Am I too old to walk the Camino de Santiago?

No. There is no upper age limit on the Camino de Santiago. Pilgrims in their 60s, 70s and 80s complete the Camino every year. Age is not the deciding factor — fitness, preparation and route choice are. With the right planning, the Camino is accessible at any age.

This guide focuses specifically on walking the Camino as an older pilgrim — what to expect, how to prepare, and which routes work best. For a general fitness assessment regardless of age, visit our Camino fitness hub and 6-month training plan. For route advice, see our guide to the best Camino for beginners.

The Camino Has No Age Limit

Every year, the statistics from the Pilgrim Office in Santiago de Compostela show a significant proportion of pilgrims over 60. Many walk alone. Many are completing the Camino for the first time in their retirement. Some are walking it for the fifth or sixth time.

What older pilgrims consistently say is that the Camino rewards patience and experience — qualities that come with age. You are less likely to walk too fast on day one, less likely to ignore early signs of a blister, and more likely to stop, look around and actually enjoy what is in front of you.

The Camino is not a race. It never was.

Preparing for Your Pilgrimage

Almost anyone can walk the Camino with the right preparation. Training beforehand will make your journey smoother and more rewarding. Cardio exercises are excellent for building stamina, and activities such as hiking, swimming, jogging, cycling, and using gym machines all work well. Walking regularly before your trip is the best preparation, as it allows your body to adjust to long days on foot.

A six-month training plan is ideal for most people, giving enough time to build endurance and prevent injury. Stretching and strength exercises are also important as they help protect muscles and joints during your walk. Nutrition plays a key role in training too. Eating balanced meals provides energy and supports recovery after exercise, while hydration is equally vital. Drink plenty of water while walking and carry a refillable bottle on the trail. If you are unsure about your fitness, speak with your doctor. Medical advice can give peace of mind before starting.

Download our free Camino Fitness eBook or check out our 6-Month Camino Fitness Plan.

Choosing the Right Route

Route choice matters more for older walkers than almost any other factor. The difference between a flat coastal route and a mountain route is enormous in terms of physical demand. For a full comparison see our level of difficulty guide and easiest Camino routes guide.

Best routes for older walkers:

• The Camino Portugués Coastal from Vigo is the flattest of the main routes — minimal elevation, short daily stages of 16km on average, good infrastructure and beautiful Atlantic scenery. It is the most popular choice for older first-time pilgrims.
• The Camino Inglés from Ferrol is short (119km, 6 days), gentle and well-marked — an excellent first Camino at any age.
• The Camino Francés from Sarria (111km, 7 days) is the most popular beginner route overall. The terrain is rolling rather than flat, but the infrastructure is the best on the network — services, accommodation and fellow pilgrims every few kilometres.

Routes to approach with caution:

The Camino Primitivo and the full Camino Francés from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port involve sustained mountain walking and long daily stages. These are not recommended as a first Camino for older walkers unless you have significant walking experience and excellent fitness.

Walking at Your Own Pace

One of the most important things to understand is that the Camino is entirely flexible. You do not have to walk 25km per day. You do not have to keep up with anyone. You set the pace and the distance.

Our Easy Walking collection offers routes spread over 10 nights with daily stages of 8–15km — significantly shorter than the standard itinerary and much more comfortable for older walkers or those returning to exercise after a period of inactivity.

You can also use the split option on longer stages, dividing a 25km day into two shorter days of approximately 10–12km. And adding an extra rest day in one of the main towns costs nothing and can make the difference between struggling and thoroughly enjoying the last few days.

How to Prepare as an Older Walker

Preparation is everything. The good news is that the Camino rewards steady, consistent training — not intense athletic conditioning.

• Start early. A 6-month training plan gives your body time to adapt gradually without risk of injury. If you have less time, our last-minute training tips will help.
• Walk regularly. The best preparation for the Camino is walking. Aim for 3–4 walks per week, gradually increasing distance. In the final month, include at least one longer walk of 15–20km using the shoes and daypack you will take on the trail. Our guide on how to train for the Camino has a full programme.
• Stretch daily. Joints and muscles need more attention as we get older. Morning and evening stretches prevent the stiffness that builds up over consecutive walking days. Watch our 5 useful stretches for walkers video for the essentials.
• Look after your feet. Blisters and foot problems are the most common reason walkers of any age struggle. Read our guides on avoiding blisters, treating blisters and foot care while walking before you leave.
• Transfer your luggage. Walking with just a light daypack instead of a full backpack makes an enormous difference, particularly over multiple consecutive days. Luggage transfers are included in all CaminoWays packages.
• Consult your doctor. If you have any underlying health conditions, get medical clearance before you travel. The Camino is accessible to most people but it is always worth checking first. The World Health Organization recommends regular physical activity for older adults — walking is one of the most beneficial forms of exercise at any age.

Download our free Camino fitness ebook for a full preparation guide.

The Benefits of Walking the Camino as an Older Pilgrim

The Camino offers something that is genuinely rare: uninterrupted time to walk, think and connect — with the landscape, with fellow pilgrims, and with yourself. Research published by the University of Santiago de Compostela has shown that the Camino has measurable benefits for mental health and wellbeing, including reduced anxiety and improved mood. Our own guide on how the Camino can improve your wellbeing explores this in more detail.

That experience does not diminish with age. For many, it deepens. The testimonials we hear most often from older pilgrims are not about the physical challenge — they are about the people, the landscape, and the sense of achievement at the end. Many describe it as one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives.

2027 Holy Year — A Special Opportunity for Older Pilgrims

The 2027 Holy Year — the next Ano Xacobeo — is a particularly meaningful time to walk the Camino. The Holy Door of Santiago Cathedral opens for the full year, a plenary indulgence is available and the atmosphere on the trail will be unlike anything seen in a generation. For older pilgrims who have been thinking about walking the Camino, 2027 is a compelling reason to make it happen. Book early — places are already filling up.

Final Thoughts

So, are you too old to walk the Camino? The answer is no. With good preparation, a positive mindset, and a healthy body, age is never a barrier. You can shorten stages, take rest days, and adjust your route as needed. The Camino is flexible and welcoming.

This pilgrimage offers more than just a physical challenge. It is also a spiritual, cultural, and emotional experience. Every step brings something new—whether it is a view, a conversation, or a moment of peace. The Camino de Santiago is open to everyone, and no matter your age, you can make it your journey.

Use our Award-Winning Camino Planner to find the right route for your fitness and pace, or contact our travel team for personalised advice.

Frequently Asked Questions: Walking the Camino as an Older Pilgrim