Strolling the Camino de Santiago is an unforgettable expertise. This historic pilgrimage route via Spain and Portugal is greater than only a hike — it’s a journey crammed with historical past, journey, and private development. Many individuals assume the Camino is just for adults, however households can even get pleasure from it! With the best route and preparation, children can have an excellent expertise, making reminiscences that may final a lifetime.
In case you dream of strolling the Camino de Santiago with your loved ones, right here’s every little thing you want to know to make it enjoyable, protected, and thrilling for everybody.
Camino de Santiago: The Finest Household-Pleasant Routes
Not all Camino routes are the identical. Some are lengthy and difficult, whereas others are shorter and simpler. In case you’re touring with children, listed here are two nice choices:
The Final 100 km of the Camino Francés
- Begins in Sarria and ends in Santiago de Compostela
- Takes about 5 to seven days to stroll
- Largely flat paths with loads of small cities to relaxation
That is the preferred part of the Camino. It’s simply the best size for households, and youngsters will love gathering stamps of their Credencial del Peregrino (Pilgrim’s Passport).
The Camino Portugués (Coastal Route)
- Begins in Baiona, Spain, and ends in Santiago
- Takes round seven days
- Provides lovely ocean views and recent sea air
This route is peaceable, with a number of locations to cease, benefit from the surroundings, and relaxation. In case your children love nature, they’ll get pleasure from strolling by the coast and recognizing birds, boats, and seashells alongside the best way.
Camino de Santiago / Picture by Burkard Meyendriesch on Unsplash
Camino de Santiago: Important Ideas for Dad and mom
Just a little planning goes a great distance when strolling the Camino with children. Listed below are some tricks to preserve everybody comfortable and cozy:
Select Household-Pleasant Lodging
Search for albergues (pilgrim hostels) or small resorts which have personal rooms. Some locations even provide family-friendly meals and play areas for kids.
Stroll at a Youngster’s Tempo
Youngsters get drained quicker than adults. Plan for shorter strolling days (10 to fifteen km, or about 6 to 9 miles, per day) and take a number of breaks for snacks, relaxation, and enjoyable.
Pack Sensible
Hold issues gentle, however don’t neglect:
- Comfy footwear – Youngsters shall be strolling rather a lot!
- Snacks and water – Hold vitality ranges up.
- Rain jackets – The climate can change rapidly.
- A small backpack – Let children carry their little bag with a toy or pocket book.
Protecting Youngsters Engaged
Strolling all day might be tiring for little ones, so make the journey thrilling!
Stamp Gathering
Each pilgrim will get a credencial (passport) the place they acquire stamps from church buildings, cafes, and hostels alongside the best way. Youngsters love this exercise, and it helps them really feel like actual adventurers!
Nature Exploration
Encourage children to search for completely different birds, flowers, and shells alongside the trail. Deliver a small pocket book to allow them to draw or write about what they see.
Native Legends & Tales
The Camino is filled with previous legends about saints, miracles, and even dragons! Learn some enjoyable tales earlier than bedtime or ask locals to share tales from their villages.
Camino de Santiago / Picture by Damien Dufour on Unsplash
Making Recollections Collectively
Strolling the Camino de Santiago as a household is a particular expertise. It teaches children about perseverance, journey, and tradition. With the best route, a relaxed tempo, and enjoyable actions, your loved ones can get pleasure from each step of the journey.
So, pack your luggage, put in your strolling footwear, and prepare for an journey you’ll always remember!