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Everything You Need to Know to Walk the El Camino

Walking the El Camino de Santiago – The Many Paths of this Pilgrimage

While often walked as a pilgrimage to the Catedral del Santiago , the presumed burial place of St. Jame’s remains, thousands of folks walk the multiple paths or ways to this coastal town for their own personal reasons.  Often they return again and again.  Today I interview Umberto di Venosa of Follow the Camino , a tour company he founded after becoming enamored with the “Way”, and finding no company set up to assist those seeking to walk The El Camino , decided to start one himself.

We learn about the multiple paths that head to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, when to go, who walks the El Camino and why, and what you can expect if you walk the El Camino.   On the many trails, you’ll walk through mountains and villages, mesas and pastures.  You’ll meet fellow pilgrims and make lifelong friends.  You will return home refreshed and renewed from walking this trail famous for replenishing the soul.

What is the El Camino?

The El Camino de Santiago, sometimes called “The Way” , is actually multiple traditional trade route paths used by Christian pilgrims over the centuries who walked to the cathedral in Santiago, Spain to pay homage to St. James, who is believed to be buried there.  This pilgrim’s walk was originally walked to gain a plenary indulgence , or forgiveness or lessening of punishment for a sin.

The most popular path is the “French Way” , which starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the French side of the Pyrenees.  This almost 500 miles route (769 km) takes most people about four weeks to complete.  The French Way route passes through the major cities of Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos and Leon.  Roughly 60% of pilgrims choose the French Way .

Other popular routes include:

• The  Portuguese Way is the second most popular path with starting points at Lisbon or Porto.  About 380 mi/610 km.  You can also walk part of the way along the coast, or mix the two paths
• The North Way also runs through France, but is more challenging as there is more elevation change (the French Way is fairly flat).  You don’t walk though as many historic towns, but if you are walking during the summer, you will appreciate the cooler temperatures.  The path usually begins in Irun or San Sebastian
• The “Primitive Way†, or original way from Oviedo, Spain has been walked since the 6th century.
• The Central European Way reopened after the fall of the Berlin Wall and goes through the Baltics

and description of the various paths

Note the shell draped on Janet’s backpack, indicating she is a “Pilgrimâ€

Janet hiked a ‘Half’ camino by walking the last 230 miles into Santiago.  You can listen to my interview with Janet about here Camino HERE .

You are considered a ‘ Pilgrim ‘ if you walk at least the last 100 km, or cycle the last 200 km.  When you complete this, you have earned your Compostela, a Certificate of Completion.

Who walks the El Camino de Santiago?

For more than 1000 years, people of all ages and backgrounds have walked the El Camino.  Traditionally a religious pilgrimage, many folks now camino for personal reasons, almost as a trail of self discovery , as you will have plenty of time for self reflection.  If you are unable to walk, or don’t have the time for a full walking camino, you can also bike or even horseback ride much of the Camino.

The El Camino is also a very sociable path, particularly the busy French Way.  You are likely to make life long friends,

Most pilgrims (you are called a pilgrim whether or not you are walking for religious reasons) tie a scallop shell to their day pack, which tells others that you, too are a pilgrim.  There are multiple theories of the scallop shell symbol.  Regardless of the reason, most tie a shell to their backpack if for no other reason than a souvenier.  The shell is also the symbol used on the El Camino sign posts.

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Is the El Camino de Santiago well marked?

Yes!  You will see the ‘shell’ emblem sign posts throughout your journey, indicating which way to go and when to turn.  You are not likely to get lost.

Where To Stay on the El Camino

In the cities and many towns, you can of course stay in traditional inns and hotels, but many pilgrims chose to stay in the ‘Alburques’ or pilgrim’s hostels that are available along the way.  These are of varying quality, available only to pilgrims, and are inexpensive.

While you don’t have to make a reservation, during the summer, it is wise to book at least a day or two in advance to make sure you’ll have a bed and not have to camp on the floor somewhere.  Most hostels, even if full, will try to find you a place to rest your head, but it may not be very comfortable.

Because the quality (cleanliness?) of some of the alburques and inns can vary widely, you may want to use the help of someone who intimately knows the ins and outs of the Way, and the best places to stay for your particular budget.  And if you don’t speak the language, you may find it helpful to have someone arrange your accommodations.

I recommend my affiliate, Follow The Camino , a company that specializes in helping pilgrims plan their journey.   After his own camino, founder Umberto di Venosa started the company because he couldn’t find any companies offering a planning service for this complicated multi-week adventure.   So whether you want to stay in the alburques or nicer inns, Follow the Camino can take care of the logistics of your pilgrimmage so all you have to worry about it walking (or biking).  If you’d rather hike with a guide, they also offer guided tours .

Plan Your Camino

You can plan your Camino on your own, but if you’d rather save the time and headaches, consider Follow The Camino , an expert Camino planning tour company that can help you experience the Camino of your dreams.  Experts on all things Camino, they can affordably custom cater to your time table and budget. 

Mention ATA5 at checkout to get a special Active Travel Adventures 5% discount on your Camino (or other walking holidays through their other company, One Foot Abroad (other European walking and cycling holidays).

PLAN YOUR TRIP : HELPFUL TOOLS!

Follow the Camino is a Camino tour company that has some great tools to help you plan your own Camino walk that I’ve asked them to share with us:

• Camino training plans that were designed by physiotherapists: one for walking and one for cycling – these have lovely infographic style printables too!
• a comprehensive packing list for walking and cycling
• a guide for choosing the best Camino shoes
• a guide for choosing the best backpack for you

and our Camino weather map which shows you the average weather at various times of the year for better planning!

When to Walk Your El Camino

The most popular time to walk the El Camino is during the summer time.  You will find the French Way especially busy and may not get your first choice in accommodations if you don’t book far in advance.  It can be VERY hot during the summer.

If you are able, it is better to walk your El Camino during the shoulder  seasons, in the spring and fall.

Note that many alburques and inns along the El Camino are closed from November through April.

Can Someone Transport My Luggage Each Day?

