8 Inspiring Reasons to Walk the Camino de Santiago in Winter

The Camino de Santiago is one of the most popular pilgrimage routes in the world. This grand journey has multiple routes across Europe with pilgrims walking for various reasons from grief to celebration and soul searching to find a spiritual connection.

There is no denying that the Camino de Santiago is gaining popularity. The summer months are especially busy. This can result in crowded paths, busier routes, and sometimes a lack of accommodation options. I will note from my personal experience, I’ve yet to face these issues.

In the heart of hibernation, I felt called to walk the Camino de Santiago in winter. I’ve walked different Camino de Santiago routes during the summer, fall, and spring. I have to say that I fell in love with walking during the off-season. These is something truly special about walking a Winter Camino.

These are some of my best tips for walking the Camino de Santiago in winter. I’ve also included some of my top reasons why it’s worth considering walking the Camino during the off-season.

Table of Contents

• Challenges of Walking the Camino de Santiago in Winter
• Awesome Reasons to Consider Walking a Winter Camino
• Conclusion⎪Incredible Reasons to Consider a Camino de Santiago in the Winter Months

Challenges of Walking the Camino de Santiago in Winter

Walking the Camino during the winter months will not be for everyone. For some, the journey is already tough enough and walking during the winter does add some challenges.

A winter Camino is amazing but it’s best to be aware that there are some extra hurdles to consider.

➤ Services during the winter months are more limited

The Camino de Santiago is quiet during the winter months. For me, this was perfect, but for others, it may cause more stress during planning.

Some Albergues, or pilgrim accommodations, shut down during the winter months. This means you may have to contact the hostel or Albergue the night before. It’s also worth noting that a lot of cafes and restaurants close during the winter. You may have to carry more food and find lodging options with a kitchen.

I never ran into any problems with this during my Winter Camino. Some excellent resources are the websites Booking.com and Gronze. It’s also nice to contact the owners of the accommodation the night before to verify if they are open.

➤ The weather can be wet and cold or just plain unpredictable

In Spain, especially northern Spain, the winters can be cold and wet. No matter what Camino route you choose, you will always end by walking through the Galicia region of Spain. Galicia is known for its very green and rainy climate. During the heart of the winter, this region can be extra wet.

With lots of rain, expect the Earth tracks to be extra muddy.

If walking more mountainous routes there is a chance you will encounter snow. This requires proper gear, more layers, and rain gear. Never walk through areas that are closed due to bad weather.

Be mindful that during the winter months daylight hours are also more limited, so plan accordingly.

➤ You have to pack differently

This leads me to my next point, if walking the Camino de Santiago in the winter, you will more than likely need to pack a little differently.

I added a wool sweater, an extra pair of quick-dry hiking pants, wool base layer leggings, and extra socks to ensure my feet were dry. I also opted for a more waterproof trail runner shoe. Those pilgrims planning to sleep in albergues will want a sleeping bag for a Winter Camino. I always carry my Sea to Summit Spark sleeping bag.

This is my actual winter Camino packing list.

As winter hiking gear is a little heavier, it’s more than likely that your Camino backpack will be heavier than those packing light for a summer Camino.

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➤ Backpack services can be limited

The best Camino tip is to walk the route your way. Some pilgrims opt to utilize the convenient backpack transport system. Depending on what Camino de Santiago route you choose, luggage services can be limited during the winter months.

➤ You may have to change your Camino route and itinerary

Finally, if deciding on a Camino de Santiago during the winter months, you may not be able to walk your optimal Camino de Santiago route. It is always best to be flexible and walk with an open heart and mind.

For example, during the winter months, the Napoleon Route on the Camino Frances is closed. This means that pilgrims walking from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port can not cross the Pyrenees Mountains to Roncesvalles through the high mountain route. However, pilgrims can still walk the lower mountain route through Valcarlos.

On the Camino Frances, it may be best to divert onto the Camino Invierno once in Ponferrada. This route is named the Winter Way and was used by pilgrims looking to avoid the taller mountains that have unpredictable weather and possible snow blocks near O’Cebreiro.

Additionally, the coastal routes, like the Camino Portuguese Coastal and the Camino del Norte may be extra wet and windy. It’s also worth noting that the more mountainous route of the Camino Primitivo may have snow-covered trails.

These are some of the most popular Camino de Santiago starting points.

During winter months, more albergues may be closed, so you may have to walk longer stages to find accommodation.

Walking the Camino de Santiago in the winter just means you may have to be a little more flexible. I loved this about walking during the winter months.

8 Awesome Reasons to Consider a Winter Camino

Now that I’ve been upfront about some of the extra challenges, here are some reasons to consider walking the Camino de Santiago during the off-season (winter months).

