Planning to walk the Camino de Santiago? Our most frequently asked questions cover everything you need to know before setting out on this historic pilgrimage. From fitness levels and training tips to accommodations, luggage transfers, weather, and what to pack, this guide will help you prepare with confidence.
Whether you’re joining one of our guided Camino treks from Sarria to Santiago or considering your first Camino adventure, we’ve gathered the top information to make your journey smooth, safe, and rewarding. Start here to get ready for an unforgettable walk across northern Spain.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Our Camino de Santiago Treks
If you’re planning to walk the famous Camino de Santiago, it’s natural to have questions about fitness, accommodations, luggage, weather, and preparation. Below, we’ve answered the top 10 most common questions we receive about our guided Camino de Santiago treks to help you prepare for an enjoyable and meaningful pilgrimage.
1). Do I need to be very fit to join a Camino trek?
You don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy the Camino de Santiago — just in good general walking condition. Most people with a moderate level of fitness can comfortably complete the daily stages with some preparation. Each day involves walking for 4–6 hours on gently rolling terrain. After booking, we’ll send you a detailed Camino training guide to help you build stamina and confidence before the trip.
2). What type of accommodation is included on your Camino tours?
We partner with handpicked 3-star hotels and local pensions located close to the Camino route. Each private room has an en-suite bathroom and offers a comfortable bed, hot shower, and welcoming atmosphere. After each day’s walk, you can relax and recover in cozy, well-located accommodations that reflect the charm of northern Spain.
3). Will my luggage be carried on the Camino?
Yes — your main bag will be transferred each day to your next accommodation, so you only need to carry a small daypack with water, snacks, and personal essentials. This allows you to focus on enjoying the walk and the stunning Galician countryside without the strain of heavy loads.
4). What’s included in the Camino trek cost?
Our guided Camino packages include the following:
1). Comfortable accommodations with private bathrooms
2). Daily breakfasts
3). Airport transfers in Spain
4). Daily baggage transfers
5). Pilgrim passport (Credencial del Peregrino)
6). Professional western guides
7). Pre-departure planning support
Not included: flights, lunches, dinners (except for the celebration dinner in Santiago), travel insurance, and the official Compostela certificate fee.
5). Will I receive the Official Compostela Certificate?
Yes! Walking from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela (over 62 miles / 100 km) qualifies you for the official Compostela Certificate, awarded by the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago. Our team will guide you through the process so you can proudly collect this meaningful symbol of your pilgrimage accomplishment.
6). How many hours will we walk each day on the Camino?
Expect to walk 4–6 hours per day, depending on the stage length and group pace. We include regular rest stops for coffee, snacks, photos, and time to explore small villages along the way. The goal is to make each day enjoyable and achievable, not rushed.
7). How should I train for the Camino de Santiago?
We recommend beginning a consistent walking routine several months before departure. Gradually build up to walking 8–12 miles (13–20 km) with a light daypack. After registering, Ian Taylor Trekking provides a custom training plan with expert advice to match your current fitness level and goals.
8). Will there be many other walkers on the Camino Francés?
Yes — the Camino Francés is the most popular pilgrimage route in the world. The final 100 km from Sarria to Santiago is its busiest section. That’s why we carefully schedule our trips in May and September, when the weather is ideal, and the trails are lively but less crowded than in July and August. You’ll still enjoy the authentic Camino spirit, meeting pilgrims from around the globe in a more relaxed atmosphere.
9). What is the weather like during the Camino trek?
Our preferred months would be May and September offer the best weather for walking the Camino.
• May: average temperatures range from 50–68°F (10–20°C)
• September: average temperatures range from 57–77°F (14–25°C)
Both months bring mild, pleasant walking conditions with fewer rainy days and cooler temperatures than the midsummer heat. You’ll experience comfortable hiking weather and beautiful landscapes in bloom (May) or golden harvest scenery (September).
10) . What should I pack for the Camino de Santiago?
A complete Camino gear list will be provided after booking, covering essential and optional items. Key items include:
1). Comfortable, broken-in walking boots or trail runners
2) Lightweight, breathable clothing. Merino is best. You will also want a few sun hoodies
3). A waterproof jacket and pains or sturdy poncho
4). Sun hat and sunscreen
5). Camel bak and Nalgene bottle
6). Personal items and small first-aid kit
Packing light and smart will make your journey more enjoyable. Our pre-departure materials also include expert gear recommendations based on your travel dates.
Ready to Walk the Camino?
Walking the Camino de Santiago is more than just a trek — it’s a cultural, spiritual, and personal journey. Our expertly guided Camino tours take care of all the logistics so you can focus on the experience itself.
Learn more about our Camino de Santiago itineraries or contact our team to start planning your 2025 Camino adventure today.
Camino Francés (Sarria to Santiago de Compostela) — Daily Highlights
Sarria → Portomarín (13.6 miles / 22 km)
• Highlights: Start in Sarria, the most popular starting point for the Camino (you’ll notice many pilgrims beginning here). Spot the medieval bridge Ponte da Áspera and charming chapels on the outskirts. Pass through Barbadelo, home to the Romanesque Church of Santiago with its carved stonework. Rolling hills, oak woods, and small hamlets. End in Portomarín, a town rebuilt stone by stone in the 1960s after being flooded for a reservoir.
