There are many ways to walk the Camino de Santiago: in an organized group, with friends, as a couple, with family, alone… Many of you often wonder: Is it a good idea to walk the Camino alone? The truth is, in reality… you just have to dare! In the following lines, we’ll tell you about the advantages of walking alone. If you really want to do it but are afraid, or if you simply can’t find a companion, dare to take control and take the first step. We assure you that you won’t regret it!
Why walk the Camino de Santiago solo?
Embarking on the adventure of walking the Camino de Santiago alone is undoubtedly a very good decision. It’s an experience that will leave you personally strengthened, whether you’re an extroverted person or not. Making decisions like this for yourself is a therapeutic exercise that helps you take control of your life. In other words: it truly boosts self-esteem.
Apart from making decisions for yourself, there’s all the physical and mental overcoming work you’ll experience on the Jacobean routes. Mentally and emotionally, walking alone is a very positive exercise in reflection. Additionally, the pure freedom you’ll feel while walking is something that can’t be described… It’s akin to that feeling of butterflies in the stomach that lovers experience, so to speak.
Walking the Camino alone is a good way to find oneself
More time for self-discovery
As mentioned earlier, the most positive aspect of all is the personal experience you’ll gain. Imagine walking among forests, meadows, streams, and even beaches, all by yourself, with all the time in the world for yourself… Physically and mentally, you’ll feel great when you finish, and you might not even want it to end!
Reflection and inner peace
And regarding the previous point, all this time for yourself allows you to enjoy personal moments of reflection. Whether you walk the Camino for religious reasons or not, walking outdoors will offer you the opportunity to find very special moments of inner peace. The bucolic natural environment and the simplicity of rural life are the best context for reflection and feeling at peace.
You and the vastness of the Camino… tempting, isn’t it?
More freedom and flexibility
When you walk alone, you and only you set the pace. You’ll be the absolute master of the walk and do as you please. You can stop to rest whenever you want or pick up the pace if you feel like it. You can also stop to photograph or explore anything that interests you. Likewise, you’ll have time to interact with local people, and even with herds of cows you encounter along the way.
Connection with other pilgrims
We also mentioned that, on the Camino, even if you’re alone, you’re actually accompanied. At the same time you’re walking the Camino, you’ll meet other pilgrims with whom you can share the same experience. You can take the opportunity to meet people from different parts of the world, as well as their concerns and reasons for walking the Camino de Santiago. Of course, you and only you decide if you want to socialize or enjoy a more personal experience.
The pilgrim finds joy alone and on the Way
Tips for walking the Camino alone
You’re probably already determined to walk the Camino alone, but maybe you have some questions for us, right? Let’s go through our advice.
Choose a route with good traffic
This will ensure that throughout the stages, you’ll always find a variety of services and other pilgrims, if that’s what you’re looking for. In addition to socializing, this advantage can be very useful if you ever need help. In this sense, you can opt for some of the most beautiful and easy routes of the Camino de Santiago.
Review the stages day by day
If you’re worried about getting lost or disoriented, a good solution that will give you security is to prepare the stages daily. By reviewing the route on the map or on a mobile application, you’ll feel more confident walking because you’ll know the trail better. However, remember that the Jacobean routes are very well signposted.
Start your stage early
Starting your journey early in the morning will allow you to arrive at your destination earlier and have more time to rest or explore the area. Plus, you’ll be walking during the hours when pilgrims typically do, so you’ll encounter more people.
Pilgrim enjoying solitude on the Camino
Keep your phone battery fully charged
As a savvy pilgrim, always keep your phone battery topped up and carry a power bank with you. This ensures that you always have your phone available in case of need. But remember… don’t overuse your phone! Everything you need to see is right around you.
When in doubt, ask and talk to other pilgrims
If you have any doubts about something, always ask. Whether it’s pilgrims or locals, the Camino de Santiago is full of wonderful people who will be happy to help you with whatever you need.
Something to keep in mind is that on the Camino, as in life, we all need moments of solitude and companionship. We’re confident that you’ll manage to find that balance whether you’re walking the Camino de Santiago alone or in an organized group. Even if you take the initiative to walk the Camino alone, its magic lies in the fact that you’ll always find someone to walk with (if you want). We assure you that after this solo adventure on the Camino de Santiago… you’ll want to do it again!
