Advice for the
Camino de Santiago
Walking the Camino de Santiago is more than a journey — it’s a test of preparation, endurance, and mindset. This guide offers essential advice to help you prepare physically, pack wisely, and walk safely. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, here you’ll find practical, up-to-date tips drawn from real pilgrim experiences — no fluff, just facts (and maybe a blister or two).
Planning Your Camino
Researching your chosen route and getting solid advice beforehand can greatly enhance your Camino experience. Create a rough itinerary, learn about the towns you’ll pass through, and familiarise yourself with the terrain. Understanding the cultural and historical context will make your journey richer.
We strongly recommend reaching out to an Association of Friends of the Camino. There are over 50 of them across Spain, staffed by volunteers who provide valuable advice and sell the official credencial — your pilgrim passport.
The Pilgrim’s Credencial
Before you head out, here’s what you need to know to stay safe and supported on the Camino.
Choosing the Right Footwear
Camino surfaces vary — tarmac, gravel, dirt, stone — so footwear must be supportive, breathable, and well broken-in. Trekking or trail running shoes are lighter than traditional hiking boots and provide flexibility, cushioning, and stability. Look for waterproof, breathable fabric like GORE-TEX®.
Boots offer more ankle support and protection on rocky trails, but they are heavier and less ideal on paved roads. Experience suggests starting with trail shoes unless you already know boots work best for you.
Foot Care on the Camino
Your feet are your most valuable asset. Walk at a steady pace, stop hourly to air your feet and reapply anti-chafing cream. Clean, dry socks matter — avoid cotton. Protect pressure points before blisters develop using moleskin, Leukotape®, or similar.
Footwear should be well broken-in before you set off. Moisturise daily and give your feet time to rest and breathe after each day’s walk.
Backpack Essentials
Your backpack is your mobile base. A 40- to 50-litre pack is sufficient. Aim to carry no more than 10% of your body weight. Choose a well-fitted backpack with padded shoulder straps, lumbar support, chest and waist straps, and strong stitching. Adjust it so the weight rests on your hips and back, not your shoulders.
Use a proper rain cover. Many packs include one, but they may not be durable. If needed, buy a separate high-quality cover.
Clothing for the Camino
Summer: quick-drying synthetic fabrics are best. Bring two or three changes of clothes, polyester T-shirts (short and long sleeve), two pairs of hiking socks, hiking shorts, a sweatshirt, light waterproof jacket, breathable poncho with pack cover, hat, microfibre towel, flip-flops, and sandals for evenings.
Winter: pack thermal base layers, fleece tights, waterproof windbreaker, wool socks, gloves, and a buff or hat. Layer smartly — vest, long-sleeve shirt, jacket — and adjust for temperature changes.
Essential Gear
- 1L water bottle or CamelBak® hydration system
- Head torch
- Microfibre towel
- Small first aid kit: aspirin/ibuprofen, high-SPF sun cream, iodine, plasters, sterile needles, chafing cream, Vaseline® or equivalent (ask at your chemist)
- Electrolyte tablets
- Blister protection: Leukotape®, Dr. Scholl’s® Moleskin
- Sunglasses, mobile phone, charger
- Notebook and pen, ID, credit/health card, pilgrim’s card
- Safety pins, pegs, whistle, pocketknife
- Resealable plastic bags for dry storage
Emergency & Safety Advice
- Emergency number in Spain:
112 - Most Camino organisers offer 24/7 assistance numbers — keep yours handy.
- Carry ID and emergency contact details.
- Use sun protection, especially at midday. Wear a hat and sunglasses with UV protection. Apply high-SPF sunscreen regularly.
- Shower and dry thoroughly each day to avoid infection or irritation. Don’t share razors or personal hygiene items.
- Drink only bottled or verified water. Carry 2 litres per day. Avoid water from rivers or fountains unless clearly marked safe.
- Eat smaller meals 4–5 times a day. Wash fruits and vegetables properly. Store prepared food safely.
- If cycling, wear a helmet and high-visibility vest.
- Insect repellent: Nenuco® cologne is locally used and effective. But from personal experience, the orange antimosquito spray sold at Mercadona® is the only thing that works against bites. (Disclaimer: This is a personal opinion. No affiliation to Mercadona®. Use at your own risk.)
Final Notes
Even with the best prep, the Camino will surprise you. It’s part of its charm. Take care of your body, listen to your pace, and let the road do the rest. The reward lies not just in reaching Santiago, but in the path you take to get there.
Emergency & Safety Advice
- Emergency Number in Spain: Dial
112for immediate police, fire, or medical assistance — it works across all regions. - 24/7 Support: Most organised Camino services include a 24/7 assistance line. Save it to your phone and carry it in your wallet or backpack.
- Medical Kit: Pack a small first-aid kit including plasters, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, blister care, and any personal medications. If you suffer from allergies, carry antihistamines or an EpiPen® as appropriate.
- Sun Protection: Sunstroke is real. Wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap, UV-rated sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Reapply regularly, especially if sweating. Try to avoid walking in peak midday heat.
- Hydration: Drink at least 2 litres per day. Use a refillable water bottle or a CamelBak® system for convenience. Avoid water from fountains or streams unless clearly marked potable. Add electrolyte tablets to your bottle during long or hot days.
- Food Safety: Eat light and eat smart. Choose fresh, well-cooked meals, wash fruit and veg thoroughly, and avoid food that looks like it’s been sitting out. Better safe than sorry.
- Insect Protection: Use effective repellent. Locals often swear by Nenuco® baby cologne. Personally, I find the orange antimosquito spray from Mercadona® the only thing that keeps the blighters off my sweet body. (Disclaimer: this is personal experience — no affiliation to Mercadona®. Use at your own risk. You haven’t seen me, don’t judge!)
- Evening Visibility: If walking at dawn or dusk, wear reflective clothing and a headlamp. Rural roads can be narrow and poorly lit.
- Tick Awareness: In wooded or grassy areas, use repellent around your ankles and legs. Check for ticks daily — especially behind knees, waistline, and socks.
- Cyclist Safety: If cycling, Spanish law requires helmets outside urban areas. Use reflective gear, signal clearly, and respect shared paths with walkers.
- Stay Connected: Carry a charged phone and power bank. Let someone know your plan for the day — especially if walking alone. Use offline map apps just in case coverage drops.
You can find a photo of the Nenuco® cologne bottle here.
You can find a photo of the orange spray bottle here.
Request: If the Nenuco® link on this page is broken, please let me know. Same for the Mercadona® link — click here.
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