“Why do people walk the Camino de Santiago?” It’s a question I get asked a lot. This human and spiritual adventure draws thousands of pilgrims every year from all over the world — and this enthusiasm often sparks curiosity. But why embark on such an ancient pilgrimage? What can this unique experience actually bring you? Let’s dive into the depths of this journey together to uncover the many layers of the Camino and explore why walking the Camino de Santiago is such a life-enriching experience.
This article is for you if you’re still hesitating. If you can’t understand why your colleague spent their summer walking dusty paths and racking up kilometers instead of relaxing at a Club Med resort. If the whole hype around walking — all day long, not to catch a train or hit the sales, but just to walk, carrying your home on your back — makes zero sense to you. Come closer. I’ll explain what brought me to the Camino de Santiago and why, maybe one day, it might call you too.
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What the Camino de Santiago taught me: My personal experience
As I mentioned earlier, it’s no secret that I love hiking. Short or long, technical or relaxed, loop trails or long-distance treks — all forms of walking adventures light me up. But if there’s one journey that has moved me more than any other, it’s the Camino de Santiago. So why walk the Camino de Santiago when there are so many other trails to choose from? Because for me, walking this mythical path was so much more than just racking up kilometers like appetizers, mains, and dessert.
I discovered the Camino at a turning point in my life — a moment when I needed clarity, focus, and perspective. I didn’t choose it by chance, nor for religious reasons (though that’s the case for many pilgrims I met along the way). It wasn’t even about taking on a physical challenge. No, for me, setting off on the Camino de Santiago was, above all, a personal pilgrimage — a deep inner quest.
I’ve walked parts of the Camino more than once. In 2018, I spent 40 days on the Camino del Norte and the Camino Primitivo, all the way to Santiago. It was a time filled with big questions about who I was and what I wanted from life. Walking day after day, crossing new landscapes, meeting inspiring people, and listening to their stories — it helped me step back, gain confidence, and most of all, reconnect with myself.
I returned again in 2023, this time on the Via Podiensis, and once more, the Camino helped me take stock and come back with a clearer head and heart. This is why the Camino de Santiago is important to me — it holds a very special place in my life.
So now, I’d like to take you with me on this journey. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll begin to understand why so many people walk the Camino de Santiago, and why you might one day feel the call too.
A magical and accessible adventure
The Camino de Santiago: a range of routes for every type of walker
When people think about the Camino de Santiago, many imagine one single trail leading straight to Santiago. But really, why do people walk the Camino de Santiago if it were only about following one fixed route? The truth is, there isn’t just one Camino — there are several. And trust me, you’re spoilt for choice!
Normally, I get overwhelmed when faced with too many options — a bit like at a restaurant, where I spend ages picking something only to change my mind at the last second (to the server’s great despair). But with the Camino, it’s different. This diversity quickly becomes a real joy. The routes of the Camino de Santiago start from all over France — and even across Europe. From Vézelay, Le Puy-en-Velay, Tours or Arles… you can even start right from your own front door if you want to! That range of options means you can shape your adventure however you like — a truly custom-made journey.
This flexibility is clearly one of the big reasons why walking the Camino de Santiago is so special. You can go for a few days, a week, a month… or even come back year after year to pick up where you left off. Few other trails offer that kind of adaptability. Walking the Camino de Santiago really means walking your Camino — at your own pace, following your own rhythm and desires.
Accessible routes for all Levels of Hikers
Another major advantage? These routes are open to everyone. Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced trekker, you’ll find the right path for you. Why? Simply because you can adjust the distances to match your abilities. If you love pushing your limits, you can walk over 30 kilometers a day. Prefer to take your time and soak in the experience? Walking 15 to 20 kilometers a day works just as well. It’s all about what you want to get from the journey.
And don’t worry — the Camino de Santiago doesn’t take you into complete wilderness for days on end. Every evening, you’ll find your way back to “civilization” — or at least a charming, scaled-down version of it. From picturesque villages to historic little towns, the routes are dotted with welcoming stops where you can eat, rest, and recharge. You’ll find plenty of pilgrim hostels, cozy guesthouses, and even hotels if you want a touch more comfort now and then (check out my article on accommodation on the Camino de Santiago for more).
Sure, sometimes “civilization” might just mean a few houses and a rustic fountain, but rest assured — there’s always some form of shelter, and you won’t end up lost in the middle of nowhere without food or water.
Clear waymarking for a stress-free walk
One of the best things about the Camino? The waymarking! You won’t need to walk with your nose glued to a map or try to make sense of a compass. The Camino de Santiago is incredibly well-marked, mostly with the iconic scallop shell and the little yellow arrows you’ll soon come to love.
This clear signage is a huge reason why walking the Camino de Santiago is such a peaceful experience. It allows you to fully enjoy the landscapes and the people you meet, without constantly worrying about whether you’re still on the right path. You just follow the arrows — and let the road unfold in front of you.
Varied and rewarding landscapes all along the way
Let’s be honest: one of the things that makes the Camino de Santiago so appealing is the scenery. And when you’re walking for hours each day, it’s only fair to soak up everything nature has to offer, right?
By choosing the Camino, you’ll rediscover geography in a whole new light. You’ll cross regions you never thought you’d visit, pass through villages you didn’t even know existed, walk beside quiet rivers, or climb rolling green hills. Sure, some stretches are less exciting than others, but most of the time, your eyes — and your soul — will be in for a treat.
From peaceful valleys and shaded forest paths to sun-drenched vineyards and charming medieval towns, the visual reward is constant.
Why do people walk the Camino de Santiago? For many, it’s not just the personal or spiritual reasons — it’s also the chance to be surprised by the simple, authentic beauty of places you might never have discovered otherwise.