Yes!  There are several companies that can transfer your luggage for you each day.  You will need to know where you’ll be staying ahead of time and have your bag (usually one bag 40kg or less weight) ready by a specific time in the morning (around 8am).  They will send you a luggage tag that identifies your rucksack.  Stick it on your bag and place it where they tell you, and they’ll have at your next lodging by late afternoon!

Be Sure You Know if it’s a Jubilee Year!  2021 is next!

Naturally, because of the connection to St. James, whenever St. James’s Day, July 25th , falls on a Sunday, the cathedral declares a Holy or Jubilee Year . Leap years alter the recurrence, but Holy Years occur in 5, 6 or 11 year intervals.  2021 is the next Holy Year, followed by 2027 and 2032 . 

The El Camino is particularly popular during these Holy Years, as the ‘jubilee’ means a universal forgiveness of sins.  If you wish to walk the El Camino during a Jubilee Year, be SURE to book your accommodations well in advance, and expect things to be especially busy!

More Reading

• A popular book about hiking the El Camino and how it became a journey of self-discovery is by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho, called The Pilgrimage .  While popular, be forewarned that this book is a bit woo-woo, fyi.

The most popular guide book is Brierley’s, A Pilgrim’s Guide to Camino de Santiago.

Where Does the El Camino End?

All of the various routes of the El Camino end in Santiago de Compostela at the Catedral de Compostela ( pictured ).  Most years, you enter through the Plaza of Platerías, unless it is a Holy Year when you have to go through the Puerta Santa.

You’ll no doubt want to spend a few days in Santiago to relax and explore.  Since you are not allowed to bring your backpack into the cathedral, make sure to drop it off at your lodging before to get there.

Most pilgrims try to time their arrival to attend one of the Pilgrim’s Masses, which are celebrated daily at noon and 4:30pm.  In particular, Pilgrims try to arrive on Friday.

On Friday afternoons, you can watch the famous “ Botafumerio †ceremony.  In this ritual, the priests sway a massive thurible with thick ropes through the cathedral while the choir sings and the organ plays.  A thurible is a metal container with mesh holes that release the incense burning inside – see the short video to check it out.  The pulley system that rolls the rope was installed in 1604!  It’s a moving ceremony and fitting conclusion to your Camino.

Also, be sure to climb up to the rooftop to catch the beautiful views of the city!

Download my earlier interview on the El Camino with Janet Hanpeter aka Planet Janet Travels

Love long distance hikes.

Here are some more to consider.  Listen to the podcasts, see pics and get more information by clicking on the links.

St Olav Ways in Norway (backpack only)

Kungsleden Trail in Sweden (backpack only)

Costwold Way in England (day pack or backpack)

West Highland Way in Scotland

Fisherman’s Walk in Portugal

Mont Blanc Circuit in France, Italy and Switzerland

Climb Machu Picchu in Peru

Druk Trek in Bhutan

Annapurna Circuit in Nepal with Stan

Annapurna Circuit in Nepal with Tracy

Kumano Koda trail in Japan

Climb Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

UK’s Best Walking Holidays

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My Situation on booking the flight

• Thread starter isawtman
• Start date Nov 11, 2021

Active Member

• Nov 11, 2021

Hi Everyone I am Todd from Wisconsin I am 63 years old and I have a rather frail mother that I watch over. She had an illness in August and was in the Hospital and Nursing home for the whole month of Sept. She's home now and is pretty much taking care of herself. I plan on retiring this spring and hiking the Camino Frances in Sept 2022. Here's my question. What precautions do I have to take to book my flight, so if I need to cancel I can do so without losing a bunch of money. I have hiked aplenty in the Midwest, etc. But the logistics of getting a flight and traveling to a foreign country is new to me. I need to be ready in case something happens with my mom and I need to cancel my flight. From what I am seeing, I would be taking a flight from Chicago to Madrid then a train from Madrid to Pamplona. Then a bus to St Jean. The main reason I would fly into Madrid is that it seems like it is less expensive than flying into Paris. Thanks, Todd, www.tmanshikes.com  

Buy your travel insurance right away after you book your flights. Look for travel insurance with a preexisting conditions waiver, both for you and close relatives like your mother. In order to receive the waiver you need to purchase the insurance within a week or two.  

Hi! Welcome to the best Camino planning place around. @trecile 's advice to get travel insurance with your ticket is important. You want insurance that covers your ticket if you or your mother become ill and you need to cancel. You should ask very specifically about the conditions, and which relatives are included. Usually the airlines offer insurance at the time you buy your ticket, but you'll need to look into the details more. It isn't necessary to buy your ticket many months in advance. Sure, you can sometimes get better prices if you do, but if it is not critical to save a couple hundred dollars, don't be in a hurry. I typically buy mine 6-8 weeks before I will travel. I choose not to buy the cancellation insurance, but I always buy a ticket that can be changed, albeit for a considerable fee. Since Covid, many airlines allow a single change for free, but that might not be something that is convenient for your circumstances. Read the conditions that go with your ticket. I don't know that it will necessarily be cheaper to fly to Madrid than to Paris. You will need to compare prices for the time you want to travel. If you go through Paris, consider buying a ticket through to Biarritz, France - you will need to change planes in Paris. If you have any connecting flights, make sure that they are all bought as a single ticket, so that if the first flight is delayed and you miss your second flight, the airline will be responsible to get you to the ticketed destination. As your planning progresses, feel free to ask more questions!  

Sempre Avanti

isawtman said: What precautions do I have to take to book my flight, so if I need to cancel I can do so without losing a bunch of money. I need to be ready in case something happens with my mom and I need to cancel my flight. From what I am seeing, I would be taking a flight from Chicago to Madrid then a train from Madrid to Pamplona. Then a bus to St Jean. The main reason I would fly into Madrid is that it seems like it is less expensive than flying into Paris. Click to expand...

Tassie Kaz said: You could still book same dates, same route, same airline but take their 'fully flexible' fare for peace of mind. Click to expand...

