UNDERSTANDING THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

WHAT IS THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO?

The Camino de Santiago, or The Way of Saint James, is one of Europe’s oldest and most iconic pilgrimage routes. For centuries, pilgrims have traveled by foot to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where tradition holds that the remains of Saint James are buried. While many still walk for spiritual or religious reasons (36% in 2021 according to the Pilgrims’ Office), the Camino attracts people from all walks of life and for many different motivations.

Some walk to reflect or unplug from a fast-paced life. Others are drawn by the cultural richness, natural beauty, or the physical challenge of the journey. And many are inspired by the unique, spontaneous camaraderie that forms among fellow pilgrims from around the world. Whatever your reason, the Camino offers space for transformation, connection, and unforgettable experiences.

Walking at least 100 kilometers of any official Camino route (as long as those 100 km include the last stage into Santiago de Compostela) entitles you to receive the coveted Compostela. This certificate of completion is awarded by the Pilgrims’ Office in Santiago.

IS THERE ONLY ONE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO?

No, the Camino de Santiago refers to a network of pilgrimage routes, all leading to the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Historically, pilgrims would begin their journey from their own front doors, creating a web of paths across Europe.

Today, the most popular route is the Camino Francés (the French Route), which begins in the Pyrenees and makes its way across northern Spain. Over half of all pilgrims choose this path. The Camino Portugués, beginning in Porto, Lisbon, or Ponte de Lima, is the second most walked, followed by other routes such as:

• The Camino del Norte (Northern Route), along Spain’s northern coast
• The Camino de Gran Canaria, an alternative Camino adventure starting in Spain’s Canary islands off the coast of Africa
• The Camino Portugués Coastal Route, along the west coast of Portugal and Spain
• The Camino Primitivo, the oldest known route
• The Via de la Plata, from southern Spain
• And many more across France, Germany, and beyond

If you are looking for a group tour, Andaspain offers the following fully guided tour packages starting in Spain, Portugal and France:

Tours along the Camino Francés

• The Best of the Camino de Santiago: 18-day tour sampling the best the Camino Francés has to offer starting from Roncesvalles and ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
• Every Inch of the Camino Francés: 36-day tour along the Camino Francés starting in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France and ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
• Part 1 of the Camino Francés: 14-day tour along the Camino Francés starting in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France and ending in Burgos, Spain
• Part 2 of the Camino Francés: 10-day tour along the Camino Francés starting in Burgos and ending in León, Spain
• Part 2 of the Camino Francés: 15-day tour along the Camino Francés starting in Burgos and ending in León, Spain
• The Last 100 km of the Camino Francés: 7-day tour of the last 100 km of the Camino Francés starting in Sarria and ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
• Laid-Back Last 100 km of the Camino Francés: An easier, 9-day tour of the last 100 km of the Camino Francés starting in Sarria and ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
• Laid-Back Last 100 km Feast Day: The same laid-back tour from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, Spain organized around the most important festival of the year, the Feast of Saint James

Tours along the Camino Portugués

• The Camino Portugués Coastal Route: 16-day tour along the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain
• The Camino Portugués: 10-day tour from Ponte de Lima, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Other Unique Camino Tours

• The Camino de Gran Canaria: Unique 9-day adventure across Spain’s Canary islands, from Arteara to Gáldar
• The Best of the Camino del Norte: 18-day tour along Spain’s northern coast from San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela, Spain

If you will be traveling by yourself or with a private group, we will work with you to customize your Camino pilgrimage along any route and from any starting point, just get in touch with us and we will do the rest. 

WHAT/WHERE IS GALICIA?

Galicia is an autonomous region in the far northwest corner of Spain, just above Portugal. It’s known for its lush green landscapes, dramatic coastline, Celtic heritage, and deep-rooted spiritual traditions.

The Galician language (Galego) is one of Spain’s four co-official languages and shares similarities with Portuguese. Galicia is often referred to as the “seventh Celtic nation” due to its folklore, music (especially the gaita, or bagpipe), and mystical traditions. One of the most famous of these traditions is the Queimada, an ancient spell recited over flaming Galician liqueur and used to ward off bad spirits.

