Wick and I answer the most Frequently Asked Camino Questions in this blog. If you’ve been curious about how the journey works, what’s possible within a limited timeframe, or whether you need to walk the entire route, keep reading—we cover it!
Do You Have to Walk a Whole Camino Route?
Camino Question answered-- No, you don’t have to walk an entire Camino route.
However, as of this date (March 2025) there are updated requirements if you want to receive a Compostela—the official certificate of a completed pilgrimage to St. James' tomb. For this you will need to purchase a Credenciál or pilgrim passport that you will use to collect sellos (stamps given at albergues, hotels, cafés, churches along the Way) as a record of your route and distance. We usually get a stamp in the morning before leaving our lodging and another when we arrive at that night’s lodging. For good measure we collect others at places we really like during the day.
Requirements for a Compostela
Here are the basic requirements for earning a Compostela: 1.) The name pilgrim (peregrino) walks for spiritual purposes and ultimately to honor St. James and visit his tomb, 2.) Be sure you have walked at least 100 continuous kilometers, 3.) You have walked a final stage into Santiago de Compostela to arrive at the Cathedral and Tomb. [Until recently, you had to walk the final 100 km into Santiago de Compostela and the three most popular routes for meeting that requirement were]:
- Camino Francés: Walk from Sarria to Santiago.
- Camino Portugués: Walk from Tui to Santiago.
- Camino Inglés: Walk from Ferrol to Santiago.
We recommend that you verify exact requirements for receiving a Compostela on the actual Cathedral Pilgrim Office website. Pilgrim Office authorities have recently begun refining the wording of the requirements, so it makes sense to stay updated on their website.
However, should you not be walking for spiritual reasons, you can still request a Certificate of Distance walked which is also a beautiful certificate and keepsake for your journey. You will want to verify the Santiago Pilgrim Office hours and leave plenty of time to get your Compostela or Certificate of Distance as you have to go to the Pilgrim Office to receive them.
If receiving the Compostela or Certificate of Distance isn’t your goal, you can choose any section of the Camino that suits your interests and timeframe.
What Can I Do in One to Two Weeks?
Camino Question Answered--A 400-500mi Camino can take 30-40 days, but you can absolutely experience the Camino in two weeks!
First, consider whether getting the Compostela or Certificate of Distance is important to you. If it is, you’ll need to comply with the requirements mentioned above.
If you’re more focused on a scenic or cultural experience, you have more flexibility to skip sections and build your own itinerary. For example:
- St. Jean Pied-de-Port to Pamplona: A beautiful, but challenging stretch over the Pyrenees and then down to Pamplona. St. Jean (SJPP) is a lovely French mountain town bustling with European families on vacation and pilgrims. Pamplona is a beautiful and very pilgrim friendly city with every amenity. It’s a favorite of ours.
- Pamplona to Burgos: A beautiful, quiet stretch through wine country (La Rioja), perfect for a family trip. Burgos is another lovely and very pilgrim friendly city. Another one of our favorites.
- One Week Options: The three routes listed above are around 100 km each and can be walked in a week or less at an average pace.
The key is choosing the section that best matches your time, interests, and desired experience.
Should I Go to Santiago?
Camino Question Answered--Yes! Even if you aren’t walking into Santiago, it’s worth visiting.
Santiago de Compostela is a stunning medieval city with a vibrant pilgrim atmosphere. The Plaza Obradoiro in front of the cathedral is a special place where pilgrims gather, full of emotion and celebration. Whether you walk into the city or take a train or bus for a visit, experiencing Santiago is a highlight of any Camino journey.
Santiago de Compostela is one of our favorite cities on the Camino Francés and we have visited it numerous times over the years since our first time in 2007.
What If I Get Hurt or Fall Behind?
Our answer is from lots of personal experience. Injuries, illness, and fatigue can happen, but there are ways to adapt:
1. Preventing Injury
- Walk at your natural, comfortable pace.
- Train with a weighted pack before your trip.
- Avoid overexertion, especially on the first few days.
- Care for your feet to prevent blisters and other overuse injuries.
2. If You Need a Break
- Taxis and buses are available throughout Spain, allowing you to skip ahead if necessary. [Note: you will need to factor in any transportation help if you are intending to walk 100km to qualify for a Compostela]
- If you fall behind schedule, use transport services to catch up.
- Many services offer pack transport, so you can walk with just a lighter weight daypack if needed.
3. Helen’s Personal Story
On our first Camino in 2007, I carried a pack that was too heavy (36lbs!!) and walked too far on the first day. As a result, I developed a stress fracture in my foot, had to stop walking, and bus to Santiago to find crutches. I learned the hard way that pacing yourself and using available services can make or break (pun intended!) your Camino experience.
Summary & Final Tips
- You don’t have to walk the entire Camino route—choose a section that fits your time and goals.
- Two weeks is enough time to experience the Camino, whether you want to earn a Compostela or just have a scenic adventure.
- Visiting Santiago is worth it, even if you don’t walk there.
- If something goes wrong, adjust your plan—buses, taxis, and pack transport can help keep finish what you started.
- Walk at your own pace to prevent injuries and make the most of your journey.
We hope this guide helps you plan your Camino! If you found this helpful, subscribe to our free mailing list to access our website Resource Library for more tips and insights. Hit the subscribe button and ring the bell on our Camino Provisions YouTube channel and you will be notified when we publish a new video. Follow us on FaceBook and Instagram for daily posts about the Camino.
More Good Stuff
Read More
Which Camino Route is Best for You? Blog
Leave a Reply