Some things on the Camino are universal: the sound of footsteps on gravel, the relief of shade, the shared smiles with strangers. But beyond the scenery and stories, there’s also a way of walking, both literally and figuratively, which makes the Camino something more than just a long-distance hike.
Over time and many kilometers, we’ve found ourselves guided by a few simple rules. Not written in stone, not official, and certainly not perfect. But little truths that have helped us walk lighter, meet others with more kindness, and embrace both the sore feet and the small miracles. These are our 10 Camino rules we walk by, and maybe you do too!
Hey, were you looking for something else, like the rules for obtaining the Compostela on the Camino de Santiago? We got you covered, we also have a blogpost about that!
1. Greet walkers, say “Buen Camino!”
There’s something really lovely about how simple it is. A cheerful “Buen Camino!” tossed into the air as you pass someone on the trail. It’s not just about being polite, although that’s part of it! It’s more like a tiny ritual, a reminder that you’re not walking alone, even if your journey is your own.
This Camino habit might feel like something modern, but it actually has deep roots. Back in the Middle Ages, pilgrims would greet each other with phrases like Ultreia and Suseia. These words were meant to encourage, to say “keep going” and “onward, upward.” They were little sparks of motivation shared between strangers on the road. Over time, the language changed, the pilgrimage shifted, and “Buen Camino” became the phrase that stuck. Today, it’s said by everyone from fellow hikers to locals leaning out of café doors.
And if someone says “Buen Camino” to you but they’re not a fellow walker, maybe a shopkeeper, a local, or someone passing by, you can just smile and say “Gracias, buen día!” (Thank you, have a nice day!). Or simply say “Buen Camino” back. It will be fine. People will get it. It’s all part of the spirit!
2. Leave nothing but footsteps
The Camino gives us so much: beauty, peace, connection, and dusty, glorious paths to walk. The least we can do is tread lightly in return. That means picking up after ourselves, not straying off trail, and sometimes even grabbing that empty bottle someone else dropped.
Think of it this way: every step we take becomes part of someone else’s experience too. So let’s leave behind only footsteps, not snack wrappers or tissues. The trail is shared., so let’s keep it clean, open, and full of good energy for the next pilgrim who comes along!
3. Always listen to your body
The Camino is not a race. There’s no medal for pushing through a twisted ankle or ignoring blisters the size of grapes. The trail is long, and your body is your one and only walking companion for the whole journey.
Some days you’ll feel strong and light, while other days, you’ll creak like an old floorboard. That’s totally normal! Rest when you need to, stretch, eat, sleep. Say no when your feet say no! You’ll walk better, feel better, and enjoy the path more if you move at the pace your body asks for. This is your Camino body: tired, resilient, and full of wisdom. Trust it!
If you want to be well prepared and ease the load on your legs and feet, check out our shoe guide: Best Shoes for the Camino de Santiago.
4. Share what you can
The Camino has a beautiful way of reminding us that little things matter. A spare blister patch, or a kind word when someone looks tired or teary-eyed. You don’t have to give much to make someone’s day better, and sharing doesn’t mean carrying extra weight just in case. It means noticing when you have something (even something small) that someone else might need. The Camino often finds a way to give it back to you, in unexpected moments!
We’ve written about how to integrate some of the pilgrimage lessons into your daily life, such as how to volunteer or give back, how to simplify your life, or how to practice gratitude, make sure to read it!
5. Respect the quiet
This one is simple, but not always easy. Especially when you’re fumbling with a headlamp and your backpack zippers at 5:30 in the morning! On the Camino, quiet is part of the atmosphere. People walk for all sorts of reasons. Some are thinking through big life questions, some are grieving, some just need a break from the noise of everyday life. And all of that makes silence sacred.
It’s especially important in shared spaces, like albergues or dorms. If you arrive late, try to keep your movements soft and voices low. If you leave early, prep your gear the night before so you’re not rustling through your stuff while others are still sleeping. Use a red light if you can and whisper if you need to speak!
Of course you don’t have to tiptoe or never make a sound. But just paying attention and being mindful of rest are some small acts of respect that go a long way!
6. Remember: everyone walks their own Camino
Some people walk fast. Some take their time. Some carry tiny daypacks, others lug everything they own. Some walk in silence, some chat non-stop, some are blasting 80s hits through a portable speaker (hopefully not too early in the morning).
It’s easy to look around and wonder if you’re doing it right, but the beauty of the Camino is that there’s no single right way to walk it. Every person out there is carrying something invisible. What looks like a casual vacation might be someone’s quiet reckoning, and what seems like a solo retreat might actually be a celebration. So don’t judge, don’t compare, just walk your walk and let others walk theirs!
Not sure what kind of Camino might suit you best or where to start? You might enjoy our blog post about key starting points and pilgrimage essentials.
7. Be present with the path and the people
It’s tempting to walk while checking your photos, thinking about dinner, or wondering if your feet will ever recover. But the Camino has this sneaky way of reminding you to just be where you are.
You don’t have to be mindful every second! This isn’t a meditation retreat (unless you want it to be, of course). But try to show up for the little moments. They’re usually the ones you’ll remember most later. Believe us, we’re speaking from experience!
8. Carry only what you truly need
Every pilgrim learns this one eventually. Usually by starting out with way too much and slowly shedding the extras in hotel lobbies, donation boxes, or with a sheepish “Do you want this?” to a fellow walker. The Camino is a crash course in letting go. Not just of socks and shampoo, but of the idea that you need to be prepared for every possible scenario. Spoiler: you don’t.
You don’t need a backup for your backup. You don’t need five pairs of pants. You don’t need to carry emotional baggage either, but that’s a longer story. The less you carry, the freer you walk!
9. Let the Camino surprise you
You can plan your stages, book your beds, and read every blog post out there (like this one). And still, the Camino will find a way to do its own thing. That café you were counting on? Closed. That small village you weren’t excited about? Turns out it has the best almond cake of your life. That person you randomly walked beside for an hour? Now they’re your Camino bestie.
The best bits are often the unplanned ones, so leave a little space in your day and in your mindset. Let the Camino do its thing!
Just in case your somewhat of a planner, here we’ve written about when to book your Camino. And if you’re curious where to start, check out the 5 best Camino routes you should know about!
10. Never skip a coffee break!
Pilgrim rule of survival: walk, sip, repeat! Do we need to explain this?
The beauty of the Camino is that it keeps teaching us, step by step, person by person. And no two walks are ever quite the same. So let’s keep the conversation going. Your story might just be the encouragement someone else needs before they lace up their boots.
So these are the Camino rules we walk by, but what about you? What are your essential Camino rules, rituals, or lessons? We’d love to hear them! Got a favorite coffee stop? A packing trick? A mantra that kept you going? We’re all ears. Buen Camino, and see you on the trail or in our inbox! Drop us a note at hey@waw.travel and share your own trail wisdom: whether it’s something practical, something funny, or something quietly profound that you picked up along the way.
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