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.
you can subscribe to our twice monthly e-mail e-newsletter at this link for our Email List Serv.
https://myfamilytravels.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=1b0a1654029b6444bf6ff3530&id=869c979acc
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.
I will right away grab your rss as I can not find your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
Cruise looks exciting, this experience will be nice.
The canoe ride looks very fun and exciting. I would like to experience this.
In brief, I can’t recommend this article enough. It’s a must-view for anyone interested in topic above. Good work to the writer, you have truly outsmart yourself! Keep the good blog coming.
Hey there! I simply would like to give you a big thumbs
up for your excellent info you have got right here on this post.
I will be coming back to your site for more soon.
Great line up. We will be linking to this great article on our site. Keep up the good writing.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!
Woh I love your posts, saved to fav! .
I believe you have noted some very interesting points, thanks for the post.
Only a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw great design. “Reading well is one of the great pleasures that solitude can afford you.” by Harold Bloom.
I got what you intend, regards for posting.Woh I am happy to find this website through google. “The test and use of a man’s education is that he finds pleasure in the exercise of his mind.” by Carl Barzun.
I appreciate, cause I found just what I was looking for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
One more thing. In my opinion that there are a lot of travel insurance sites of reputable companies that allow you to enter your vacation details and get you the estimates. You can also purchase the international travel cover policy on-line by using your own credit card. All you should do is to enter all your travel specifics and you can start to see the plans side-by-side. Simply find the package that suits your capacity to pay and needs after which it use your bank credit card to buy them. Travel insurance on the web is a good way to start looking for a reliable company regarding international holiday insurance. Thanks for revealing your ideas.
Some truly quality blog posts on this web site, bookmarked.
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic blog post.Really thank you! Much obliged.
Definitely, what a great blog and revealing posts, I definitely will bookmark your site. Best Regards!
Thanks for your travel insurance idea. I am also planning for a tour.
I think this is among the most important information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The site style is wonderful, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers
I have discovered some important matters through your blog post. One other thing I would like to state is that there are lots of games available and which are designed especially for toddler age kids. They consist of pattern recognition, colors, dogs, and styles. These commonly focus on familiarization rather than memorization. This helps to keep little ones occupied without sensing like they are studying. Thanks
It?s really a cool and useful piece of info. I?m glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
Spot on with this write-up, I actually think this web site wants far more consideration. I?ll most likely be again to read far more, thanks for that info.
I have been surfing online more than 3 hours these days, but I never discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours.
It’s pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net shall be much more useful than ever before.
Before my trip, I required all of these specifics, so I randomly looked for information about airline policies. Then I came across this helpful article containing all the necessary travel-related information. I appreciate you providing this insightful advice.
The decorations in NewYork city have always been in a full swing.
That’s an interesting experience, thanks for sharing your story
But a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw outstanding style and design. “Individuals may form communities, but it is institutions alone that can create a nation.” by Benjamin Disraeli.
Havve yyou ever consideed writiing ann e-book oor guest authoring on other sites?
I have a blogg based upon on the same topichs youu discuzs and
would love to have you sshare some stories/information. I know my visitors would
appreciate your work.If you’re evn remotely interested, eel free to senhd me an e mail.
Hello there! I just wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for your excellent information you have got here on this
post. I’ll be returning to your website for more soon.
Appreciate this post. Let me try it out.
Very good article! We are linking to this great article on our site.
Keep up the good writing.
Excellent content writing, congratulations you are doing great!
Thank you so much! This was very helpful. Heading out to see the inflation in a few hours!! Happy Thanksgiving!
Definitely a totally motivating content!
Very good information, thank you for sharing it, it has helped me a lot to discover and learn a little more about this topic!
Hi, I’m glad you enjoyed your Orlando vacation! I have a few suggestions on how to make the most of your trip. First, I would recommend visiting the Magic Kingdom during the holidays. The decorations are really something special and you can’t beat the Christmas atmosphere. Second, I would recommend checking out some of the holiday shows and events that Orlando has to offer. There are some great shows for all ages, and you’re sure to find something that everyone will enjoy. Finally, I would recommend taking some time to enjoy the many great restaurants Orlando has to offer. There are some great places to eat, and you’re sure to find something to your taste. I hope you have a great time on your Orlando vacation!
It’s a nice spot to stay here. I found the environment to be relaxing. Such a location sounds like a great spot to spend my holiday. I’m considering some of the choices I found on https://santafe-vacationrentals.com/. They are great options in my opinion.
Wonderful blog! This is really informative and efficient information.
Hello.This article was really motivating, especially because I was searching for thoughts on this subject last Wednesday.
One more important area is that if you are a senior, travel insurance for pensioners is something you ought to really consider. The more mature you are, greater at risk you’re for allowing something awful happen to you while abroad. If you are never covered by some comprehensive insurance policies, you could have quite a few serious issues. Thanks for expressing your ideas on this weblog.
My partner and I absoluely love your blog annd finhd thee majority of your post’s too be precissly what I’m loooking for. Woujld you offfer guest writer too write conternt for you?
I wouldn’t minmd compossing a post oor elaborating on a number of thhe subjects youu write rellated to here.
Again, awesome site!
Really nice style and design and good content, nothing else we require :
D.
Excellent post. I certainly love this site. Keep writing!
Hi i aam kavin, itss mmy first occasion too commentinbg anyplace, when i read this piecee of writng i thougyt i coulld also creatfe comment due to this sensible piece of writing.