You’ve been considering walking the Way of St. James. You’ve heard of the Camino from books, movies, and maybe even a friend who tread the trail. Now it’s your turn to make the pilgrimage in NW Spain. But when?

What time of year is best for walking the Camino?

We offer two Caminos for solo women travelers in 2023. One is in the spring and the other in the fall. Let’s take a look at what the pros and cons are of each season on the trail.

April Camino

What we love about this Camino option:

• Spring! Walk in the new green and lush landscapes of rural Spain.
• Summer and fall Caminos can have hot days. If you do not like walking in the heat, this trip is for you.
• Walking in cool temps is easier for most of us.
• Fewer people. Summer tends to be more crowded, which can be fun and festive, but can also mean packed cafes that run out of food later in the day.
• Good if you live in a hot place. If you reside in a place like Texas, Southern California, Arizona, etc. where the winters are sunny, then consider a spring Camino. You will be able to train all winter outdoors and be physically ready by April.
• Lower airfare. Usually there are good deals to be found in April.
• Madrid is not an oven. You will fly into Madrid and then fly west to meet us on the Camino. Most walkers add a couple of days in Madrid to see the Prado and stroll the grand avenues. In the summer, Madrid is in the 90s or 100s. In spring, it’s lovely.

September Camino

What we love about this Camino option:

• Fall! Figs, apples, and grapes adorn the pathway as you walk from Sarria to Santiago.
• Some hot days are possible, but the weather is cooling off and the big heat of summer is behind us.
• Summer’s crowds are gone. Students are back in school. There are fewer people doing the Camino in late September than in August.
• Some of our hotels have pools and it may be warm enough to swim in a few of them.
• Extend your trip and see other parts of Spain. Barcelona and the Mediterranean side of the country are wonderful in early October.
• Good if you live in a cold place. You have the entire summer to train outdoors and get physically ready for this trip. Those of us who live in Seattle, Chicago, and New York have a harder time getting ready during February than those in Florida. Use the summertime to hike and walk so you are able to hit the trail in early autumn.

Whichever time of year you choose, make sure to train for your walk. Aim for 5 miles a day, 5 times per week for a month before you leave. Wear the shoes you plan to wear on the Camino when you’re training.

Buen Camino! We will see you on the path!