Things to know before your first solo Camino de Santiago trip
Going on any trip alone as a female can be daunting, not least a rural hiking with the possibility of sharing rooms in Albergues. But if you’re a believer of safety in numbers, Camino de Santiago may be for you.
The trail network
Camino isn’t a single path but a complete European network where all routes lead to Santiago (northwest Spain). Over half a million pilgrims reach Santiago annually, way up from a decade ago. Camino Francés is the classic choice, but the Camino Portugués has seen a surge in solo trekkers because of its accessible terrain and coastal vibe.
It’s an endeavour that rewards you with a certificate, as long as you walk at least 100km. You get stamps at the accommodation along the way to prove your journey. Because of this, you’re never more than a few kilometers from a village or other walkers.
Solo travelers who can’t share the load are turning to support services like Orbis Ways to handle luggage transfers and pre-book private lodging. This takes the stress away from sharing a room (and making sure you have one for each night).
The reality of solo safety and curated visibility
People often associate quiet rural areas as being dangerous, because nobody is around. That’s not true, because cities are proven to be more dangerous. But nontheless, how you feel is important.
Camino de Santiago is one of the most well trodden trails in the world. There are people all around, all of the time (especially in high season). It’s an incredible safe option for a solo traveller, with minimal crime along the stops.
If you’re looking to head out early before the Spanish sun strikes, you can always pack a head torch for when it’s dark. It remains safe, but your biggest threat will be cars, so make sure you wear reflective gear.
The social friction of the solo journey
Perhaps the most messy human problem of the solo Camino is the social pressure of the Camino Family. While the community is certainly an important part of the trek, solo walkers can find themselves being adopted into groups whose pace and personality fit. If you want solitude, you can get it. If you want to meet others, that’s as easy as it could ever be.
Experienced solo pilgrims use the fluid choice method whenever they feel uncertain about social situations. This means being vague about your destination for the next day when chatting at dinner – it prevents you from being locked into a group’s itinerary. One excuse is to say you’re hanging around the area for an extra day to have a mid-trip respite, but you can be honest too by saying you have some thinking to do so you want to walk alone. That’s not a rejection, but an affirmation of your trip goal.
Your first solo Camino is going to give you the confidence to continue travelling alone. It’s the perfect stepping stone, just like how Thailand is an accessible choice when first visiting Southeast Asia.
