“How many miles a day on Camino de santiago?” or more specifically “how many kilometers a day should I plan to walk?” — this is the question I’ve been asked hundreds of times since I started sharing my different caminos here on the blog and over on Instagram. And I get it. It’s a question that can stress people out, especially if you’re not just winging it but trying to plan your itinerary clearly, day by day.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably trying to figure out how far you should walk daily on the Camino de Santiago to make steady progress without burning yourself out. And that’s a smart question — especially if you’re walking the Camino de Santiago with a set amount of time, like a one-week trip with a specific arrival date, where your number of kilometers per day matters. If, on the other hand, you’re lucky enough to have some flexibility or an open timeline, you can relax a bit more and adjust as you go.

In this article, I’ll help you figure out how many kilometers a day on the Camino de Santiago you might aim for depending on your goals, schedule, and physical condition. We’ll go over what really matters when choosing your pace, and how to set realistic expectations so you enjoy your pilgrimage instead of suffering through it.

My experience walking the Camino de Santiago

When I walked the Camino de Santiago for over a month in 2018 and again in 2023, I had a pretty flexible itinerary. I wasn’t following a rigid schedule — and that’s actually one of the things I love most about the Camino: this feeling of freedom. I knew I wanted to walk for several weeks, but without putting pressure on myself to hit a certain daily mileage.

That said, I did have a good idea of my average walking pace from shorter trips I had done before — including the Via Tolosana. I knew roughly how many kilometers per day I could handle and how long it would take me to reach Santiago if I followed the more “conventional” stage breakdowns you often find in guidebooks. Those tend to recommend an average of about 25 km per day, which many pilgrims use as a base.

I started on the Camino del Norte, a stunning route along Spain’s northern coast. From the first few days, I naturally settled into a pace of about 25 to 30 kilometers per day. It felt good — not too slow, not too fast — and I was able to make steady progress without pushing too hard. I decided where to stop each day based on how I was feeling that morning. Some days I kept it short to recover; others, I felt great and walked well over 30 km.

Like most pilgrims, I quickly realized that every single day on the Camino is different. Some days you’ve got endless energy, the terrain is smooth, and you hit 30 km without even noticing. Other days, you’re just tired, the weather sucks, or you find a special spot and decide to stop early.

Your body also adapts as you go. The first few days are often the hardest — your backpack feels heavy, your legs are adjusting, your feet are still breaking in. Especially if you’re not used to daily physical activity, it’s wise to take it easy that first week.

➡️ You can find my full story in my book Le Camino seule, enfin presque.

That said, I’ve also met plenty of people who completely underestimated themselves. Like one mother and son I met on the Via Podiensis — they had pre-booked all their accommodation for the week and planned short 15 km days. In the end, they found themselves arriving way too early each afternoon, wishing they had planned longer stages.

On the flip side, I also met two Canadians who had totally overestimated their pace. They were trying to get to Santiago from Irún, planning huge daily distances — way beyond their actual capacity. After a few days, they had to face reality: either cut their trip short or take a bus for a few stretches. Not a big deal, but definitely frustrating for them — and totally avoidable with a bit more self-awareness.

➡️ One of the great things about not booking ahead is that you can listen to your body, learn about your limits as you go, and adapt your stages “à la carte.” I talk about that in detail in my article about accommodation on the Camino de Santiago.

So for me, the best strategy is a balance between structure and spontaneity. Know your average pace, yes — but stay flexible. Because in the end, your body is the one in charge, and no two walking days are ever the same.

How many kilometers a day on the Camino de Santiago?

Assessing your fitness level and hiking experience

If you need to plan your daily mileage ahead of time

While my favorite version of the Camino is the one where you start walking on day one without really knowing where the next few days will take you, there are many reasons why you might need to plan your Camino de Santiago stages in advance. That means booking accommodation, setting goals, and figuring out how many kilometers you’ll be walking per day.

➡️ Most of the standard stage breakdowns you’ll find in Camino guidebooks are designed for “average” fitness levels. Many pilgrims I met followed these predefined Camino de Santiago daily distances exactly. For some, they’re just right. For others, not quite enough. But remember: you’ve got all day to walk, and those stage suggestions are made to match what most people can handle comfortably.

If you do want to go beyond (or stay below) these suggested stages, it’s important to honestly assess your fitness level and your ability to walk several days in a row. Before deciding how many km a day to walk on the Camino de Santiago, take a moment to consider your limits.

