Walking the Camino de Santiago in July

The Camino de Santiago is one of the most spiritual and exciting experiences a pilgrim can live. Every year, thousands of people choose to walk towards Santiago along the Jacobean routes, but the time of year you choose to do so can significantly influence the experience. In this article, we’ll explore what it means to walk the Camino de Santiago in July, its pros and cons, and help you choose the best route and what to bring for the Galician summer.

Pilgrims walking the Camino in July

Why walk the Camino de Santiago in July?

July is one of the most popular months and one of the best times of the year to walk the Camino de Santiago. While you may think the temperatures could be very high and the influx of pilgrims usually very large, many people choose this time due to a combination of favorable factors, as reflected in the Camino de Santiago statistics from last year. Let’s analyze the pros and cons of walking the Camino this summer.

Advantages of walking the Camino de Santiago in July

Among the main advantages, we highlight:

• More services available: While you’ll encounter more pilgrims in the summer, you’ll also have access to a greater range of services. During the high season, all establishments remain open, which means bars, restaurants, and shops will be at your disposal. The terraces of bars fill with people, and you’ll often find places to rest every few kilometers to recharge your energy.
• Meet lots of people: The Camino de Santiago has a unique socializing power. Along the stages, you’ll cross paths with many people and it will be easy to find travel companions with whom to share stories, conversations, and emotional moments. Without a doubt, you’ll make lifelong friends.
• The days are longer: In summer, the days are much longer, allowing you to make the most of daylight hours. Unlike in winter, you can start your stages much earlier and walk longer routes without worrying about the darkness that usually arrives quickly in the colder seasons.
• You’ll walk more calmly: With more daylight hours, you’ll have the freedom to walk at your own pace. You’ll be able to rest whenever you like, take more frequent breaks, and enjoy each step without the pressure of time, making the experience much more relaxed and enjoyable.

Pilgrims refreshing themselves at a fountain in the city of Pontevedra, along the Portuguese Camino

• Beaches, rivers, and municipal pools: Galicia, the final destination of many Jacobean routes, offers the opportunity to cool off in its beautiful beaches and rivers. Moreover, many of the villages along the Camino have municipal pools open from July to September. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit to enjoy a nice dip along the way!
• Less chance of rain: Summer is the season with the least likelihood of rain, meaning you’ll be able to enjoy the Camino with more comfort. With less exposure to storms, rain, or wind, your walk will be more pleasant and less uncertain weather-wise.
• Your backpack’s weight: With the summer heat, it’s natural to wear lighter clothes, reducing the weight of your backpack. This will be a relief for your back, allowing you to walk for longer periods without discomfort. If you’re wondering what to bring for the Camino de Santiago in summer, remember the mantra: “less is more.”
• Local festivals: Summer in Spain is synonymous with festivities, and the Camino de Santiago is no exception. During your journey, you’ll find festivals, patron saint celebrations, and cultural events in many of the villages you pass through. It’s likely that you’ll be surprised to find an entire village celebrating after a stage!

If it’s too hot, some shaded stretches of the Camino de Santiago will be very welcome

Disadvantages of walking the Camino de Santiago in July

As for the disadvantages, we note:

• Crowds: One of the main disadvantages of summer on the Camino de Santiago is the crowds. Being peak season, the trails get crowded with pilgrims, and accommodations can reach full capacity, which may hinder the experience for those seeking tranquility. We always recommend planning your route in advance and making reservations for accommodations early: this way, you can enjoy the Camino without stress or surprises, ensuring everything is under control.
• The heat: The high temperatures of summer can be a challenge during the walks, especially on longer routes. Therefore, it is essential to stay well-hydrated and protect your skin with sunscreen. Taking frequent breaks and walking at a comfortable pace will also help you deal with the heat effectively.

Choosing a coastal route, like the Portuguese Coastal Camino, is a great idea

Which Camino route to take in July?

