Even if you’re not a regular hiker, walking the Camino de Santiago is on many people’s bucket list, and there are many moms and dads that are looking forward to hike this iconic trail with their kids, and while it may sound a bit ambitious, trust me, it’s totally doable, and it can turn into one of your family’s most memorable trips.
It’s not a secret that travelling and doing things together is one of the best ways to bond with our kids, but this time, it’s a lot more than just bonding. The Camino offers a real pause in everyday life, less screen time, fewer distractions, and a real connection not only between but also with nature.
I’m going to walk you through how to pick the right route, how to plan it smartly in order to enjoy every step.
Choose the Right Route for Kids
The first (and most important) thing to do is to review and choose the right route for you and your kid. While all of the routes end up in Santiago de Compostela, not all of them are created equal, especially when you have kids.
So, before deciding on a route, you should take into consideration a few aspects that will make a difference when it comes to the experience as a whole.
Make sure to choose a route that:
1. Shorter daily distances.
2. Easier terrain.
3. Have more services (cafés, rest stops, comfortable lodging).
4. Have clear signs and are well taken care of.
A good example is the Camino Frances, which is the classic and most popular route and is actually highly recommended for families, because it’s well serviced and has a more social feeling to it since it’s a lot more crowded than other routes.
It’s usually completed in 30 to 40 days, but if that’s too much, you can try the last 100 km from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela.
Also, keep in mind that you can opt to do it with a bike, which is usually preferred for kids. All you need to do is make sure to complete 200km instead of 100km (since it’s the minimum to get the certificate).
If you have younger kids, consider making each day only 8-10 km (instead of the typical 20+ km).
Planning how to, and the logistics
Planning and getting the logistics right is usually what makes or breaks a trip, but it becomes even more important when you’re going with kids.
First, pick your dates and season. Spring and early autumn tend to be good. The weather is moderate, and there are fewer people on the trails.
Second, book accommodation in advance. A comfy place to stay is a priority here, unfortunately, since you’re going with kids, I don’t recommend staying in albergues, unless you have private rooms.
Now, here’s where hiring a specialist helps, and travel agencies like Santiago Ways are built for this. Their reviews show strong satisfaction, and they take care of everything for you, from booking places to stay to moving your bags from stage to stage. Many people say that the luggage transfers, hotel picks, support phone, and route guidance make all the difference.
How do they make things easier for a family? Here
They handle hotel reservations. All you need to do is confirm and show up there!
They offer luggage transfer, which means you can walk with just a backpack.
They can help you plan stages that fit your pace (shorter distances, plenty of stops).
They provide 24/7 telephone support if something goes off plan (weather, tired kids, etc).
I understand that most of us like to get our hands on things; that’s why, if you don’t want every single detail handled for you, you can plan the big ones yourselves (route, dates, etc), and let the agency handle the rest.
Conclusion
Walking the Camino is a huge goal, especially when you involve kids in the plan, but it’s not impossible. All you need to do is choose the right route and plan all the logistics properly. With the right route, good planning, and comfort in mind, you’ll not just survive it, you’ll enjoy it. Not only that, but with the help of a specialised agency like SantiagoWays, things get a lot easier.