Each walking day becomes a little bubble outside of time, where every step opens up a new view, a new feeling, and sometimes even a strong sense of freedom you didn’t know you were missing.
Why walk the Camino de Santiago? because it transforms you
Let’s be honest. Why do people walk the Camino de Santiago instead of choosing another trail? Because the Camino isn’t just another beautiful hike. Sure, the landscapes are stunning, the physical challenge is exciting, and each day brings something new. But what really keeps people coming back — what makes this pilgrimage addictive — goes far beyond blisters and questionable tan lines.
Walking the Camino de Santiago means embracing an intense and deeply human experience. Walking, discovering, meeting others, pushing through fatigue, and reconnecting with what truly matters — it all brings a sense of depth that no amount of distance on foot could fully explain.
Unforgettable encounters on the Camino
What I loved most about the Camino were the people I met. Some encounters were brief, others lasted longer — but all of them were genuine. Some pilgrims even say they found love along the way (not me, in case you’re wondering!). But it doesn’t matter — each interaction, whether a few minutes or several days, adds something special to your journey.
Among pilgrims, connections happen quickly and naturally. A few words about sore feet are often enough to break the ice and create a sense of instant understanding. We all have our own reasons for being there — spiritual, personal, or just the desire to unplug. A simple “hello,” helping someone find a bed for the night, or sharing an impromptu meal — everything becomes an opportunity to connect and create real moments of togetherness.
And then there are the hosts — these incredible people who welcome us into their homes and albergues with kindness and warmth. They’re a vital part of the Camino, always happy to chat or share helpful tips for the next stage. Not to mention the villagers you meet by chance, always ready to offer a smile, a refill of water, or help with directions. The closer you get to Santiago, the more this kindness seems to grow — and those heartfelt “buen camino” wishes become little sparks of encouragement along the way.
Breaking out of the urban bubble
One of the most unexpected gifts of the Camino was realizing how much I’d been stuck in what I call “urban selfishness.” You know — that city mindset where we all stay in our own little worlds, too busy or tired to look up, focused on our own problems. Be honest — have you ever talked to your fellow commuter about your aching feet? Of course not. And that’s normal: no one in the city has time for that.
On the Camino, it’s the complete opposite. You can talk about the simplest or deepest things with the people you meet. Here, everyone is open — ready to listen, share, and connect. You relearn how to speak freely, without fear of being judged. And little by little, you rediscover the pleasure of authentic human interaction.
Strengthening existing bonds through the Camino
Before setting out to meet the world, know this: walking the Camino de Santiago is also a powerful way to deepen the relationships you already have. Sharing this kind of journey with someone creates strong, unique memories that stay with you forever.
I myself walked the Via Tolosana with my mother, and I can tell you that spending several days walking side by side, talking, and experiencing each moment together truly strengthened our bond. It’s incredible how walking step after step — literally — brings people closer. Whether you go as a couple, with friends, or family, the Camino offers a rare chance to live something meaningful together and to build (or rebuild) something precious.
Why is the Camino de Santiago important? Because it allows you to experience the richness of human connection — both with others and with yourself. It’s an unforgettable journey that, I promise, will leave a deep and lasting mark on your life.
Growing a little more every day on the Camino
Still wondering why do people walk the Camino de Santiago? The truth is, it’s often when you strip away everything non-essential that you finally see clearly. And walking to Santiago is the perfect opportunity to let go of what’s weighing you down — and to reconnect with what really matters.
The Camino de Santiago: therapy for the feet (and the mind)
Don’t worry — I’m not talking about anything weird or foot-related in a strange way, promise! When I say “therapy for the feet,” I mean it literally. As your feet carry you from village to village, one step at a time, your mind finally gets to slow down and breathe.
No more endless meetings, stressful appointments, urgent errands, or pressure-filled projects. On the Camino, all of that feels light-years away. The only real urgency is to enjoy the moment you’re living right now. Walking gives your mind a rare kind of freedom — time to think about what matters, let deep thoughts rise up, or simply admire the quiet beauty of the natural world around you.
Out in nature, far from the city noise, you’ll be amazed by how clear your mind becomes. This new clarity often helps you make important decisions, understand what you truly want — or just find a sense of balance that daily life had made you forget.
Every day on the Camino feels like a small victory
If you’re like many of us, feeling overwhelmed by daily life and unable to truly celebrate your small wins or happy moments, the Camino de Santiago has a lot to offer you. Out here, every day feels like a quiet victory. It’s simple, yet deeply fulfilling: you leave point A, you reach point B, powered only by your own determination, your body, and your mindset.
It doesn’t matter how many kilometers you’ve walked or how long it took. What matters is that feeling of accomplishment when you finally drop your backpack at the end of the day. You did it — by yourself. And that sense of achievement, repeated day after day, rebuilds confidence and self-worth in the most beautiful way..
A human adventure that stays with you
Walking the Camino de Santiago also means letting go of certain comforts — and reconnecting with the joy of simplicity. Forget your latest phone, your favorite Netflix series, or your go-to food delivery app. Out here, intentional simplicity rules. You’ll quickly rediscover the real pleasures of life: sharing a meal with fellow pilgrims, watching a sunset in total silence, or simply enjoying a hot shower after a long day on your feet.
Each day on the trail becomes its own little world — full of discoveries, encounters, and lessons. This growing collection of memories becomes your emotional backpack, your capital of experience — and that’s where the magic of the Camino lies. The faces you meet, the short but meaningful conversations, the breathtaking landscapes… these are the things that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
In the end, the Camino de Santiago is so much more than a hike. It’s a deeply human adventure — one that, I hope, will bring you as much as it brought me. And if one day you decide to go, you’ll understand why walking the Camino de Santiago is such a powerful and unforgettable experience… and why so many pilgrims return home changed, ready to look at life through a richer, clearer lens.