What to Bring on the Camino de Santiago in Summer?

The Camino de Santiago is a very special journey that many pilgrims choose to experience during the summer, taking advantage of the good weather and vacation time. Doing the Camino in summer is highly appealing because, with the good weather, you can refresh yourself on beaches, rivers, and pools that dot the Jacobean routes. If you’re thinking about diving into this adventure, here’s a complete guide on what to bring on the Camino de Santiago in summer.

Doing the Camino de Santiago in summer, with the good weather, is the preferred time of year for most pilgrims

Appropriate Clothing for the Camino de Santiago in Summer

Doing the Camino de Santiago in summer is the favorite time of year for most pilgrims, as recent statistics show. With warm temperatures and little rain, you’ll carry less weight because the clothing will be lighter and there won’t be a need for warm clothing. The possibility of avoiding carrying much weight in the backpack is the great advantage of doing the Camino in the summer, which has more pros than cons.

Light T-shirts and Pants

The summer heat calls for light and breathable clothing. Choose T-shirts made of technical materials that facilitate sweat evaporation and shorts or detachable pants that offer flexibility and comfort. Don’t forget the swimsuit, as on all routes, you’ll have the opportunity to swim in beaches, rivers, or pools.

It’s advisable to bring at least two or three sets of clothing so you can change and wash when necessary. Upon reaching the end of each stage, you can wash them by hand or even with washing machines if your accommodation has them. Otherwise, you can go to a self-service laundry, common in the towns along the routes.

In summer, don’t forget the swimsuit

As for drying, you can use dryers or hang the clothes out in the sun. Also, as many do when they can’t get their clothes to dry in time, carry the damp clothes pinned to your backpack while walking. We assure you they will dry in no time!

Breathable Underwear

Underwear, like the previous one, should be comfortable and made of materials that allow perspiration. Microfiber garments are ideal for keeping you cool and preventing chafing. Bring at least two or three changes, considering that you’ll also need to wash them.

And if you want to save space, many pilgrims choose to wear swimwear instead of underwear. This way, you’ll be ready to enjoy a swim, and with the heat while walking, it will dry gradually.

Light Waterproof Jacket

Although summer is usually warm, unexpected rains are possible. Wearing a light waterproof jacket will protect you from the rain without adding much weight to your backpack. Additionally, it will serve to keep you warm in the early morning or at night when temperatures drop a few degrees. You can replace it with a poncho, although it makes you sweat a lot, and a fleece for those cool hours in the early morning or at night.

In the face of possible summer rains, carrying a poncho is important and doesn’t take up much space in the backpack

Hat or Cap

The sun can be relentless during the summer, so it’s essential to protect your head. A hat or cap will not only protect you from the sun but also prevent heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Additionally, they will protect you from overexposure to the sun and burns on your face, head, and neck. In this regard, it’s also important to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Recommended Footwear for Doing the Camino de Santiago in Summer

Regarding footwear for the Camino, the most important thing is to have used it previously to avoid dreaded blisters and chafing. Depending on the chosen route, you may need hiking boots, but generally, hiking shoes, and even hiking sandals, are sufficient.

It’s very important to use the footwear you’ll be taking on the Camino beforehand

Hiking Boots, Shoes, and Sandals

Hiking boots should be comfortable and breathable and are recommended on steep mountain trails. However, with hiking shoes, you’ll be well equipped for most routes, such as the last 100 km of the Camino. Even hiking sandals can be perfect for walking on easier routes and allowing your feet to breathe.

Sandals for Resting

At the end of the day, pay attention to caring for your feet and give them a rest. Comfortable sandals will allow you to relax and prevent you from having to continue using your hiking footwear once you’ve finished the stage. Also, bring flip-flops, necessary for showers, especially if you’re staying in hostels.

Foot care is always very important on the Camino

What Accessories Are Essential?

Besides clothing, there are other important elements you will need for your Camino experience. A pilgrim backpack, a canteen, a pair of trekking poles, and a sleeping bag are essential accessories for the pilgrim, among other things.

Ergonomic Backpack

An ergonomic and well-adjusted backpack is essential for carrying all your belongings without causing damage to your back. A backpack with good ventilation and multiple compartments to organize your equipment will make your Camino easier.

We advise you to carry the different elements of your backpack grouped in cloth bags to better organize yourself and find them easily. Regarding capacity, in summer, a backpack between 30 and 40 liters is more than enough.

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles will provide stability and reduce the impact on your joints, especially on descents. They also help on ascents, acting as a third point of support to provide more thrust.

They’re recommended for any pilgrim, although many do without them. Some even simply use sticks, canes, or branches they find along the Camino as needed.

The backpack and poles are necessary accessories for doing the Camino

Reusable Water Bottle or Canteen

Staying hydrated is essential, especially in summer. Always carry a canteen or reusable water bottle and refill it at the sources along the Camino. The tap water in Galicia is exquisite and drinkable in practically all the fountains (except those indicated), even the tap water.

Light Sleeping Bag

A lightweight sleeping bag is sufficient for hostels in summer, where nights are usually warm. Make sure it’s compact and easy to pack. Sometimes, you won’t even need it, and with the bed sheet, it will be enough to have a restorative rest.

