The short answer: probably less than you think
Let’s be honest: if you’ve made it this far, you’ve probably spent days wondering whether you’ll really be able to walk the Camino de Santiago.
Maybe you imagine long walks, endless mountains, and pilgrims in incredible physical condition moving effortlessly ahead while you wonder whether you could even complete the first stage.
The good news is that reality is usually very different.
Every year, thousands of people walk the Camino de Santiago without being athletes, without running marathons, and without undertaking major physical preparation beforehand. People of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds travel to Santiago and successfully complete their pilgrimage.
After organizing thousands of Camino de Santiago trips, we’ve found that most pilgrims are not athletes. They are ordinary people who simply decide to take the first step.
So, if you’re wondering whether you need to be fit to walk the Camino de Santiago, the answer is simple:
“You don’t need to be an athlete. You need to choose the right route, prepare your body minimally, and walk at your own pace.”
Looking for an easy route to get started?
We organize routes adapted to all fitness levels, with selected accommodation, luggage transfer, and assistance throughout the Camino.
What Level of Fitness Do You Really Need to Walk the Camino de Santiago?
There is a widespread myth that the Camino is only for experienced hikers or people in excellent physical condition.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
What most pilgrims actually need is the ability to walk at a moderate pace for several consecutive days.
You do not need to:
- Run marathons.
- Go to the gym five days a week.
- Have mountain hiking experience.
- Have completed long-distance routes before.
What does help:
- Walking several times a week.
- Getting your feet used to the footwear you’ll be wearing.
- Maintaining a basic level of physical activity.
- Arriving with realistic expectations.
The Camino does not reward speed or extreme endurance. It rewards consistency.
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Who Can Walk the Camino de Santiago?
One of the best things about the Camino is that there is no single pilgrim profile.
People Who Have Never Hiked Before
Many people walk the Camino for the first time without any previous experience of long-distance routes.
If you choose suitable stages and an accessible route, the experience is usually much easier than you imagine.
People Over 60
Every year, thousands of retired pilgrims complete different Camino routes.
With proper planning, balanced stages, and comfortable accommodation, age is rarely an obstacle.
People Who Are Overweight
You do not need to have a specific weight to walk the Camino.
The important thing is to adapt the route to your abilities and walk at a comfortable pace.
Families with Children
Many sections of the Camino are perfectly suited to family travel.
There are routes especially recommended for those traveling with young children.
People Who Exercise Occasionally
This is probably the most common profile.
People who walk from time to time, play some sport, or simply lead an active lifestyle.
How Many Kilometers Do You Walk Per Day on the Camino de Santiago?
This is one of the questions that concerns future pilgrims the most.
The answer depends on the route and how you organize your trip.
Typical averages are:
- 12–15 km per day for very comfortable routes.
- 15–20 km per day for most pilgrims.
- 20–25 km per day for those seeking longer stages.
The great advantage of the Camino is that there are many possibilities.
There is no single way to do it.
Many pilgrims choose to divide traditional stages into shorter sections so they can enjoy the journey at a more relaxed pace.
The Best Camino Routes for Beginners
If this is your first experience, choosing the right route can make a huge difference.
Camino Francés from Sarria
The Camino Francés from Sarria is probably the most popular option for beginners.
Why?
- You only need to walk the final 100 kilometers.
- It allows you to obtain the Compostela.
- It is perfectly signposted.
- It offers numerous services.
- It has a fantastic pilgrim atmosphere.
It also provides an excellent combination of nature, heritage, and comfort.
View Camino Francés from Sarria
Camino Portugués from Tui
Another excellent option for first-time pilgrims.
Its main advantages are:
- Relatively gentle terrain.
- Excellent infrastructure.
- Beautiful landscapes.
- Well-balanced stages.
It is a highly appreciated route for those seeking a peaceful and accessible experience.
View Camino Portugués from Tui
Camino Inglés from Ferrol
With around 120 kilometers to Santiago, the Camino Inglés allows you to enjoy an authentic Camino experience in fewer days.