The capital of Galicia is Santiago de Compostela, the final destination for most pilgrims walking the Camino.

WHERE IS THE OFFICIAL STARTING POINT?

There’s no single “official” starting point for the Camino. In fact, the Camino evolved to be a network of many different routes precisely because so many people started their pilgrimage from unique locations, often their front doors. Where you begin depends on the route you choose and how far you want to walk. Some of the most well-known starting points include:

• St. Jean Pied de Port (France): The classic start of the Camino Francés
• Roncesvalles (Spain): An alternative start to the Camino Francés after crossing the Pyrenees
• Le Puy-en-Velay or Arles (France): Routes that join the Camino Francés via Spain’s Aragón region
• Lisbon or Porto (Portugal): Starting points for the Camino Portugués
• Irún (Basque Country): The beginning of the Camino del Norte
• Oviedo: The Camino Primitivo starts here

You can even walk beyond Santiago — the Finisterre Route continues westward to the Atlantic coast, once believed to be the “end of the world.”

You can even choose to start and end your Camino on a different continent altogether. The Camino de Gran Canaria, an official Camino recognized by the Catholic church, is on the island of Gran Canaria in Spain’s African archipelago.

WHERE IS THE OFFICIAL ENDING POINT?

The official ending point of the Camino de Santiago is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, located in the historic heart of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. According to tradition, this is the final resting place of Saint James the Apostle, and for centuries it has been the destination for pilgrims walking the Camino.

Most pilgrims end their journey in the Plaza del Obradoiro, the grand square in front of the Cathedral. This is where you’ll find pilgrims celebrating, taking photos, and often embracing one another after completing their long journey on foot.

Inside the Cathedral, many pilgrims choose to attend the Pilgrim’s Mass, which is held daily and includes a special welcome to those who have arrived that day. You can also visit the Pilgrims’ Office nearby to receive your Compostela, the official certificate of completion of the pilgrimage.

For some pilgrims, the walk continues beyond Santiago, all the way to the Atlantic coastal towns of Finisterre or Muxía, traditionally seen as the symbolic end of the world and the final stretch of the journey.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCALLOP SHELL?

The scallop shell is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Camino de Santiago, and it carries deep historical and legendary meaning. In the Middle Ages, pilgrims who completed their journey to Santiago would return home with a scallop shell as a token of their pilgrimage. Since scallop shells are native to the Galician coastline, they served as a tangible sign that the pilgrim had reached Santiago de Compostela.

Others assign greater significance to the shell, believing it represents faith and the protection of Saint James. This idea comes from a well-known legend in which a knight and his horse nearly drowned at sea, only to be saved by a miracle. When they emerged from the water, they were mysteriously covered in scallop shells.

If you are of the more practical persuasion, you might choose to believe that the scallop shell simply served as a convenient way to scoop water from streams. 

Whatever its origins, today the scallop shell is a universal symbol of pilgrimage. You’ll see it on trail markers, signposts, and most commonly hanging from the backpacks of pilgrims. It’s a way to honor tradition, signal your purpose, and connect with the many who have walked before you.

We’ll provide you with your very own scallop shell when your journey with us begins.

IS IT A RELIGIOUS PILGRIMAGE?

Historically, the Camino de Santiago began as a Christian pilgrimage to honor the Apostle Saint James, and many still walk it today with religious devotion. That said, the modern Camino welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

Some walk for spiritual reasons, others for personal reflection, adventure, cultural exploration, or simply the joy of moving through beautiful landscapes in the company of others. The Camino is a deeply inclusive and open experience. Whatever your reason for walking, you’ll find a welcoming, respectful community on the trail.

CHOOSING AND PLANNING YOUR ROUTE

HOW DIFFICULT IS THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO?

You don’t need to be an athlete to walk the Camino. The trail is accessible to walkers of all fitness levels, but being in good walking shape can help you get the most out of the experience. You’ll find plenty of places to rest, soak in the scenery, and enjoy a café con leche (Spain’s version of a latte) along the way.

