Kilometers to cover per day and how long it takes to finish the Camino.

Kilometres to Walk per Day on the Camino de Santiago: Plan Your Perfect Route

The Camino de Santiago is a personal experience that adapts to each pilgrim. Although there is no one-size-fits-all formula to determine how many kilometres to walk per day, planning your stages is essential to enjoy the experience to the fullest without overexerting yourself. In this article, we will explore recommendations for setting your daily pace and how much time it might take to complete the Camino depending on the chosen route.

The majority of pilgrims walk between 20 and 25 kilometres per day, although this can vary depending on:

• Your physical preparation level: If you are used to walking long distances, you might choose longer stages of 30 km or more.
• The terrain conditions: Mountainous routes, such as the Camino Primitivo, may require shorter distances, while flatter routes, like the Camino Francés on the Meseta, allow for longer days.
• Personal factors: Your age, health, equipment, and even the weather conditions can influence your walking ability.

It’s important to listen to your body and adjust the pace according to your needs. Remember, the goal of the Camino is not speed, but to enjoy the journey.

The time required to complete the Camino depends on the route and starting point chosen. Here is an estimate for the most popular routes:

• Camino Francés (800 km from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port): 30-35 days, walking an average of 25 km per day.
• Camino Portugués (620 km from Lisbon or 240 km from Porto):
  • From Lisbon: 25-30 days.
  • From Porto: 10-12 days.
• Camino del Norte (820 km from Irún): 35-40 days.
• Camino Primitivo (320 km from Oviedo): 12-15 days.
• Camino Inglés (120 km from Ferrol): 5-7 days.

If you only have a few days available, you can start from points closer to Santiago de Compostela, such as Sarria (Camino Francés, 115 km) or Tui (Camino Portugués, 115 km), completing the minimum of 100 km required to receive the Compostela.

The key to planning your stages is to balance physical effort with time to enjoy the scenery and the villages. Some recommendations:

• Consult maps of the Camino de Santiago: Identify available services (accommodation, restaurants, pharmacies) and distribute the stages according to your needs.
• Add rest days: Especially if you are doing longer routes, including rest days is crucial to avoid exhaustion.
• Be flexible: Although you may have a plan, it’s important to adapt to circumstances, such as the weather or your energy level.

The daily pace varies if you are walking or cycling the Camino:

• Walking: Most pilgrims walk, covering between 20 and 25 km per day, with an average of 5-6 hours of walking per day.
• Cycling: Cyclists typically cover between 50 and 70 km per day, completing the routes in less time. For example, the Camino Francés by bike can be completed in 12-15 days.

Some factors that may influence your pace and planning include:

• Weather conditions: Rain, wind, or extreme heat can slow your pace.
• Backpack weight: If you are carrying a heavy load, you may need more time to complete the stages. Consider luggage transport services to ease your journey.
• Physical and mental conditions: Maintaining good health and a positive attitude is essential to enjoying the Camino.

The Camino de Santiago is a unique journey for each pilgrim. Planning the daily kilometres and total time required will help you experience a fulfilling journey, without stress or excess. Whether you complete the Camino in 5 days or a month, the important thing is to enjoy the process and every step towards Santiago. Buen camino!

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