Choosing the Camino de Santiago route depends on several factors, such as difficulty level, landscape, and available time. In July, some routes are more recommended than others due to temperatures and the number of pilgrims. For more information about which route to take, we recommend you consult this guide to the best Camino de Santiago routes in summer. In summary:

• The French Camino from Sarria: This is the most famous and most trafficked route. Although walking the whole route is an incredible experience, many start from Sarria, the closest point to Santiago where you can get the Compostela. In summer, you’ll enjoy pleasant weather, green and mountainous landscapes, and excellent infrastructure for pilgrims with hostels, bars, and restaurants along the way.
• The Portuguese Coastal Camino: If you prefer a relaxed atmosphere with sea views, this route is ideal. Starting in Porto, it follows the Atlantic coast to Santiago. In summer, the sea breeze makes the heat more bearable, and you can enjoy beautiful beaches and fishing villages, as well as tasting the famous Galician seafood. Don’t forget to stop by Padrón to get the Pedronía, a very Jacobean certificate.
• The Finisterre and Muxía Camino: This route is perfect for those seeking a complete Camino experience. Instead of ending in Santiago, it continues to the “End of the World” in Finisterre. With stunning cliff and open sea views, you’ll enjoy warm weather and beaches on the Costa da Morte. Additionally, you’ll be able to obtain two special certificates: the Finisterrana and Muxiana.
• The English Camino from Ferrol: Ideal for those looking for a quieter route, the English Camino starts in Ferrol and passes through the Rías Altas. Less crowded than other routes, it offers a rural setting with Galician landscapes and medieval architecture. In summer, the pleasant temperatures and tranquility of the villages will make this route a unique experience.

Of course, you can take these routes however you want: at your own pace, by bike, with your dog, or even, some of them, in an organized group, the best way to meet new people!

The French Camino from Sarria, despite being an inland route, invites you to swim in its rivers, like the Miño River as it passes through Portomarín

Tips for walking the Camino in July

Some basic tips for walking the Camino in July include:

• Plan short stages: During the summer, high temperatures can be a challenge. It’s recommended to plan shorter stages to avoid fatigue and long hours under the sun. This way, you can enjoy the landscape without feeling exhausted.
• Start early: To avoid the extreme heat, try to start the stages early in the morning. Temperatures in Galicia can be pleasant in the morning but rise quite a bit in the afternoon.
• Stay hydrated: The heat can be intense, so it’s crucial to stay well-hydrated throughout the day. Bring enough water and remember to rest regularly.
• Rest when your body asks for it: Enjoy the Camino without hurry, and take the breaks you need.

Rest moments during the Camino are also moments of conversation with other pilgrims

What to bring to the Camino de Santiago in July

Since it’s summer, the key is to bring appropriate summer gear:

• Pre-worn, suitable footwear for walking long distances, and even a spare pair of sandals during the walk.
• Comfortable technical clothing, quick-drying. Don’t forget your swimsuit!
• Lightweight backpack, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

And if you want to learn more about how to choose the best clothing for the Camino de Santiago in summer, don’t hesitate to read our guide to clothing for the Camino in summer.

In addition to your swimsuit for possible swims, don’t forget to bring a hat or cap

Celebrations and festivals in July in Galicia

July is a month full of festivities in Galicia, a region very known for its vibrant fiestas and “verbenas”, as well as in other parts of Spain. Some of the most notable celebrations include:

• St. James Day in Santiago de Compostela (July 25): The feast of the patron saint of Galicia and Spain is a very important event, with religious celebrations, processions, and concerts. It’s a unique experience for any pilgrim in Santiago on that date.
• San Fermín in Pamplona (July 7): This world-renowned festival in Pamplona, along the French Camino, is famous for its bull runs.
• Virgin of Carmen Festival (July 16): Celebrated in many coastal villages, especially in Galicia, where processions and popular events take place in honor of the Virgin of Carmen, patroness of sailors.
• Many more local festivals: Throughout Galicia and the Camino de Santiago, various traditional festivals are held, such as the fiesta of the Indianos in Ribadeo, where the Northern Camino passes, Rapa das Bestas in Sabucedo, the Templar Night in Ponferrada, pilgrimages, and other popular festivities.
• Music festivals: The PortAmérica in Caldas de Reis along the Portuguese Camino from Tui, O Gozo Festival among various Galician cities, and many more may surprise you on your walk.

Fireworks are a much-anticipated moment in the St. James Festival in July

Walking the Camino de Santiago in July is a unique experience offering a perfect combination of pleasant weather, long hours of light, and a wide range of services. Although crowds and heat may initially seem imposing, the advantages of walking the Camino in summer are undeniable, whether it’s for refreshing yourself at every stage in beaches or rivers or for the festive atmosphere and beautiful celebrations you’ll find along the Camino. If you’re ready to embark on this adventure, we’re here to help you! Contact us and get ready to walk to Santiago with us!