If you’re joining one of our fully guided tours, we also have a support vehicle available in case your legs need a break. It’s your Camino, so go at your pace.

HOW FAR DO WE HIKE EACH DAY AND WHAT IS THE TERRAIN LIKE?

The distance you walk and the type of terrain you’ll encounter depends on the Camino route you choose.

On our fully guided tours, we provide a detailed overview of each day’s terrain and difficulty level. Most guided days involve 5–8 hours of walking, averaging 15–23 km per day, depending on the route. We typically follow traditional Camino stages—shaped over time by a mix of practical and historical factors, such as ideal walking distances, pilgrim landmarks, accommodation availability, and access to food.

If you’re joining a private group tour or opting for a self-guided experience, your itinerary is much more flexible. Distances can be tailored to your preferences, and taxis or local transport options are available to help shorten or adjust the walk as needed.

Many of our tours finish in Galicia, a region known for its rolling green hills and scenic countryside. While not mountainous, Galicia is rarely flat! The trail here winds through forest paths, quiet country lanes, cobbled villages, and occasional paved roads. The Camino is very well marked throughout—but don’t be surprised if maps and apps disagree slightly on distances. It’s all part of the charm.

Our advice? Don’t fixate on numbers. Just put one foot in front of the other and enjoy the journey.

WHAT ARE THE WALKING STAGES LIKE?

Fully Guided Tours

The walking stages range from 15-23 km/day on average, depending on the specific Camino. We typically follow standard Camino stages, but a support vehicle gives your daily walk much more flexibility. You can choose to shorten your walks and skip sections as needed or challenge yourself with the full stage. 

Self-Guided Tours

We offer carefully planned itineraries along popular routes like the Camino Francés and Last 100km, but we can customize your walk to suit your preferences. You can opt for longer days, shorter stages, added rest days, you name it. Once your accommodations are booked, the itinerary is set, but there’s still flexibility before that point.

I’M A VERY FAST/SLOW WALKER – WILL THAT BE A PROBLEM?

Not at all—and in fact, this is one of the most important pieces of advice we give:

Walk at your own pace.

The Camino is not a race. It’s your journey, and the best way to enjoy it is by listening to your body and walking in your own rhythm. Trying to match someone else’s speed—whether faster or slower—can lead to fatigue, discomfort, or even injury.

We plan our days so there’s plenty of time for everyone to walk comfortably, stop for breaks, and take in the experience. Whether you’re an early riser or a leisurely stroller, you’ll have the space to make the day your own.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET LOST?

While it’s technically possible to get lost, it’s quite unlikely, especially on the Camino routes in Spain. The trail is very well marked and you can always find someone to help guide you back if you stray. 

Here’s what to look for:

• On natural trails, you’ll see stone markers counting down the kilometers to Santiago.
• In towns and cities, watch for plaques and embedded markers on the sidewalks or walls—these vary from place to place.

Most importantly, follow the yellow arrows—they’re the most consistent symbol across the Camino.

Heads up: Some bars, albergues, or shops may use arrows in different colors to direct pilgrims to their business. Feel free to follow them if you want a coffee or a stamp—but to stay on course, always return to the yellow arrows.

On less well-marked routes, our team will make sure you stay on track. If you’re on a fully guided tour, one of our guides will be walking with the group, and you’ll also receive a daily map marked with key checkpoints, food stops and points of interest.

WHAT SUPPORT WILL I HAVE ON THE TRAIL FROM ANDASPAIN?

Fully Guided Tours

Every fully guided Camino includes at least one (usually two) bilingual guides. One guide typically walks part of the trail each day, while the other drives our support vehicle, meeting you at designated checkpoints.

Before each walking day, you’ll get a daily map and walk overview. This includes:

• Terrain info and daily distance
• Support vehicle checkpoint locations
• Lunch spots and rest stops
• Highlights to look out for
• Tips for stamps and special local finds

Our guides know the Camino inside and out, and they’re there to help with anything—whether it’s ordering lunch in the local language or finding a doctor if needed. You’ll be well taken care of from start to finish.

