Preparing Mentally for the Camino
What the Camino Really Is
The Camino de Santiago isn’t a test of endurance — it’s a walk across Spain & Portugal that blends history, countryside, and local life. You’ll follow marked trails that pass through villages, farmland, and small cities, always with the reassurance that your bag is moved ahead each morning and a private room is waiting at the end of the day.
It helps to picture it as a series of relaxed walking days, each with its own small reward — a shady lane, a village square, or simply the satisfaction of arriving with time to rest. Most stages are in the range of 7–15 miles, which means you have plenty of time to pause for coffee, enjoy a simple lunch, or just sit in the sun.
“The first morning I realized that it’s not about how far you walk, it’s about enjoying the day as it unfolds.”
Common Feelings Before You Go
If you’re thinking about the Camino, you may already be picturing yourself on the trail — and wondering how it will feel. Many travelers describe a mix of excitement and of course, questions. It’s natural to have a few “what ifs” before you embark on a new experience like this one.
Will the daily walks feel manageable?
Most travelers find their stride quickly. Because your luggage is transferred each morning for you, you’re only carrying a small daypack so it's manageable. It depends on the route but most villages are spaced along your daily walk, so you’re never far from a café or place where you can take a break.
What if I don’t meet anyone?
The Camino is social in its own easy way. You may walk alongside others for a stretch, then go at your own pace. A quick chat at a café or greeting on the trail often turns into a comfortable rhythm of companionship. You don't have to meet anyone if you don't want to, but if you're looking to share the journey you'll find that most pilgrims on the trail enjoy having a chat while you walk along a stretch of the trail.
What if it feels different from what I expect?
That’s part of the Camino's appeal. You don't really know what to expect and I can almost guarantee you haven't experienced something similar to el Camino before. Some days bring lively conversation; others offer quiet time with your thoughts. Both fit naturally into the journey, and both are supported by the simple routine of walking, resting, and arriving. It is common to have questions and wonder about all these things.
The good news is that most travelers find that the Camino starts feeling natural almost right away. The familiar arrows that lead the way, the welcoming cafés along the route, and the knowledge that support is just a phone call away will help you find your rhythm and ease into the journey.
Shaping a Positive Mindset
Think Small, Not Big
Instead of focusing on the whole journey, just take it one day at a time. You’ll wake up, leave your bag by the door by 8:30 a.m., and head out with a light backpack with some water. By mid-afternoon, you’ll be checking into your room, showering, and putting your feet up. When you look at it that way, each day feels like an easy routine — a pleasant walk with abundant refreshment pauses followed by delicious food and relaxation time at the end of the day.
Expect a Mix of Moments
Some days you’ll chat with fellow walkers; other times you may walk quietly on your own. Both are part of the experience. The Camino has space for both connection and reflection. Whatever your style, there's many pilgrims like you out there!
Easy Ways to Mentally Prepare
Take Short Practice Walks
Even if you don’t need to “train,” a few local walks will help you get used to moving at a steady pace. It's more about getting used to walking on consecutive days than trying to increase the daily distance. Try leaving your phone in your pocket and just paying attention to the surroundings — it’s a small rehearsal for the Camino’s slower rhythm.
Imagine the Routine
Don't focus only on the walk. Picture yourself taking breaks and enjoying all that Spain and Portugal have to offer, as you relax sampling the delicious local wine and cheese or ordering a bocadillo (simple sandwich) at a roadside café, chatting with the owner and other pilgrims, before walking on with renewed energy. These little mental images help shift your focus from “Can I do it?” to “I can’t wait to be there.”
Walking With Friends or in a Group
Some travelers like the independence of going solo, while others feel more comfortable sharing the journey. Walking with friends can add a social layer to the experience — sharing meals, swapping stories on the trail, or encouraging one another through a longer stretch. It often makes the days feel shorter and adds a sense of celebration to the evenings.
If you’d rather share your journey with other like-minded travelers, a group departure is a good option for you. Joining one of our guided tours means you’ll have a group to share your experience, while still enjoying the same luggage transfers, private rooms, and 24/7 support. For many, it strikes the right balance between independence and camaraderie.
The Value of Supported Travel
When you know the details are taken care of — luggage transfers, comfortable rooms, 24/7 assistance — you free up mental space to simply enjoy the walk. That’s the real preparation: trusting that the framework is in place so you can focus on the scenery, the people you meet, and your own thoughts.
“Knowing I had reserved a place to stay ahead of time meant I could actually stop for that second (or third) coffee without rushing.”
A Journey That Meets You Where You Are
People of all ages and backgrounds walk the Camino. It isn’t about speed or distance — it’s about taking the steps that are right for you. Whether you walk a week or the whole route, it does not matter. All Camino walkers are part of something bigger, an experience that has been shared by pilgrims for centuries.
If you’d like to see what different itineraries look like, take a look at our French Camino tours. For a broader sense of the routes available and to help you choose, you may want to take our quiz what type of Camino traveler are you?
Final Thoughts
Preparing mentally for the Camino doesn’t mean bracing for hardship. Yes, there is a level of physical challenge involved but tons of people of all ages walk the Camino every year. It’s more about opening yourself to the flow of the days — the walking, the resting, the people, and the places. With the logistics already taken care of for you, you just have to show up ready and in good spirits to enjoy the experience.
What many travelers discover is how the Camino quietly deepens as it goes. A simple conversation on the trail can turn into a lasting friendship. Arriving in a new town may lead to wandering past centuries-old churches and pausing to reflect inside. Even the act of sitting down to dinner feels more rewarding when you’ve walked there under your own power. And when you look back, the sense of achievement is real — not from “conquering” the Camino, but from giving yourself the chance to connect, reflect, and celebrate the journey in your own way.
Buen Camino!