Essential Info
Everything you need to know to prepare for your pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
When to Go
Choose the best season for your pilgrimage
Spring (April-May)
Pros
- Pleasant temperatures
- Wildflowers blooming
- Moderate crowds
- Good accommodation availability
Cons
- • Occasional rain
- • Cooler evenings
- • Some services still opening
Summer (June-August)
Pros
- Long daylight hours
- Warm weather
- All services open
- Festive atmosphere
Cons
- • Very crowded
- • Hot on the Meseta
- • Accommodation fills quickly
- • Higher prices
Autumn (September-October)
Pros
- Perfect temperatures
- Beautiful colors
- Fewer crowds
- Harvest season
Cons
- • Increasing rain
- • Shorter days
- • Some services closing
- • Cooler nights
Winter (November-March)
Pros
- Very quiet
- Authentic experience
- Lower prices
- Solitude
Cons
- • Many albergues closed
- • Cold and wet
- • Short days
- • Mountain passes may be difficult
Our recommendation: The "shoulder seasons" of late April to early June and September to mid-October offer the best balance of good weather, moderate crowds, and full services.
What to Pack
Essential gear for your pilgrimage
The Essentials
Golden Rule: Your pack should weigh no more than 10% of your body weight. Less is more on the Camino!
Accommodation Types
Understanding your options along the Way
Municipal & Parish Albergues
These are the traditional pilgrim hostels, often run by local municipalities, parishes, or confraternities. They're the most affordable option and offer an authentic Camino experience.
- ✓Price: Donativo (donation) or €5-15 per night
- ✓Booking: First come, first served (no reservations)
- ✓Facilities: Bunk beds in shared rooms, communal bathrooms, often a kitchen
- !Note: Must have a pilgrim credential, usually pilgrim-priority only
Getting There & Back
Transport options for your journey
Getting to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
- ✈️By Air: Fly to Biarritz (45 min), Bilbao (2.5 hrs), or Pamplona (1.5 hrs), then bus/train/taxi
- 🚂By Train: TGV to Bayonne, then local train to Saint-Jean
- 🚌By Bus: From Pamplona via Alsa or from Biarritz
Returning from Santiago
- ✈️Santiago Airport: Direct flights to major European hubs
- 🚂By Train: Renfe trains to Madrid (5 hrs) and other Spanish cities
- 🚌By Bus: Alsa buses to Madrid, Porto, and throughout Spain
Budget Planning
Typical daily costs on the Camino Francés
Budget Pilgrim
€30-45/day • Municipal albergues, cooking your own meals, minimal extras.
~€1,050-1,575 for 35 days
Mid-Range
€55-90/day • Mix of albergues and private rooms, eating out regularly.
~€1,925-3,150 for 35 days
Comfort
€110-200/day • Hotels, restaurants, and occasional taxis for luggage.
~€3,850-7,000 for 35 days
Credential & Compostela
Your pilgrim passport and certificate
The Pilgrim Credential
The credencial del peregrino is your pilgrim passport. You'll collect stamps (sellos) along the way to prove your journey.
- • Required to stay in most albergues
- • Get stamps at albergues, churches, cafes, and tourist offices
- • Aim for at least 2 stamps per day
- • Available at the pilgrim office in Saint-Jean or online before your trip
The Compostela Certificate
Upon arrival in Santiago, you can receive your Compostela — the certificate of completion.
- • Collect at the Pilgrim Office in Santiago
- • Must have walked at least the last 100km (from Sarria or earlier)
- • Need stamps proving your journey
- • Free of charge (optional extras available)
Health & Foot Care
Staying healthy and comfortable on the trail
Blister Prevention & Treatment
Wear moisture-wicking socks, break in your boots for 100+ km before starting, and carry Compeed patches or similar blister bandages. Address hot spots immediately before they become blisters.
Knee & Joint Pain
Trekking poles reduce impact on knees, especially on descents. Use a zigzag technique on steep downhills, and take rest days when your body signals it needs one.
Sun & Heat
Shade is scarce on the Meseta plains. Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, use a wide-brimmed hat or buff, and walk early in the day during summer months to avoid peak heat.
Staying Hydrated
Carry 1-2 liters of water depending on weather and stage length. Refill at fountains in villages, bars, and albergues. Consider electrolyte tablets for hot days or long stages.
Basic First Aid Kit
Pack essentials: blister supplies, pain relievers (ibuprofen), anti-inflammatory gel, basic bandages, and any personal medications. Keep it lightweight but comprehensive.
Pharmacies in Spain
Pharmacies (farmacias) are readily available in most towns and can provide advice and medication. Most pilgrim essentials like pain relievers and blister care are available over the counter.
Mental Wellbeing
Rest days aren't just for physical recovery, they matter for mental health too. Listen to your body and mind. It's okay to take breaks, sleep in, or skip a stage if you need to recharge.