If you’re already active, hike regularly, or work out often, you’ll probably manage 25 km per day from the beginning without trouble. Of course, terrain and weather will still affect your daily pace, but you can likely handle more than what the guidebooks suggest.

On the other hand, if you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with 15–20 km per day. That allows your body to gradually adjust without risking injury. I’ve met some pilgrims who walked just 10 km per day, especially for health reasons—and honestly, that’s great too. Everyone walks their own Camino, at their own pace and with their own physical limits. If that’s your case, consider choosing a route like the Camino Francés, where you can find accommodation every 5 to 10 km. More remote paths like the Camino Primitivo make it harder to stop whenever you want.

The best way to estimate your capacity? Go for a weekend hike before you leave. Try walking with your backpack and gear to test how you feel. Just keep in mind: your body will get stronger with each passing day.

If you don’t need to plan your distance in advance

If you’re lucky enough to walk without strict deadlines or bookings, pay close attention to how your body responds during the first few days. Let me reassure you—or not—the first few days are often the toughest! That’s when your body gets used to walking all day with your “home” on your back, and when your feet are still adjusting to hours in hiking shoes.

If you feel exhausted or sore, that might be a sign to shorten your stages. But it could also mean you’re not drinking enough, taking enough breaks, or eating properly—your body needs different care when you’re walking for hours.

On the flip side, if after a week you’re feeling strong and full of energy, you can start increasing your daily mileage. But make it a gradual shift: don’t jump from 20 to 35 km overnight. Add a few kilometers at a time, and always listen to your body.

Take terrain, weather, and gear into account

Not all Camino de Santiago routes are the same. Between the dry plateaus of the Meseta, the hilly Camino Primitivo, or the coastal trails of the Camino del Norte, terrain can drastically affect how many kilometers you’ll walk each day.

Some examples:

• On the Camino Francés, with its well-maintained paths and rolling terrain, 25–30 km per day is doable for many pilgrims.
• On the Camino del Norte, with more elevation and uneven trails, 20 km a day might be a better target to avoid burning out too quickly.
  

In short: terrain affects your distance. Steep climbs = shorter stages.

Weather matters too. Hiking in 35°C heat is nothing like a cool spring day.

➡️ In summer, leave early and shorten your stages to avoid heatstroke.
➡️ In the rain, trails get slippery, and progress slows down fast.

Your gear also plays a key role. Make sure your hiking shoes are broken in to avoid blisters and that your backpack fits well to prevent back pain. A good setup makes the difference between a pleasant day and a miserable one.

➡️ You can find more advice in my article on Camino de Santiago gear essentials.
➡️ And if you want to walk safely and avoid mistakes, check out my piece on dangers on the Camino de Santiago.

Embracing a flexible plan

One of the most beautiful aspects of the Camino de Santiago is how it teaches us to let go of rigid expectations and embrace adaptability. Having a clear plan can be reassuring—especially if you’re working with a tight schedule—but staying flexible is just as important.

Sometimes you’ll meet fellow pilgrims you want to spend more time with, or you’ll stumble upon places so special that you’ll want to linger a bit longer. Other times, your body might simply need a break. Paying attention to these signals—and allowing yourself the freedom to respond to them—will make your pilgrimage more meaningful and more personal.

➡️ Remember: the Camino isn’t just a destination to reach, it’s a journey to fully experience, with all the surprises and lessons it has to offer. I talk more about this in my article on why do people walk the Camino de Santiago.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to build a walking plan that balances both your physical capacity and personal goals, while leaving enough space to enjoy the magic of each day on the Camino de Santiago.

Preparing for the Camino: training and gear

Do you need to train before walking the Camino de Santiago?

You might expect me to say that a strict training routine is essential to prepare for the Camino de Santiago, but here’s the truth: most pilgrims don’t train much, or at all, before setting off—and it usually goes just fine. Of course, if you’re already active or used to hiking, you’ll likely fall into a rhythm faster. But this is real life, not a military boot camp. The Camino is forgiving. What matters most is learning to listen to your body and giving it time to adapt.

If you do want to prepare, the best thing you can do is simply start walking regularly in the weeks leading up to your departure. You don’t need to chase performance or elevation. Just help your feet and your back get used to the motion. If you’ve recently purchased gear, this is also a great time to test it.

If possible, take a few walks with your backpack packed close to the weight you’ll carry on the Camino. This will help you understand how your body reacts and allow you to adjust your gear before leaving. The goal is to make your pack as light as possible—without skipping essentials—because every extra kilo will feel heavier after several consecutive days of walking.