Self-Guided Tours

If you’re walking independently, you’ll receive a comprehensive welcome pack at your first hotel. It includes:

• A Camino guidebook
• Maps to your accommodations
• Suggested restaurants and local tips
• Pre-booked taxi info and contact numbers
• A 24/7 emergency phone number for Andaspain support

While there’s no guide accompanying you, you won’t be alone. The Camino is known for being a safe, welcoming, and easy-to-follow trail, with friendly fellow pilgrims all around. And knowing your hotel is booked each night lets you relax and walk at your own pace, without pressure.

TRAINING AND PHYSICAL PREPARATION

ARE WALKING BOOTS ESSENTIAL?

Not necessarily, it really comes down to personal preference and comfort. You’ll be on your feet for several hours a day, so wearing footwear that feels good over long distances is key.

You don’t need heavy-duty hiking boots, but if you prefer ankle support, lightweight, waterproof boots are a solid choice. Many pilgrims walk in quality waterproof walking shoes with good grip. In dry weather, even trail running shoes or sturdy walking sandals (like Tevas) can work well.

Whatever you choose, make sure you’ve broken them in with plenty of walking before your trip. New shoes + long miles = unhappy feet.

It’s also smart to bring a second pair of shoes, something comfortable for evenings in town or a backup in case your main pair gets wet or starts causing blisters. If you’re on a fully guided tour, you can leave extra footwear in the support vehicle and change shoes as needed throughout the day.

WHAT TYPE OF TRAINING DO YOU RECOMMEND?

You don’t need to be an athlete to walk the Camino, but a little preparation goes a long way. We recommend doing some long walks in the weeks leading up to your trip to get your legs and feet used to distance and terrain.

Try walking 5-10 miles (8-16 km) a few times, ideally with some uphill and downhill sections while carrying your daypack. The longest distance we cover is around 18 miles (29 km), but don’t worry, you’ll have all day to cover this distance, with plenty of places to rest, refuel, and enjoy the views along the way.

You’ll be surprised how quickly your stamina builds once you’re walking daily. Even a bit of prep beforehand can make a big difference in how much you enjoy the journey.

IF I HAVE A RECENT INJURY, SURGERY OR SPECIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT, CAN I STILL PARTICIPATE?

Yes, you absolutely can. We welcome pilgrims of all abilities and are committed to helping you reach your personal Camino goal, safely and comfortably.

Before your trip, we’ll collect details about any health conditions or physical requirements so we can make the right arrangements. If you’d like to speak to us one-on-one about your needs or concerns, we’re more than happy to chat.

On fully guided tours, our team can suggest alternative trail sections if you’d prefer to avoid steep climbs, descents, or harder surfaces. We can also adjust checkpoint frequency and keep a closer eye on your progress to ensure you’re supported every step of the way.

DOES EVERYBODY GET BLISTERS?

Not everyone—but they can happen. Blisters are typically caused by friction, poorly fitting footwear, or not addressing hot spots early enough.

To reduce the risk:

• Wear well-fitted shoes and quality socks
• Break in your shoes before your trip
• Stop and treat any discomfort before it becomes a problem

With the right preparation and care, your feet will thank you—and your Camino will be all the more enjoyable.

PACKING AND GEAR

HOW MUCH CAN I BRING?

We ask that you limit yourself to one suitcase or backpack for your trip. On fully guided tours, the limit is 23 kg/piece of luggage. On self-guided tours, the limit is 20 kg for most routes and 15 kg/bag on the Camino del Norte. This limit is set by the baggage transport providers we work with If you’re bringing extra bags for other parts of your travels, let us know. We can offer advice on bag storage or help arrange additional transport.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR MY TRIP?

Our best advice is to pack light. Most essentials can be purchased along the Camino, and traveling with less means more room for souvenirs.

