The day-to-day life and organization of a pilgrim walking
the Way  Of  St. James

We do not intend to prescribe a particular daily routine for pilgrims or to impose a specific way of experiencing the pilgrimage.
This article (a bit cold and devoid of the magic that makes the Camino so special) is merely a reflection of the author's observations and experiences...

It is primarily intended to shed light for those preparing to embark on a pilgrimage, who are wondering what the daily life of a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago is like. It also offers reassurance to those who are apprehensive about the unknown of living without the daily comforts to which many of us have become accustomed.

Moreover, it is this very uncertainty, this change in one's way of life, this living in the present moment, and the unknown of where each night will be spent that, among other factors, makes the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela (and other such journeys) so enchanting.

Security

Times are changing. Nearly 500,000 pilgrims arrived in Santiago de Compostela in 2024 alone! This figure does not include those who only completed a portion of the pilgrimage, indicating that the overall number of pilgrims on the various routes is significantly higher. This influx has naturally brought with it a set of challenges. Mirroring the broader society and its shortcomings (crime, manners, etc.), these issues are not necessarily caused by the pilgrims themselves, but rather by certain individuals in the regions traversed. It's a simple mathematical equation: the more people, the higher the likelihood of problems.

Throughout history, there have been "Jacquets," fraudulent pilgrims who took advantage of the credulity of those on the pilgrimage to steal their belongings. While this still occurs today, in recent years, social media has seen an uptick in testimonies from solo female pilgrims who have encountered exhibitionists or been followed by suspicious individuals. Fortunately, the high traffic of the Camino often means that the arrival of other pilgrims has scared off these individuals.

While these cases are marginal and the goal of this warning is not to cause alarm, it is important to be aware of them. As the saying goes, 'forewarned is forearmed'."

We strongly advise all pilgrims to download the AlertCops app. Developed by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior in 2014, AlertCops is a lesser-known gem (despite over a million Android downloads). Available in multiple languages, the app features an SOS button (directly accessible from your home screen) and allows you to be geolocated by the Guardia Civil. You can also pre-record messages to be sent to your emergency contacts, along with your location.

In such moments, it can be very difficult to rummage through one's contacts, search for a number to call, and so on. The SOS call button makes this task much easier.

You can find more information and download the app directly from the Android or iOS app stores, or by visiting the AlertCops app page. While the website is currently available in Spanish, English...

Having issued this warning, let us begin by addressing the issue of luggage. Except for medical reasons (health, age, etc.), there is generally no need to pack your bags and have them transported from stage to stage. There are several reasons for this, primarily because a pilgrimage is not a traditional vacation

This is a crucial concept, and its effects on the future pilgrim are quite difficult to explain. To put it simply, the act of setting off with just a backpack (containing only the bare essentials) will already initiate certain (subconscious) changes in your behavior and perspective. Not to mention the complete autonomy, a source of incredible freedom.

Therefore, leave the suitcase at home and choose a backpack instead. This will ensure your independence, as you'll have everything you need right there with you. There's no need to wait for any deliveries that might be late or go astray.
The page sac-à-dos of this web site.

We shall not elaborate on the daily schedule for those who choose to sleep under a porch, in a tent, or in other non-traditional accommodations. The routine is essentially the same, save for the inconveniences (and occasional perks) of communal living, particularly when it comes to sleep and, on occasion, sharing evening meals.

However, this is an aspect that should not be overlooked. It is often in the evening, in shared accommodations, that friendships are formed, and experiences and travel anecdotes are shared. Although one may meet people along the way and strike up conversations, it does not provide the same sense of camaraderie and shared experience.

For other pilgrims, those staying in accommodations such as hostels or guesthouses, the day typically begins with breakfast. This is also an opportunity to meet fellow pilgrims who were not encountered the previous evening, to share impressions, and to prepare for the upcoming walk. However, even from the morning onwards, differences begin to emerge.

The early birds start their day at 4 or 5 am (often with headlamps). Naturally, at that hour, there are few fellow pilgrims on the trail. With an average stage being 25 km, and a walking pace of 4 km/h, it takes around 7 hours. Starting at 5 am means you'll arrive around noon or 1 pm. Although most accommodations open after 2 pm (or even 4 pm in Spain), arriving earlier can be advantageous to avoid the midday heat, which can be quite intense on the trails from 10 am onwards during certain months.

Not all pilgrims are early risers, and some accommodations with a served breakfast may impose a rather early breakfast time, such as 6 am. In other places, this is not a concern as you are responsible for preparing your own breakfast, with or without the necessary ingredients provided.

Most places ask pilgrims to be out by 8 am

We will briefly touch upon the day itself, as it largely depends on the time of year you embark, the specific stage and its potential challenges, your physical condition, and so on.

Some pilgrims may choose to take a nap during the day. While personal preferences vary, there are at least two potential downsides to consider:

• You will therefore arrive later at the accommodation (will there be a place for you?), and you may end up walking between 3 pm and 5 pm, for instance, which means walking in the heat of summer or late spring in Spain.
• You have arrived at the accommodation (you have presented your Pilgrim's Passport or Credencial and you have a bed !). For more information on the importance of the Credencial, please refer to the article: why the Credencial is so important ?
• After your relaxing shower, you may wish to consider doing your laundry as it takes some time for clothes to dry. If you arrive too late, you may not have enough time to do your laundry, rest a bit, and perhaps even explore the town

Remember, you've only packed the bare essentials. For instance, you've brought two pairs of pants and two t-shirts (with one set on you). Therefore, you'll need to rotate your clothing daily.

JI wash the day's clothes and set aside, for a few hours, the outfit I will wear the following day, or I have a specific lightweight outfit for each stage...
This serves as a simple illustration. Naturally, alternative arrangements can be made if you have brought along additional clothing items. Nonetheless, it's important to remain conscious of the overall weight of your belongings.

Your laundry is now hanging out to dry, freeing you up to pursue other activities. Some may choose to enjoy a restful nap, while others might opt for exploring the surroundings or writing in their travel journal. In any case, everyone is now free to pursue their own interests.

Mealtime then arrives. Whether you choose to cook, dine at a restaurant, or have a sandwich, the choice is entirely yours.

The evening has arrived, and it's time for the nightly ritual, usually around 9 pm. Tomorrow holds a new stage, and with it, another day of nearly identical routines.