Travel Insurance Quotes - Compare & Buy Trip Insurance

C clearly said: In my experience from Canada, a "fully flexible" ticket costs twice as much as a ticket with more limited flexibility. Click to expand...

isawtman said: Hi Everyone I am Todd from Wisconsin I am 63 years old and I have a rather frail mother that I watch over. She had an illness in August and was in the Hospital and Nursing home for the whole month of Sept. She's home now and is pretty much taking care of herself. I plan on retiring this spring and hiking the Camino Frances in Sept 2022. Here's my question. What precautions do I have to take to book my flight, so if I need to cancel I can do so without losing a bunch of money. I have hiked aplenty in the Midwest, etc. But the logistics of getting a flight and traveling to a foreign country is new to me. I need to be ready in case something happens with my mom and I need to cancel my flight. From what I am seeing, I would be taking a flight from Chicago to Madrid then a train from Madrid to Pamplona. Then a bus to St Jean. The main reason I would fly into Madrid is that it seems like it is less expensive than flying into Paris. Thanks, Todd, www.tmanshikes.com Click to expand...

Bob Howard said: Hi Todd. I pretty much just fly United because of where I live in Colorado. There are RT flights from MKE to MAD right now for $1269 in basic economy. A fully refundable economy seat is $1649. That $400 difference sounds pretty reasonable to me. I have always had travel insurance--mostly for evacuation--and although there might be a policy that covers your situation, it's probably unlikely. Click to expand...

Veteran Member

Another option to consider is to fly to the least expensive major European city (flight cost) then use regional carriers to get as close as possible to your starting point. For example: for where I live (Colorado), right now that would be London (via Google flights), which is appx $750 RT vs $300-$500 more to fly to Paris or Madrid. Then I would hop on a regional carrier to Spain (typically less than $100), then a bus or train ride to the starting point. This approach has saved me hundreds since 2014. I do not mind the extra time (usually no more than a day overall per trip), but for others, I understand that simplicity and direct flights are worth more than the additional $ cost. In addition, by planning my trips this way, I usually get to add a day or so in a new or favorite city either going or coming home. Buen Camino  

Corned Beef

Travel to England from another country – COVID-19 rules

I would probably fly out of Chicago Ohare. I checked the rate for next week on Kayak.com and it seems there are flights in the $350 to $600 price range. So, maybe I don't have to worry about getting the ticket too far in advance. But then again, Sept is a lot different than Nov.  

@isawtman , my wife found new restrictions on some insurance policies when she was shopping for cover recently for travel to Europe next year. Some companies will no longer cover return travel for death of family members over 85 years old. It does pay to check that the cover you buy doesn't have any 'nasties' in the fine print.  

Former member 49149

Hi Todd. it is good to read what you say about minding your mother. What goes around, comes around. I too had some opportunities to mind both my parents, when they needed me. Already, you have the wisdom of above posters in relation to your questions. Here, I kick in with the cynic in me. A young friend worked with an insurance company, and she saw how the first line of attack is: refuse benefits. I am aware this is anecdotal. Therefore, I can only underline what is clear in all recommendations: take a huge magnifying glass to the fine print. It is so much more of an investment for those of you living at greater distances on the circumference from Santiago... I wish you well and hope your mother is thriving!  

Susan Peacock

Just returned from 8th Camino and here is my 2 cents: 1) Agree with all the advice on travel insurance; get it when you buy your flight (technically you generally have a small window to cover pre-existing conditions.) I buy it in case I get injured or sick so that I can get home. When I had a frail father, I think that most policies excluded him because of age or pre-existing conditions, but I would always buy travel insurance for this type of trip. 2) I am not familiar with your airport, but if cost is an issue look at airports nearby. I am in Florida and pre-COVID the flights from my city were 2.5 the cost of flying direct from Miami to Madrid. Its a 5 hour drive but it takes almost that long to get to my airport and fly there. 3) Be careful booking the basic fare unless you don't want to pick your seat and/or check a bag. You will need to check your poles.....please lets not start this debate. It is clear on the TSA site that hiking poles are not allowed and yes some get away with it....but its a risk. 4) Remember that while you many of the fares are changeable, you have one year from THE DATE YOU BOOKED THE TRIP, not the date of the trip. This has tripped me up a couple of times. 5) While COVID testing is still going on, I would not book a flight that transits through another country. Just might (or might not) complicate things. 6) I have flown through Paris and Madrid. The Madrid is usually way cheaper for me, so that's the way I go. It is really nice if you can fly into Biarritz and book Bouricott Transport to get to SJPdP. Otherwise, a bus or train through Pamplona or a train to Bayonne from Paris, they are all gonna take some time. 7) While I dont book anything on the site, ROME2rio.com can be helpful in figuring out your travel options. Good luck....prayers for your mother and yourself.  

Right now most of the Delta main cabin flights I’ve taken or checked lately come with changeable but not refundable fares. Might be worthwhile if you know you’ll reschedule if you have to cancel. I think they are changeable through 2022.  

Friends no Strangers

Lots of good advice already. My two cents... Try to imagine all the conditions under which you might be forced to come back to help your mother. Then scrupulously read the terms and conditions of the various insurance policies to determine which choice, if any, covers all (or maybe most) of these conditions. With a frail mother, your tipping point to decide to come home is going to be vastly different from the more catastrophic types of things (heart attack with hospitalization resulting, broken neck with surgical repair - case of my son, etc.) that are the more typical justifiable events from the standpoint of insurers. Following my advice is going to be a slog...it is really hard to drill down into the nits and grits of the coverages. But your situation is, I believe, atypical. Good luck. And good health to your mother. Tom  

Forever Pilgrim

Here's what I would do: Fly as direct as possible (Madrid). Avoid transit countries. Book a cheap hotel and explore Madrid 1-2 days. Will take away the jetlag. Take train to Pamplona. Important: All persons +60 are entitled to buy a Gold Card (Carta Dorada) for 6 euros. It will give you 25% (!) discount on all train travels ( Edit: In Spain) for a whole year. Good to have for going back from SdC to Madrid. You buy it at the rail station and then you buy the ticket. Pamplona-SJpdP: Several options. Buen Camino!  