Clothing

Aim for layers made from quick-drying, breathable fabrics. Avoid cotton, which tends to be heavier and takes longer to dry. The following items are important:

• Waterproof jacket
• Short- and long-sleeved quick-dry tops
• Fleece pullover or lightweight jacket
• Quick-dry walking pants (convertible pants that zip into shorts are ideal)
• Comfortable walking socks tested with your footwear
• Sun hat with good coverage for face and neck
• Light gloves for cool mornings
• A reliable pair of walking boots or shoes (already broken in)
• Comfortable footwear for the evenings
• Casual clothes for town or dinner

Gear and Essentials

• A small daypack (around 20 liters) for your daily items
• Hydration system like a Camelbak, or a reusable water bottle if you prefer
• Earplugs (helpful for light sleepers or during local celebrations)
• Basic first-aid kit including blister care items like Compeed
• Sunscreen

Optional Items

Waterproof pants. Many walkers prefer to wear shorts in the rain, but if wet legs bother you, they’re worth bringing.

WHAT SHOULD I LEAVE AT HOME?

We recommend leaving valuables behind. Since we move frequently from one hotel to another, it’s easy to misplace or forget something during repacking.

CAN I BRING MY WALKING POLES?

Yes, walking poles are welcome. Be sure to check with your airline about whether they must go in checked luggage. If you don’t bring them or want a pair later, poles are widely available along the Camino. We may even have some donated pairs in our support vehicle, but we can’t guarantee it. 

DO I NEED TO BUY A GUIDE BOOK OR MAPS?

No need. We’ll provide you with a guidebook for your route and daily trail maps that include relevant highlights, checkpoint locations, and other helpful information.

WILL I HAVE TO CARRY ALL MY LUGGAGE?

Fully Guided Tours

We handle all luggage transport between hotels. Each morning, just leave your bag in the designated area and start your walk. Your guides will ensure your luggage is waiting for you at the next hotel. We also recommend keeping a small bag in the support van with anything you might need during the day.

Self-Guided Tours

If you’d rather not carry your bags, no problem. We’ll arrange for your luggage to be transferred securely to your next hotel each day, so you can walk freely with just your daypack.

ACCOMMODATION

WHAT TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION CAN I EXPECT?

Fully Guided Tours

Each hotel, converted monastery, parador, and manor house on our fully guided tours is carefully selected for its comfort, character, and proximity to the Camino. We prioritize accommodations that reflect the best of the region—whether through traditional architecture, local hospitality, or authentic cuisine. One of the advantages of traveling with a support vehicle is the flexibility to stay in exceptional places that may be off the trail. You can always count on a peaceful and comfortable night’s sleep on any Andaspain tour.

Self-Guided Tours

Because self-guided tours are fully customizable, the type of accommodation depends on your preferences. We typically recommend simple, comfortable lodgings located right on the Camino, so you won’t need a taxi or extra walk at the end of the day. All accommodations include a private en suite bathroom. If you’d like to upgrade to boutique hotels or rural guesthouses slightly off the trail, just let us know. You’ll also receive detailed Andaspain maps for each stay, including the address, phone number, photo and step-by-step directions.

IS ALL THE ACCOMMODATION ON THE TRAIL ITSELF?

This depends on the type of trip you’ve chosen. On fully guided tours, we prioritize selecting the highest quality accommodations, which sometimes means staying a short distance off the Camino, especially outside major cities. With self-guided tours, we aim to keep you as close to the trail as possible for a seamless walking experience. Staying on the Camino also tends to offer more dining options, which is a nice bonus for self-guided travelers.

DO I HAVE TO PAY A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT?

Yes, we do charge a single supplement, as we are required to pay one to the hotels we work with. We understand this can be a downside for solo travelers, so we’ve done our best to keep the cost as low as possible.

SHOULD I BRING ANYTHING EXTRA FOR THE ACCOMMODATIONS SUCH AS PILLOWS, SLEEPING BAGS, ETC?

No need to bring anything extra. All of our accommodations provide clean linens, towels, and basic toiletries. Sleeping bags and pillows are not necessary unless you have a personal preference for your own items.

WILL I HAVE A BATHTUB IN MY ROOM?

