Advice on the Camino de Santiago

Making the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in any of its different routes, for many people has recently been becoming a test for physical and spiritual growth. Therefore, every year the number of pilgrims increases, and if you are one of the people interested in making this journey, then you will get the best information about the best pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela. tips for the Camino de Santiago.

Choosing the best time

It can be said that any season is suitable for to do the Camino de Santiago, but considering climatic factors, there are seasons of the year that are better than others.

The available seasons for the pilgrimage are:

High season, or summer season, which runs from the end of May to the end of September. This is the period of time of greatest influx of pilgrims, especially the last stages of the French Way and the Portuguese Way, which are the two best known.

Mid-season (spring and autumn) are the best times to to walk the Camino de Santiago, as temperatures are more pleasant, the weather is more stable and the entire infrastructure is in place.

Low season, or winter season, which runs from November to the end of February or beginning of March. This is the worst season considering the weather, due to the frequent rains, intense cold and even snow in some areas.

Select the route you are going to follow

This is a fundamental aspect of to do the Camino de Santiago, as the experience you have on the pilgrimage will be in accordance with the route you have decided to take.

Although each route is different, there are some that are recommended for those pilgrims who have not had previous experience, such as the French Way and the Portuguese Way.

Both have more infrastructure available and include less complicated stages, which can be done by people without optimal physical preparation.

Improving physical preparation

Here are some useful tips for improving your physical preparation before undertake the Camino de Santiago.

• Walk daily for one or two hours and always wear the same shoes you are going to do the Camino in, so you can verify that it does not cause any discomfort.
• If you plan to use the backpack, load it with a similar weight to what you will be carrying and walk around with it for several days. This way you will know if it causes discomfort or pain.
• A month before you can do a couple of mountain routes of 6-8 hours minimum, with all the equipment you are going to use on the Camino de Santiago. There is no better way to test your adaptation to the equipment you want to carry.

Although these recommendations are not required in order to to do the Camino de Santiago, will be of great help to avoid extreme fatigue, avoid foot discomfort, and to make the most of this experience.

Recommendations for clothing and footwear

This is one of the aspects that must be addressed with the highest priority when seeking to to walk the Camino de Santiago.

A basic list of what is required might be as follows:

• Comfortable trousers that can be sport or hiking trousers.
• Short-sleeved T-shirt, also for sports or mountaineering.
• An extra change of clothes.
• Two changes of underwear.
• Toilet bag with basic products (shampoo, shower gel, etc.).
• Suitable footwear that you have already worn. It is not advisable to use brand new shoes.
• Sandals to rest your feet at the end of the stages.
• Mackintosh or poncho.
• Fleece or sweatshirt.
• A windbreaker.
• Coat (if it is the cold season).
• Anti-blister socks.
• Bottle to be filled with water from fountains. Do not drink from those marked as non-drinking.

Necessary basic first aid kit

Another important item to add to your luggage for walking the Camino de Santiago is a small first-aid kit. At every stage of the route you will pass through populated areas where you will usually find pharmacies. However, it is always necessary to carry a small first-aid kit with basic products. This can include the following:

• Commonly used medicines.
• Plasters and Compeed for blisters.
• Painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
• Disinfectant, such as Betadine.
• Gauze for cleaning wounds or blisters.
• Tape.
• Alcohol.
• Vaseline.

Start time of the stages

While the Way of St. James As this is not a competition, it is recommended to start each stage in the early hours of the morning, in order to be able to take the time to have lunch at leisure and finish the stages in the middle of the afternoon. This is ideal to take a shower, rest and then go out for dinner and get to know the place.

Also, if it is high season and you plan to stay overnight in public hostels, it is necessary to arrive early to secure your spot, as they are on a first-come, first-served basis. Another point to consider is to leave early to try to avoid the hottest hours of the day.

Accommodation

In terms of accommodation, you have the options of staying at during the Camino de Santiago in private hostels or in public hostels. Private hostels are recommended, depending on the possibilities you have, for the quality of the facilities and the treatment offered.

If you opt for public hostels, it should be noted that most of the hospitaleros in charge of the hostels are people who voluntarily devote their time to make the Camino easier for pilgrims. Therefore, it is advisable not to be too demanding on this type of trip.

Meals

Doing the Camino de Santiago can also result in a great food experience, with the possibility of tasting the traditional dishes of Galician gastronomy.

Most restaurants offer the so-called pilgrim's menu. In addition to its affordable price, it usually includes traditional and energetic dishes that are offered both at noon and in the evening. Therefore, you can enjoy it at any of these meals.

Obtaining the Compostela

To obtain the Compostela when you have finished the to do the Camino de Santiago, you must go to the Pilgrim's Assistance Office of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, located at Rúa das Carretas, 33.

It is advisable to go in the afternoon, before the office closes. In this way, you avoid the hours of the day when the pilgrims are most crowded. In addition, you can also process it the day after your arrival in Santiago de Compostela and it will be granted free of charge.

Conclusion

Through this series of tips for the Camino de Santiago, you will have the possibility to motivate yourself to make this experience a reality. In addition to being able to carry out better planning so that your journey as a pilgrim is successful.