1⎪The Camino is Quiet During the Winter Months

The Camino has always been about the journey and there is no better time to go inward than while walking the Camino in the winter months. While some pilgrims worry about overcrowding or the bed race, this is not the case during the winter.

While walking my Winter Camino I walked by myself every single day. I ran into a few pilgrims on the way. This was closer to the final 100 Km of my journey. There were a few pilgrims at night in the villages I slept in. Most nights, I had the albergue completely to myself.

2⎪Walking the Camino de Santiago in Winter is the Perfect Time for Self-Reflection

Walking the Camino de Santiago in winter is the perfect time to go inwards. While some pilgrims are seeking a more social Camino, a winter Camino is all about self-reflection and the inner journey. A Winter Camino is not an ideal option for those craving a social Camino.

While some say that a Winter Camino can be lonely, it’s ideal for people seeking time alone with their thoughts and feelings.

3⎪You May Luck Out with Good Weather

I walked during February and had beautiful weather. I walked the Camino de Invierno and had spectacular weather. I kept a close eye on the weather and was even able to detour and hike in the Aquilianos Mountains. This area can usually be covered in snow and I was fortunate to be blessed with sun and warm weather.

During my Winter Camino, there were a few days when I wore my rain jacket, but there were some days when I wore simply a T-shirt. One day it was so warm that I was able to wear my hiking sandals (without socks, WooHoo)!

The best advice on weather is to be mindful and respectful of the unpredictability. Never walk in dangerous weather conditions or put yourself in harm’s way. Pack and be prepared for every season when walking a Winter Camino.

4⎪There is an Opportunity to Connect Deeper with Nature

Walking a Camino during the winter months can be isolating, but it also means that you can connect deeper with the beautiful nature. While walking in the winter it is much easier to be in tune with nature.

For me, this was one of the most special reasons to walk a winter Camino. It was just me and sun, wind, trees, and plants.

5⎪A Winter Camino Can be More Budget Friendly

During the winter months, accommodation options are typically cheaper. This is especially true in larger cities, especially Santiago de Compostela. Even those pilgrims seeking private rooms will find room fares to be cheaper than during the peak summer months.

With more restaurants and cafes closed you may have to cook more of your meals. Typically, this is also cheaper than eating out every meal.

I found walking during the winter months to be more economical than during the summer.

6⎪You Can Walk During the Carnival Season

In Spain, Carnival typically takes place during Lent. This time frame is the 40 days leading to Easter. Many small villages in Galicia celebrate Carnival and I was fortunate to witness a few different Carnival festivities.

This is just an added bonus of walking during the end of the winter season.

7⎪Few Pilgrims Arrive to Santiago de Compostela Each Day

One of the best reasons to walk a Camino route in winter is to avoid the large crowds in Santiago de Compostela. On my arrival day, only 56 pilgrims arrived in Santiago de Compostela. During the peak summer months, thousands of pilgrims arrive daily.

A special treat was being the first pilgrim to arrive in Santiago de Compostela. I was awarded a free pilgrim meal at the famous Parador Hotel Restaurant. This treat is for the first ten pilgrims that arrive in Santiago de Compostela each day.

I was also able to walk into the Hospedaría San Martiño Pinario and snag a discounted pilgrim room. There are lots of places to stay in Santiago de Compostela during the winter months.

This was the first time I was able to see Santiago de Compostela without large crowds. I spent a few days in Santiago de Compostela enjoying the city, checking out these viewpoints, exploring the museums, and wandering the quiet streets.

If you feel called to keep walking, take the Camino Finisterre Muxia and walk to the beautiful Death Coast. This time around, I opted to rent a car and took a road trip through Galicia in areas I had not yet visited.

8⎪Walking a Winter Camino is Magic

Finally, the Camino de Santiago in winter is magic and I loved every minute of it. Between the quiet days, my time alone with nature, and seeing the small towns with only locals was incredibly special.

I have walked multiple Camino de Santiago routes and to me, my Winter Camino remains one of my most memorable ones. Don’t write-off a Winter Camino.

I look forward to walking the Camino de Santiago in winter again and again.

Conclusion⎪Incredible Reasons to Consider a Camino de Santiago in Winter Time

In short, this is a quick guide on all the reasons to consider a Camino de Santiago during the winter months and off-season.

While walking a Camino de Santiago in winter comes with some challenges, there are far more inspiring reasons to consider one. For me, I found the quiet path during the winter months exactly what I was seeking. It was a special time to connect deeper with myself, with nature, and focus on my intentions.

I will always cherish my time walking the Camino de Santiago in the winter. It was pure magic and fed my soul.

Have you considered walking a Winter Camino? Did you find this guide useful or inspiring? Is there anything that I’m missing in this Camino de Santiago in winter and off-season guide? Let me know in the comments below.

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