© José Manuel Guerrero · Fotografía propia · © Todos los derechos reservadosPhysical preparation
© José Manuel Guerrero · Fotografía propia · © Todos los derechos reservadosPhysical preparation
The Camino doesn't demand exceptional fitness, but it does mean walking between 20 and 25 km a day for several days in a row, often with elevation gain and carrying your backpack. Preparing well ahead of time prevents blisters, injuries and exhaustion, and lets you enjoy the scenery instead of struggling through it.
Updated on August 12, 2026
Set aside six to eight weeks to train gradually. Begin with walks of five or six kilometres and build up so that, in the final weeks, you're doing long outings of twenty or twenty-five kilometres similar to the real stages.
Consistency matters more than intensity: it's better to walk three or four days a week than to make a single huge effort and arrive at the start already worn out.
Go out walking with the backpack you'll be carrying, loaded to a similar weight, and with the same footwear and socks you'll use on the Camino: that way you'll discover chafing and sore spots in time to fix them.
Include climbs and descents in your training, especially if you're doing the Primitivo, the Norte or the Pyrenees: going downhill tires the knees as much as, or more than, going up. Trekking poles help a lot.
Toughen up your feet with your walks and try out different socks and anti-chafing creams. Get into the habit of drinking regularly and eating something along the way so you don't run out of energy.
In the final week, ease off so you arrive rested: stretch, sleep well and don't make any last-minute efforts. Listening to your body during the Camino and resting in time prevents most injuries.
The hostels and lodgings on the most popular stages (Sarria, O Cebreiro, the last 100 km) fill up fast, especially in summer and during a Holy Year. Book ahead to secure a spot at the best price.
Frequently asked questions
Ideally six to eight weeks before, increasing the distance little by little. If you're already in good shape you'll need less; if you don't usually walk, the sooner you start, the better.
You can, but you'll probably have a hard time the first few days: blisters, aching muscles and exhaustion are common without preparation. A few weeks of progressive walks completely change the experience.
Very much so, especially on descents and mountain routes. They spread out the effort, take the strain off your knees and give stability. It's worth getting used to them during your training.