Don’t Miss: The relocated Church of San Nicolás, Romanesque architecture, and views over the Miño River.
Portomarín → Palas de Rei (15.5 miles / 25 km)
• Highlights: Climb gradually out of the Miño valley. Pass through Gonzar and Ligonde, traditional Camino villages. Cross farmland, eucalyptus forests, and Galician countryside. Reach Palas de Rei, a town with medieval history and lively pilgrim atmosphere.
Don’t Miss: Visit Iglesia de San Tirso in Palas de Rei, with its Romanesque façade.
Palas de Rei → Melide (9 miles / 14.5 km)
• Highlights: A gentler, shorter stage today. Cross into the province of A Coruña, walking past medieval bridges. Arrive in Melide, a market town famous for food.
Don’t Miss: Try the local specialty pulpo a la gallega (octopus with olive oil, salt, and paprika) at one of the pulperías.
Melide → Arzúa (9 miles / 14.5 km)
• Highlights: Continue through beautiful Galician countryside and shaded forest trails. Cross medieval bridges and hamlets. Arrive in Arzúa, known for its Arzúa-Ulloa cheese (protected designation of origin).
Don’t Miss: Sample the local cheese with bread and wine.
Arzúa → O Pedrouzo (12.4 miles / 20 km)
• Highlights: Peaceful walking day through eucalyptus groves, farmland, and small villages. Pass through A Calle and Salceda, typical Galician hamlets. End in O Pedrouzo, a small town that serves as the final stop before Santiago.
Don’t Miss: Rest well tonight — tomorrow is the big day!
O Pedrouzo → Santiago de Compostela (12.4 miles / 20 km)
• Highlights: Emotional and rewarding final stage of your pilgrimage. Walk through Lavacolla, where pilgrims once traditionally washed before reaching Santiago. Pass Monte do Gozo (Mount of Joy), where you’ll glimpse the cathedral spires for the first time. Enter Santiago’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the resting place of St. James.
Don’t Miss: The Pilgrim’s Mass (if possible), visiting the Portico da Gloria, and the lively atmosphere of the Praza do Obradoiro. Evening celebration dinner with the group.
Essential Camino de Santiago Tips for Your Guided Trek
Planning your guided trek with Ian Taylor Trekking along the final 100 km of the Camino Francés from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela? Here are the must-know tips that will help you prepare, walk with confidence, and fully enjoy this legendary journey.
1). Get your Pilgrim’s Passport
Your pilgrim passport is your key to stamping the journey, tracking your progress, and qualifying for the official Compostela Certificate. We’ll arrange it for you as part of your package, so you’re set from the start.
2). Choose your dates and route with care
With Ian Taylor Trekking you’ll walk the well-marked last 100 km from Sarria with a western guide. This is an ideal distance to qualify for the Compostela and enjoy the Camino community. May and September are especially good months thanks to milder weather and fewer crowds.
3). Train with Purpose
Walking 4–6 hours daily with a daypack is what the journey will feel like. We provide you with training advice when you book — build up steadily to 8-12 miles (13-20 km) in one session before you join us. Doing this on back to back days in your training is important.
4). Pack smart, walk light
A comfortable pair of trekking shoes, breathable layers, rain protection, a sun-hat, a reusable water bottle — these carry you far. Your main luggage is transferred by us, so your day-pack stays light and your walk remains joyful.
5). Embrace the culture
The Camino is as much about people, local life and shared experiences as it is about walking. Learn a few friendly Spanish phrases (“¡Buen Camino!”, “Gracias”, “Por favor”), take a moment in a village cafe, and connect with your fellow pilgrims.
6). Follow the yellow arrows and scallop shells
The route is well-marked, and with our experienced guide leading you each day, you’ll walk with ease. Still, trust your intuition and stay gently aware — each mark leads you onward, step by step.
7). We will set the correct pace, not a race
This isn’t about speed — it’s about presence. With pre-booked accommodations and daily support from our team, you can focus on the scenery, the rhythm of walking, the camaraderie of fellow pilgrims — not racing the clock.
8). Mind your body and feet
Those 4–6 hours of walking add up. Use the rest-stops built into the itinerary. Adjust your pace if your feet feel sore. Drink plenty of water. Use sun-protection. Listen to your body — your guide is there to help you. Bring compeeds!
9). Respect the Camino spirit
The path is shared by walkers from all over the world. A friendly greeting, a smile, letting others pass — simple courtesies make the journey richer for everyone. The Camino is about connection, community and mutual respect.
10). Celebrate your arrival in Santiago
Reaching Santiago de Compostela isn’t just the end of a trek — it’s the culmination of personal effort, reflection and transformation. Stay an extra day if you can: visit the cathedral, absorb the medieval city, and savor the moment. The Camino changes you. Share your story, keep your pilgrim passport as a memento, and stay connected with your fellow walkers. Many pilgrims go on to walk different legs of the Camino in future years — and you might well join them.
Ready to Begin?
At Ian Taylor Trekking, we handle the logistics, guide the way, transfer your bags, and ensure each stage flows smoothly—so you can immerse fully in the walking, scenery and the experience of the Camino de Santiago.