10 Camino de Santiago mistakes beginners often make - and how to avoid

Comments · 93

• CA

  @caminochris · 1 year ago (edited) · pinned

  If you already walked the Camino, what mistakes did you make?<br>Camino Course►<a href="https://www.udemy.com/course/everything-about-the-camino-de-santiago-in-1-hour-or-less/?couponCode=SUMMER2025">https://www.udemy.com/course/everything-about-the-camino-de-santiago-in-1-hour-or-less/?couponCode=SUMMER2025</a><br>Get your Camino Guide Books here: ►<a href="https://camino-chris.com/books/">https://camino-chris.com/books/</a>

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• AN

  @AnneEdwards-d6k · 5 months ago

  I had done a lot of research before I went so just took what I needed my pack weighed 7kg. I had over two weeks to walk the Portuguese pilgrimage from Porto to Santiago, so walked just 10 miles a day or thereabouts, lots of stops during the day. I was more interested in the Spiritual journey than any sort of physical challenge so I went to a church service everyday. Interestingly like the Aesops fable we tortoises often caught up with the hares who had to spend days recovering from foot problems and ankle injuries etc. Caused by exhausting themselves,some we heard had given up and gone home.<br>Walk your own pilgrimage, &nbsp;work out why you are doing it , if its about competition, walking the longest distances in the shortest time then make sure your friends are of the same mind or otherwise you will fall out. We met a lot of people who had ruined their long friendships because one was slower than the other. If it is for friendship and spiritual peace then relax and enjoy each day as an adventure being open to meeting like minded people.

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• KT

  @ktrmeadow · 2 months ago (edited)

  Prepare for the joy of the unknown. Great video. &nbsp;Planning for 2027.

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• FD

  @fd6944 · 8 months ago

  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKfBKMNHQdE&amp;t=619">10:19</a> being kept awake by someone snoring brings out the worst in me. They could be the kindest person in the world, but I will despise them and I don&apos;t think a pilgrimage is the time for my cruelest thoughts to come out.

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• MV

  @mvoetmann1 · 1 year ago

  Never walk without a hat. It is absolutely essential. Your clothes must dry quickly, so no cotton t-shirts. Earplugs for the albergues. Ask for help when you need it. There will be bad days, but other people will help you when you ask. Know your water needs. Walking thirsty is hell. When it rains, don&apos;t walk as far. Ask others about their boot tricks. You can learn a lot. A guide book helps a lot. But don&apos;t go their suggested days. It is better to go a little less or a little further, so you don&apos;t stop the same places as everyone else.<br>You will need the occasional rest day. Your body will tell you when.<br>You will always miss the Camino. So enjoy it.

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• JO

  @johnavery5384 · 4 months ago

  Mistake Nr 10 is probably the most surprising for first time pilgrims because the Camino isn’t just a long walk. What it is is different for everyone and probably the best reason for doing it.

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• KE

  @kennedyazul9704 · 1 year ago

  First of all congratulations on the Camino!! I did it about 20 years ago and I hope to do it again. A few things to add - what people do too as another option along the way is people send their extra stuff to the post office in Santiago de Compostela. But be prepared for the long lineup of pilgrims collecting their stuff. I was bad since I did some shopping along the way, and would just send it right away to the post office in Santiago. Every post office along the walk knows where to send it - just ask. But it saved us all by also reducing our huge backpack load. I also took silk bedsheets as extra protection in case there were bed bugs - a sleeping bag was too bulky and since I was doing the Camino for 30 days in May I knew already the heat would be intense. I got laughed at for my silk sheets but they did save me until I unfortunately left them behind and that next night without them I got eaten by bed bugs. Went and bought more bedsheets and I was fine going forward. Also don’t be judgmental on the destruction of feet you will see. I discovered after a couple of days walking, one can’t feel your own feet so it makes sense how bad feet can get. Just wash them as often as you can to get rid of the sand that acts as sandpaper and change your socks if you are wearing them a few times a day. If you feel a sore spot on your foot put a bandage before a blister appears. Lots of cow dung on the Camino and you want to avoid that crap from entering into a blister and getting a dangerous infection. Wear whatever footwear works for you. I went between running shoes to toe protected sandals. &nbsp;Now I really wished I had earplugs too. And grab a walking stick. Really helps to take pressure off legs and for balance.

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• VI

  @vickiy9786 · 3 months ago

  Thanks for the sensible advice ❤ doing my Portuguese (Porto) walk June 17, 2026.

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• IN

  @IntegrativeHealingwithSadhana · 1 year ago

  The tip about finding courage to walk your Camino is so important - learning to express yourself is a true gift. Great video Chris. Thank you!

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• LI

  @LindafromSaturn · 1 year ago

  Thank you for this helpful video, Chris. Detailed, well-produced and clearly communicated.. You are a lovely and generous soul. Doing my first Camino in a few months. Good reminders.

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• LO

  @louiselessels117 · 1 year ago (edited)

  Tip.7, you can chooses to be alone &nbsp;too, on busier routes . There is no pressure to socialize, when you crave that quiet time we sometimes need.<br> I even think that the more busier sections, with more crowds and groups can feel more lonely than some quieter paths, due to the less intimate connections made.

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• OL

  @olhaogiienko8866 · 1 month ago

  Great Video 😊 I am going to do this in a few years. Already excited 😅