(content by Leo)
Are you thinking about booking a Camino de Santiago this year? Whether you’ve heard of it before or it’s a completely new concept to you, for many people it’s a true bucket list experience and something that everyone should try at least once. Walking the Camino offers a unique way to travel, allowing you to explore beautiful landscapes, discover charming towns and experience a journey that has been followed by pilgrims for centuries.
Unlike a traditional holiday where you stay in one place, the Camino is all about the journey itself. Each day you walk a new section of the route, gradually completing the planned itinerary. It’s an experience that combines adventure, physical activity and the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the present moment – perfect when looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
If you’re thinking about planning your first Camino (like the Camino De Santiago organised from Sarria), there are a few things worth considering beforehand, including how long you want to walk for, the best time of year to go, which route to choose and what to pack. With a little preparation, your Camino de Santiago can become an unforgettable journey.
How many days do you need?
When it comes to planning the Camino de Santiago, an important thing to consider is how many days you would like to do. For a Camino De Santiago, the number of days varies depending on the trip you are booking. Some trips can be for five nights, like the Camino de Santiago de Finisterre, or you can do a longer one, like the Portuguese Way from Tui, which is 7 nights. There are even longer ones if you want to go away for two weeks or longer. What it really comes down to is the amount of holiday you have available to you and whether you want to throw yourself into it and go for longer, or fancy trying it out by doing a shorter route.
When is the best time to do the Camino?
Timing your Camino can make a big difference to your overall experience. The most popular months to walk are May, June, September and early October. During these times, the weather is generally pleasant, and the temperatures are comfortable for walking. If you haven’t done a Camino before and are new to hiking, then going when the weather is most pleasant will definitely make your experience a lot more enjoyable.
What route should you choose?
The Camino de Santiago isn’t just one single path; it’s actually a network of different routes. Choosing the right one depends on how much time you have and the type of experience you’re looking for. Some routes are more popular than others, whilst certain routes are more difficult than others. What’s important is to look at the summary of each route, as this will tell you the distance, duration, difficulty and other relevant information, such as the meals included and the accommodation options.
Are you planning to book a Camino de Santiago? What route are you thinking of doing? What preparations have you already made to make the trip more fun? Let us know in the comment box below.
