The walks in preparation for the Camino de Santiago are an initiative designed for anyone who wants to experience the Camino but doesn’t yet know how to start. Through real stages of the Portuguese Way and accompanied by experienced guides, these walks help prepare the body, mind and logistics for the great journey to Santiago.
In this article you will find:
- A community that asked for this meeting
- How are they planned?
- Who are these walks for?
- Why you should prepare the Camino with long walks
- The available steps
- Testimonials from those who have already participated
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. A community that requested this meeting
Our online community on Facebook (with over 100,000 members) lives the spirit of Camino de Santiago . But we felt the need to create real moments, of face-to-face meetings. That's how these preparation walks were born: face-to-face meetings to walk, share experiences and ask questions.
These walks help to:
- Overcoming the fear of starting the Camino
- Understanding what to take and how to organize the logistics
- Meet people with the same goal
- Experiencing real steps safely
2. What are the preparation walks like for the Camino de Santiago ?
Each walk is carefully planned to simulate a real stage of the Camino de Santiago — in this case, the Portuguese Way. The focus is on progressive preparation, the spirit of mutual help and a safe experience.
Walks include:
- Real stages of the Portuguese Way
- Accompanied by experienced guides
- Balanced pace for beginners
- Breaks designed for injury prevention
- Possibility to test shoes, backpack and equipment
- Clarification of doubts with those who have already done the Camino
- Personal accident insurance included
- Possibility of including lunch in the registration (optional)
- Moments of sharing and creating bonds between pilgrims
These walks are ideal for those who want to prepare themselves physically and mentally before starting the complete Camino to Santiago de Compostela.
3. Who are these walks for?
These preparation hikes are for anyone planning to do the Camino de Santiago , regardless of your experience. They are particularly useful for:
- First-time hikers : If you’ve never done the Camino before, these walks are a great introduction. They allow you to experience the environment, understand the kind of effort involved, and learn from those who have already done the experience.
- Anyone who wants to gain confidence and security : When walking with a group and with the support of experienced guides, you will feel increasingly secure in your abilities and confident in your preparation.
- Who needs to test the equipment : There’s nothing like testing your boots, backpack or poles on a long hike to see if they’re really suitable. These hikes are the perfect setting to do these tests before the “real” Camino.
- Those who want company or don't want to go alone : Many people put off the Camino because they don't have company. Here, you'll find other people with the same goal and you can even make friends who will become company for the entire route.
- Anyone with questions about preparation or logistics : If you don't know what to take, how to organize stages or what to expect from day to day life, here you have the opportunity to clarify everything with someone who has already been through it.
- Those who want to feel the spirit of the Camino before setting off : These walks are not just physical training. They are experiences that already convey the spirit of mutual help, simplicity and inner focus that make the Camino so special.
4. Why should you prepare the Way with long walks?
Many pilgrims underestimate the impact of walking 20 to 25 km per day for several days in a row. The Camino requires physical endurance, emotional management skills and good logistical preparation. Preparatory walks are a practical, safe and effective way to prepare for this reality.
By participating in these walks, you can:
- Get your body used to continuous effort : understand how you react to long distances and what your limits are.
- Test the equipment in a real environment : from shoes to backpacks, clothing and support poles.
- Adjusting your pace and breaks : finding your natural cadence, understanding when you need to stop and how to recover.
- Prevent injuries : identify and correct postures or habits that may cause discomfort or pain.
- Simulate the environment of the Camino : from the type of floor to interactions with other pilgrims, creating a more realistic preparation.
- Strengthen mental confidence : knowing that you are capable of completing a stage gives you peace of mind to face the rest of the journey.
Training in advance helps prevent injuries, avoids unpleasant surprises on the field and significantly increases confidence to live the Camino de Santiago with more pleasure and less pain.
5. Preparation Walks – available stages
Stage 1 – Lisbon Cathedral → Alpriate (22 km)
We set off at sunrise from Lisbon Cathedral, passing by the Santa Luzia Viewpoint, Feira da Ladra, the National Pantheon, Beato, Marvila and Parque das Nações. After the Trancão River, we enter a more rural area until Alpriate. A stage with a great contrast between city and nature.
Stage 2 – Santa Iria da Azóia → Vila Franca de Xira (18 km)
We start at Santa Iria da Azóia Station and continue to Vila Franca de Xira. We pass through the Tagus Estuary Park, riverside cycle paths, Alhandra and Vila Franca de Xira. An accessible walk that is ideal for gaining rhythm and confidence.
6. Testimonials from those who have already participated
“Excellent organization and team genuinely interested in everyone having an experience of the hike to S. Tiago.”
“Although I participated alone without knowing anyone, I always felt very accompanied and supported. I recommend it to anyone who wants to do the Camino.”
“I felt safe and well informed. The guidance provided by Vera, Isabel and Rita was carried out with great care, attention and concern.”
“Since I signed up, I felt welcomed, informed, protected, guided and, above all, encouraged. I look forward to the next steps!”
What's next?
We currently have two stages in the Greater Lisbon area, but we will expand to other regions such as Coimbra and Porto. The goal is to make these walks accessible to more people across the country.
👉 Check the calendar of upcoming walks and sign up here:
https://caminhoportuguesdesantiago.eu/caminhadas-de-preparacao/
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the preparatory walks for the Camino de Santiago ?
These are organized walks that simulate real stages of the Camino, helping to prepare the body and logistics.
Are these hikes just for beginners?
No.
Where do these walks take place?
Currently in the Lisbon area, but soon in other regions such as Porto and Coimbra.
Do I need to have company to participate?
No. Many people come alone and find new companions for the Camino here.
Who organizes the walks?
They are organized by the website team Portuguese Camino de Santiago , with experienced guides and logistical support.
Do the hikes include insurance? Yes. All hikes include personal accident insurance to ensure greater safety for participants.
Is there an option to include lunch? Yes. On some hikes it is possible to include lunch when registering, as an additional option.
💛 Come for you. And stay for us. These walks are your starting point — with your body walking and your heart already Camino de Santiago .
