The weekly routine, with its hectic day-to-day life, work, school, commitments, etc., sometimes doesn’t allow for much quality time with the family. Weekends do offer those moments, but sometimes it’s not until family vacations that you can truly enjoy time with your loved ones. Escaping to the countryside, enjoying the mountains, cooling off at the beach, or spending family holidays somewhere you’ve never been before are usually the preferred options. But did you know that there’s an option that combines all of these at the same time? Well, there is, and we’re referring to going on the Camino de Santiago as a family.

Why Go on the Camino as a Family?

When was the last time you truly invested in spending quality time with your family? We propose the perfect plan for a vacation with your family along a pilgrimage route. There are many reasons why going on the Camino de Santiago is a unique and rewarding experience, especially for families.

Enjoying Nature Together

This outdoor adventure has numerous benefits for everyone as a hiking activity amid breathtaking natural and rural landscapes. Along the Camino, you’ll find a haven of peace while passing through forests, crossing countryside trails, and crossing rivers on beautiful bridges. The beauty of nature is at your disposal, even for your furry family member, who won’t be left alone during the vacation.

A Way to Strengthen Bonds

Walking together toward a common goal, such as reaching Santiago de Compostela, unites the family in a unique way and strengthens family bonds. Engaging in deep conversations during the Camino will enhance family relationships and provide an opportunity to create unforgettable memories. Sharing this adventure with your loved ones fosters communication and mutual support.

Adventure and Learning for the Youngest

As a family, going on the Camino with your children is the best school you can offer them. The sense of adventure they will discover on the Camino will be a great incentive for them. In addition to exploring the natural environment and admiring rural fauna, the youngest ones will enjoy playing guides by looking for the yellow arrows.

Going on the Camino de Santiago as a Family is a Great Adventure for Children.

Going on the Camino de Santiago as a Family is a Great Adventure for Children.

The little pilgrims of the family will have a blast – that’s guaranteed! They will also learn new values such as effort, perseverance, solidarity, and teamwork. You’ll see how happy they return home with their pilgrim’s diploma, the Compostela.

Tips for Going on the Camino as a Family

To ensure that your experience on the Camino de Santiago as a family is a complete success, we recommend following these tips.

Choosing the Right Camino Itinerary

Select a route that suits the ages and abilities of all family members. Opt for shorter and gentler routes if you have young children or less experienced teenagers in hiking; the same goes if you are accompanied by grandparents.

So, to begin your family pilgrimage experience, we recommend the last 100 km of the French Way from Sarria. But if you are already experienced and familiar with this route, you can complete the last 100 km of the Portuguese Way from Tui. In both cases, the best of Galicia awaits you with stages of undemanding profiles and all services.

Choosing the Best Time for a Family Camino

Spring and autumn are usually the ideal times to go on the Camino as a family, as the weather is milder and more pleasant. Summer may be the easiest time to plan since the children have school vacations, but you should be mindful of the heat. Winter is the least advisable time, whether due to scheduling or the cold, rainy weather and shorter daylight hours.

Physical Preparation and Care

It’s essential for all family members to be in good physical shape before starting the Camino. Regular walks and training together are the best pre-Camino physical preparation you can and should undertake.

Regarding the well-being and health of your family on the Camino, don’t forget to bring the necessary equipment. If you have young children, you may need a supportive hiking stroller in case they get tired. And if you find that you need many things, you can always turn to a luggage transport service.

A Family Preparing to Go on the Camino.

A Family Preparing to Go on the Camino.

Avoiding Surprises: Plan and Reserve in Advance

Traveling with the family, especially with children, is not like going Interrailing when you were twenty. Make sure to book accommodations in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises when finishing the stages along the Camino. Careful planning will ensure a safer experience, especially if you decide to go on a family pilgrimage during the summer, the Camino’s high season. 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 valuable recommendations and practical advice for the journey. And if there are no pilgrims in your family yet, you surely know someone who has done it and will recommend it to you 100%.

A Jacobean Experience for All Families

In conclusion, going on the Camino de Santiago as a family is an experience that will enrich your family bonds. Whether with children or adult family members, it’s an entirely unifying and transformative experience for everyone. Join the community of family pilgrims and start your journey today!