If you are reading this is because you are probably thinking about doing the Camino de Santiago in summer or thinking about what is the best time of the year to make the pilgrimage. Well, we have a lot to tell you! Summer is the favorite time for most pilgrims. While some people wait all year to relax on a towel on the beach, others of us can’t wait to put on our backpacks and get out into nature.
Why do El Camino de Santiago in summer?
We have plenty of reasons, but based on our experience, doing El Camino de Santiago in summer has many advantages: – More daylight hours. This allows you to walk more leisurely or take advantage of your arrival at the destinations to do something other than just lie in the hotel. As it is daytime until late (in the middle of June, until after 10 o’clock!) you can take a walk or enjoy a terrace in the sun.
LOCAL TIP: Make reservations in advance at restaurants to ensure a good place
– Galicia full of life. They say that in Galicia it rains a lot… and maybe that’s why we know how to make the most of the summer.
- Popular festivals: from religious to our favorite: the gastronomic ones.
- Charangas that liven up the streets and even concerts: in the festivals of some cities like Vigo, Pontevedra or Santiago they are free.
- Markets and fairs of local products.
⭐ LOCAL TIP: Don't get overconfident. It will be hot during the day, but it always cools down at night - take a sweatshirt with you
– You will be able to do your physical preparation in spring: the days with more and more hours of sunshine will motivate you to go out and walk 🙂 –You will walk lighter. In winter and autumn you need to wear layers of clothing: thermal, sweatshirt, jacket …. On the other hand, in summer it is not so necessary. Neither when walking nor in your backpack.
In short, I recommend the summer for…
The people and the many new friends you will make. The fish and seafood on the daily menus. Arriving at your destination and sitting on a terrace to have a drink in the sun, priceless!
Still not sure? Here you can check which summer months suit you best.
- Find out what it’s like to do the Camino de Santiago in June.
- Learn everything you need to know about the Camino de Santiago in July.
- Wonders of doing the Camino de Santiago in August.
The best routes of the Camino de Santiago in summer
Now we move on to the next step in your trip: choosing the best route of the Camino de Santiago to do in summer. In Galiwonders we will advise you in a personalized way, adapting to your availability and preferences, but here are some of the most recommended ones.
Camino Portugués along the Coast
El Camino Portugués por la costa is in our top 1. If you’re looking for a less hot Camino de Santiago with a sea breeze, this is your best option. Imagine: traveling along the Atlantic coast in summer, with incredible views and the chance to take a dip in the Rías Baixas. is in our top 1. If you’re looking for a less hot Camino de Santiago with a sea breeze, this is your best option. Imagine: traveling along the Atlantic coast in summer, with incredible views and the chance to take a dip in the Rías Baixas.
⭐ LOCAL TIP: Reserve an extra day or two to relax on a Galician beach before or after the Camino.
Camino del Norte
If there is a route that fits perfectly with the summer, that is the Camino del Norte. Mountains, coast and milder temperatures than inland. It is a little more physically demanding, but every effort is worth it for the landscapes you will discover.
Camino Inglés in Summer: another must-do
A good part of el Camino de Santiago Inglés runs along the Cantabrian Sea, combining coast and green meadows. Ideal if you do not have many days.
Camino Francés from Saint Jean Pied de Port
If you are sure you want to do the Camino Francés in its most authentic and extensive version, go ahead! In summer, many people take advantage of their long vacations to walk this iconic route.
The way as a group: a different summer!
Check available dates and join an already organized group to enjoy a different Camino.
Which routes of the Camino to avoid in summer and why?
In summer, the ideal is to avoid routes with long stages in the sun or too physically demanding. Although all routes have their charm, some, such as the Vía de la Plata, can be more difficult with high temperatures.
It is an incredible route through the plateau and small inland villages, but its long stages under the sun and the distances between services are the main reasons why we do not recommend it.
What to wear on the Camino de Santiago in summer
Backpack essentials
A foresighted pilgrim is worth two! Here are some basics that we appreciated in our summer travels along El Camino:
- Sunscreen ( high factor, the sun is deceiving in Galicia!).
- Accessories: hat and sunglasses. You’re welcome 😉
- Reusablewater bottle or light thermos (so it will always be cold)
⭐ LOCAL TIP: There are many fountains along the Trail, just make sure they have the "potable" sign
- Something with sugar or nuts, for extra energy.
- Vest or something reflective especially for when you go for an early walk, when there is little light.
Remember
Hire luggage transport to travel light. Every day when you arrive at your accommodation your suitcase will be waiting for you, we will manage it!
Small disadvantages of doing El Camino in summer (and how to deal with them)
The year is very long, and the important thing is that you choose the time when you feel most comfortable. More than inconveniences, the Camino in summer has some details to consider. Although any season is good to live this experience, we want you to enjoy it to the fullest.
- More pilgrims on the road – it’s great for making friends and feeling like you’re always in company, but for people looking for solitude, then perhaps autumn is a better option.
- Locals are also on vacation, so bars, restaurants and some services may be busier.
- Limited availability and slightly higher prices due to high season for some services.
Why book El Camino with an agency?
Organizing the Camino de Santiago in summer can be quite a challenge: availability of accommodation, stage planning, advice on schedules… But we take care of all this and more. In Galiwonders, as an agency specialized in the Camino de Santiago, we design tailor-made routes and manage every detail for you:
✔️ Reserved accommodations, with private room. ✔️ Luggage transport between stages. ✔️ Assistance on the Camino, whenever you need it. It doesn’t matter if you do the Camino de Santiago in summer, we are still just a phone call away! ✔️ Personalized experience, so you can enjoy without worries.
Now that you know what it means to do El Camino de Santiago in summer, do you dare to live an unforgettable summer? Book now and live a unique experience!
