Walking the Camino de Santiago is a taxing challenge, even for experienced hikers, so doing it with children may sound like a plan from hell. However, with the right decisions and some compromise along the way, it’s not only possible but also life-changing for the whole family! Here are the two most child-friendly routes and some practical guidance.
Reader's Roadmap
Camino Francés from Sarria
Camino Francés is by far the most popular and accessible route of them all, making it highly popular amongst beginners as well as families. While the full trail is very long, most people choose to walk the final 115-kilometer section from Sarria. This means you will still qualify for the Compostela certificate after completing your pilgrimage and be able to fill your pilgrim passports with stamps (credenciales), which the kids will love.
For most walkers, this path will take around five to seven days to complete, but families can adjust their daily distances or include some rest days to make the experience less tiring for the little ones. The terrain is generally very gentle and well-marked, with lots of services along the way, such as cafés, grocery shops, pharmacies, and accommodation options.
Camino Portugués: Coastal and Central routes
The Camino Portugués is another excellent option for families with children, combining breathtaking scenery with relatively flat terrains. Even though the Portuguese Way tends to be a lot more quiet than the French Way, the paths here are well-maintained and you’ll find a good selection of services.
There are two variants available for Camino Portugués: the Central Route and the Coastal Route. Both of these are similar in terms of distances and difficulty, but offer unique experiences. For instance, the Coastal variant naturally visits more seaside towns and coastal viewpoints, as well as offers a nice breeze and beach days (ideal in the summer heat).
Practical tips for a Camino with children
Choosing the route is the easy part. Planning and preparation will require a bit more thinking. So, here are some practical tips you should know:
- Shorter days, more rest: The distances you walk each day will depend on your children’s age and physical activity level. But, regardless, parents almost always have to cut their days shorter and make more rest stops when doing the Camino with kids. Accounting for this straight away and plan your trip accordingly.
- Travel light: It can be super easy to overpack with kids, especially as they’ll want to bring their toys and other comfort items. However, remember that you will most likely end up carrying their backpack, as well as your own. Stick to the essentials and pack as light as possible.
- Book ahead: In order to secure family rooms or private accommodation, booking at least a few months in advance is key. This is particularly important during the busiest months (May to September).
- Stay flexible: Things will now always go to plan and that’s fine. What matters most is that you’re in this together! If one of the days you need to get a public transport or taxi connection to the next stop, it’s not the end of the world – tomorrow is a new day for adventure.
- Use a reputable agency: A travel agency can help you plan this trip and sort out the logistics, taking all of the headaches away. Specialising in the Camino de Santiago holidays, Orbis Ways will recommend and book the ideal itinerary for your family. They will also take care of other services, such as daily luggage transfers and airport pick-ups, leaving you to focus on your children.
Shared steps, shared memories
Yes, walking the Camino with kids can be a logistical nightmare. But, once you set off, it will all be worth it – this journey will bring you closer together and create memories of a lifetime.