The weekly routine, with its hectic day-to-day schedule, work, school, commitments, etc., sometimes doesn’t allow for much family time. Weekends do provide those moments, but often it isn’t until family vacations that you can truly enjoy time with your loved ones. Escaping to the countryside, enjoying the mountains, refreshing at the beach, or spending vacations in a place you’ve never been are popular options. But did you know there’s an option that combines all of this at the same time? Yes, there is, and we’re referring to doing the Camino de Santiago with your family.
Doing the Camino with your family is a fantastic experience and a healthy, economical alternative for family vacations
5 Reasons to Enjoy the Camino with Your Family
How long has it been since you maximized the moments with your family? We propose the perfect plan for a vacation: a jacobean route with your family. There are many answers to why you should do the Camino de Santiago, making this experience unique, especially with family.
A Unique and Revitalizing Gift for Your Family
Without a doubt, it is an exceptional experience and one of the best gifts we can offer to our children and ourselves. Doing the Camino de Santiago with your family is something that everyone will undoubtedly treasure in their memories and hearts. As we said, often the time we dedicate to family is what we have left over. Therefore, this family pilgrimage journey can be an extraordinary opportunity to reflect on the fundamental values that support our home and revitalize family unity.
Enjoying Nature Together
This outdoor adventure has many benefits for everyone, as a hiking activity among wonderful natural and rural landscapes. On the Camino, you will find a haven of peace, crossing forests, fields, and beautiful bridges. All the beauty of nature at your disposal, and even for the family pet, who won’t be left alone on vacation.
Your children will enjoy the nature surrounding the Camino safely
A Way to Strengthen Bonds
Walking together towards a common goal, like reaching Santiago de Compostela, uniquely unites the family and strengthens family ties. Engaging in deep conversations during the Camino will strengthen family relationships and provide an opportunity to create unforgettable memories. Sharing this adventure with your loved ones fosters communication and mutual support.
Lots of Adventure and Discoveries for the Little Ones
As a family, doing the Camino with your children is the best school you can offer them. The element of adventure they will discover on the Camino will be a great incentive for them. Besides discovering the natural surroundings and admiring the rural fauna, the little ones will love being guides searching for the yellow arrows. They will also enjoy putting stamps on the Credential. The “little pilgrims” will have the chance to be more autonomous and will have a great time… guaranteed! Additionally, they will discover new values, such as effort, perseverance, solidarity, and teamwork. You’ll see how happy they are to return home with their pilgrim diploma, the Compostela.
Learning on the Camino
The Camino de Santiago is also like a moving school, with all the history, art, botany, etc., that the route offers. In fact, the Camino de Santiago is declared the First European Cultural Itinerary. Walking or cycling it allows us to calmly and quietly contemplate all the artistic treasures offered by its towns and cities.
The freedom and autonomy your children can enjoy on the Camino are of great value for their personal development
Tips for Doing the Camino with Your Family
To ensure your experience on the Camino de Santiago with your family is a success, we recommend following these tips.
Which Camino Route to Choose?
Choose a route suitable for the ages and capabilities of all family members. Opt for short and easy routes if you have young children or teenagers less experienced in hiking. Do the same if grandparents accompany you, as the Camino is highly recommended for older people.
To start your family pilgrimage experience, we recommend the last 100 km of the French Way from Sarria. But if you are already experienced and know this route, you can do the last 100 km of the Portuguese Way from Tui. In both cases, the best of Galicia awaits you in stages with a gentle profile and all the services.
What is the Best Time to Do the Camino with Family?
Spring and autumn are generally the ideal times to do the Camino with family, as the weather is milder and more pleasant. Summer is perhaps the easiest time to organize since the children have school vacations, but you must be careful of the heat. Winter is the least advisable time, either for scheduling or for the cold, rainy weather and few daylight hours. Another good time, given that many people have vacations, is to do the Camino during Easter.
All families should experience the Camino together at least once
Physical Preparation and Care
It is essential that all family members are in good physical shape before starting the Camino. Doing regular walks and training together is the best physical preparation you can and should undertake. Regarding the care and health of your loved ones on the Camino, don’t forget to bring the necessary equipment. If you have small children, you might need a trekking stroller for support in case they get tired. And if you find you need a lot of things, you can always use a luggage transport service.
Avoid Surprises: Plan and Book in Advance
Traveling with family, especially with children, is not like going on an Interrail trip when you were twenty. Make sure to book accommodation in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises at the end of the stages during the Camino. Careful planning will ensure a safer experience, especially if you decide to pilgrimage with your family in summer, the high season of the Camino. For this, we can help you organize your route.
Recommendations from Family and Friends
Talking to family members or other families who have completed the Camino de Santiago can provide you with valuable recommendations and practical advice for the trip. And if there are no pilgrims in your family yet, you surely know someone who has done it and will recommend it 100%.
As a family, you can do the Camino on foot or even by bike
Experiences of Pilgrim Families
Some of our pilgrims who have done the Camino with their families have been kind enough to leave their testimonies, of which we leave you a brief summary here.
- The Martín Peña Family: “For two years I wanted to do the Camino de Santiago with an agency, relying on their professionalism and experience. Finally, my son and I did it, and I am very happy and proud to see him fully involved, motivated by the new environment and the new experience. I would definitely do it again. Everything was very well organized, and we only had to worry about walking. This time we did the Portuguese Way, but next time we’ll do the French Way. Infinite thanks, and we will see you again.”
- The Intxaurrondo Márquez Family: “The Camino and all of you have transmitted valuable values, that we often overlook in our daily routine. We are a large family, including the dog, and we did the French Way from Sarria. With your organization, you made it very easy for us, and thanks to it, we were able to create an environment to highlight the magic of the Camino, kindness, humanity, companionship, and willingness to help. These values will always be in my heart. Thank you for making it possible. A hug.”
- The García Duarte Family: “We did the Finisterre Camino in a group. My husband, our two children aged 9 and 5, the paternal grandparents, and I traveled. My daughter, the youngest, completed the stages without wanting to be carried in the stroller. An atmosphere of a tribe was created where we all encouraged each other. My son, despite feeling unwell, preferred to walk instead of using the support van. This experience was incredible for the children, who now want to return. We greatly appreciate the work of the monitors, whose dedication and joy made our vacation unforgettable. I recommend this adventure to other parents.”
A Jacobean Experience for All Families
In summary, doing the Camino de Santiago with your family is an experience that will enrich your family bonds. Whether with children or adult family members, it is an absolutely unifying and transformative experience for everyone. Join the community of family pilgrims and start your journey today!
Leave A Comment