Is The Camino Safe?

The thought of walking across a country can be daunting. And, naturally, one of the first questions that will cross your mind is, “Is the Camino safe?”. And a recent article in The Guardian has, once again, put this question into the forefront.

The Francés and Portugues routes are busy and well-waymarked, with plenty of services. And we’d say they are perfect for a first-time Camino.

We have walked these routes alone with few problems other than an unsettling man or two that we had to shake off.

Ancient Roman bridge on the Camino Portugues.
Ancient Roman bridge at Arcade, Spain

But what if you’re considering one of the less popular routes? Are those just as safe? 

I recently finished the Camino Primitivo and it was a much different experience than the Francés.

There were far fewer pilgrims around and the towns were further apart. I walked alone a lot. And in some parts, like walking through forests, I felt a little uneasy.

No harm ever came to me, but I felt I had to be more aware of my surroundings. But as I discovered one day when I inadvertently missed a waymarker, locals are always there to look out for you.

Nowhere in the world is 100% safe. But the Camino is the lifeblood of the small communities that surround it. And they can’t risk harm coming to pilgrims. 

Quite often, you will pass the Guardia Civil (they are in green uniforms) conducting patrols by foot, on horseback or in vehicles. They regularly drop into the albergues to check for suspicious people or activity. Locals are also happy to help if you run into trouble. Don’t be afraid to go into a bar, shop or albergue if you need assistance.

We would say, on the whole, that the Camino is very safe. And we’re thankful for the safety measures put in place by the local communities and police.

But there are a few things you can also do to protect yourself and have a safe and unforgettable experience. 

Here are some of our top tips:

Watch Your Money

Euro coins and bills
Euro currency – Photo by Pixabay

Acceptance of bank cards is much more common along the Camino than when we began walking in 2017. But some places, like municipal and donativo albergues, still only accept cash. This means you should always have euros handy.

Because using the ATM can come with high service charges, we like to withdraw a large amount at once. So, if you’re walking with mucho dinero, take out what you need for the day to carry in your backpack and store the rest in a money belt. This can be worn around your waist or neck and hidden inside your clothing. 

Bring a pillowcase or sleeping bag with you. Pop your money belt inside while you sleep. Just don’t forget it in the morning. 

But what about when you use the bathroom? I like to take a small plastic bag to put my valuables in when I hit the shower.

Don’t leave anything important on your bed or in your backpack at an albergue. Unattended items can go missing.

Leave your Valuables at Home

Two pilgrim women, Cat and Mirva, with inexpensive Camino earings
Cat and Mirva in bougie Camino earrings

Thieves operate on the Camino just like they do in the cities. And in Spain, they are pros. On the Camino, most people are trustworthy. But it’s best not to take the risk.

If possible, try not to bring anything of value. Not only does it add more weight, but can make you a target. 

Most albergues are not equipped with options for safe storage, so if you don’t need an expensive phone, laptop or camera, leave it at home. This goes for nice jewellery too. Nobody will care about your Tiffany bracelet or diamond ring on the Camino except a thief.

Avoid Walking in the Dark

Photo of a sunrise, mountains and rural path
Not a road to walk along before the sun comes up – pretty at sunrise though

Walking on the Camino after the sun goes down (or before it comes up, for you early risers) is not advised, especially for women. Much of the Camino runs through tiny pueblos and rural, isolated areas. 

Exiting the larger cities is one thing. The streets will be well-lit. But if you are leaving a small village and heading through forest or farmland, adequate lighting cannot be guaranteed. 

If you do choose to walk when it’s dark, be sure to have a headlamp and reflective gear. Make sure you have a whistle. Many backpacks are now equipped with one.

Be aware of your surroundings and cognizant of anyone you come across who doesn’t look like a pilgrim or approaches from the opposite direction. 