I guess I am more worried about buying the ticket early and not being able to go. Once I fly over to Spain, I'm not that worried about flying back early. If my mom dies suddenly, then we will just have the funeral when I get back.  

kirkie said: Hi Todd. it is good to read what you say about minding your mother. What goes around, comes around. I too had some opportunities to mind both my parents, when they needed me. Already, you have the wisdom of above posters in relation to your questions. Here, I kick in with the cynic in me. A young friend worked with an insurance company, and she saw how the first line of attack is: refuse benefits. I am aware this is anecdotal. Therefore, I can only underline what is clear in all recommendations: take a huge magnifying glass to the fine print. It is so much more of an investment for those of you living at greater distances on the circumference from Santiago... I wish you well and hope your mother is thriving! Click to expand...

Former member 91017

isawtman said: I guess I am more worried about buying the ticket early and not being able to go. Once I fly over to Spain, I'm not that worried about flying back early. If my mom dies suddenly, then we will just have the funeral when I get back. Click to expand...

Hi Todd! I can feel your concern. My mom is a healthy 83 however anything can happen and I did part of the Way of St James this fall. I got a fully refundable rebook-able, and changeable (up to within 24 hours of departure) ticket with Air France and I had to change it several times with no problems. Perhaps get insurance too although I did not. I am sure your mom wouldn’t want you to stop your life for her and most places on the camino have wifi so you could WhatsApp video with her if she has a cell phone or iPad (I did this with my mom and she really enjoyed it). Best of luck to you. Lisa  

I bought my ticket early last March for a September departure and it worked out fine.  

Phoenix said: Another option to consider is to fly to the least expensive major European city (flight cost) then use regional carriers to get as close as possible to your starting point. Click to expand...

Hi Todd, I did have travel insurance when I had to return home early from Spain in the summer of 2019 for a family emergency. There was a lot of paperwork I had to file afterwards, but eventually I did get reimbursed. It took several months. I had to get notes signed by my family member's physician that said I was needed at home, etc. I had to pay for my return flights and other expenses out of pocket and then file for reimbursement. Because I flew back to my parents' home city and not to my own, they would not cover all of that cost, but it was still better than losing the whole amount. I have flown both "discount" flights and also purchased tickets that were refundable. Even though the cost is higher, I am now moving solely toward the refundable/changeable route. They are more expensive, but because we have made frequent visits to Spain over the last six years, I sometimes find I'd like to or need change my plans. My mother is also experiencing multiple health issues so this year I did not go to Spain at all. This year we booked a "cut rate" for my husband from Denver to Madrid on Air France and could not make any changes without hours on the phone--there was no mechanism to change flights online. He was hung up on multiple times while waiting, etc. They also cancelled his return flight without explanation and booked him on a return that took him more than 24 hours of travel rather than the more direct flight he originally had. We won't be flying with Air France again. I've also flown Iceland Air and Norwegian (both without difficulties or issue.) I wish you the best on your journey and also wish the best for your mother. Ultimately I would chose a flight that is booked through a major airline that was as short as possible to reduce the wear and tear on my body. You will make the decision that is best for you. Janet  

C clearly said: That is the situation where you can have problems if you have not booked all flights on the same ticket. Airline #1 cancels/changes your flight, or it is late, so you miss the separately-booked flight. Airline #1 does not owe you anything related to the second flight unless it was booked on the same ticket. Click to expand...

How did you acquire your hiking skills? Did you start at 500 miles for your first hike? More likely is that you spent years making lots of small hikes and gradually learning and improving your hiking skills. Travel skills are the same way. Take a trip to London as your first introduction to international travel. Next, plans a trip to country where English is not the native language. These trips might take several years to accomplish, just like you practiced your hiking skills for many years. Learning travel skills might delay your Camino, but will result in a much better experience. -Paul  

My only advice after reading what everyone else said, would be to disclose all your and your mother's medical conditions, ages etc to your selected insurance company before you insure and pay and then if they agree to insure you for cancellation, get something from them that is in writing. In the past, I have submitted medical reports to travel insurance companies to make sure that I'm covered for medical expenses. For me, losing an airfare would be a minor expense than say a two week stay in hospital somewhere, although I'd rather not lose anything other than the insurance premium. In my experience, insurance companies are real quick in taking your money but when it comes to paying out...they will immediately start looking for a loophole or wording out. Verbal confirmation by them doesn't cut it if there is a later dispute. The wording of their policy and their written communications are the important things. The other option is to make some kind of provisional arrangements, should something happen just before or after your departure. Perhaps there is an aged care office, or another relative who could stand in your place while you are on your Camino? I have a 96 year old dad and being 70 myself, my own Camino walking window of health and fitness is rapidly closing esp. as we have effectively lost two years due to this darn pandemic. Dad could live independently, hopefully another five years or more and our age as it is, means that we can't wait. I have had a chat with my dad and he understands and supports this.. Best for you  

I kind of work this from a different angle. I’ve done lots of travel over the past 15 years. Although I always make sure I’ve got plenty of health insurance to cover any health situation I don’t get trip cancellation. The cost is significant , and I figure if something happens then I will just take the loss or pay for an extra ticket home. I’ve saved a bundle over the years, so it will balance out. Maybe just lucky so far. but have never had an issue. Even with Covid, everything I had was credited or reimbursed, even my uninsured Airmiles trips. If this is your first foray though, and with an ill mother I can understand why you’d want to be more cautious  

peregrina2000

Phoenix said: Thanks for your thoughts. Since most of the regional flights are relatively inexpensive (< €100) compared to the typically much higher cost of direct flights, I think of it as a small gamble (part of the adventure). Works for me, but guess it's not for everyone... Click to expand...

