Common Mistakes to Avoid on the Camino de Santiago

Common Mistakes to Avoid on the Camino de Santiago

Walking the Camino de Santiago can be a life-changing journey. But let’s not pretend it’s all sunshine, tapas and spiritual breakthroughs. This isn’t a walk in the park — literally or figuratively. Every year, thousands of pilgrims set off with the best of intentions, only to trip up (sometimes literally) on basic, avoidable mistakes. Whether you’re doing the full route or a shorter section, a little preparation — and a dose of realism — can go a long way. Common Mistakes to avoid.

So before you lace up your boots, here are the most Common Mistakes people make on the Camino, and how to steer clear of them.

1. Packing Everything but the Kitchen Sink

One of the easiest ways to ruin your Camino is to pack too much. It’s tempting to prepare for every possible scenario — but that mindset leads to backpacks bursting with “just-in-case” items. Ask yourself: Do I really need three pairs of trousers? Spoiler: you don’t.

Heavy bags cause sore shoulders, blisters, and a much harder walk. The general rule? Keep it light. Bring what you need, wash clothes regularly, and trust that Spain isn’t a desert island — you can buy supplies along the way.

2. Starting Like You’re in a Race

It’s day one. You’re excited. Adrenaline is high. And suddenly, you’re marching at full speed, overtaking everyone, eager to tick off the kilometres. Bad idea.

The Camino isn’t a sprint. Overdoing it early on is one of the quickest ways to get injured or burn out. Your body needs time to adapt to walking long distances day after day. Start slow, find your rhythm, and don’t fall into the trap of thinking “more distance = more achievement.” It really doesn’t.

3. Not Leaving Enough Time (Or Breaks)

Planning every minute of your Camino may seem efficient, but it can backfire. Many people don’t factor in rest days or enough time to recover — especially on longer routes. Walking for hours each day is demanding, and without proper breaks, even the fittest can hit a wall.

You might also want a day off to explore a city, soak your feet, or simply sit still. Leave wiggle room in your schedule. The Camino isn’t just about movement; it’s about reflection too.

4. Trying to Keep Up With Others

It’s a social route. You’ll meet plenty of wonderful people. But here’s the trap: matching someone else’s pace, especially if it’s too fast or too slow for you, can be a huge mistake.

The Camino is your journey. Not your friend’s, not that enthusiastic German you met at breakfast, not even your walking buddy’s. It’s easy to feel pressure to stick with others — but walking to match someone else can lead to injury or just make you miserable. It’s okay to say, “Let’s meet up later.”

5. Chasing Beds Like It’s a Competition

It’s true: some pilgrims get up before sunrise, rush through the day, and race to the next village in hopes of claiming a bed in a popular hostel. That can suck the joy out of the walk.

If you find yourself constantly stressing about accommodation, consider booking ahead or choosing less busy times to travel. You’re not here to win a bed — you’re here for the experience.

6. Wearing the Wrong Clothes

Some turn up in jeans and cotton t-shirts. Others wear brand-new hiking boots straight out of the box. Both are asking for trouble.

Clothes should be lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. And shoes? Comfortable, broken-in, and suitable for long-distance walking. You’ll regret ignoring this after your first blister or chafing disaster. Think function over fashion — this isn’t a catwalk.

7. Not Prepared for Rain

Yes, even in Spain, it rains — often unexpectedly. Many walkers bring a coat but forget waterproof trousers, or vice versa. A lightweight poncho or full rain gear can make the difference between a soggy, miserable slog and a manageable day.

And no, a bin bag doesn’t count as proper rain protection. It tears, it leaks, and you’ll look like a walking compost heap.

8. Forgetting to Take Photos

You’d be surprised how many pilgrims finish their Camino and realise they have barely any photos. They were so focused on walking, they forgot to document the journey.

You don’t need to turn it into a photo shoot, but a few snaps here and there help keep the memories alive. Capture the landscape, the people, the funny signs, your weary feet. One day, you’ll be glad you did.

9. Carrying Too Much Water

Yes, hydration is important. But carrying litres of water “just in case” isn’t wise. Water is heavy, and overloading your bag with it makes your walk much harder.

There are fountains, cafés, and shops all along the route. Refill as you go. Carry a reasonable amount — enough for a few hours — and avoid treating the Camino like a desert crossing.

10. Being Disrespectful Without Realising

Most people don’t mean to be rude. But little things add up. Playing loud music without headphones, leaving rubbish behind, taking up too much space in shared accommodation, or snapping photos of people without asking — it all adds to a sense of entitlement that’s very un-Camino.

The path is shared. With locals, other walkers, and the landscape itself. Respect costs nothing and makes the journey better for everyone. Be the pilgrim others are happy to meet.

Final Thought on the Common Mistakes

The Camino de Santiago isn’t just a walk — it’s an experience shaped by every choice you make, from your attitude to your backpack. Mistakes will happen, and that’s part of the charm. But with a bit of foresight (and a dash of humility), you can sidestep the most common pitfalls and focus on what really matters: being present, being open, and walking your own path.

Let the blisters teach you, let the rain surprise you, and most of all, let the Camino unfold without rushing it. Because if you’re too busy racing, competing, or following others, you just might miss the whole point.