Spanish for the Camino Blog
No pilgrims!
Do locals along the Camino welcome pilgrims? Mostly, yes. But that could change if things continue the way they're going. The Spanish for the Camino podcast is back after the summer break. My plan was to start this new season with something light. I was going to tell...
The Camino with no Spanish
"Do I need to learn Spanish to walk the Camino de Santiago?" This is a question that many have when planning their first Camino. It's a question you often see in Camino-related groups. The answers in those groups range from "no need, a smile is enough" to "the more...
Flan
Who hasn't come across flan as one of the dessert options on a menú del peregrino or a menú del día on the Camino de Santiago? Flan is a very popular postre (dessert), and it is in fact an ancient dessert. Its origins go back to the times of the Roman Empire, although...
El botiquín
When you are packing your mochila you should leave some space for a small botiquín (first-aid kit). Of course, if you normally take any medications, make sure you pack enough of it, or find out if you can get it in Spain.
As I mentioned before, it’s important to keep your mochila as light as possible. As one experienced pilgrim advised us last week:
Your packing advice
Updated: January 2026 What to pack in your backpack for the Camino de Santiago If you’re planning your Camino de Santiago, one of the most important decisions after choosing your route is what to take in your mochila (backpack). Unless you hire a luggage...
La ropa
In a previous post I discussed the things that you should pack in your mochila or backpack (you can read it here). On that occasion I only mentioned a few general items like ropa (clothes), calzado (shoes) or toiletries and promised to elaborate on the topic. So, this week it’s the turn of la ropa (clothes).
So, what ropa should you take? As I said before, you shouldn’t pack too many items, unless you are planning to have your bag transported from one place to the next one: you will have to carry the weight, remember? And you can always do a bit of washing at the end of your walking day.
Where to sleep on The Camino
El albergue | Updated: January 2026 Accommodation options One of the most common questions future pilgrims ask is: Where do you sleep on the Camino de Santiago? The good news is that the Camino offers a wide range of accommodation options. The best choice depends on...
Do you need Spanish on the Camino?
If you have ever travelled abroad (to a country where they don’t speak your langue), I’m sure have seen these lists of “useful phrases”