What The Pilgrims Are Saying – Solo Camino Experience
We are often asked if people can walk the Camino de Santiago on their own. In truth, the majority of pilgrims have a solo Camino experience. We primarily offer self-guided tours and we wanted to see what the pilgrims were saying about walking the Camino solo.
This is the third post in our ‘What the Pilgrims Are Saying’ series. Make sure to check out the other articles in this series once they are linked and ready: Overall Camino Experience, Camino Cycling Experience, Camino Group Experience.
“I did the Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela starting on 4 June & finishing on 5 July (including 2 rest/sightseeing days). My walk distance was approximately 740 Klm & a thoroughly fantastic experience. The northern way has magnificent coastal scenery as well as beautiful medieval towns along the route. Being a 64-year-old male (walking solo), I chose not to stay at the hostels but instead arranged my accommodation through Caminoways. I appreciated that wherever practical, the accommodation was located in the centre of town, close to key attractions. Overall I would recommend the Camino as a should-do experience & Caminoways as a great company to assist you to make it happen.” – Jim, Australia
“The Camino experience is a very special one. A lovely blend of gentle countryside, inspiring walking, meeting good people, good food and weather. In early April I expected and got a lot of rain! As a solo traveller, the support offered by CaminoWays from the telephone booking was encouraging and helpful.” – Marius, UK
“Beautiful scenery through forests vineyards villages and farms, rustic Spanish foods and tasty tapas, very good local wines, amazing old churches, and a 3-day stay in Santiago at the end..excellent culture and tapas tour of Santiago with Juan.” – Catherine, Ireland
“Wonderful places to visit and pit-stops along the way. Could be easily embarrassed by the Galician hospitality. Brush up on a bit of basic Spanish to enjoy it more. Hotels were clean and comfortable, food was simple and nourishing. Travelled with my wife and mid-20s daughters, but met good friendly fellow travellers along the way. Each to their own but a sense of community. There’s something for everyone on this peaceful walk, and the guidance of Caminoways just makes it a little easier.” – Con, Ireland
My tour was custom designed by the lovely folks at Camino Ways. I went solo and together we crafted the number of kilometres I wanted to walk, what villages to stay in, and to top it off – a bike rental for 3 days to chill out at Finisterra & Muxia (by the sea). The plan worked out very smoothly and effectively. One of the best features was that the overnights were always centrally located and the best in the area. Very impressed! – Luna, USA
“I did a section of the Camino from Porto to Tui. Beautiful countryside, pretty towns, excellent markings and signage and lovely cafes en route. I will be back next year to do another section for sure!” – Margaret, Ireland
“This September I did my second trip with Camino Ways. My husband and I walked for 16 days. We started in Porto, Portugal and walked to Santiago (12 days) and then on to Finisterre (4 days.) This Camino is not nearly as popular as the French Way, but it is very lovely. I took hundreds of pictures. Each day was an exciting adventure. The luggage transfers worked perfectly. What a pleasure to only carry your day back and have your luggage shuttled to the next destination.” – Mary, USA
“It was a marvelous journey. I went alone. All aspects of the trip were very well organized with respect to lodging, meals, luggage transfers, and directions. I felt safe at all times. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I would most definitely book with Camino Ways on my next adventure.” – Dorie, Canada, Sarria to Santiago
“Being a solo traveller who has never been to Spain, I opted to go with an agency that will take care of all my needs and yet is decently priced. Service from the Camino Ways crew has been nothing but cordial, informative and efficient (bar one boo-boo which was quickly sorted). Airport pickups, luggage transfers, accommodations (bar one) and meals were all top-notch. Not forgetting the detailed notes, maps and passport. Lastly, our guide Jesus is simply a God-send, providing good directions, info and support. The Santiago native is truly a shining beacon to his home city. Am really impressed with the service throughout the trip and would highly recommend Camino Ways.” – Marguerita, Guided Tour from Sarria to Santiago
“I want to tell you how perfect everything was throughout my 5 days of relative easy walking on the French Camino. I’m in my late 70s and certainly not a long-distance walker, but you arranged a walk that was possible for me, and I enjoyed every minute (except for the uphill patches!). I had been a little anxious about how baggage transfer would work, but it did work, and most efficiently. My bag was always at its destination waiting for me. And each hotel was a treat, truly — a comfort and pleasure at day’s end — super clean, attractive, welcoming. After the first hard day of walking 14 km, I got into the swing of it and especially enjoyed impromptu chats with other pilgrims as we passed on the trail or lodged together in hotels. I always knew you were there if I needed emergency help just as you had been all through the process of signing on and getting ready.” – Rocio, USA
We hope you enjoyed this article which shared pilgrims having a solo Camino experience. For more information about walking the Camino solo, the various Camino routes, planning your own Camino adventure or anything else, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
