Planning your Camino de Santiago pilgrimage? Whether it's your first time or your fifth, a little prep can go a long way in making your journey smooth and memorable. Today I’m sharing some of our best tips: Finding your Camino walking pace, what lodging is along the Way, and other great planning tips. These are things we wished we had known back in 2007 when we walked for the first time. They can make a difference in whether you finish what you set out to do.
Let’s dive in!
Where to Stay on the Camino: It’s Not Just Albergues
If you've watched The Way or other Camino documentaries, you’ve probably seen pilgrims sleeping in large dorm-style albergues (hostels). These communal spaces are great for budget travelers and meeting others—but they’re not your only option!
Here's the scoop:
- Albergues are common and inexpensive but come with shared bathrooms and (often) a symphony of snoring.
- Private rooms in small hotels, guesthouses, and private albergues offer comfort, quiet, and more privacy—perfect for pilgrims who need solid sleep.
Pro Tip: Don’t feel pressured to stay in albergues. You do you. Choose accommodations that match your budget, comfort level and energy for each stage of the journey.
Our Must-Have Travel App: Rome2Rio
Wondering how to get from Madrid or Paris to St. Jean Pied-de-Port, the traditional Camino starting point? We use Rome2Rio. I’ve been recommending this app/website for years, and we wouldn't travel anywhere without it. Here’s why.
This free app (and website) is a game-changer. Just plug in your current location and your destination, and it’ll show you:
- Trains
- Buses
- Flights
- Rideshares
- Even rental car options
Each option includes links to actual booking sites. Whether you’re planning ahead or navigating last-minute changes, Rome2Rio helps you chart your course from “here” to “there”. We have the app on our phones.
How Far Will You Walk Each Day? Find Your Walking Speed
A common Camino question: “How long will it take me to walk from St. Jean Pied-de-Port to Santiago?” Truly, one of the most important parts of a joyful Camino is finding a sustainable walking speed, and sticking to your pace. This will also help you plan your Camino lodging, as you will know how far you can walk in a day. If you want to serve a bed or room a day or two ahead, you will need to know what distance you can walk.
Spoiler: It depends on your walking speed.
Here’s how to calculate it:
- Go to a local track or a known route.
- Walk a mile with a weighted backpack (use some hand weights or even canned goods if you haven’t packed your Camino gear yet).
- Time yourself.
- Multiply your speed by the number of hours you plan to walk daily (typically 4–6 hours), and add break times.
- Don’t forget to add a few recovery days—your body will thank you.
Example
If you walk 3 miles/hour for 5 hours a day, that’s 15 miles/day. Over two weeks, that’s 210 miles—plenty of time for one of the shorter Camino routes or a meaningful section of the Camino Francés.
Our Favorite Camino Guidebooks (And a Word of Caution)
Yes, guidebooks are super helpful—but don’t feel tied to them.
Here are our favorites:
- John Brierley’s Guidebook (the classic!)
- Village to Village
- Wise Pilgrim (also an app)
- And our own guide to preparing: Camino de Santiago: Guide to Preparing Well and Saving Money 2.0 (available in print and Kindle)
But here’s something to keep in mind:
- Everyone else is reading the same guidebooks, and using the same apps.
- Which means everyone may stop in the same towns.
- Result? Accommodations fill up fast.
Tip: Create your own itinerary. Mix things up. Choose stopping points a little before or after the "recommended" towns to avoid crowds and boost your chances of finding a bed.
Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Walk Joyfully
Every Camino is different—and that’s the beauty of it. Whether you're staying in albergues, boutique hotels, or something in between, planning a realistic pace, and using smart tools like Rome2Rio, will help you focus on the journey itself.
Got questions or tips of your own? Drop them in the comments here or on the other social media! And if you're looking for more Camino prep advice, make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and check out our guidebook to help you prepare.
Buen Camino, friends!
—Helen from Camino Provisions
MORE Good Stuff
The Rome2Rio website: https://www.rome2rio.com Find the free app in your phone app store.
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