The Camino de Santiago is much more than just a tourist journey or a pilgrimage route; it is a life-changing experience that can bring families together in a unique and unforgettable way. By walking the Camino de Santiago, your family will not only discover Spain’s breathtaking natural landscapes but also learn about its rich cultural and religious heritage.
If you are considering embarking on this adventure with your children, this article provides some practical tips to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable trip. Let’s get started!
Choosing the right route along the Camino de Santiago
One of the most important aspects of planning your family adventure on the Camino de Santiago is selecting the most suitable route. There are several possible routes, but some are more child-friendly than others.
The best routes for children
In this regard, we recommend:
- The French Way: This is the most popular and well-known route, where you will encounter other families with children. It has excellent infrastructure, services, and hostels. You can opt to walk from Sarria to Santiago, a journey of approximately 68.4 miles (114 kilometers), with daily distances not exceeding 12 miles (20 kilometers).
- The Portuguese Way: This route begins in Tui and is slightly less crowded. The total distance is around 73 miles (118 kilometers), but the walking stages are shorter and feature fewer elevation changes, making it ideal for children. Additionally, it is surrounded by stunning scenery.
- The English Way: Starting from Ferrol or A Coruña, this is one of the shortest Camino routes. Although it is less crowded, it is well-marked and has a good range of accommodations. It is relatively flat, making it an easy option for children.
Recommended daily distances
For children, it is best to walk between 6 and 9 miles (10 and 15 kilometers) per day. This allows them to enjoy the scenery and rest adequately. Keep in mind that each child has their own pace, so it is best to adjust distances as necessary.
Camino packing essentials
Preparation is key for this type of trip. To ensure a comfortable and safe adventure on the Camino de Santiago, pay attention to the following list of essential items:
- Appropriate footwear: Make sure each family member has comfortable, well-fitted hiking boots. Good footwear helps prevent injuries and blisters.
- Suitable clothing: Bring lightweight, comfortable, and breathable clothing, along with extra layers for cooler nights. Do not forget to pack a rain jacket for everyone.
- Light backpacks: Choose backpacks that are appropriately sized for children so they can carry their essential belongings.
- Basic First Aid Kit: Include a small first aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, insect repellent, and any necessary medications for your children.
- Food and snacks: Bring a supply of fruit, nuts, and energy bars to keep your children energized throughout the journey.
Making hiking fun for kids
Walking the Camino de Santiago as a family can be an educational and enriching experience for children. Here are some ideas to make it enjoyable:
- Observation games: Encourage your children to carefully observe the flora and fauna along the route. Ask them to create a list of things to spot, such as different types of plants or animals. The first to complete their list wins!
- Storytelling: Each evening, after a day of walking, share a story related to the places visited or one of the legends surrounding the Camino de Santiago. This will keep them engaged and help them connect with the history of the route. One popular young adult adventure book is “Walk: James Bacon’s Secret Mission on the Camino de Santiago.” Amazon carries several other titles suitable for different ages.
- Cultural participation: Visit small museums, cathedrals, and cultural landmarks. Your children could also take part in local activities, such as craft workshops or cooking classes, allowing them to learn about Galician culture and enrich their experience.
- Excursions: Plan additional activities such as canoeing trips, exploring nearby villages, or incorporating short hiking trails into the route.
Where to Stay along the Camino de Santiago
Choosing the right accommodation is crucial for ensuring a successful family adventure. Here are some ideal accommodation options for families:
- Family-Friendly hostels: Many hostels along the Camino offer private rooms for families, making them a convenient option.
- Hotels and guesthouses: You may prefer to stay in hotels that offer family rooms and child-friendly services. Some even have play areas.
- Camping: If your family enjoys adventure and nature, camping could be a great choice. However, bear in mind that camping is only permitted in designated areas authorized by local councils. You must book camp spots in advance. Also, ensure your children are prepared for this experience.
Safety and health considerations
As expected, safety and health are top priorities when traveling with children. Here are some tips to prevent fatigue, injuries, and handle emergencies.
- Stay hydrated: Ensure everyone drinks plenty of water throughout the day. Carry reusable water bottles and encourage regular hydration.
- Take frequent breaks: Plan regular rest stops where children can recharge. Look for shaded areas or parks.
- Watch for signs of fatigue: Pay close attention to your children. If they show signs of heatstroke or exhaustion, adjust the itinerary as needed. Remember, it is more important to enjoy the journey than to push through discomfort.