It depends. If this is a priority for you, please let us know and we will do our best to find you accommodations with a bathtub. 

DO ALL ACCOMMODATIONS HAVE HAIR-DRYERS?

Not all of them, but many do. If you’re on a fully guided tour and need one, we keep a spare hair dryer in our support vehicle for you to borrow.

I WANT TO ARRIVE A FEW DAYS EARLY/STAY A FEW DAYS AFTER THE TRIP – SHOULD I RESERVE HOTELS BEFORE I LEAVE?

If you’re traveling during a busy season, it’s a good idea to reserve extra nights ahead of time, especially in Santiago de Compostela, where accommodations fill quickly. We’re happy to give advice or help you with bookings, just let us know your plans.

FOOD AND DRINK

WHAT WILL I EAT?

On all Andaspain tours, breakfasts are included, usually in your accommodation. 

Fully Guided Tours

We love good food and know that it’s a central part of the Camino experience. On our guided trips, we include select lunches and dinners that showcase the best of the local cuisine.

Since most of our routes end in Galicia, you’ll likely get to sample regional specialties like pulpo (octopus with paprika), empanada (savory pie), Spanish tortilla (egg and potato omelet), Tetilla cheese, albariño wine, Tarta de Santiago (almond cake), and Caldo Gallego (a rustic soup with ham, chard, and potatoes).

We also prepare gourmet picnic lunches along the trail, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. These meals are inspired by the region and its seasonal produce. We’re happy to accommodate any dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free options.

Evening meals vary depending on where we stay. Often, we eat at our accommodations, which may include a home-cooked dinner in a rural guesthouse, paella made by our hosts, or vegetables straight from the garden. On other nights, we take you to our favorite local restaurants where you can enjoy an authentic taste of the region.

For meals that are not included in the tour, our guides will always provide recommendations. For detailed information about local cuisine and the number of meals provided on each trip, please consult that trip’s itinerary.

Self-Guided Tours

Daily breakfast is included on your self-guided tour. For lunch, it’s easy to pick up picnic supplies from local shops or stop at a café along the way. If you’re in the mood for something light, many restaurants offer à la carte options with sandwiches and salads. That said, one of the highlights of walking the Camino is the affordable and hearty three-course “pilgrim’s menu” available at many eateries along the trail. These meals typically cost around 15 euros and are often so satisfying they might carry you right through to the next morning.

HOW OFTEN WILL I EAT?

Breakfast is provided at each hotel before you begin your walk. While a typical Spanish breakfast is light (often just toast, coffee, and juice) our accommodations usually offer more substantial options like eggs, cheese, and yogurt. If you are on a fully guided tour, we will make sure that you are well-fed and ready to tackle the day ahead. 

Lunch in Spain is usually served between 2:00 and 4:00 PM and is the biggest meal of the day. This is the time where you are most likely to find great value three-course meals known as “pilgrim’s menus”. They usually come at an affordable price of about 15 euros and will fill you up almost for the rest of the day.

Another peculiarity about Spain is that dinner tends to be later, from around 8:30 PM to about 10:00 PM (and sometimes even later), which gives you time to rest, explore the area, or enjoy a drink before your evening meal.

For Camino trips through France and Portugal, we provide the exact same services, but the mealtimes are earlier. 

ARE SNACKS PROVIDED OR DO I BRING MY OWN?

If you are on a fully guided tour, we will provide a variety of snacks at our checkpoints throughout the day. These include fresh seasonal fruit, granola bars, nuts, pastries, and other treats suited to your group’s preferences. We also supply drinking water at these stops, so there’s no need to rely on public fountains or carry large amounts with you.

For self-guided walkers, we recommend purchasing snacks at any local supermarket, though you can usually find plenty of bars and cafés along the way where you can purchase a pincho to snack on.

CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE FOOD ALLERGIES, DIETARY RESTRICTIONS OR INTOLERANCES?

Yes. For fully-guided trips, we collect information about your dietary needs before your trip. Whether it’s an allergy or a specific food intolerance, we’ll make sure both our picnic lunches and restaurant meals meet your requirements. Please bring any personal medications you may need, just in case.