➡️ And no stress: the best training is the Camino itself. Many people set off with minimal prep and find their stride naturally after a few days. The key is to ease into the rhythm, listen to your body, and let go of the pressure.

That said, if you’re the type who feels more confident being physically prepared, that’s great too! Start walking regularly several weeks—or even months—before you go. This will help condition your body for endurance walking and reduce the risk of injury. Try to vary your walking terrain to simulate the variety you’ll find along the trail. But also remember: weekend hikes are not the same as walking day after day with a pack. Your body will gradually adapt to this new rhythm, and that’s perfectly normal.

Choosing and testing your Camino gear

Selecting the right gear for the Camino de Santiago can make a big difference in how you experience each day of your walk. Your hiking shoes are by far your most important asset—they should be supportive, broken in, and comfortable enough to handle long distances day after day. Good socks are just as essential to avoid blisters. Choose materials that wick away moisture and offer cushioning where it counts.

Your backpack should be ergonomic and properly fitted to your body. Look for a model with multiple pockets and compartments so you can easily reach your essentials without having to unpack everything. Before your pilgrimage, test your fully loaded pack on several walks to ensure it feels balanced and doesn’t cause discomfort. Trust me, the better your setup from day one, the easier it will be to find your daily rhythm—whether you’re walking 20 km or 30 km a day on the Camino

Learning and adjusting along the way

No matter how well you prepare, the Camino de Santiago will teach you to adjust as you go. The reality on the trail often differs from what you expected, and that’s part of the journey.

You’ll quickly discover that some of the items you thought were essential end up being dead weight. That fourth pair of technical socks? Maybe not so necessary. Lightening your load as you go is a common—and symbolic—part of the Camino experience.

You’ll also become more in tune with how to manage your energy throughout the day. Maybe you’ll realize you need to take more breaks, slow your pace depending on the weather, or rebalance your pack for comfort. It’s all part of the learning curve.

➡️ Feeling overly tired one day? Give yourself permission to rest for a few hours or even take a full rest day.

➡️ Backpack pulling on one shoulder? Adjust the straps or redistribute the weight inside.

➡️ Connect with fellow pilgrims? Don’t hesitate to change your pace or plans to walk together for a while.

Other pilgrims and locals are an incredible resource. Many have walked the trail several times and know current trail conditions, alternative routes, or the best places to stop and recharge. Listening to their advice can help you stay flexible and make smart decisions along the way.

And most importantly, don’t feel guilty if you need to rest. Many pilgrims take breaks—physically to recover, mentally to reflect, or simply to enjoy a special place. Whether you’re walking the Camino de Santiago French Way over several weeks, or you’re on a shorter trip and wondering how many km a day to walk on the Camino de Santiago, the key is always the same: listen to your body and walk at your own pace.

➡️ In the end, the Camino is not a race. The more you tune in to your own rhythm, the more rewarding the journey becomes. Planning is helpful—but knowing how to adapt along the way is what makes the Camino truly unforgettable.

How many kilometers a day on the Camino de Santiago? A quick recap

So, how many kilometers should you walk per day on the Camino de Santiago? The answer depends on a mix of personal factors and real-life conditions. With thoughtful preparation, self-awareness, and a flexible mindset, you’ll be able to make the most of your Camino journey—whether you’re walking a full month or just a short section.

Recommended daily distance on the Camino:
On average, most pilgrims walk 20 to 25 km per day (around 5 to 7 hours of walking), which is also the standard distance you’ll see in most guidebooks. This pace allows you to cover ground while still enjoying the experience without pushing your limits too much.

If you’re a beginner or not very active, it’s wiser to start with 15 to 20 km per day to give your body time to adapt to walking several hours with a backpack.

Key factors that affect how many km you walk per day on the Camino

• Your physical condition: Your current fitness level will determine how far you can go. The key is to listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
  
• The terrain: Some routes—like the Camino Primitivo or the Camino del Norte—include more climbs and technical paths, which may slow you down.
  
• Weather: Walking under intense heat or heavy rain can drain your energy. You might need to shorten your stages depending on the conditions.
  
• Your gear: A poorly adjusted backpack or hiking shoes that don’t fit well can cause extra fatigue and even injuries.
  
• Flexibility: The best way to enjoy the Camino is to remain flexible. Some days you’ll feel great and want to keep walking. Other days, you may want to stop early because you’re tired—or because you’ve found a peaceful spot worth savoring.
  

➡️ Remember, the Camino isn’t about hitting a daily number. It’s about the journey you live, the people you meet, and the way you connect with yourself.