Camino Francés (The French Way)

Join me as I prepare to walk the Camino, starting bright and early May 29th. I’ve never done anything like this before, so I’m collecting advice and doing my research. Follow me as I figure it out!
2026/05/29 00:03:00

QUICK STATS

The cheat sheet.

Distance: 72 mi/116 km

Time Required: 5-6 Days

Hours Required: 5-8 Hours/Day

Total Ascent: 1.5 mi/2373 m

Total Descent: 1.6 mi/2587 m

Average Temp: High 71°F, Low 52°F

Average Rain: 0.08 in/Day

Lodging: $15/€10 a Night

ROUTE AT A GLANCE

Read from right to left.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Things I’ve been asked.

Why only a week? I thought the Camino took longer.

Good question! The answer is, there’s more than one Camino. There are ton of different routes to choose from, including:

Every year, pilgrims choose which course they’re taking, and volunteer census takers document what percentage choose each route. The Camino Francés is by far the most popular, with 46 percent choosing it in 2025.

Since this is my first time, I’ll be starting out with this route – if I go back, I’m sure I’ll choose another.

What did you pack?

Here’s a list:

  • 40 liter backpack (less than 10 percent of body weight when filled)
  • Trail runners (one size up to accommodate swelling)
  • CoolMesh running socks (best to avoid blisters)
  • Underwear
  • Shower flip flops
  • Sleeping bag liner
  • Hiking poles
  • Sun hat
  • Quick dry towel
  • Two pairs quick dry hiking outfits (one to wash, one to wear)
  • Headlamp
  • Backpack rain cover
  • Rain gear
  • Warm jacket
  • Sunglasses
  • Meds
  • Toiletries
  • Sunscreen
  • Tissues
  • First aid kit
  • Ziplock bags
  • Roll of tape
  • Large safety pins
  • Phone
  • Earbuds
  • Passport
  • Pilgrim credential
  • Switch lite
  • Fitbit
  • EU adaptor
  • Battery pack
  • Debit card and cash
  • Scallop shell
  • Water bottle
  • Powdered drink mix
  • Energy bars
  • HikeGoo Blister Prevention Cream

Do you feel ready?

Not really, I won’t stop preparing until I’m leaving for the airport. I do think I’ll be as ready as possible, but I’m looking forward to boarding the flight so I can put my problem-solving brain to bed (until new problems arise on the road!)

DAILY BREAKDOWN

The route by day.

DAY 1 - SARRIA

May 29th

I’ll fly into the Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport in the late afternoon, and then catch a train to Sarria for the night. Hopefully I’ll have gotten my pilgrim’s credential in the mail before I leave. If I don’t, I can get one in town before I find my municipal albergue (they won’t let you stay in these unless you can prove you are on the pilgrimage.)

Sarria is the most popular place to begin because it’s the last town that allows pilgrims to walk the minimum 100 km required to earn the Compostela.

DAY 2 - SARRIA TO PORTOMARÍN

May 30th

This will be the first day of traveling the Camino – we’ll see how early of a start I can get with a nine hour time difference. Anybody got any jetlag tricks they like to use?

  • Distance: 13.6mi/22km
  • Time: 5-6 hours
  • Total Ascent: 1627ft/496m
  • Total Descent: 1870ft/570m

DAY 3 - PORTOMARÍN TO PALAS DE REI

May 31st

Apparently most of the day is fields, but there are forests today!

  • Distance: 15.5mi/25k
  • Time: 6-7 hours
  • Total Ascent: 1902ft/580m
  • Total Descent: 1414ft/431m

DAY 4 - PALAS DE REI TO ARZÚA

June 1st

This is the longest day, which I can split into two days and overnight at Melide if the day gets away from me. Otherwise, I’ll end up in Arzúa.

  • Distance: 18.6mi/29k
  • Time: 7-8 hours
  • Total Ascent: 1929ft/588m
  • Total Descent: 2375ft/724m

DAY 5 - ARUZA TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

June 2nd

This is the last leg of the Camino for almost all pilgrims. This is where I will get the Compostela, after showing my stamped Credencial del Peregrino.

  • Distance: 12.4mi/20k
  • Time: 5 hours
  • Total Ascent: 1207ft/368m
  • Total Descent: 1292ft/394m

DAYS 6 - 11

June 3rd – 8th

After this, I’m free to wander northern Spain as my heart desires. I just need to end up in Madrid by Day 12 to fly back.