The Camino on Foot, by Bike, or on Horseback?

When planning a route, the first thing you need to do is decide how many days you have to do it. It's best to start by drawing up a schedule. Calculate the number of stages based on three key elements: the chosen route, the means of transport, and your own personal capabilities. 

It is important to space out the intensity, go at your own pace, and bear in mind the distances between stops and accommodation, especially if you are doing a long pilgrimage lasting many days. It is worth looking at a dedicated guide or app on the Camino de Santiago in Galicia, one that is continuously updated that you can access from your phone. 

Only carry bare essentials in your backpack and don't overpack. Ideally, you shouldn't be carrying more than 10% of your body weight, up to a maximum of 20 pounds (9 kg). Make sure your backpack is comfortable and has good support on the shoulders and waist. 

Don't forget to factor the weather forecast into your planning, for where you're going to be at different times of the year. That way you will be able to choose appropriate clothing for the hot, cold, and humid weather.

It is also a good idea to get in touch with the Friends of the Camino de Santiago Association beforehand, who can offer you detailed information, as well as providing the credencial that will be stamped daily along your route. 

The credencial is essential for anyone intending to spend the night in any of the publicly owned albergues (hostels). Bear in mind that the  public accommodation always gives preference to those traveling on foot over those traveling on horseback or by bike due to the additional effort endured.  

Likewise, the credencial allows you to obtain the Compostela when you arrive in Santiago. You can request it from the Pilgrim's Office, as long as you have traveled more than 60 miles (100 km) on foot or on horseback. The exception is if you have done the Camino by bike, where the minimum required distance is 125 miles (200 km), and if traveling by sea you need to cover 100 nautical miles, finishing the rest of the Camino on foot from the landing port.  

The Camino de Santiago is very much set up for walking: around 92% of pilgrims choose this option, which is the most traditional way. Remember to look out for the signs (yellow arrows) leading the way. 

In order to plan your accommodation, bear in mind that the average length of one stage on foot is 12.5 miles (20 km ) (4-6 hours), although nowadays, as there is a significant amount of accomodation available on most of the routes, you can be more flexible in varying the length of each stage. 

When you set off, remember to start slowly, gradually building in intensity and then continuing at a regular and continuous pace. Make sure you don't walk so fast that you can't do other activities, like hold a conversation. 

Around 6% of people who complete the Camino de Santiago cycle it. This option has some advantages compared with walking, such as being able to visit places slightly off-piste or having unscheduled breaks without having to rush. 

Bear in mind that a cyclist covers about 37 miles (60 km) in 5 hours, so it would be reasonable to plan to do between 37 to 60 miles (60 to 100 km) per stage. It is essential to consider the physical fitness of all participants, as well as carefully study the profile of each stage.  

We do not recommend cycling alone and be sure to take special care with traffic, always adhering to traffic regulations. Always ride in single file and have the right safety equipment required by local regulations. 

Cycling involves changing the route slightly in parts, as they were originally designed for walking, but they are just as well signposted and described in guides. The ideal time to start the Camino by bike is after the warm summer months, when the days are still long.

Pilgrims planning to arrive in Santiago de Compostela by horse should inform local police several days in advance. The police will tell you the permitted route and stipulate a time to enter. 

At the same time, you will be given an entry permit for the Praza do Obradoiro, which allows you a brief stop outside the Cathedral. Immediately afterwards, riders must find their way to the stables or the accommodation that they have booked.