- I. You shall follow the arrows above all else
- II. You shall not walk kilometers in vain
- III. You shall not rest, not even on holidays
- IV. You shall call your father and mother
- V. You shall not stop
- VI. You shall not wear impure socks
- VII. You shall not complain
- VIII. You shall not speak false distances
- IX. You shall not give in to thoughts or desires to quit
- X. You shall not covet another’s blisters
- Epilogue: The summary of the whole Law
Walking the Camino de Santiago is much more than simply putting one foot in front of the other. It is a physical, mental, and spiritual journey that transforms anyone brave enough to take it. In addition to the classic pilgrim sayings, there are unwritten rules… and others that might as well be carved in stone. Today we present to you the Ten Commandments of the Pilgrim, a heartfelt and humorous guide of sacred principles that every walker on the Jacobean routes should follow. These commandments are born from the dust of the trail, from hostel conversations, from shared blisters, and from the silence among the woods.

The first commandment, as it couldn’t be otherwise, is to follow the yellow arrow above all else
I. You shall follow the arrows above all else
On the Camino, the yellow arrows are not just signs, they are beacons of faith. They mark the right direction when you’re lost, give you confidence when in doubt, and save you from walking in circles. Here, Google Maps doesn’t rule — the arrow does — and if you see another pilgrim walking the opposite way, maybe they’re just heading back home. If you’re unsure, retrace your steps until the last arrow.
II. You shall not walk kilometers in vain
Every step has a purpose. It’s not about walking for the sake of walking, but advancing with intention. Whether you walk 5 km or 35, what matters is that each one counts. Avoid foolish shortcuts just to save time, though you’re welcome to take well-marked alternative or complementary routes.
III. You shall not rest, not even on holidays
On the Camino, there are no Sundays. No holidays either. Your backpack calls you each morning, even if it’s the Feast of Saint James on July 25th or there’s a local fiesta in town. That said, you can absolutely celebrate at the end of each stage, because a toast with wine or a plate of octopus are sacred acts too.
IV. You shall call your father and mother
Don’t forget those who taught you to walk. A phone call, a photo of the scenery, or a simple “I’m doing fine” can brighten their day. Many walk the Camino for them, with them, or in their memory — and dedicating a thought to them at the top of a hill is worth more than a thousand words.
V. You shall not stop
When strength fades, keep going. When doubts arise, keep going. When your body says enough, listen — and then keep going. The Camino always rewards those who persevere, and if you need to stop, do it to breathe, not to give up.
VI. You shall not wear impure socks
Your feet are your temple. Don’t mistreat them with poor-quality or damp fabrics. A good pair of technical socks is worth more than gold, because ninety percent of blisters are caused by wet, sweaty, or poorly chosen socks — and you know it, and so does the hostel washing machine.
VII. You shall not complain
We all feel cold, heat, blisters, sleepiness, muscle pain. But the one who complains the most, carries the heaviest load — the backpack, the stage, and the atmosphere. Swap the “everything hurts” for “what a gift this day is!” and see how your stride changes.
VIII. You shall not speak false distances
There’s no greater sin than saying “just one more kilometer” when there are still five to go. Truth is measured in steps, not intentions. If someone asks how far is left, take a breath and tell them what you know — or better yet, walk with them a while.
IX. You shall not give in to thoughts or desires to quit
The Camino has tough moments. But instead of dreaming of trains, planes, or sofas, think about why you started and why you will finish. Today isn’t a bad day — it’s just another stage of the journey. So breathe, be grateful, and keep walking.
X. You shall not covet another’s blisters
Every pilgrim carries their own burden. Some carry blisters, others carry emotional pain. Don’t compare, don’t envy, don’t judge. The Camino is as personal as the feet that walk it, and the right attitude is to help, to share, and to listen — because that is what true pilgrims do.
Follow these commandments, and you will reach Santiago
Epilogue: The summary of the whole Law
“You shall walk above all else and care for your neighbor’s backpack as if it were your own.” Because the Camino is not only about moving forward — it’s about moving forward together. It’s about sharing the effort, breaking bread, and honoring the backpacks and stories that others carry along the way.
And you — do you follow these commandments? What would you add to the pilgrim’s decalogue?
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