It is ideal for those with limited time or those wanting to try the Camino for the first time.
How to Physically Prepare for the Camino de Santiago
You do not need a professional training plan.
For most people, a few weeks of basic preparation is enough.
Walk Regularly
Start with walks of between 30 and 45 minutes several times a week.
Gradually increase both distance and duration.
Wear the Footwear You Will Use on the Camino
Never break in new boots or shoes during your pilgrimage.
Your feet will thank you.
Do Some Longer Walks
Before traveling, it is a good idea to complete one or two walks of between 10 and 15 kilometers to see how you feel.
Practice on Hills
If your route includes mountainous terrain, try incorporating hills or stairs into your training.
The Most Common Beginner Mistakes
Starting Too Fast
One of the most common mistakes is walking too quickly during the first few days.
Most physical problems appear precisely for this reason.
Carrying Too Much Weight
Many pilgrims carry items they never end up using.
A light backpack significantly improves the experience.
Using New Equipment
New boots, new backpacks, or untested clothing often end up causing discomfort.
Not Listening to Your Body
The Camino teaches an important lesson: resting is also part of the journey.
The Mental Factor: What Really Makes the Difference
Here we find a reality that many pilgrims discover during the route.
Most people who struggle do not struggle because they lack physical fitness.
They struggle because they were not prepared for certain unavoidable discomforts:
- Blisters.
- Rain.
- Fatigue.
- Changes of plans.
- Tougher days than expected.
Yet these moments often become the most valuable memories.
The Camino is much more mental than it appears.
Patience, flexibility, and adaptability are often more important than physical strength.
What If I Have a Particular Physical Condition?
Many people believe that certain limitations will prevent them from doing the Camino.
In reality, there are alternatives for almost every situation.
Depending on the circumstances, you can adapt:
- The distances.
- The stages.
- The accommodation.
- The transfers.
- The support services.
The important thing is to plan the route properly and choose an itinerary that matches your needs.
Is It Better to Do an Organized Camino?
For many beginners, yes.
An organized Camino removes much of the logistical stress and allows you to focus solely on walking and enjoying the experience.
It normally includes:
- Reserved accommodation.
- Luggage transfer.
- Travel documentation.
- Support throughout the route.
- Specialized assistance.
This is particularly useful for those doing the Camino for the first time.
The Camino Is Waiting for You
If you’ve made it this far, you probably already know the answer.
You do not need to be an athlete.
You do not need months of intensive training.
You do not need perfect physical fitness.
What you need is to choose the right route, prepare sensibly, and dare to take the first step.
Thousands of people who once had exactly the same doubts now remember the Camino as one of the best experiences of their lives.
And you can do it too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Fitness on the Camino de Santiago
Do you need to be fit to walk the Camino de Santiago?
No. Most pilgrims are not athletes. The important thing is to choose an appropriate route, walk at your own pace, and do some basic preparation before the trip.
Can I walk the Camino de Santiago without training?
Yes, although it is advisable to walk regularly during the weeks beforehand to get your body used to the effort.
Which is the easiest Camino route for beginners?
The Camino Francés from Sarria and the Camino Portugués from Tui are usually the most recommended options for a first experience.
How many kilometers do you walk per day?
Most pilgrims walk between 15 and 25 kilometers per day, although there are itineraries with shorter stages.
What happens if I cannot finish a stage?
There are always alternatives. You can reorganize the route, split stages, or use transport to complete certain sections.
Can older people walk the Camino?
Yes. Thousands of people over the age of 60 walk the Camino every year without any issues.
Is it possible to do the Camino with reduced mobility?
There are adapted routes and services available for certain levels of reduced mobility. The best option is to plan the route according to your individual needs.
You Don’t Need to Be an Athlete to Walk the Camino
Thousands of pilgrims walk the Camino every year with Santiago Ways. We help you choose the right route based on your fitness level and the number of days you have available.