Walking the Camino is not for the faint of hearted. It requires a certain level of physical fitness, as well as mental fortitude and a willingness to embrace discomfort and uncertainty. The discomfort comes in droves via the pain you can get in your feet after walking miles and miles every day.
For those who make the journey, it can be a transformative experience, offering a sense of accomplishment, connection to others and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. Most Pilgrims I know that have finished the journey say that life is never the same again.
Here’s a look at what a typical 24-hour period might look like for Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.
Mornings on the Camino
Pilgrims typically wake up early, before sunrise, in order to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and cover as much distance as possible before the heat of the day sets in. This was mainly around 6-7am with a quick half hour to brush teeth and get ready for the day before setting off.
Most Pilgrims stay in an albergue or hostel, where they’ll have access to a shared kitchen to prepare breakfast if they want.
Breakfast in an albergue might consist of simple foods like bread, cheese, yogurt, fruit, and coffee. Its a good idea to buy your breakfast in a local supermarket the night before as thats a pretty inexpensive option.
The act of waking up early and starting the day with a simple breakfast can be invigorating for pilgrims. It’s a chance to set intentions for the day ahead and to connect with other pilgrims who are embarking on the same journey.
Midday on the Camino
As the day wears on, the sun begins to beat down and the temperatures start to rise. Pilgrims might take a break in a shady spot to rest and rehydrate.
It’s a great time to eat a snack, such as a protein bar or a piece of fruit and take off your shoes and socks to air out your feet. After midday if your feeling particularly tired, you might take a short nap or meditate for a few minutes. I have never done this but have heard of some Pilgrims that do this to really recharge in the middle of the day.
The midday hours can be challenging for pilgrims. The heat and fatigue can take a toll on the body and mind, and it can be tempting to give up or cut the day short. But for those who persevere, this time can also be a chance to dig deep and find strength that you didn’t know you had. At the end of the day its your Pilgrimage so just do whatever feels right for you.
It’s not a race and Santiago will always be there.
Afternoons on the Camino
In the afternoon, pilgrims continue along the trail. They might encounter challenging terrain, such as steep hills or rocky paths, which require them to slow down and focus on their footing. They might also come across interesting landmarks, such as churches or ancient ruins, that offer a glimpse into the history and culture of the region.
As evening approaches, pilgrims start looking for a place to stay for the night. They might check their guidebook or consult with other pilgrims to find the nearest albergue or hostel unless one has been booked in advance. These accommodations are often basic but clean and affordable, with shared dormitory-style rooms and communal bathrooms.
At Municipal albergues you may need to wait in line to check in, but the atmosphere is usually very friendly and welcoming.
After settling into your accommodations, pilgrims might take a shower or wash up in a sink to freshen up after a long day and there is always the opportunity to do laundry if there’s a washing machine available.
One my journey we do laundry every 3 days as we only take 3 changes of clothing. Check out my packing list for the Camino.
Evenings on the Camino
After showering and doing laundry Pilgrims will typically relax on their bunks or sit outside in the sun with a cold beer and plan out our journey for the next day. Some Pilgrims will take a nap before getting ready for the evening, or stroll around the location and visit a church or monastery.
The evening hours on the Camino can be a time for rest, reflection, and connection with others. They might also attend a mass or prayer service, as the Camino is a deeply spiritual experience for many. I also work on my journal at this time of the day, making sure i get my thoughts down on paper and even some scribbled pictures.
This is a great way of preserving some of those memories.
One of the other great things about the Camino is just chatting with other Pilgrims and learning about their journey and travels. Normal day to day work and business talk just does’nt get mentioned. Everyone is here for the Camino and normal life seems to be on hold.
Dinner is often a communal affair for pilgrims, with many albergues offering a communal kitchen or dining area where people can prepare and eat meals together. Pilgrims might cook their own meals or pitch in to make a group meal with others they’ve met on the trail. They might also venture out into the nearby town to find a restaurant or bar to eat at.
Most restaurants do a style of ‘Pilgrim dinner’ that costs anywhere from €10-15 and whilst a bit basic they can really fill you up. A typical day on the Camino expends a lot of calories so you need to replace them with anything you can get.
BONUS – The Pilgrim dinner nearly always comes with free wine 🙂
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