- Know the route: Always have a map or navigation app on hand. Familiarize yourself with the route, possible exit points in case of emergencies, and the locations of the nearest health centers.
If you decide to walk the Camino de Santiago with your family, know that it is a rewarding experience that will strengthen family bonds and create unforgettable memories.
However, it requires planning, preparation, and some flexibility to ensure everyone, especially the little ones, enjoys the journey. Involve your children in the trip preparations and encourage them to explore, learn, and enjoy every step of the way.
Don’t hesitate any longer: start planning your next family adventure on the Camino de Santiago.
Laura Garcia, an avid hiker based in Spain, shares her advice for families interested walking in the legendary Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail on behalf of sponsor Viajescaminodesantiago.com.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
3 Replies to “A Family Adventure On The Camino de Santiago: How To Make It Fun And Safe For Kids”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
hope you all like it!
The Paramount Hotel- http://www.nycparamount.com
BDC- Broadway Dance Center- http://www.broadwaydancecenter.com
Ellen's Stardust Diner- http://www.ellensstardustdiner.com
Capezio store- http://www.capeziodance.com
Amy's Bakery- http://www.amysbread.com
Junior's in Times Square- http://www.juniorscheesecake.com
The Ambassador Theater (Chicago)- http://www.ambassadortheater.com
Al Hirschfeld Theater- http://www.hirschfeldtheater.org
I was the same way. I had my Bat Mitzvah on top of Masadah and was complaining of the heat. I didn't truly recognize what an amazing place I was in. I was fortunate enough to return last summer and had the time of my life. I look forward to seeing your post for when you get to return. I wish you all the best!
one of my all time favorite vacations.
This was one of the best trips I have ever been on.
I am ecstatic that I was able to participate in learning my heritage, history, and my parents past.
My trip to Africa was really an extraordinary experience, and I fell in love with the country Nigeria. I am so happy that my father allowed me to see my heritage and my family.
Truly humbling
I hope you enjoy learning about my experiences in Paris, France!
Thank you so much for this information. Multi-generational travel is an area that I am interested in, but it is not easy to navigate various ages, levels of mobility and interests. These tips are super useful!
This was seriously such a life-changing trip for me. I got to see a whole other way that people live life. It really opened my eyes and made me EVEN MORE eager to learn German and to adopt a more frugal lifestyle.
My experience with traveling to a foreign nation, in the form of a blog.
Going on that trip was the best thing I have done in my life. I learned so much, and experienced many different things, such as food, culture, and people. It was a great opportunity for me, and I highly advise others to travel as well. You will not be disappointed.
I recommend this or a similar trip for any future paleontologists. I have since been to the Field Museum in Chicago and the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and am pleased to have visited all the major paleontological museums in North America.
I hope you have fun on your trips, too!
This is my submission to the young travel writer scholarship
My trip to South Africa transformed my life. I grew closer to my best friend, as well as experience a culture very different from my own. As a result, my knowledge of the world has grown.
I quite enjoy I can feel the passion.
I hope you enjoy the lessons i learned over seas in Spain! I know I will take them with me as I move forward in life. Thank you for reading!
-Rebecca Krivitsky
enjoy my story, i pray it will reveal a new cultural avenue while still providing a humorous tale
This trip was truly life changing. It was the first time I realized that there is a whole other world outside the United States!
Thank you very much for your post! I love it very much! I will bring my family to Florida soon!
Thanks and support
Here is the website documenting my trip: http://madisongoestonewyork.blog.com/
My time in El Salvador changed my life. It is my dream that one day I will be able to return there. I can honestly tell you that my love for the people in El Salvador has remained with me. And I hope the best for that nation.
The summer of my sophmore year in high school I spent a week in El Salvador. This one week changed my life. As I volunteered in El Salvador I gained an amazing view of different cultures and life styles. I developed a love for El Salvador and its people. And my memories there will remain with me through out my life. It is my dream that one day I will be able to return their and give more of my time to those amazing people.
My freshman year of high school I spent a week of my summer in El Salvador. It was a remarkable week that literally changed my outlook on life. I have a huge heart for the people of El Salvador and the country itself. It is my dream that one day I will be able to go back.
