Yes, completing the Camino de Santiago in one week is totally possible with proper planning and the right route choice.
Through this article, we aim to show you how to organise your pilgrimage in seven days. We will outline a selection of manageable stages and provide practical tips to optimise your time and maintain/improve your physical preparation. Additionally, we will explore the best routes for an intensive and fulfilling experience.
Whether due to time constraints or a desire for a more focused experience, we will guide you to achieve your goal of completing the Camino in one week.
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Why do it in one week?
As a specialised Camino de Santiago agency , we know (and suggest) that this experience is best enjoyed fully, without time limits. However, we also understand that there are circumstances that require you to experience this adventure in a shorter time frame.
- Time constraints: ideal for those with work, personal, or family commitments that prevent a longer pilgrimage.
- Intensive experience: allows for greater concentration on the journey, facilitating a deeper connection with the Camino.
- Physical and mental benefits: a physical challenge within a short time frame can improve endurance and provide significant personal growth. For those with physical limitations, starting with a shorter pilgrimage is ideal.
- Optimised route selection: there are specific routes designed to be completed in one week, ensuring manageable stages and efficient logistics.
- Greater cultural immersion: experience a more compact and focused journey, allowing for a better appreciation of local culture and traditions.
- Cost savings: obviously, a shorter duration results in lower expenses for accommodation, food, and other services.
- Flexibility in the itinerary: the possibility to personalise your journey according to preferences and needs, adapting the plan to seven days.
- Popular and well-equipped routes: access to paths with proper infrastructure for short pilgrimages, ensuring comfort and safety.
- Maximising time at key destinations: focus on the most emblematic and significant points without unnecessarily extending the trip.
- Efficient planning: use of specialised resources and agencies that facilitate the organisation of a one-week itinerary, optimising each day.
Preparing for the Camino
Before embarking on this adventure, it is important to consider several aspects to ensure that your experience is safe and enjoyable.
- Requirements for completing the Camino de Santiago in one week: you don’t need to be a professional athlete for this purpose. However, it is advisable to have basic physical fitness, as some sections may be demanding. Additionally, it’s crucial to maintain a positive attitude and understand that you’ll be walking long distances for several days.
- Documents and credentials needed: To obtain the Compostela, the certificate that confirms you have completed the journey, you will need:
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- A pilgrim’s credential. This credential will allow you to stay at the Camino hostels and access other services for pilgrims.
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- A valid identity document, such as your ID card or passport.
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- You must have walked at least 100 km on foot or 200 km by bike. Don’t worry, any of the Camino de Santiago routes for a 7-day trip will exceed that minimum.
What to pack in your backpack?
For a one-week trip, you don’t need to carry much. Make sure to include the essentials:
- A comfortable and lightweight backpack.
- Appropriate clothing for walking, that is breathable and lightweight.
- Comfortable footwear and durable, preferably trekking boots or shoes.
- A waterproof jacket or raincoat, as the weather can be unpredictable.
- A hat or cap to protect from the sun.
- A water bottle or reusable flask.
- Sun cream and a basic first aid kit (plasters, painkillers, etc.).
The Camino in One Week
If you only have one week to do the Camino de Santiago, the most popular and accessible option is to walk the route from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. This is one of the most frequently walked routes, both for its beauty and the accessibility of its stages.
Below, we present a suggested itinerary to help you cover it in one week, making the most of each day without overloading your body.
Day 1: From Sarria to Portomarín
- Distance: 22 km
- Estimated time: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Medium
The first stage of the Camino begins in Sarria, one of the most common starting points for the route. This section takes you through peaceful paths, crossing small villages and offering spectacular views of the Galician landscape. Upon reaching Portomarín, with its Church of San Juan de Porto and medieval bridge, the first day of your journey ends.
Day 2: From Portomarín to Palas de Rei
- Distance: 25 km
- Estimated time: 6-7 hours
- Difficulty: Medium
This section takes you deeper into the heart of Galicia. The route leads you through forests, small villages, and rural paths. The ascent to the Montes de Ligonde and arrival at Palas de Rei, a peaceful village, will provide a good rest after a more demanding day.
Day 3: From Palas de Rei to Arzúa
- Distance: 29 km
- Estimated time: 7-8 hours
- Difficulty: High
This stage is one of the longest and most challenging. You will pass through small Galician villages, forests, and green landscapes that characterise the Camino. As you approach Arzúa, you will notice how the path fills with more pilgrims. This section is demanding but rewarding.
Day 4: From Arzúa to O Pedrouzo
- Distance: 19 km
- Estimated time: 4-5 hours
- Difficulty: Low
After the long stage the previous day, this day is shorter and more relaxing. The path remains scenic, passing through villages and forests, but the terrain is less demanding. O Pedrouzo is the last large village before reaching Santiago, and will be a great place to rest before the final stretch of the journey.
Day 5: From O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela
- Distance: 20 km
- Estimated time: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Medium
Finally, the last day of the Camino will take you to the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. This final stretch is exciting, with the thrill of approaching your destination. Upon reaching Santiago, you can visit the Cathedral, where the tomb of St. James lies, and receive your Compostela as recognition for completing the pilgrimage.
Alternative Routes to Complete the Camino in One Week
If you’re looking for other alternatives to complete the Camino in one week, here are two outstanding options that can also be perfect for those with limited time.
The Portuguese Way: From Porto to Santiago
The Portuguese Way is another excellent option to complete in a week. Starting from Porto, you can cover the route in stages of around 20-25 km per day, reaching Santiago in 7 days.
This Camino is slightly less demanding than the French Way, with flatter terrain and a more relaxed pace, but still beautiful. It will allow you to enjoy a mix of rural and coastal landscapes, as well as a rich and varied gastronomy and culture.
The Northern Way: Shorter Stages for One Week
The Northern Way, which runs along the northern coast of Spain, offers a unique experience. Although the Camino de Santiago from Irún is longer, you can opt for a shorter version to complete in a week. Starting from cities such as Gijón or Llanes, you can walk shorter stages and enjoy the coastal and mountainous scenery.
Although some stages may be more difficult due to elevation changes, the beauty of the route and its proximity to the sea make it an exceptional option for those looking for something different.
Sanabrés Way from Ourense
The Sanabrés Way from Ourense is another excellent option for those who have a week to complete the Camino de Santiago. This route, starting from Ourense, offers the perfect combination of natural and cultural landscapes. Along the way, you will walk through green valleys, cross rivers, and visit charming Galician villages.
The Primitive Way from Lugo
Another ideal alternative is the Primitive Way from Lugo, a route that combines history, nature, and physical challenges. Starting from Lugo, this Camino takes you through mountains, forests, and ancient Roman roads, offering an authentic and varied experience.
Although it is a more demanding route, its design allows you to complete it in one week, providing a balanced mix of long and shorter stages. Ideal for pilgrims looking for a deep and enriching experience in a short period.
