What to Bring on the Camino de Santiago

Bring gear, documents and money — in that order of planning, and in reverse order of weight. This page covers the non-gear essentials most packing lists skip: paperwork, cash, pharmacy items and the things worth buying in Spain instead of carrying from home.

Documents to bring

• Passport — required for albergue check-in and flights.
• Pilgrim credencial — stamped twice a day in the final 100 km.
• Travel insurance — with medical evacuation; keep a photo on your phone.
• EHIC/GHIC card if you are eligible as a European resident.
• Two bank cards from different networks, stored separately.

Money and payments

Plan on €35–50 per day. Municipal albergues are €8–15, private albergues €15–25, pensións €35–60. Cards work in cities but many village bars and donativo albergues are cash-only, so carry roughly €100 and top up at ATMs in larger towns. Our budget calculator gives a per-route estimate.

Pharmacy and first-aid essentials

• Compeed or hydrocolloid blister patches and leukotape.
• Ibuprofen, paracetamol and any prescription medication in original packaging.
• Electrolyte tablets — essential in July and August heat.
• Anti-chafe balm, antihistamine, and antiseptic wipes.

Prevention beats treatment: read the blister prevention guide before you start walking.

Buy it in Spain, don't carry it

• Sunscreen, toothpaste, soap and laundry detergent — cheap in every supermarket.
• Walking poles — available in outdoor shops in Saint-Jean, Pamplona and Porto.
• Extra socks or a warm layer if a cold front arrives.
• Snacks and fruit — daily, from local shops rather than carried from home.

Then choose your kit

For the item-by-item gear list, see what to pack and what to wear.