My amazing trip
It was definitely a trip to remember that I'd do any day! 🙂
A trip to remember that I'd do again any day
It was a trip to remember. Every spect of it was interesting and something I would do again!
I enjoy traviling with my family and creating new memories.
I enjoy traviling and spending time with my family.
– By Ciara Bri'd Frisbie
Thank you for reading my essay.
-Nathan Shaw
Thank you for taking the time to read my essay I really appreciate it.
-Nathan Shaw.
This trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. From the Great Wall to the hospitals of Beijing, I learned so much about myself and other cultures.
I just love traveling. Disney World is my favourite destination. Above all 10 sposts are my favourite. I would love to visit all that destination.
Reading this story has been a stroll down memory lane. I stayed at the Diplomat as a little girl in the 1970's, and still remember how impressed I was with it. So glad to hear that the resort has bounced back to its original glory.
I am very glad to know that Disney Cruise Line is taking health so seriously, yet making cleanliness palatable for kids. These suggestions are also great for air travel, another germy breeding ground. Thanks for the info!
My family loves Cancun, and we have had good stays at the Oasis and the Sol Melia and the Sheraton too. Nice to see a new list of recommendations from you. Thanks
This is a really fun outing, but if you can't get out to the countryside, just visit one of those urban tree sellers. A lot of them in the northeast are staffed by college kids from Canada, who take a break, get into a rental trailer and drive it south, then re-sell trees they have bought on consignment to pay for the next semester.
I always ask (nicely) and I always get (with a smile), the extra boughs that they take off to make the trees look even all around. With some ribbon, maybe the wire from a coat hanger and lots of creativity, it's easy to get the kids helping you turn old boughts into beautiful wreaths for around the house.
Love the photos in this article!
Thanks for having this contest; my family loves Snowmass and it would be great to go back there. We took our son when he was about 7 and it was a great learning adventure for all of us. The instructors are terrific and we had fun, but it's not something we could afford to do right now.
Thanks for giving us another chance to go back!
When Jean Carlisle of Menomonie, Wisconsin heard she won a family of four Galapagos Adventure Cruise, she wrote us:
"YES YES YES!!!!!!!! THIS IS MY DREAM DREAM DREAM VACATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CAN you tell I’m excited??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"A Galapagos vacation has always been on my DREAM list!!…add it to a cruise vacation makes it even more special. I accept!!!"
Jean explained that she'd enjoyed playing along the scavenger hunt but was anxious about the random drawing for a winner.
"I didn’t sleep well last night because I was so excited!! LOL I entered the contest because I had seen many publications and shows on national geographic on the Galapagos Islands and always thought that would be a place I’d like to visit. I was first drawn to the beautiful pictures on the website and when I saw the contest, I knew that I just had to enter and would love to win!
"I’d like to thank TakingtheKids.com, TravelingMom.com and Family Travel Forum for this once in a life opportunity!! We are excited to make arrangements and show off photos when we return!"
So glad it's helpful to you with your teens, I've already given the Primland brochure to my own mom and her girlfriend who want to tour the Blue Ridge Parkway and look at the Appalachian handcrafts. This is a great base for lots of exploration. If you go, I know you'll enjoy it!
This sounds like a real find and perfect for my own family. I ma always looking for resorts that will work as destinations with lots to do for my two teens, and Primland sounds excellent. Thanks for spreading the word!
Thanks so much for sharing your dreams about the Galapagos; that's the way we all felt when we learned that the terrific Lindblad team wanted to work on this project. so excited to know that someone's dream will reallyl come true! And a 6th grader is the perfect travel companion.
Don't forget to post your a link to your comment here :
http://www.travelingmom.com/freebies/contests/3917-galapagos-giveaway-contest-entries.html
so you're sure to be recorded as an entry into the grand prize drawing. Hope to see you on Twitter too @familytravel4um @travelingmoms @takingthekids @LindbladEXP
If there are no comments on our blog, does this mean that our blog has been rejected, or that it has not been reviewed yet? thanks!
As noted, thanks to your enthusiasm, there are several thousand posts to read, so the judges will be done by mid October. Check back after that to see your status!
I tried following the steps above for finding out about the scholarship judging, but I'm still lost. Does it show up at the bottom of your blog? Or is it just off to the side when you have the option of clicking on your blog? Like, is it next to the name of your blog, the date it was published and then the word scholarship with either a yes or no? Thanks!
Crystal – you get an email