Frequently Asked Questions

Should I walk the Camino by myself, or find friends or family to join me?

Both options can be very rewarding, so it depends on your goals for walking the Camino. If you want an introspective time of reflection, it may be better to walk the trail by yourself. When you walk alone, you have more freedom to choose your own pace and schedule. If you are walking with others, consider what you will do if your paces are quite different, if one person wants to take a rest day and another does not, or if one of you becomes injured and needs to stop walking.

I’m a woman, is it dangerous for me to walk the Camino by myself?

As long as you walk during a reasonably popular season on a well-traveled route, you will be guaranteed to have other people to walk with. The Camino is generally very safe for women, though there have been a few reported incidents over the years involving women being flashed or otherwise approached inappropriately. In 2015, there was a particularly tragic case when American pilgrim Denise Thiem was murdered near Astorga. The perpetrator was apprehended, and the case appears to have been an anomaly. Always be aware of your surroundings and stay within earshot of other walkers. Carry a whistle that you can use to alert others in an emergency. Three sharp blasts are a universal distress signal.

Carrying a mobile phone may help increase confidence in the event of an incident. In remote areas of the Camino, police often patrol to help keep pilgrims safe. If you experience any inappropriate behavior, please report the incident to the authorities. Tourism is an important industry in Spain, and local authorities are keen to keep visitors safe and happy.

How heavy can my bag be?

Your bag transported by the baggage service may not weigh more than 15 kg when walking the Camino Portuguése, Francés, or Finisterre; 13 kg for the Via Podiensis route; and 20 kg for the via Francigena route. Only one bag per person will be transported—do not pack additional bags, as extra luggage will not be transported.

How do I get from Santiago to the airport?

Ask your accommodation to book you a taxi to Santiago airport the night before you leave. It’s quick and convenient.

Why are Camino stamps important?

Each town has unique Camino stamps for your pilgrim passport. Get them at churches, coffee shops or small shops – it’s part of the tradition and a nice souvenir.

Do I need to bring towels or bedding?

No – all hotels provide linen and towels, which helps keep your luggage light.

How do I do laundry?

You can wash your clothes by hand daily. Most accommodation has washing machines or sinks available.

Can I do some shopping along the way?

Yes, but limit it – everything has to fit in your bag and keep your weight per bag in mind when shopping. Buy only what you need.

How much water should I carry on the Camino?

There are many places to refill water, so you normally won’t need more than 1 liter.  However, each day check where your next water source may be. Our guidebooks outline where potable water sources are located. If there is a space of longer than 5km/3mi between water points, consider carrying 2 liters.  In the heat of summer, you may wish to always have 2 liters of water. Never refill your bottle from fountains marked “non-potable”—that means the water is not treated for drinking and may make you sick.

What airport should I fly to?

It all depends on your starting point.  Biarritz is the closest airport for starting the Camino Francés at St-Jean or Roncesvalles.  You can take a bus or train to the start point.  For the Camino Francés, Paris, Madrid, and Barcelona are all popular cities to fly into, then a bus or train can take you to your start-point. For the Portuguése route, there are airports in Lisbon and Porto. For the Norte route, San Sebastián airport is very close to Irún. The Asturias airport is not far from Oviedo, though there are good train connections from Madrid. The A Coruña or Santiago airports are convenient options for those walking the Camino Inglés.

To return home, the simplest option is to fly on a budget airline from Santiago airport back to the airport you flew into. Domestic flights to Madrid are quite affordable and often a better option than taking a train. Note that there are not direct from Santiago to Porto or Lisbon, so busses or trains are the only option to get back to Portugal.

Should I follow other route suggestions on social media?

We recommend sticking to your guide and map. This will keep you on track and ensure you arrive at your planned towns.

What is the purpose of the tags I get?

You will get a “Buen Camino” tag for your backpack, and a larger one which will stipulate "Camino Frances, Camino Portuguese, Camino Finisterre" etc, for your main bag. This helps to easily identify your luggage.

How do I get to my accommodation from Porto airport?

It is cheaper and easier to take a taxi from Porto airport yourself (around €15) rather than arranging other transport.

When should I check in for my flight?

Check in the evening before your flight to avoid having your seat taken away due to overbooking.

How do I get back to Porto from Santiago?

There are 3 daily buses (09:00, 11:00, 13:00) from Santiago to Porto or the airport. An easy and affordable option.

What if I am allergic to shellfish?

Mention it at every restaurant. For severe allergies: buy food at supermarkets rather than eating in restaurants.

What if I want to start hiking very early?

Ask your accommodation the night before for a breakfast pack. Start hiking as soon as it is light – it is safer and easier to see the route.

Should I bring cash or can I just use a card?

• Keep at least €50 cash with you for emergencies or places that don’t accept cards.
• Card payments usually work well, but small purchases (under €5) are sometimes only accepted in cash.
• Use reliable ATMs to withdraw small amounts regularly. Don’t carry large amounts of cash.

What is the average daily cost on the Camino?

Here are some expected prices:

• Coffee: €1.20 – €1.50
• Lunch: €7 – €10
• Dinner (Menu del Día): €12 – €20
• Bottle of water: €1
• Glass of wine: €1.50
• Beer: €0.50 – €2
• Laundry: €3 – €6

The most expensive meals between €20 – €30 are found in big cities like Santiago or in Italy.

Tips to save money on your Camino?

• Drink tap water (it’s safe) and use a refillable bottle.
• Eat the Menu del Día – three-course meals at a good price.
• Buy coffee at the counter rather than sitting down – it’s cheaper.
• Always ask if card payments are accepted before ordering.
• Use your banking app to keep track of your expenses and fees.

What should I not forget when it comes to money matters?

• Notify your bank that you are going on a trip – otherwise they may block your card.
• Keep a photo or copy of your card and ID separate.
• Divide your money between your daypack and your main bag.
• Only withdraw money from safe and visible ATMs, especially if you are traveling alone.

How do I travel between cities or towns on the Camino?

You can use trains, buses, taxis, or even day tours – depending on your route and time.

How do I book a train in Spain?

Use the Renfe website: renfe.com

• Routes between major cities such as Madrid, León or Santiago.
• Reservations usually only open 30 days before the trip.
• Save or print your ticket.

How do I book a bus trip?

Use the ALSA website: alsa.com

• Good for shorter distances or routes from airports to Camino points.
• Tickets available about 30 days before travel.
• You receive a digital ticket by email – have it ready.

What if I NEED TO BOOK A BUS FROM FINISTERRE TO SANTIAGO?

Use the Monbus website: Monbus.es 

• Save or print your ticket.
• This bus can also be arranged by Stap die Camino.

What if I don't want to book transport myself?

We can do it for you!

• We book on your behalf and send the confirmation by email.
• Service fee: €10 per booking (for time, admin and follow-up).