A note on the weather
Whichever way you reach Santiago, your path will lead you through the lush greenery of northern Spain, where the rich vegetation on this Atlantic side of the country thrives from the region’s frequent rainfall. That’s not to put a dampener on your holiday though – just as soon as you’ve stopped to take shelter, you’ll likely find the bright sunshine is out again and the air refreshed. It is this changeable weather here which makes preparing for the elements on your Camino journey a must.
About the bags
Our arrangements generally allow for one large piece of luggage (15-20kg) and one small item (up to 10kg) per person but note that we transport your bags for you while you’re walking – so you don’t need to worry about having to carry everything!
The essentials
• Walking shoes
Make sure to bring well-fitting walking footwear that’s already ‘broken in.’ As the Caminos follow ancient routes, there is more road walking on these holidays than on our usual itineraries, so you don’t necessarily need boots – a pair of lightweight walking shoes will set you in good stead.
• Walking socks
Bring walking socks with you as well as regular socks, especially ones designed for the season in which you’ll be travelling. Ones made of Merino wool or a wool/synthetic mix will wick sweat away and help to keep your feet dry.
• Layers
Remember – we transport your bags for you, so you have a little more freedom with what you can pack than you might find elsewhere.
Generally, we recommend bringing the following with you for a 7-day walking holiday:
- A pair of casual shoes for evenings or relaxation days (as well as your walking shoes)
- Tops: You’ll be able to wear t-shirts for a lot of the time, so it’s worth bringing a few base and mid layers, but remember a couple of evening tops, thermal layers, and a sweater too for if the temperature dips
- Shorts: one or two pairs, suitable for walking
- Trousers: one or two pairs, lightweight, breathable, and suitable for walking (a great way to be ready for all weather is to pack trousers that can convert into shorts!)
- Any evening clothes you’d like to bring
- One jacket (ideally windproof and breathable)
- One set of waterproofs (lots of Camino travellers use rain ponchos, as this can cover both you and your backpack)
- Socks and underwear – enough for your whole trip, plus spares
• A day bag or backpack
We transport your main luggage to your next stop, but it’s definitely worth taking a smaller bag on the trails with you, containing any snacks, picnic lunches (if included), spare socks, water bottles, waterproof layers, or anything else you may need that day – but make sure there’s room for any souvenirs you might purchase too!
• Water bottle
The sun can be intense here, so remember to stay hydrated!
• A compass
A compass can prove a very useful tool when used in conjunction with our detailed route notes – we’d recommend bringing one with you. Note that compasses are affected by magnetic fields though, so be careful to keep it away from your phone!
• High-factor sun cream, sun hat, and sunglasses
It’s important to reduce your UV exposure and protect yourself from the sun (you might also want to wear long sleeves to help with this). A wide-brimmed hat is a good idea.
• Medication and first aid kit
Including blister plasters!
• Swimwear and microfibre towel
A couple of accommodation options on the Portuguese and French Ways have swimming pools – ideal for soothing your muscles after a day’s walking. A microfibre towel might also be useful, as they fold up small and dry easily.
• Travel documents
Your passport, Inntravel route notes and maps, and any other documents you may need for international travel.
• Credencial
Your ‘pilgrim passport’ – collect stamps in your ‘passport’ along the way so you can receive your certificate of completion when you reach Santiago. You can order one online beforehand or pick one up in Spain and Portugal.
Make sure to bring well-fitting walking footwear that’s already ‘broken in.’ As the Caminos follow ancient routes, there is more road walking on these holidays than on our usual itineraries, so you don’t necessarily need boots – a pair of lightweight walking shoes will set you in good stead.
• Walking socks
Bring walking socks with you as well as regular socks, especially ones designed for the season in which you’ll be travelling. Ones made of Merino wool or a wool/synthetic mix will wick sweat away and help to keep your feet dry.
• Layers
Remember – we transport your bags for you, so you have a little more freedom with what you can pack than you might find elsewhere.
Generally, we recommend bringing the following with you for a 7-day walking holiday:
- A pair of casual shoes for evenings or relaxation days (as well as your walking shoes)
- Tops: You’ll be able to wear t-shirts for a lot of the time, so it’s worth bringing a few base and mid layers, but remember a couple of evening tops, thermal layers, and a sweater too for if the temperature dips
- Shorts: one or two pairs, suitable for walking
- Trousers: one or two pairs, lightweight, breathable, and suitable for walking (a great way to be ready for all weather is to pack trousers that can convert into shorts!)
- Any evening clothes you’d like to bring
- One jacket (ideally windproof and breathable)
- One set of waterproofs (lots of Camino travellers use rain ponchos, as this can cover both you and your backpack)
- Socks and underwear – enough for your whole trip, plus spares
• A day bag or backpack
We transport your main luggage to your next stop, but it’s definitely worth taking a smaller bag on the trails with you, containing any snacks, picnic lunches (if included), spare socks, water bottles, waterproof layers, or anything else you may need that day – but make sure there’s room for any souvenirs you might purchase too!
• Water bottle
The sun can be intense here, so remember to stay hydrated!
• A compass
A compass can prove a very useful tool when used in conjunction with our detailed route notes – we’d recommend bringing one with you. Note that compasses are affected by magnetic fields though, so be careful to keep it away from your phone!
• High-factor sun cream, sun hat, and sunglasses
It’s important to reduce your UV exposure and protect yourself from the sun (you might also want to wear long sleeves to help with this). A wide-brimmed hat is a good idea.
• Medication and first aid kit
Including blister plasters!
• Swimwear and microfibre towel
A couple of accommodation options on the Portuguese and French Ways have swimming pools – ideal for soothing your muscles after a day’s walking. A microfibre towel might also be useful, as they fold up small and dry easily.
• Travel documents
Your passport, Inntravel route notes and maps, and any other documents you may need for international travel.
• Credencial
Your ‘pilgrim passport’ – collect stamps in your ‘passport’ along the way so you can receive your certificate of completion when you reach Santiago. You can order one online beforehand or pick one up in Spain and Portugal.
Optional extras
You may want to bring the following with you, but they are not required:
• Walking poles
• GPS device
• Waterproof map holder
• Neck buff
• Walking poles
• GPS device
• Waterproof map holder
• Neck buff
