The Camino de Santiago for Solo Travelers and How to Feel Safe

Many people dream of walking the Camino de Santiago, and I have to admit, I am one of them. I haven’t started yet, but I am planning to go next April, and the idea of walking solo is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. Naturally, the first question I keep asking myself is is it safe to go alone?

The answer is yes. From research, planning trips for clients, and listening to their stories after they return, the Camino consistently proves to be one of the safest and most welcoming routes in Europe for solo travelers. Yellow arrows and shells guide every turn, so you rarely feel lost. Small towns along the way offer pilgrim-only hostels that are welcoming and full of character, and even when walking alone, you are rarely alone for long. Friendly encounters in cafés, at water stops, or in albergues are part of the experience, letting you meet others while still enjoying your own space and reflection.

Spring, from April to June, is ideal for solo travelers. The weather is mild, days are long, and there are enough fellow pilgrims to feel safe without being crowded. Many travelers describe this season as the perfect balance between community and solitude, you can connect when you want to, and walk quietly when you need it.

Over the years helping clients prepare for the Camino, I’ve collected small but powerful lessons that make walking solo feel reassuring. Start early to enjoy the sunrise and have more space on the trail. Share your daily route with someone you trust, even just a quick text at the end of the day feels grounding. Pack light, taking only the essentials, so the weight doesn’t slow you down. And above all, trust the Camino, from its signs to the supportive pilgrim community. The more stories I hear, the more I understand that you rarely need more than common sense and openness.

Your journey includes the Credencial del Peregrino (the pilgrim passport), a meaningful part of the Camino and a beautiful keepsake. This passport is stamped at each albergue, café, or landmark along the route, proving the distance you’ve walked and allowing you to earn the official Pilgrim Certificate when you reach Santiago. It’s not just a document, it’s your story, printed one stamp at a time.

You don’t need to walk the entire Camino to experience its magic. The full route from the French border takes around 35 days, but one of the most popular itineraries, and the one most of my solo travelers choose, covers the last 100 kilometers from Sarria, the minimum distance required to earn the Pilgrim Certificate. Even in this shorter version, you walk through charming villages, enjoy local cuisine, meet fellow pilgrims, and feel the incredible sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching Santiago. It’s a meaningful journey, even if you don’t have a full month to walk.

And even though you are traveling alone, having a plan can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable. In the itineraries I organize, services like luggage transfers between stages and 24/7 phone assistance are already included. Knowing that your backpack will be waiting for you at the next accommodation, and that support is available if you need anything, removes the stress of logistics and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience, from the quiet mornings on the trail to the lively evenings in albergues.

Even though I haven’t walked the Camino yet, being part of other people’s journeys has shown me how transformative it can be. The more I plan, the more I can imagine the quiet mornings, the friendly encounters along the way, and the sense of achievement at the end of each day. The Camino offers simplicity, connection, and small victories that become big emotions. Even planning it is a reminder that adventure, growth, and meaningful experiences await anyone willing to take the first step.

See you in the next post.