I’M VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN. WILL I FIND ENOUGH TO EAT?

While vegetarian and vegan options are less common in Spain and Portugal than in some other countries, we are committed to making sure you’re well taken care of on our fully guided tours. We’ll provide vegetarian or vegan picnic lunches and make arrangements for suitable dinner options each day. Just let us know about any dietary needs on your booking form so we can plan ahead.

IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?

Tap water in Spain is safe to drink. While there are fountains along the Camino, we do not recommend drinking from them as we cannot guarantee their cleanliness. On fully-guided trips, we provide fresh water throughout the day to refill your hydration system or water bottle.

PURCHASES ON THE CAMINO

WHAT IS THE CURRENCY IN SPAIN?

Spain uses the Euro. We recommend exchanging some money before your trip or at the airport upon arrival. It’s helpful to carry small denominations such as 20 euro or 50 euro notes. Larger notes (100 euro, 200 euro, and 500 euro) are almost never used and some shops will not even accept them.

WILL MY CREDIT/DEBIT CARD WORK IN MOST PLACES ON THE TRAIL?

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and larger towns, especially in hotels, supermarkets, and bigger restaurants. However, many small bars and cafés on the Camino do not accept cards, so it’s a good idea to carry some cash for daily expenses like coffee, snacks, or a cold drink. Be sure to notify your bank that you’ll be traveling and check that your card is authorized for international use.

ARE THERE MANY ATMS IN THE REGION?

Yes, ATMs are available in most towns and all cities along the Camino. If you’re on a guided tour, we’ll let you know where the next ATM is located so you can plan accordingly. Just remember to confirm with your bank that your card will work abroad, and be aware of any international withdrawal fees they may charge.

TRANSPORTATION

HOW DO I GET TO THE STARTING POINT OF MY TRIP?

Travel options vary depending on the route you’ve chosen. During the booking process, we’ll walk you through the best ways to reach your meeting point. If you’d like to explore transportation options in advance, here are a few helpful resources:

By air

For long distances, flying is often the quickest option. In Spain, check routes and schedules at www.aena.es. For France, visit www.aeroport.fr.

By bus

For travel within Spain, long-distance buses are reliable and comfortable. We recommend booking a “Supra” service with ALSA, Spain’s national bus company: www.alsa.es.

By train

Spain’s high-speed AVE trains are a great option between major cities. Visit www.renfe.com for schedules and booking. In France, the TGV network connects efficiently to other parts of Europe: www.tgv.com. From the UK, Eurostar provides fast rail connections to France and beyond: www.eurostar.com. For Italy, check the European TGV network: www.tgv-europe.it.

INSURANCE & HEALTH

WHAT SORT OF INSURANCE SHOULD I HAVE?

We recommend that all travelers have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation or interruption, and loss or damage of personal belongings.

If you don’t already have a policy, comparison sites such as www.squaremouth.com or www.confused.com/travel-insurance are good places to start.

WHAT IF I GET SICK WHILE I’M ON THE TOUR?

We’ll be there to support you. If you need to take a day or two off from walking, we’ll help make arrangements. If medical attention is needed, we’ll ensure you get to the nearest clinic or hospital promptly.

I HAVE TO TAKE MEDICATION WHICH NEEDS REFRIGERATION – WILL THIS BE POSSIBLE?

Yes. Just let us know in advance. You’ll need to bring a cool bag for transporting it between accommodations, and we’ll make sure a refrigerator is available at each stop.

BUEN CAMINO!

This is the phrase you’ll hear most often along the trail, and you’ll likely find yourself saying it too. It means “Good Way” or “Good Path” in Spanish, and it’s how pilgrims and locals alike greet one another on the Camino.

When someone says it to you, you can simply reply with “Buen Camino” or say “Gracias, igualmente” which means “Thank you, same to you.” It’s a small phrase, but one that carries the warmth and camaraderie of this very special journey.’ So, Buen Camino from us to you and we hope to see you on the trail soon!