Volunteering on the Camino de Santiago

If you’ve ever walked the Camino de Santiago, you’ll know that one of the most enriching experiences is the welcome received along the way. But, have you ever considered being the one to offer that hospitality? Volunteering on the Camino is a wonderful way to give back everything you’ve received and, in addition, live a unique experience where you will have the opportunity to share the spirit of the Camino with the pilgrims. We’ll tell you everything you need to know to become a volunteer.

If you are a volunteer on the Camino, you will always be part of it

What is volunteering on the Camino de Santiago?

Volunteering on the Camino de Santiago is an opportunity to accompany and help the pilgrims on their journey. Volunteers can perform different roles, both in hostels and in welcome offices, and become an essential link in the pilgrim’s experience. Being a volunteer is not only a way to help, but also a way to live the Camino from a different perspective, offering support, guidance, and human warmth to those making the journey.

Who can be a volunteer?

Anyone who wants to help and share the pilgrims’ experience can be a volunteer on the Jacobean routes. Although no previous experience is required, having been a pilgrim would be ideal, as it allows you to better understand the needs and mood of the walkers. In addition, the organizations managing the volunteering usually offer training to prepare volunteers for their tasks and ensure that everyone involved has a positive experience. On the other hand, and very importantly: if you speak any language other than your native tongue, even better, as you’ll be able to assist pilgrims from different nationalities.

Many pilgrims, after their experience, consider becoming volunteers

Where can I volunteer?

There are several places where you can volunteer on the Camino de Santiago, and many times these are associations related to the Camino de Santiago. The two main organizations managing volunteering are Christian Welcome on the Caminos de Santiago (ACC) and the Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the Camino de Santiago (FEAACS), which offer different programs and places where volunteers can get involved.

Caminos Hostels

The Camino hostels are key places for pilgrims. In them, hospitality volunteers play an essential role, not only as support staff but also as hosts who create a welcoming and respectful environment. Organizations like ACC manage several hostels along the Camino, and volunteering in them allows you to offer pilgrims a safe refuge and a place to rest. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world, creating a unique community.

Palas de Rei Pilgrim Hostel

The work of a volunteer in a hostel can vary depending on the place, but some of the most common tasks include:

• Welcoming pilgrims, offering a smile and attentive listening.
• Managing the registration of pilgrims, stamping their credential, and making sure everything is organized.
• Maintaining the hostel clean and orderly, ensuring all spaces are prepared for rest.
• Preparing meals, especially in hostels that offer communal dinners or breakfasts, promoting a sense of community.
• Offering information about the Camino and the local area.
• Creating an environment of respect and brotherhood, where pilgrims can feel comfortable and welcomed.

There are even spontaneous local volunteers who keep churches open to offer stamps to pilgrims

Pilgrim Office in Santiago de Compostela

At the Pilgrim Office, volunteers are responsible for welcoming those who have arrived in Santiago after completing their pilgrimage. It is one of the most important points of contact for pilgrims once they arrive in Santiago, and volunteering here is highly needed. The tasks include:

• Handing out the Compostela to pilgrims who have completed the Camino, ensuring each one receives their certificate correctly and personally.
• Providing information about the services available in Santiago, such as accommodation, transportation, and tourist attractions.
• Maintaining order and organization in a space that can receive hundreds of pilgrims daily.
• Ensuring that all pilgrims feel welcome and supported upon their arrival in the city.

Pilgrims waiting to enter the Pilgrim Office in Santiago de Compostela

How long does volunteering last?

The duration of volunteering can vary depending on the organization and location. In some cases, stays can last for several weeks or even months, while in others, volunteers can participate in shorter shifts, such as biweekly, as in the Pilgrim Office.

Things to consider

If you decide to embark on the volunteering adventure, there are some aspects to keep in mind:

• Accommodation: Many organizations, such as ACC, offer free accommodation for volunteers in residences or designated spaces. This can include hostels along the Camino or in Santiago de Compostela.
• Training: Some entities, such as the Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the Camino de Santiago, offer prior training for hospitaleros, where you will learn about the history of the Camino and the responsibilities you will take on as a volunteer.
• Costs: Generally, volunteering does not involve any cost. Furthermore, it is important to note that it is a volunteer position, and as such, it is an unpaid commitment.
• Community: Volunteering on the Camino is an excellent opportunity to meet others with similar interests and become part of an international community of pilgrims and volunteers.

Sometimes, you’ll even find volunteers along the Camino

International Associations Linked to the Camino de Santiago

If you don’t live in Spain, there are also several international associations linked to the Camino de Santiago that offer volunteering opportunities and support for pilgrims:

• Guanellians on the Camino de Santiago in Italy and Spain: with a religious community in the last 100 km of the French Way, they are always present along the Camino, offering assistance, listening, masses, and Italian volunteers that you will find along this section.
• Confraternitá di San Jacopo di Compostella in Italy: has created a network of hostels connecting Santiago de Compostela to Jerusalem and organizes support activities such as the traditional foot washing for pilgrims. This organization is present in various locations, including some hostels in Rome, and is known for the active participation of Italian hospitaleros.
• Confraternity of Saint James in the United Kingdom: provides guides and resources in English for pilgrims.
• Saint Olaf’s Way Association in Norway: manages hostels along the Saint Olaf pilgrimage route (which has a section in Spain called the Camino de San Olav), providing support for pilgrims with proper signage and places to rest.

Guanellian volunteer

The Hospitality on the Camino de Santiago

Volunteering on the Camino not only involves helping with everyday tasks but is a way to live the spirit of hospitality that characterizes the Camino de Santiago. Offering a helping hand to a pilgrim, sharing a conversation, or helping someone overcome a difficulty are acts that reflect the true meaning of this route: human connection, mutual support, and a sense of community. Volunteering is a way to give back everything the Camino has given you and live a transformative experience for both you and those you accompany on their journey.