Preparation Walks: the first step towards the Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago preparation walks are an initiative designed for all those who want to experience the Camino but don't yet know how to start. Through real stages of the Portuguese Way and with the accompaniment of experienced guides, these walks help prepare the body, mind and logistics for the great journey to Santiago.

In this article, you'll find out:

1. A community that asked for this meeting
2. How they are planned
3. Who are these walks for?
4. Why you should prepare for the Camino with long walks
5. The available steps
6. Testimonials from participants
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. A community that asked for this meeting

Our online community on Facebook (with over 100,000 members) lives the spirit of the Camino de Santiago every day. But we felt the need to create real, face-to-face moments. That's how these preparation walks were born: face-to-face meetings to walk, share experiences and answer questions.

These walks help:

• Overcoming the fear of starting the Camino
• Understanding what to take and how to organize logistics
• Meeting people with the same goal
• Experience real steps safely

2. What are the walks like to prepare 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, a spirit of mutual help and a safe experience.

Walks include:

• Actual stages of the Portuguese Way
• Accompanied by experienced guides
• Balanced pace for beginners
• Breaks designed to prevent injuries
• Possibility of testing 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 fee (optional)
• Moments of sharing and bonding between pilgrims

These walks are ideal for those who want to prepare themselves physically and mentally before starting the complete Way to Santiago de Compostela.

3. Who are these walks for?

These preparation walks are for anyone planning to do the Camino de Santiago, regardless of their experience. They are particularly useful for

• First-time walkers: If you've never walked the Camino, these walks are an excellent introduction. They allow you to experience the environment, understand the kind of effort involved and learn from those who have already lived the experience.
• Those who want to gain confidence and security: By walking with a group and with the support of experienced guides, you will feel more and more confident in your abilities and in your preparation.
• Who needs to test their equipment: There's nothing like trying out your boots, rucksack or poles on a long hike to see if they're really the right ones. These hikes are the perfect setting to do these tests before the "real" Camino.
• Who wants company or doesn't want to go it alone: Many people postpone the Camino because they don't have company. Here, you'll find other people with the same goal and you may even make friends who become your companions for the whole journey.
• Those with doubts about preparation or logistics: If you don't know what to take, how to organize stages or what to expect from day to day, here you have the opportunity to clarify everything with those who have already been through it.
• Anyone who wants 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 for the Camino with long walks?

Many pilgrims underestimate the impact of walking 20 to 25 km a day for several days in a row. The Camino requires physical endurance, emotional management skills and good logistical preparation. Preparation walks are a practical, safe and effective way to prepare yourself for this reality.

By taking part 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 the shoes to the backpack, including the clothing and support poles.
• Adjusting your rhythm and breaks: finding your natural cadence, understanding when you need to stop and how to recover.
• Preventing injuries: identifying and correcting postures or habits that may cause discomfort or pain.
• Simulate the environment of the Camino: from the type of flooring 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 to prevent injuries, avoids unpleasant surprises in the field and significantly increases your confidence to experience 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 the Santa Luzia viewpoint, Feira da Ladra, the National Pantheon, Beato, Marvila and Parque das Nações. After the River Trancão, we enter a more rural area as far as Alpriate. A stage with a great contrast between city and nature.

Stage 2 - Santa Iria da Azóia → Vila Franca de Xira (18 km)

We started at Santa Iria da Azóia station and continued on to Vila Franca de Xira. We pass through the Tagus Estuary Park, the riverside cycle paths, Alhandra and Vila Franca de Xira. An accessible walk, ideal for gaining rhythm and confidence.

6. Testimonials from those who have taken part

"Excellent organization and a team that was really interested in everyone having an experience of the walk to St. James."

"Although I took part alone without knowing anyone, I always felt very accompanied and supported. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to do the Camino."

"I felt safe and well informed. Vera, Isabel and Rita guided me with a lot of affection, attention and care."

"From the moment I registered, 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're going to expand to other regions such as Coimbra and Porto. The aim is to make these walks accessible to more people across the country.

👉 Check out the calendar of upcoming walks and sign up here:
https://caminhoportuguesdesantiago.eu/caminhadas-de-preparacao/

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are preparation walks for the Camino de Santiago?
They are organized walks that simulate real stages of the Camino, helping to prepare the body and logistics.

Are these hikes just for beginners?
No. They are useful for beginners and for those who want to pick up the pace or test equipment.

Where do these walks take place?
Currently in the Lisbon area, but soon in other regions such as Porto and Coimbra.

Do you need company to take part?
No. Many people come alone and find new companions for the Camino here.

Who organizes the walks?
They are organized by the Portuguese Camino de Santiago website team, with experienced guides and logistical support.

Do the walks include insurance? Yes, all the walks include personal accident insurance to ensure the safety of the participants.

Is there an option to include lunch? Yes. On some walks it is possible to include lunch at the time of registration, as an additional option.

💛 Come for you. And stay with us. These walks are your starting point - with your body walking and your heart already on the Camino de Santiago.