Other Necessary Accessories

For your mobile phone, necessary to capture your vacation with photos and stay connected with your loved ones, do not forget your charger. Additionally, it is always advisable to carry a power bank in case you run out of battery. Besides taking photos, you can use your phone to check the best apps for the Camino, which can help you during the route.

Prepare Your Basic Hygiene and Health Kit for Your Summer Camino

Of course, like any trip, you must carry a toiletry bag with everything you need for your daily hygiene. A toothbrush and toothpaste should not be missing, as well as shampoo and shower gel. A brush and comb for your hair, shaving instruments, or makeup products are elements you might need to include.

Regardless of the time of year, taking care of your health on the Camino is very important. Every day, you’ll be walking an average of 20 km outdoors, and you need to prevent heatstroke and be prepared for possible injuries or lesions.

Use Sunscreen

The sun can be very strong during the summer, so sunscreen is essential. Apply it regularly before and during the stage to prevent sunburn. And even if it doesn’t seem very sunny, don’t be fooled; you are spending several hours outdoors and will be exposed to the sun. In many cases, at the end of the first stage, parts of the body appear pink, especially the face, neck, arms, and legs.

In summer, take good care of yourself from the sun while doing the Camino

First Aid Kit

In addition to your toiletry bag, bring a small first aid kit with bandages, disinfectant, pain relievers, and any personal medication you need. Don’t forget to include something to treat blisters, which are common on long walks. And if one appears, you will need to treat it properly and take care of your feet.

Quick-Dry Towels

Quick-dry towels are lightweight, compact, and dry quickly, making them ideal for the Camino de Santiago in summer. They’ll serve you for showering in hostels as well as for drying off after a pilgrim bath during the stages.

Prepare your documentation and have some money saved

Carry a valid identification (ID card or passport), necessary for accommodations (in addition to being mandatory to carry it at all times). On the other hand, as a pilgrim, you must carry the Pilgrim’s Credential, which will allow you access to public hostels and obtain your Compostela. In many cases, especially in Santiago de Compostela, it will allow you to enjoy discounts in museums and more.

Of course, you should carry some cash. Although many places accept card payments, having cash can be useful in small towns. If you run out, in the towns and cities where you stay, you can withdraw money from ATMs. The Jacobean routes are very well equipped, and if you need something or forget something, you can always buy it during the Camino.

Don’t forget your Credential when doing the Camino

The Most Recommended Routes in Summer

You have decided to do the Camino de Santiago, you already have your vacation, you know what to bring, and you just need to decide which route to take. Whether you do it alone, in a group, by bike, with your dog, or with your family, here are the best summer routes.

The French Way

The most popular route and the best for beginner pilgrims, this route will allow you to start the Camino de Santiago experience. Complete with accommodations and services, well signposted and frequented by people from all over the world, the last 100 km from Sarria is an ideal option. Additionally, we offer you the possibility of doing it in an organized group, to enjoy one of your best summers with the best company.

The French Way is full of pilgrim tradition and historical heritage

The Portuguese Way

The second most popular route, also with many accommodations and services, being near the sea, you can enjoy the Galician coast. The last 100 km from Tui will allow you to enjoy the warmest Galicia and the beautiful Rías Baixas. Not only that: if what you want is pure beach, you can opt for the Portuguese Coastal Way, a very refreshing option.

On the Portuguese Way, the beautiful coast of the Rías Baixas awaits you

The Way of Finisterre and Muxía

This route is called the Epilogue, as it starts from Santiago de Compostela towards the mythical Costa da Morte, where the world ends. At the end of the Finisterre and Muxía Way, you can contemplate one of the best sunsets, as well as enjoy its incomparable beaches. We also offer you the possibility of doing it in an organized group, to share the experience with new and lasting friendships.

The Costa da Morte has a mystical charm

The English Way

This route will give you the opportunity to enjoy more introspection and time for yourself in solitude, as it is not very crowded. By doing the English Way from Ferrol, you can enjoy the Galician Rías Altas, where you will also have the chance to enjoy the sea and the beaches.

On the English Way, you will pass by historical bridges over the Rías Altas, such as the one in Pontedeume

The Northern Way

This is another less crowded route, which will allow you to walk with yourself and enjoy the Galician fields and streams. By walking the Northern Way from Vilalba, you can experience the most rural and authentic Galicia and disconnect during a unique vacation.

Enjoy the Galician countryside and monasteries like Sobrado dos Monxes on the Northern Way

The Primitive Way

Lastly, but no less interesting, we present to you the first of the Caminos to Santiago. By doing the Primitive Way from Lugo, you can discover this ancient Roman city while connecting with yourself.

Bucolic landscapes await you on the Primitive Way

Don’t forget the most important thing: plan your route

Before setting off, make sure you have a basic plan of your route. Knowing the stages, available accommodations, and services at each stop will help you have an optimal experience. or example, if you want to walk light, you can count on a luggage transport service that will free you from the weight of your backpack while walking. And if you want to worry less, we’ll be happy to help you.

By following these tips, you’ll be ready to fully enjoy your Camino de Santiago in summer. The best vacation of your life is about to come, a transformative journey full of spirituality that you will remember all your life and will want to repeat. The spirit of the Buen Camino will accompany you, and if you wish, we can be part of the summer of your life. ¡Ultreia pilgrim!