• Nov 12, 2021

alexwalker said: Take train to Pamplona. Important: All persons +60 are entitled to buy a Gold Card (Carta Dorada) for 6 euros. It will give you 25% (!) discount on all train travels ( Edit: In Spain) for a whole year. Click to expand...

peregrina2000 said: This rationale works best on the way into Spain, but on the way out of Spain, if your regional flight is delayed or cancelled you’ve got a much bigger problem. I remember once in the Madrid airport when a young traveler missed her flight to the US because the regional flight from Athens to Madrid was late (on a separate ticket). Not only did she lose her ticket home, but she also had to buy a last minute one way ticket to the US, which was, she said, more than she had spent on her round trip ticket to Madrid. Staff was sympathetic and polite but wouldn’t budge. So if your cheap Madrid-LHR (or wherever) flight gets cancelled or is delayed you will have a much bigger loss than the cost of the regional flight. Hope that never happens to you! Click to expand...

JerryStroebele

In September Icelandair cancelled my flight from Minneapolis to Madrid with two weeks notice -- and promptly refunded everything. I then bought a (refundable!) ticket from American Airlines using Alaska Airlines miles. This ticket was much cheaper than the 9 month-earlier Icelandair fare. I took the train from Madrid to Pamplona. Easy. I had to return earlier than scheduled and it just took 5 minutes on the phone to Alaska Airlines, calling toll free from Spain, to change my ticket. In Madrid on my return I stayed 2 nights at OK Hostel so I would have plenty of time to get the PCR test required to re-enter the US. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the OK Hostel. I have stayed in many hostels, It is among the best. Also, Aloha Hostel in Pamplona was delightful. Also, having taken the metro several times from the Madrid airport downtown, I must say the standard 30 euro taxi fare is worth it. Buen Camino  

Walton said: Quite often we buy a ticket with an airline, and then buy a connection ticket with another airline. Each airline is unaware of the other. You arrive late and miss your connecting flight, you do your dough normally. Click to expand...

@isawtman - I hope all this advice is not overwhelming, since you were concerned about your lack of experience in international travel. I suggest that you investigate all of the above, but not worry about buying a ticket until at least May or June 2022. By that time, hopefully the travel industry will be somewhat back to normal, and some of the Covid complications will be gone or at least stabilized, and you will be more comfortable with ticketing options. I always buy my ticket online, on the website of a major airline, and I buy the entire air ticket on a single transaction, choosing from the connections that the airline offers. Flying straight into Spain (Madrid), rather than transiting through another country would eliminate some potential issues. Pick one or two of the major airlines that are convenient for you, and experiment with their websites. You will see the various options. These will undoubtedly change in the next 6 months, but you will become more familiar with how it works and what the pricing trade-offs are.  

C clearly said: I always buy my ticket online, on the website of a major airline, and I buy the entire air ticket on a single transaction, choosing from the connections that the airline offers. Click to expand...

DoughnutANZ

Ka whati te tai ka kai te tōreapango.

peregrina2000 said: This rationale works best on the way into Spain, but on the way out of Spain, if your regional flight is delayed or cancelled you’ve got a much bigger problem. I remember once in the Madrid airport when a young traveler missed her flight to the US because the regional flight from Athens to Madrid was late (on a separate ticket). Click to expand...

peregrina2000 said: So if your cheap Madrid-LHR (or wherever) flight gets cancelled or is delayed you will have a much bigger loss than the cost of the regional flight. Click to expand...

Just a reminder that insurance companies price for risk. They rely on the applicant to fully disclose all facts so that they can price for any particular risk. That's why insurance contracts are considered to be of "Utmost good faith" ( uberrimae fidei ). It's not just a good idea to disclose all required information but a contractual requirement. Non disclosure will void your policy.  

henrythedog

I fly sufficiently to be singled out by Greta Thunberg, so my annual travel insurance is a ‘cost of living’ expense and I ensure that every question on the renewal form is answered fully and accurately. For single trip cover if the possibility of the passing of an aged or unwell relative is uppermost in your mind, I’d suggest looking at it a little differently. If a long way from home, and without the benefit of reciprocal health-care benefit from your government a primary consideration is personal illness, incapacity and - in an extreme case - medical repatriation. That needs covering. As to aged relatives - especially if they have a significant medical condition - often this will be excluded from standard travel insurance. The cost of adding cover will be most likely greater than the cost of sorting out the problem for yourself. If you want to hedge your bets, you could instead put the cost of the additional premium into a one-off life assurance policy in the name of your relative. It may seem to be in bad taste, but life insurance is a business and that’s what it does.  

Julio Rivera

• Nov 13, 2021

Julio Rivera said: From Madrid you can book a flight to Pamplona. Train is slow and exhausting, especially when you arrive with jetlag. Click to expand...

• Nov 15, 2021

alexwalker said: Here's what I would do: Fly as direct as possible (Madrid). Avoid transit countries. Book a cheap hotel and explore Madrid 1-2 days. Will take away the jetlag. Take train to Pamplona. Important: All persons +60 are entitled to buy a Gold Card (Carta Dorada) for 6 euros. It will give you 25% (!) discount on all train travels ( Edit: In Spain) for a whole year. Good to have for going back from SdC to Madrid. You buy it at the rail station and then you buy the ticket. Pamplona-SJpdP: Several options. Buen Camino! Click to expand...

Mera said: Isn't there a ALSA bus to Pamplona right outside the T4 terminal? Click to expand...

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Camino Ways Review: What I Liked and What I Didn’t

Camino Ways is the top provider for Camino de Santiago Tours. I used their services when I did the last 100 km of the Camino, their most popular tour. Read on for my review of Camino Ways. What I liked and what I didn’t.

Table of Contents

CaminoWays.com is owned by Greenlife Tours Ltd. They also own IrelandWays.com and CanariaWays.com which I’ve used for walking the  Wicklow Way  and  hiking in La Gomera  respectively. While the focus of this article is on CaminoWays.com the same information applies to the other two companies as well. 

From fresco tours to gothic cathedrals, UNESCO World Heritage sites to beautiful coastlines, Camino Ways has it all for you! So let’s take a look, shall we?

 Entering Santiago, the finish point of the Camino de Santiago Tour.

Camino Ways Review: What I Liked About My Camino de Santiago Route Tour (Self-Guided)

While it’s possible to plan to go on a Camino walk on your own, my preference when doing a long trail hike like the  Last 100KM of the Camino  is to go with a company that organizes it all for you. 

