Hiking The Camino De Santiago

I plan on hiking the Camino de Santiago starting from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port before the end of the year - hopefully starting in late August and going through early-mid October depending on my pace. Has anyone here ever done this particular pilgrimage before? If so, I would appreciate any and all insights, especially regarding supplies, safety (I am a single white woman in her early 30s and plan on going alone), anything that a first timer would overlook, costs, tips, etc.

Thanks in advance and buen Camino to anyone traveling it soon!

 

This is something I thought about for a while.
But I don't know if I am the person for it, or up for it.
Maybe some day....

Bird_migration and I talked about it, I think he might do it. He doesn't really come here often anymore though.

I've read journals by pilgrims, and it seems physically exhausting.

Also, there is a whole forum dedicated to Camino. You might wanna ask there.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/

Best of luck to you.

 

Thanks a lot for the forum link and the well wishes. I'll definitely check that out and see if I can find any info over there.

 

Lots of other people on this route (although it is so large you can avoid them just fine Just mean if you are wondering about going alone and the dangers that might come with that: this is a relatively save 'hike'). It is so long though I wouldn't call it a hike. It's a walking vacation that will take days There are lots of places to stop along the way that are specificly for people walking the camino de santiago! Some are not very luxury but hey all you wanna do is eat and sleep and therefor it's also not terribly expensive. This is all secondary info btw. It's a wellknown walking route and I heard many stories and saw some footage/docs about and from people that walked it (some people walked it more than ten times already and are aiming to go for another round!)

 

Anyways....I wouldn't be worried about going alone. And yes, there are many places, or better said pilgrim hostels along the way, very cheap and friendly (from what I've read). They are called albergues, and they stamp your pilgrim passport, I think.

about the passport:
http://www.caminosantiagodecompostela.com/pilgrims-credential-el-camino-de-santiago/
http://www.theroadtosantiago.com/your-pilgrims-passport.html



Also, I read posts about people just pooping wherever, and not cleaning after themselves xD
That kind of puts me off....walking and seeing someone's poop along the path :-/

 

Wow, this got a bit more attention in the last few days. Thank you all SO much for your insight. I'm definitely going to utilize a lot of your tips, MeAgain, as to save money, I plan on sleeping in a tent and cooking as much of my own food as possible. One of the things that drew me to this particular hike/pilgrimage is how many people are around. Normally, I'd prefer being less surrounded by people, but in a foreign country, traveling alone, it's a plus in my book.

All of you have provided such insight and support. I'm truly grateful.

 

Hey did you go, or still intend to?

 

Yeah Rider you should post more anyway!

So coincidently enough a guy I know who will walk the Camino de santiago this autumn (he will walk all the way from the Netherlands!) just left for a vacation to Iran...! Some people just 'walk the walk' (pun intended) i guess

 

Lucky guy, with his trip to Iran and everything

 

If I were to go, and I'm just toying with the idea, I'd do the portuguese coastal way first, for reasons
1. portugal duh
2. the coast duh
3. less than 300km xD xD xD
4. seems like there'd be less people

 

He's mostly lucky with his fellow travel partners there (would certainly help me make the step to such a travel destination! And i guess for him too ). For the rest it is mainly planning and go... in essence.

edit: but yes i slightly envy him too ;-)

 

I have always wanted to fly to Iran and then return by train Tehran-Istanbul (and then fly home)

The good ole Trans Asia Express, it's a three day journey



I think it was cancelled like two years ago (safety reasons? Not sure if still suspended?
I think yes.

It sucks how bad, evil people have to ruin stuff for everyone.

 

Hey, I still fully intend to go. I was derailed by a few medical issues. But when I say I'm going to do something, it gets done. LOL. Thanks again to everyone who answered. And thanks for the kind words, Asmo.

 

I have a buddy who hiked the Camino de Santiago a while back. He had a blast; he still keeps in touch with some of the folks he met along the way. I believe he also got a certificate for finishing, although I'm not sure of the entity that issued it. It must be nice to have money to do stuff...hell, I'll be 70 years old before I get out of the country. (New Zealand better look out; this ancient dude will be ready to party!)

 

The certificate is called Compostela, and it is issued by The Pilgrim Office in Santiago, after you show them your pilgrim passport with all the stamps.

All in all, seems like such a great experience.

 

Just saw this thread. I've walked the Camino. Loads of people do it on their own. You tend to meet the same people at the same hostales and free sleeping places so there is quite a feeling of camaraderie. Anyone thinking of doing it should!

 

Hey how long did it take you?

 

There's a movie out all about the Camino starring Martin Sheen. I've been wanting to see it.