Trust Your Intuition

Yellow dog with red bow sitting on a ripped blue tarp
He was so cute, but his owners made me feel nervous

Even though you are on a pilgrimage, not everyone is there for holy reasons. You may encounter people along the Camino who are conducting scams. You may see rough-looking groups of vagabonds. And women may encounter men who make them feel uneasy.  

Always trust your intuition and don’t be afraid to move on from a person or place that makes you uncomfortable. Just because you’re surrounded by churches, doesn’t mean you can’t lie or be rude to get out of a situation that doesn’t feel good. Don’t feel guilty. St. James will forgive you for protecting yourself. 

Make Friends

Camigos looking out for one another in San Antón

Meeting your fellow pilgrims is one of the great joys of the Camino. And we consider the people we walked with to be lifelong friends. 

Everyone on the Camino is going through a similar experience. You’ll have meaningful conversations with one another. You’ll share many bottles of wine. And if you need a Band-Aid or some sunscreen, one of them will probably have it. 

But pilgrims also look out for one another. Talk to people. Let them know where you’ll be and where you’re going. And don’t be shy to ask to walk with or near them if you’re uncomfortable. Sometimes you’ll find yourself completely alone. If you pass any walkers, take note. It’s always reassuring to know someone is behind you.

Also keep an eye out for others, especially those walking alone. If you notice them in a situation that seems suspicious, stay close. Or offer to let them walk with you for a while if you’re in a remote area. 

Get a Spanish SIM Card

Photo by Tyler Lastovich on Pexels

Spanish SIM cards are very inexpensive. They are a convenient and cost-effective way to keep in touch with friends and family. Having a local SIM card also takes the stress out of anything you might need to do locally, like calling to book an albergue. 

You can purchase a pay-as-you-go from any cell phone retailer for less than 20 euros/month. Orange, Vodafone, Movistar and Yoigo are popular service providers in Spain. Plans are generous with local and international calling minutes, texting and data. 

Once you purchase your SIM card, simply pop it in your phone. Be sure to note your new Spanish phone number and its PIN. 

Keep in Touch

Man in a hat walking and texting on a Smartphone
My Spanish amigo keeping in touch with family

Now that you have your Spanish SIM card, use it.

Keep in touch with loved ones back home and let them know where you are. Share your number with pilgrims you meet. Although you may want to completely unplug, it’s always wise to drop someone a quick text to notify them of your whereabouts.

We generally prefer to stay off social media on our Caminos. But posting your photos at the end of each day is also a good way to let everyone know you’ve arrived at your destination safely. 

And don’t forget to register with your country’s embassy to let them know where you’ll be and when. This information helps get you out of the country in the event of a major emergency. 

Bring a Guidebook

Blue and yellow sign in Spanish warning of intersection.
Posted warnings about intersections and lies

Maybe we’re old school, but we like walking with a physical guidebook.

Any good Camino guidebook will outline each stage in detail. And giving it a quick read will help prepare you for your day. 

Guidebooks will indicate distances in kilometers and map out terrain. They will also provide phone numbers and addresses for albergues, restaurants and points of interest.

Guidebooks also note any hazards you could encounter, such as dangerous roads, to be aware of. They will also list emergency numbers and useful Spanish phrases.

Guidebooks are invaluable on the Camino

We love John Brierley’s series of guidebooks. His comprehensive and meticulous guides prepare you for what to expect on your Camino. But they also leave room for a little magic. If you’re walking alone, these make great companions. And you never have to worry about Wi-Fi or weak signal.

Useful emergency phone numbers: 

Emergencies  112 

Guardia Civil 062

Policía Nacional 091

Policía Local 092

We also recommend downloading and registering on the AlertCops app. In the event of a situation where you need police assistance, open the app and press the alert button on the icon menu. This will discreetly alert the nearest police station of your position. Keep in mind, that this service is only within Spain.

On the whole, Spain is a very safe country. And if you stick to the safety measures you use at home, you’ll be fine. By taking some basic precautions and using your common sense, your Camino will be a safe and enjoyable experience. 

Buen Camino!

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