Here are the four biggest advantages I found from using Camino Ways for my self-guided tour especially for if it’ll be your first time:

1) Booking with Camino Ways saves SO much time

While you can plan everything yourself, it saves SO much time not having to research how far to walk each day, the best places to stay and the highlights along the way.

Camino Ways does all this time-consuming work for you to go back in time either to the 9th century or the 16th century!

2) You get Camino Ways’ expertise

They’ve walked the Camino routes. They’ve stayed in the hotels. You don’t have to spend hours looking up hotel reviews, their expert guides and tour leaders have done it all for you.

If you have questions about  which Camino  is the right one for you, they’ll help you decide. While the Camino Frances is the most popular one, you may find that the Camino del Norte or the Camino Portugues is a better fit for you. And both finish in Santiago.

As a result of their expertise, you get a much better experience and a great trip than if you did it alone. Their trip route notes point out tricky spots to watch out for, so you don’t get lost. I just love these insider tips!

They also include highlights so that you don’t inadvertently walk by something of historic value that you would have been interested in, had you only known.

3) They organize luggage transfers

If you only want to walk with a small day pack, you’ll need baggage transfer. Camino Ways organizes this for you. Every day my luggage was waiting for me by the time I arrived at my accommodation, this just shows the great attention the give to their clients.

4) 24/7 Trip Support

On your Camino de Santiago self-guided tour, you’ll have a phone number you can call 24/7 if you need assistance.

Whether there’s an issue with your accommodation, you sprained your ankle and can’t continue or something else, they have wonderful people  there to advise you.

I didn’t need to contact them when I did the  Last 100 KM of the Camino , but I did contact them when I did their self-guided  Wicklow Way in Ireland  through their subsidiary company IrelandWays.com.

When I did their self-guided  La Gomera Hiking Tour  in the Canary Islands through their other subsidiary company CanariaWays.com I also contacted them. Knowing that you have someone to call when something goes wrong is HUGE stress relief.

As you can see, I’m such a big fan of Greenlife Tours Ltd and their subsidiaries; I’ve used them three times.

That’s why I’m pleased to give you a discount code so that you can get €20 off your own Camino tour (applies to all Camino tours):

GET €20 OFF YOUR CAMINO. USE CODE ‘MONKEYSCAMINO’ AT CHECKOUT

 One of the reasons my review of Camino Ways is so high is that they offer a choice of Caminos.

Camino Ways Review: What I Didn’t Like About My Camino de Santiago Tours (Self-Guided), Northern Spain

In providing a review, I think it’s important to be honest. While overall, I was very happy with my Camino trip of note is that I chose the “Standard Accommodation” package.

Some of the accommodations were great, others were just fine. Clean, but nothing special.

If you’re looking for a special holiday and are picky about accommodation, then I’d highly recommend choosing either the “Country Cottages” or “Superior Collection” accommodations instead, this will give you more chances of having a wonderful experience on your trip.

 I loved seeing the famous Camino de Santiago tour markings while walking.

What Else to Consider When Booking Your Camino de Santiago Tour with Camino Ways

Camino Ways has packages that include dinner, but it’s also possible to get it without dinner. There are pros and cons to both.

Pros of having dinner included:  you don’t have to find a good place to eat, it will likely save you money since accommodations have special deals when you book accommodation and dinner at the same time.

Cons of having dinner included:  many places was a set Pilgrim menu so if you like to choose your own food, this isn’t a good choice. I also found that some of the restaurants were OK, but nothing special.

Finally, you’ll likely meet other pilgrims and meet new friends while trekking the ancient pilgrimage routes, it’s nice to meet up for dinner if you all get along.

But if you already have set dinner plans, you may find yourself missing out. It’s for this last reason that I’d recommend getting it without dinners, but this is a personal preference.

Choose Your Type of Camino Tour

They offer the regular Last 100Km of the Buen Camino experience but also have an “Easy Walking” tour or you can cycle it. Be realistic about what is the best option for you and your fitness level as you visit these historic cities.

Luggage Transfer on the Camino

You can choose to carry your own stuff in your backpack or choose luggage transfer. I chose the luggage transfer option and loved it but again, it’s a personal preference.

It may also depend if you have additional travel plans where you need other luggage.

 Me at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the finish point of the Camino.

Travel Insurance On Your Camino de Santiago Tour

Travel insurance  isn’t included, but I always highly recommend it for any trip, especially a physically active one like walking the Camino. Look for one that covers the following:

• loss or theft of bags, tech items like a camera, computer or mobile phone and gear. Note if you choose luggage transfer your bags may be left unsupervised so don’t put anything valuable in your bag, like your credit cards.
• medical and dental insurance during your travels
• medical repatriation (in case you get ill and need assistance getting back home)
• delayed baggage
• trip cancellation insurance

That’s why I recommend  HeyMondo  (get a 5% discount for being a Monkeys and Mountains reader). They have plans that cover all of these. I think travel insurance is always a good idea but especially when doing physical activity. It’s important to protect yourself. Read more about our  adventure travel insurance  tips.

You have limited vacation time. You work hard for your money. Therefore, you’d want to have a great experience on your incredible vacation! I get it. So do I. That’s why I highly recommend booking with Camino Ways. 

May it be pilgrim routes, fishing villages, small villages, medieval towns, or dramatic coastlines you’re looking for in a vacation, Camino Ways has all the best routes and good places for you! It’s an ideal trip you can take while someone else does all the planning for you, from where to stay, where to eat, and what to eat.

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How Much Does the Camino de Santiago Cost? A Budget Guide & Planner

As European hiking trips go, the Camino is pretty inexpensive, but it certainly isn’t free and you need to plan carefully, especially if you are doing a long stretch of trail. Use this Camino de Santiago cost calculator to help you figure out exactly how much to budget for the Camino.

I walked 300 miles of the Camino in 2014 and in 2019 I went back to complete the Frances trail. Then did the Primitivo in 2022. This Camino de Santiago budget is based upon my experience and is also informed by a survey that I conducted among members of several Camino Facebook groups.

