Living the experience of walking the Camino de Santiago with excitement and enthusiasm is the norm for most pilgrims. Like any journey, expectations are usually positive, especially with the sense of adventure that comes from walking outdoors. However, there are good days and bad days, and sometimes, just like in our daily routine, we can have a bad day on the Camino de Santiago. Yes, one of those days when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, like the third Monday of January, known as “Blue Monday”… It can feel like the world and everything around you is against you, and you can already sense a bad day ahead on the Camino.
Bad weather, feeling tired, receiving bad news… these are more common situations than they may seem. What happens if I have a bad day on the Camino de Santiago? How can you overcome a day that starts off badly? In this article, we’ll give you tips to deal with a bad day on the Camino and all the moral support you need so you don’t lose motivation.
What to do if you have a bad day on the Camino de Santiago
Having a bad day on the Camino de Santiago is more common than you might think. The important thing is not to avoid it, but to know how to deal with it so you can keep enjoying the experience.
Talk to other pilgrims
When you face a difficult day on the Camino de Santiago, don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation. Along the Camino, you will always meet other pilgrims, and talking to them can be a great source of comfort and motivation. In fact, many of them have experienced a bad day too, and you can support and learn from each other.
The Camino routes are full of people from all over the world, each with their own story and experiences. Sharing your concerns or simply chatting with other pilgrims about meaningful or light topics can lift your mood and give you a new perspective. This is part of the spirit of the Camino and of the traditional pilgrim greeting: ultreia et suseia. That’s right, dear pilgrim: your spirit, like the Camino and life itself, always moves forward and upward.
Pilgrims facing a bad day on the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino
Rest and eat well
One of the most important tips when walking the Camino is to rest well at night and maintain a proper diet. And remember: before, during, and after each stage. Fatigue and hunger can make any situation worse. If you feel unwell during a stage, find a comfortable place to rest, breathe, and regain your energy with a snack or a nutritious meal. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and drink regularly: take care of your health and listen to your body—when it sweats, it’s asking for water.
Along all the Camino routes, you’ll find fountains, shops, bars, and restaurants where you can recharge. Sometimes, a short break and a bite to eat can make a big difference in how you feel. And in the worst-case scenario (you run out of water or food, lose your wallet, etc.), ask for help from other pilgrims or locals. If you are walking the Camino alone, you are never truly alone.
Look for beauty in the small details
On difficult days on the Camino, try to shift your negative perspective and focus on the positive: it’s better to see the glass half full than half empty. Enjoy the small details that make the pilgrimage special: the beauty of the Camino lies in the eyes of the beholder. “Outer beauty is the visible part of inner beauty. And it reveals itself through the light that shines from each person’s eyes.” Follow this advice from one of the most famous pilgrims, Paulo Coelho: be like him.
A flower by the side of the path, the charm of the villages, the sound of the wind through the trees, a group of animals with their young… The Camino is a treasure of sensory and spiritual experiences that we sometimes overlook. Appreciating them is what makes the Camino a transformative journey. Paying attention to these small pleasures can help change your mood and give you the strength to keep going.
Pilgrim on horseback resting and reflecting during a stage of the French Camino
Accept that it’s okay to feel down
Accepting that you can have a bad day on the Camino de Santiago is the first step to overcoming it. Walking the Camino is both a physical and mental challenge, and being well prepared is essential. It’s normal to feel tired, frustrated, or sad—we’re human. Accepting your emotions, instead of fighting them, can be liberating and an important step forward.
Everyone has a “bad day.” Don’t give it too much importance: pause, reflect, and move on. As mentioned before, you can talk to other pilgrims or lean on your group if you’re walking the Camino together. And if you feel like it and can afford it, take a rest day.
Let go of your pride and ask for help
If things get really tough, don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether it’s medical assistance, directions, or even calling a taxi. It’s better to be safe than sorry: the pilgrim community is known for its solidarity and mutual support. Let go of your pride and ask for help—it’s an act of courage and wisdom, one of the best lessons of the Camino and of life.
Is it normal to have a bad day on the Camino de Santiago?
Yes, it is completely normal. The Camino is an intense experience, both physically and emotionally, and difficult days are part of the journey. Many pilgrims agree that these are the days that teach you the most and make the Camino truly transformative.
Along the French Camino from Sarria, you’ll find inspirational quotes along the way
On a bad day on the Camino, embrace the pilgrim mindset
Remember, every step on the Camino de Santiago is part of a greater journey. Whether you’re planning your route or already walking, we hope these tips help you face a bad day on the Camino de Santiago. Stay strong—every step brings you closer to your destination! As the saying goes: no pain, no glory. And if you liked this article, don’t forget to apply it to your own experience or share it with fellow pilgrims.
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