Many people hike with two pairs of socks per day, swapping out socks every time they stop.

Ask your prescribing doctor for a prescription that is valid in EU and EEA countries. The prescription is called a 'Medical prescription for purchasing medication abroad.' Print this and bring it with you so it can be given to the Pharmacist. Pharmacies are available in most cities.

The US FDA and EU EMA have different rules on what can and cannot be sold without a prescription. Many common drugs for sale in the US are not available in the EU. It’s best to check before you leave if you regularly use non-prescription meds. For example, melatonin is a common sleep aid available OTC in the US, but it is restricted in many countries of the EU.

Walking the Camino de Santiago all by yourself is usually safe, and lots of people go on this adventure alone every year. Most of the paths is well-traveled and easy to follow, taking you through countryside trails and little towns, and lots of different people, like pilgrims, go on this journey.

The rules state that hiking poles are not allowed to be carried-on to an airplane. However they can be inside checked luggage. People have a variety of experience with attempting to carry on hiking poles ranging from success to being forced to toss them and buy new ones upon arrival. Popular starting cities like Sarria, Porto and St Jean Pied de Port have shops where poles can be purchased.

The Schengen rules refer to the rules and agreements related to the Schengen Area, a group of European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border controls at their mutual borders. This allows for the free and unrestricted movement of people within the Schengen Area, as if it were a single country, without the need for passport checks when crossing internal borders. Key points about the Schengen rules include: Passport-Free Travel: Travelers can move freely between the participating Schengen countries without encountering border checks. Common Visa Policy: The Schengen Area has a common visa policy, which means that a single Schengen visa allows entry and travel within all the member states. This simplifies travel for tourists and other visitors. Border Control at External Borders: While internal borders have no controls, Schengen countries maintain strict border controls at their external borders to ensure the security and integrity of the area. Participating Countries: As of my knowledge cutoff date in January 2022, there were 27 European countries that were part of the Schengen Area, including most EU member states. Not all EU countries are part of Schengen, and some non-EU countries (e.g., Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) participate in Schengen. Cooperation on Law Enforcement: Schengen countries also cooperate on law enforcement, sharing information and coordinating efforts to combat crime and terrorism. It's important to note that the Schengen rules are subject to change, and the status of countries participating in the Schengen Area may evolve over time. Travelers should always check the latest regulations and requirements when planning trips within the Schengen Area.