This cost calculator will help you decide what level of budget is right for you and give you specific costs for various line items. You can also put the advice from this article into practice by signing up above to get a free Camino budget spreadsheet tool AND printable Camino packing list.

(This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase, I’ll make a small commission.)

FREE Camino Tools

Score a printable Camino packing list and an editable budgeting spreadsheet.

What Camino de Santiago Budget Level is Right for You?

A very diverse group of 300,000 people take the Camino pilgrimage every year. Pilgrims are a mix of age, gender and profession from over 170 nationalities. I didn’t want to assume that my budget level is your budget level. So, this Camino budget tool offers three different levels of budget so that you can pick the level that is right for you.

The Low Budget Pilgrim

You are a low budget pilgrim if you are trying to keep your costs as low as possible. You will stay primarily in parish or municipal albergues, which usually feature larger dorms with kitchens. They also sometimes offer a communal meal. You won’t eat out much, choosing instead to prepare your own food. You will carry your pack the whole way (rather than using a portage service) and hand wash your clothes. You will try to make do with the gear that you have or shop for gently used items.

The Medium Budget Pilgrim

The medium budget pilgrim uses a mix of municipal/parish and private albergues. The private albergues also have kitchens and often feature smaller rooms and laundry facilities. You might splurge on a guest house or hotel once or twice. You prepare some of your own food, perhaps shopping for your lunch and snacks in a grocery store. You will often eat out for dinner, sometimes choosing the fixed price pilgrim meal. You will sometimes use a laundry machine, rather than hand washing. You may portage your pack a time or two. You have some new gear that you need to purchase for the trip.

The High Budget Pilgrim

The high budget pilgrim chooses to stay primarily in private accommodations like guest houses, hotels and casas rurales, only occasionally using an albergue. This sort of lodging usually offers breakfast with a private room and sometimes a private bath. You eat out most meals, occasionally choosing nicer restaurants. You may choose to have your bag portaged more often. You purchase most of your gear new.

Camino de Santiago Costs for Daily Expenses

Read also: How to Get to Saint Jean Pied de Port for Your Camino

These are rough daily expenses for food, lodging and incidentals. I recommend that, whatever your budget, you add in an additional 15% for unexpected expenses. I had to visit a medical clinic while others reported having to replace broken shoes or lost gear.

Budgeting for Food

All of the larger towns and cities have grocery stores so you can save money by purchasing and carrying snacks and lunch items. If you are with a group, or make friends on the road, you can gang together and make group dinners. All of the smaller cafes and restaurants offer pilgrim meals for €9-10 and even their normal fare isn’t expensive. Red wine is a steal at €2 per glass.

If cooking, find others in the albergue with the same taste and pool resources.” Annie

Budgeting for Lodging

Some of the municipal and parish albergues are “donativos”. This means that they don’t have a set rate but request a donation. This does not mean that they are free. Pay what you can, at least as much as other municipal albergues charge and more if they offer a communal dinner. If you want an upgrade, you can find listings of guest houses and hotels in the Brierly Camino guide . Booking.com is also a good source for small hotels and guest houses.

If you want to treat yourself with a total splurge, you can spend a night in one of Spain’s historic Paradores . They are all over Spain and you can find three along the Frances Camino route in Leon, Villafranca del Bierzo and Santiago.

If you are wondering what it’s like to stay in a pilgrim hostel, read our albergue FAQ .

“For a splurge, have a massage” Donna

Budgeting for Incidentals

According to my own experience and the survey, the most common incidentals will be trips to the pharmacy for blister bandages, anti-inflammatories and other first aid supplies. Compeed blister bandages are my friend…but they’re an expensive friend. You should also think about budgeting for: museum entrance fees, a local sim card, laundry machines and ATM fees.

If you are going to have your luggage portaged, plan for €5 -7 for each portage through a service like Camino Facil and El Camino Correos . If you are doing a longer trip in Europe and want to lighten your pack, you can ship luggage ahead to Santiago. It will cost roughly €50 to do that through the Correos postal service.

How to Pay for Things on the Camino

Cash is king on the Camino and while you can use credit cards in some places, you’ll want to make sure that you have plenty of cash on hand. Most of the larger towns and cities have ATM machines. But there are plenty of one horse towns along the Camino that don’t.

This is not hyperbole. I stayed in Villavante, which is just before Astorga. The town had no ATM, grocery store or pharmacy, simply one albergue and one horse wandering around throughout the town.

Apps and guidebooks will help you figure out what sorts of services are available in each town. Use our guides to determine whether a guidebook or an app is right for you. Then find the best Camino apps and the best Camino guidebooks .

Budgeting for Camino Transportation

For travel from your home to a Camino gateway city (such as Paris, Madrid, Barcelona or Porto), your travel costs will vary wildly. If you are already in Europe, plan to spend €100-200. If you are coming from North America, Australia or Asia, plan to spend €500-1,000.

Once at your gateway city, you’ll need to transport yourself from there to your start point on the Camino . This will cost you €25-200. For instance getting from Madrid to Saint Jean by train and bus will cost ~€65. Check out the Rom2Rio website to help you estimate your costs. If you are starting in Saint Jean , use our guide for getting there to help you figure out your logistics.

Once on the Camino, you may also incur some incidental transportation costs if you decide to skip a segment. If you chose to do that, plan for roughly €1 per kilometer of transport.

Camino de Santiago Costs for Gear

Your Camino budget for gear is a very personal thing and depends upon how much you already have in your closet. For me and most of the survey respondents, the most common items purchased specifically for the Camino were: backpack, trail runners, pack towels, socks and clothing in tragically practical “action adventure” wicking fabrics.

Create your own checklist by reading my Camino packing list . I field tested this list and it also includes suggestions from the Camino community. You can also go price shopping by checking out Camino gear in my Amazon store .

If you need a pack, then be sure to check out our Camino backpack buying guide . It has tips on which features you need and suggestions for the top packs. We also have a guide for Camino footwear that suggests particular features, 7 popular brands and hiking socks.

