The Beginner's Guide to the Camino de Santiago
Everything you need to know to walk your first Camino — and almost nothing you don't.
What is the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes ending at the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Today, 400,000+ people walk it each year — religious, secular, athletic, contemplative.
How it works
You walk 20–30 km per day, stay in pilgrim hostels (albergues), eat the €12 "pilgrim menu," and collect stamps in a credencial. Walk at least the last 100 km to earn the Compostela certificate.
Where to start
Five main routes. The classic is the Camino Francés from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Short on time? Walk Sarria → Santiago (5 days, 113 km). Take the quiz →
When to go
Best months: May, June, September. Avoid August (peak heat + peak crowds). See our month-by-month guide.
What to pack
Base weight under 7 kg. Good shoes, 3 sets of quick-dry clothing, sleeping bag liner, rain shell, basic toiletries, blister kit. See the full checklist.
How much does it cost?
€30–60 per day on the ground, plus flights and gear. A typical 5-week Francés trip costs €1,500–€2,500 all-in. Calculate yours →
Your first day
Get your credencial, walk slowly, drink more water than you think, stop before you're tired. The Camino rewards humility on day one.
The Camino Packing List Team
Pilgrim-tested editors
We've walked the Camino Francés, Portugués, Norte and Primitivo. Every product on this site is field-tested or vetted against pilgrim feedback before it makes our list.