The best practical tips for your first Camino de Santiago ☛ Viajeros Canallas (Travellers in a bad way)

Table of contents

Why do the Camino de Santiago?

The Camino de Santiago is a unique experience that combines nature, history and self-discovery. Every step you take brings you closer to the finish line, but it also allows you to enjoy spectacular landscapes, meet people from all over the world and immerse yourself in Spain's rich culture. From Sarria on the French Way to Baiona on the Portuguese Way along the coast, each route has its own special charm.

Which route to choose for your first Camino de Santiago?

When you start thinking about doing your first Camino de Santiago, one of the first questions is: which of the many routes is the right one? The choice matters, because it will mark your preparation, pace and enjoyment.

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The best practical advice for your first Camino de Santiago

The classic for beginners: the French Way from Sarria

This section is very popular for those who do the first Camino de Santiago. Because it is very well signposted, has a good infrastructure of services (hostels, locals, cafes) and allows you to walk the last 100 km to get the “Compostela”.

From our experience in Viajeros Canallas, leaving from Sarria offers a good combination of challenge, landscape and logistical relief.

Charming alternative: the Portuguese Way along the coast from Baiona

If you prefer a quieter experience, with sea views, coastal nature and less overcrowding, this stretch is perfect. It is excellent for your first Camino de Santiago because it allows you to connect with nature and the pilgrim rhythm without everything being “go fast”. In addition, our speciality includes this section.

In short: to enjoy, to meet people, and to make it the first Camino you will remember with a smile on your face.

How many kilometres per day? How much time to devote?

For your first Camino, we advise you to set realistic stages: 15-25 km per day is a comfortable average for many beginners, with us the average is 22.5 km per stage.

The important thing: listen to your body, dose, and remember that it is not a race, the Camino is experiential, everyone goes at their own pace.

Physical and mental preparation for your first Camino de Santiago

Even if you are an active person, doing your first Camino de Santiago deserves a practical preparation. Because the feet, the backpack, the pace... matter.

Simple pre-training

Make walking your best training: walk about five days a week, spend at least an hour a day and, when you can, look for longer routes or routes with hills. You will feel how your body adapts... and how each step brings you closer to Santiago.

Also practice with a light backpack.

Don't forget to stretch and take care of muscles such as calves and calves.

Mental preparation: what to expect and how to be

Your first Camino de Santiago is also an emotional challenge. You will be walking for several days, with ups and downs, new companions, surprising landscapes...

Accept that there will be times of tiredness, and even boredom or rain.

Open your mind to meeting people: one of the treasures of the Camino!

Remember that arriving is important, but living every day is just as important.

Decide to make this first Camino an enjoyable experience, not a military test.

What to take in your backpack on your first Camino de Santiago

Less is more. For your first Camino de Santiago the ideal is to travel light, but well equipped.

Backpack, weight and volume

Ideally, the backpack should weigh at most 10 % of your body weight.

Recommended size: 40-60 litres is usually sufficient for a one-week trip, for example.

Even if you have a backpack transfer service (as we offer), take the essentials with you: water, documents, money.

1: Practical list of essentials

Shoes that you have already worn and that are comfortable (avoid brand new shoes).

Clothing appropriate to the season: breathable T-shirts, trekking trousers, seamless socks, mackintosh.

Flip-flops for the shower, cap or hat for the sun, sun protection.

Reusable water bottle (or water bottle), basic first aid kit, toilet bag.

Pilgrim's credential (important for stamping and obtaining the “Compostela”).

If you wish, hiking poles: it helps a lot if you have experience using them.

2: Extra luggage, backpacking services and comfort tips

Since we at Viajeros Canallas organise routes with luggage transfer, you can forget about carrying too much luggage. But if you're doing it on your own, make sure you check that:

You don't carry things “just in case” that you won't use later.

Before setting off, check if the route has fountains or places to refill your bottle. This will help you avoid carrying too much water and extra weight.