Let’s be clear: you don’t need to be an athlete to walk the Camino de Santiago. You don’t need to train for months or conquer mountains. What you need is one thing—a genuine desire to move toward something more.
What that “something” is? That’s personal. Maybe it’s healing. Maybe it’s space to breathe. Maybe it’s wonder, clarity, or a much-needed reset. Whatever it is, there’s a Camino for you.
The Camino Short Walking Days are not a shortcut. They are a gentler way in—slower, softer, but just as soul-shifting.
Why choose short walking days for your Camino?
Because you want the journey without the burnout. The standard Camino can ask for 20–25 km of walking per day, often over rugged terrain and unpredictable weather. That’s no small feat, especially if your current fitness level makes that feel intimidating—or downright impossible.
With short walking day itineraries, your stages are between 10 and 15 km. That means 2 to 4 hours of walking per day, leaving you with energy to enjoy the afternoons, soak in the scenery, chat with locals, or simply rest. It’s the Camino without pressure. The same ancient roads, the same rituals, the same arrival in Santiago—but on your terms!
Is it still a “real” Camino experience?
Many people worry that shortening the stages makes the Camino less “Caminoesque”. But that’s a myth—and a dangerous one, if you ask us! The Camino is not a competition. It’s not a badge of pain or endurance. It’s a personal pilgrimage, and the only thing that matters is that it’s meaningful to you.
With short walking days, you still collect stamps in your credencial, and you can still earn your Compostela—as long as your route includes at least 100 km on foot. Some of our shorter itineraries meet that requirement, while others are designed more for the experience than the certificate.
The difference? You’re not limping your way through it. You’re walking on your own terms, ant that allows you to notice the flowers at your feet, the rhythm of your breath, the kindness of strangers, and the joy of the journey.
That’s not less Camino. That’s the Camino, fully lived.
What routes can I take with shorter walking stages?
Several of the most iconic Camino routes offer this gentler format. The most popular are:
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Camino Francés from Sarria (11 days) – Perfect for those who want more days to walk the same distance more slowly.
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Camino Portugués from Tui (11 days) – A lush, coastal alternative with a little more variety and a touch of Portugal.
- Camino Francés from Palas de Rei (7 days) – An ideal introduction, with daily walks of around 13 km. Please note this route covers less than the 100 km required to earn the Compostela.
These short day versions are designed intentionally to allow for deeper immersion in each town, longer pauses at chapels and cafés, and a stronger connection to your body as it adapts day by day. This is about choosing presence over pressure.
What if I’m recovering from injury or have mobility concerns?
These shorter stages exist to make this profound journey accessible to everyone, even when your body needs extra care.
At Follow the Camino, we’ll design your itinerary to match your body and your energy. Need a rest day in the middle? We add it. Want to skip a stage and ride to the next stop? We arrange it. We’ve even helped design Caminos for wheelchair users. This isn’t about forcing your body. It’s about honoring it.
That said, this isn’t about showing up unprepared. Work with your doctor or physiotherapist to understand your current limits and train within your possibilities. Even gentle walks a few times a week can build confidence. The goal isn’t speed or distance: it’s consistency and self-awareness.
How supported will I be along the way?
You won’t be alone! Not in spirit, and not in logistics. With Follow the Camino, we take care of everything:
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Accommodation bookings in cozy, welcoming hotels or guesthouses
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Daily luggage transfers so you only carry a daypack
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24/7 emergency assistance
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Tailored itineraries that fit your energy, pace, and travel goals
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Pre-departure advice so you feel prepared before setting foot on the trail
You walk. We handle the rest. That’s the beauty of a guided self-guided Camino: the freedom of solo travel with the backbone of a full support team.
What will I actually do each day?
You’ll wake up, stretch, have breakfast, and walk, not race. You’ll stop when you’re tired. You’ll have time to sit under a tree and listen to birdsong. You’ll talk to fellow pilgrims, or not. You’ll write in your journal, pray, or just breathe deeply and enjoy the moment. You’ll arrive at your next destination with enough energy to explore, drink wine, visit a church, read a book, or take a nap.
This version of the Camino allows you to experience, reflect, and enjoy.
Will I still feel transformed?
Yes, and maybe even more so! Because you’re not too exhausted to pay attention. You’re not pushing through. You’re listening, slowing down, receiving what the Camino offers.
And what it offers is simple: clarity, silence, movement, connection, joy. The Camino doesn’t demand that you suffer. It asks that you show up!
How do I start?
You don’t need to get “fit enough” before you start planning your Camino with us – you just need to reach out!
✅ We’ll talk through what you want.
✅ We’ll recommend the route that fits you best.
✅ We’ll book the details and walk you through the process.
✅ You’ll walk the Camino your way—with safety, support, and purpose.
Ready to take the first step? Contact us now or schedule a FREE virtual appointment and let’s build your Camino Short Walking Days together.
Let this be your beginning. No pressure. No proving. Just presence.
