Tips For Doing The Camino With Children
Doing the Camino de Santiago with children is a remarkable way to create lasting family memories. It’s not just a holiday—it’s a shared adventure filled with discovery, connection, and plenty of fun along the way.
Travelling with kids always requires a bit of extra thought and preparation, and the Camino is no exception. With that in mind, we’ve put together some helpful tips to make planning your family Camino smoother and more enjoyable.
Tip 1: Age And Ability
One of the first things to consider when organising your Camino journey with children is their age and physical ability. Not every child will be ready for long days of walking, and that’s perfectly fine. The key is to match the route and pace to your children’s needs.
If you’re travelling with toddlers, you’ll likely need a hiking backpack or a sturdy all-terrain buggy. These options make it easier to carry or push little ones when they’ve had enough walking. Many families find these tools essential for keeping everyone happy on the trail.
For slightly older children—around 7 years and up—the Camino can be a brilliant adventure, especially if you plan short daily stages. Children this age tend to enjoy being out in nature and can often walk 10–15 km per day comfortably with regular breaks.
Teenagers, on the other hand, will probably welcome the challenge. A bit of advance training (such as weekend hikes) will help them get used to longer distances, much like it would for any adult preparing for the Camino.
As you plan your trip, ask yourself a few important questions: Are the kids used to walking or hiking? How long can they walk before getting tired or bored? Do they enjoy spending time outdoors? Knowing the answers to these will help you plan a route and pace that works best for your family.
Tip 2: Walking or Cycling?
Another decision you’ll need to make is whether to walk or cycle the Camino. While walking is the traditional method, cycling can be a wonderful alternative—especially for children who enjoy being on two wheels.
Standard adult itineraries typically cover 20 to 25 km per day, which can be a bit too much for younger walkers. A family-focused itinerary usually includes daily distances of 10 to 15 km, which are more manageable and allow time for fun stops along the way.
Cycling is a fantastic option for kids who may not enjoy long walks. Whether they ride their own bikes or sit in a child seat, cycling allows for greater flexibility and faster progress. Younger children can ride as passengers, while those who are more confident on a bike can pedal along on their own.
Our director Roland cycled the Camino from Sarria with friends and 5 kids aged between 2 (bike seat) and 8 years (on kids’ bikes), and they all had a superb time. They cycled 25 km per day, which is really manageable as it can be covered in roughly half a day.
“I had asked for selected accommodation to offer either a swimming pool or garden space for the kids. Each day we had lunch en route and finished at approximately 2 pm. That was perfect and one of the best holidays we ever took,” he explains.
Tip 3: Which Camino Route Should You Take?
Choosing the right Camino route is essential when travelling with children. The Camino Francés is the most popular route, and for good reason. It offers the most services, such as cafes, rest areas, and accommodation, making it very convenient for families. The route is also very sociable, so your family will likely meet other pilgrims—possibly even other families with children—which can make the experience even more special.
If you’re looking to combine the Camino with a bit of beach time, the Portuguese Coastal Route is an excellent option, particularly during the summer months. The stretch between Baiona and Vigo features beautiful seaside views and the opportunity to cool off with a swim after a walk or ride.
Whatever route you choose, try to prioritise convenience, safety, and opportunities for fun along the way.
Tip 4: When to Travel?
Timing your Camino holiday wisely can make a big difference in how enjoyable it is for the whole family. Try to avoid the extremes of weather—both hot and wet.
The best months to walk or cycle the Camino with children tend to be May, June, and September. These months offer mild weather, comfortable temperatures, and generally good conditions underfoot. There’s less chance of heavy rain, and you can enjoy the beauty of the landscape without the intense heat of midsummer.
What Else?
If you’re looking for more inspiration and practical advice, there are specially designed family holiday packages available on our Caminos for Families page to make your Camino even more memorable. These packages focus on shorter stages, family-friendly accommodation, and plenty of support along the way.
There are six main family packages to consider, offering both walking and cycling options:
- Family walking on the Camino Francés
- Family walking on the Portuguese Coastal Camino
- Family walking on the Via Francigena in Tuscany
- Family cycling on the Camino Francés
- Family cycling on the Portuguese Coastal Camino
- Family cycling on the Via Francigena in Tuscany
Each of these options has been created with families in mind, balancing adventure with comfort and relaxation. You can explore the routes in more detail, compare the experiences, and find the one that best suits your children’s ages, abilities, and interests.
If you already have a time frame or route in mind, it’s even possible to customise your own family trip with our Camino Planner to suit your schedule and needs. A well-planned Camino can be the perfect mix of discovery, learning, and togetherness—a journey that your children will remember for years to come. For more information on Camino routes or to book your pilgrimage, contact us.
