Is it safe to walk the Camino de Santiago alone? Everything you need to know

Is it safe to walk the Camino de Santiago alone? Myths and facts

Many pilgrims start the Camino with fears. So it is worth separating myth from reality before you set off.

Three pilgrims who chose to walk the Camino de Santiago alone

“Is it safe to walk the Camino de Santiago alone?” is one of the questions we hear most often in our group. So we went and asked people who have done it. Cláudia, Pedro and Bruno told us how it went.

Cláudia Ferreira: “we should go, even if we are afraid”

Cláudia felt very safe almost all the time. Only in the more isolated spots did she look over her shoulder. For her, the most important thing is to set off with the right spirit. Besides, she thinks fear even helps, because it keeps us alert.

When she announced she was going alone, people called her mad. Even so, she did not wait for anyone and went, because it was what made sense. She had a single moment of fear, in a small wood, with a suspicious-looking man who stood still, staring at her. So she quickened her pace, held her walking pole tight and carried on.

When they tell us that, even when we go alone, we never are, that is the purest of truths.

Above all, she trusted herself and the Camino. After all, she met people, walked stages with them and lived the magic of going half in company, half alone.

Pedro Miguel Martins: “it was extremely safe”

Pedro set off alone and with no stages planned. He only booked a bed in Porto, the night before he started. He walked the Camino in February 2022, in the low season, so there were few walkers. Even so, he kept meeting locals and pilgrims to chat with, in Portugal and in Spain.

In addition, he noticed a difference between the two countries. In Spain, he came across a Guardia Civil patrol on several days, with a support van, friendly and happy to give information. On the Portuguese stretch, on the other hand, he saw no PSP or GNR (Portuguese police) on the route. That is why he argues for a stronger police presence in Portugal.

Bruno Cardoso Durante: “I ended up not being alone”

Bruno set off alone, but on the second day he joined a group during a water break. After that, they walked on together to Santiago. In fact, he says it is very common for people who go alone to end up in a bigger group, and that was what he liked most.

His only worry was finding a bed, because he booked day by day and it was not always easy. Since he walked the Camino at the end of September, he believes winter must be different: colder, shorter days and fewer people.

Safety tips to walk the Camino de Santiago alone

If you plan to walk the Camino de Santiago alone, these simple rules will help you walk with more peace of mind:

• Choose a popular route. The French Way and the Portuguese Way are the busiest, so you have more support.
• Plan your trip. Before you leave, study the routes, the albergues and the assistance points.
• Check in every day. Tell friends or family where you are and where you are heading next.
• Avoid walking at night. Like most pilgrims, start early so you arrive in daylight.
• Trust the community. After all, you are never really alone, because there are always pilgrims ready to help.

To choose the right route and pace, also look at the stages of the Camino de Santiago.

Women walking alone: precautions and inspiration

Many women walk the Camino alone and describe the experience as safe and empowering. Even so, it is natural to have a few worries before you set off.

The good news is that many consider the Camino de Santiago one of the safest routes for women travelling alone. That is because there are lots of pilgrims, local hospitality runs deep and walkers share a culture of helping one another.

• Choose recommended albergues, with good reviews from other pilgrims.
• Plan your stages, because knowing where you will sleep avoids surprises.
• Check in regularly with family or friends.
• Avoid isolated areas at dusk. During the day, there are always pilgrims nearby.
• Carry a whistle or personal alarm, which gives you extra security and more peace of mind.
• Trust your intuition. If something feels wrong, change route or ask other pilgrims for help.

Apps and gear for a safe Camino

Technology and a little simple gear also protect you. In addition, they give you independence when you walk without company.

GPS apps and offline maps

• Maps.me: you download maps and navigate without internet.
• Buen Camino App: it has routes, accommodation and points of interest along the Camino.
• Camino Ninja: very popular with pilgrims, with maps, distances and albergue suggestions.
• Komoot: great for planning stages and following trails in detail.
• Google Maps and Google Translate: handy in towns and for translating.

Essential gear

• Power bank, so your phone has battery all day.
• Head torch, essential at dawn or dusk.
• Emergency whistle, small and light, to attract attention.
• Reflective vest, so drivers can see you on roads or trails in poor light.
• ID bracelet, with your contacts and any allergies.

Then gather the rest with our list of what to pack for the Camino.

Is it worth walking the Camino de Santiago alone? Yes

If you are thinking of walking the Camino de Santiago alone, take the first step. After all, you will find unforgettable scenery, challenges that make you stronger and a community that welcomes you with open arms.

Every experience is different. Many start alone, like Bruno, and then find company along the way. Others, like Cláudia, feel some fear and still carry on. In short, almost all of them come back wanting to do it again.

Would you like to read more stories? In our On the Way with… section, we give a voice to pilgrims who walked the Camino alone or with company. For example, you will find women, men, young and older pilgrims, practical advice and reflections on how the Camino changed each of them. Start with the story of Rosário, who went alone, with faith and without fear, or with Victor, who spent 26 days alone on the Central Way. You can also share your questions in our Facebook group. Buen Camino!

Frequently asked questions about walking the Camino de Santiago alone