“Cheap gear isn’t necessarily bad gear” Andy

Additional Resources for Planning Your Camino

• Head back up to the top of this page and sign up for the FREE budgeting spreadsheet and packing list.
• Top tips for Camino first-timers .
• Get ready for your pilgrimage using our Camino training guide , which includes trail tested tips and a 12-week fitness planner.
• Read up on the Camino with this list of 31 books featuring inspiring memoirs and wacky tales of derring do.
• Don’t forget to get a guidebook or app .
• Get inspiration from women who have done the Camino solo .
• Check out this astonishingly thorough packing list .
• Join the Camigas Facebook group . It’s an active community of lady pilgrims.
• Join the  Camino Forum  community. They have lots of resources and a place for asking questions.
• Join the St James Way walkers  Facebook group.

I hope that this resource for Camino de Santiago costs has been helpful for you. If you have questions, please comment below. If you have already done the Camino and have some budget tips to add, please do that as well.

Happy trails and Buen Camino!

Share this Camino de Santiago cost calculator with your pilgrim friends and pin this post.

Garry Nolan

Wednesday 3rd of February 2021

Hi, FYI - if coming from North America you can fly into Dublin and get cheap connecting flights to almost anywhere in Europe. If you're just doing the last 100kms (usually 5 walking days) of any route just fly to Santiago de Compostela and transfer to your start point...

Monday 4th of March 2019

Great resource! I did the CF last year and Fell into the low to mid range. I plan to do the Portuguese Camino next spring. Thanks again!

Wednesday 22nd of January 2020

Thanks Carol,

This is very useful. I walked part of the Frances in 2013 and will hopefully walking the whole Norte this spring. So an update for my budget was welcome.

Greetings, Angelique

Carol Guttery

I'm back to do some section of the Frances in June. Buen Camino!

High School Sports | Granada Hills softball shuts out El Camino…

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High School Sports

High school sports | granada hills softball shuts out el camino real, has eyes on open division championship, the highlanders' bats get to work early and junior pitcher addison moorman pitches a complete game.

Tarryn Macias fields the ball for El Camino Real after Nerissa Winokur makes a diving attempt on a pop up as they play Granada Hills April 10, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Addison Moorman delivers a pitch for Granada Hills as they host El Camino Real April 10, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Jeannette Camarena of Granada Hills hits a double against El Camino Real during West Valley League softball action April 10, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Jeannette Camarena of Granada Hills reacts on second base after hitting a double against El Camino Real during West Valley League softball action April 10, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

El Camino Real’s Senia Gutierrez throws out a Granada Hills batter in West Valley League softball action April 10, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Zoe Justman of Granada Hills makes a play against El Camino Real during West Valley League softball action April 10, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Granada Hills pitcher Addison Moorman throws out an El Camino Real batter during West Valley League softball action April 10, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

GRANADA HILLS — Last season felt painfully incomplete for the Granada Hills Charter softball team.

The Highlanders reached the Los Angeles City Section Open Division championship game, but lost to Carson by one run after eight innings.

While last season seemed fractured, the Highlanders have a complete, balanced team this season and their sights are set on winning the Open Division championship. They’re out to a 3-0 start in West Valley League play after Wednesday’s 6-0 shutout of El Camino Real.

“Our goal right now is to get to that last game (of the playoffs),” Highlanders pitcher Addison Moorman said. “That’s the only one that matters.”

Moorman, a junior, has been leading the team this season through her work in the circle. She struck out nine hitters and gave up four hits in seven innings of work. The Lehigh commit is 8-1 in the circle this season.

@haleymsawyer Complete softball game recap for Granada Hills vs. El Camino Real at dailynews.com! #reporter #journalist #sports #softball #highschoolsoftball #pitching #pitcher #highschoolsports #granadahills #woodlandhills #sanfernandovalley #lehigh #girlpower #womenssports ♬ original sound – Haley Sawyer

The confidence that’s felt by the Highlanders (16-1 overall, 3-0 West Valley League) has empowered her, she says, and the relationship she has with catcher Sam Esparza helps. Esparza had caught Moorman since 2017 and the two are so close that coach Ivan Garcia has nicknamed them “the bridesmaids” because he’s convinced they’ll be in each other’s wedding parties someday.

“She knows how to fix me. She knows how to fix everything,” Moorman said of Esparza. “She’s like a pitching coach behind the plate.”

Granada Hills got its offense going early against El Camino Real (8-7, 1-2) and piled on four runs in the second inning. Jeannette Camarena (2 for 3, two doubles) doubled to get on base, then stole third. Malia Plourde drove her in with a single to start the scoring.

El Camino Real got two runners on base in the top of the third inning when Sarah Delgado and Nerissa Winokur both singled, but the Royals were unable to bring either of them in.

The ECR offense couldn’t manufacture a run, but the defense held Granada Hills to its lowest scoring total of in a West Valley League game this season. Freshman pitcher Remi Glassman went all six innings and had seven strikeouts.

Junior Sarah Delgado was originally slated to pitch, but switched to center field after getting hit in the foot with a ball at practice Tuesday.

“Today we showed what we’re capable of if we play hard and leave it on the field,” El Camino Real coach Jodi Borenstein said. “The result is not what we want. But the competitive competitiveness and the fight is what we want.”

Camarena put up two more runs when she hit a two-run double in the bottom of the fifth inning, driving in Lainey Brown and Elyse Diaz. They two both singled to set up Camarena’s big hit.

Those three hitters are part of an upperclassmen-heavy team, and almost all of the team’s players experienced last season’s postseason run and the motivation that it produced.

“I think what happened last year really left a sour taste in their mouth,” Garcia said. “They look more focused. That’s the biggest difference.”

More softball scores from Wednesday:

Highland 7, Canyon 0

Thousand Oaks 5, Santa Clara 1

Grace 12, Foothill Tech 0

North Hollywood 27, Grant 3

Chavez 17, Poly 3

Chatsworth 6, Taft 3

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