Camino FAQ’s

No, RAW Travel does not book international or domestic flights. We focus on arranging your Camino experience, including accommodation, luggage transfers and trail support.

Our Destination Experts can advise on the best airports to fly into and out of and provide information to help you plan your flights around your Camino itinerary.

RAW Travel takes care of the major logistics included in your Camino itinerary, but travellers are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the trail. The best way to reach the trail depends on your route and starting point, with options including flights, trains, buses and private transfers.

Every traveller’s journey to the trail is different, so we recommend using sites like Rome2Rio to explore available transport options and find the best connections for your itinerary. Our Camino experts can also provide guidance on getting to and from your specific route.

We also have a range of Insight articles with detailed information on getting to and from the Camino Francés, the Camino del Norte and the Le Puy Camino.

For other routes, our team can advise you on the most convenient options for your itinerary.

For train travel, it’s often best to check the local rail operator directly, such as SNCF in France, Renfe in Spain and CP – Comboios de Portugal for Portugal. For more complex travel itineraries, Rail Europe and Rome2Rio can also be useful for planning connections and comparing transport options.

These services also have apps that you can download to your phone before departure, making it easy to check timetables.

No. Our luggage vehicles are specially fitted out to transport luggage only and do not have capacity to carry passengers. If you need transport on a particular day, you can explore local transport options or ask your accommodation to help arrange a private taxi, if available.

We carefully select comfortable accommodation along the Camino, with a focus on welcoming properties and good locations. We operate in-house and have built strong relationships with many of the accommodation providers we use. Depending on the route and location, we use hotels, guesthouses, casas rurales, gîtes, B&Bs, historic properties and other locally run accommodation, providing a genuine pilgrim experience and a connection to the trail.

All accommodation booked by RAW Travel is in private rooms, so you will never be required to stay in a dormitory. The standard and character of accommodation can vary as you walk, particularly in smaller or more remote locations where options are limited. The properties we select reflect the region and country you are walking through, giving you a sense of local character while providing a comfortable place to rest for the journey ahead.

Most of the properties we select are located on or close to the Camino path, but not all. Some of our preferred properties and guest favourites, particularly family-run country houses such as casas rurales in Spain and gîtes in France, may be located a little further from the trail. These can be hidden gems and are often part of what makes the accommodation experience along the Camino so special.

We always consider the best available accommodation in each location, so on some stages we may choose a lovely property slightly off the Camino rather than a more basic option directly on the trail. Where accommodation is located away from the trail, any necessary transfers to and from the Camino are arranged in advance at no additional cost to you. Details of these arrangements will be included in your pre-trip information.

Breakfast is included on each day of your trip. Breakfast times vary between properties and countries, but will generally be served between 7am and 8am. Depending on the property, breakfast may range from a simple continental breakfast to a home-cooked meal or full buffet.

When you check in, ask about the breakfast service times, as these can vary from place to place and may even change from day to day at the same property. If you plan to start walking early, ask whether a packed breakfast can be provided, although this may not always be possible.

If an early breakfast or packed breakfast isn’t available, we recommend stocking up on snacks or supplies the evening before. Don’t rely on being able to buy food along the way, as cafés and shops may not be open early, particularly in smaller villages and more remote areas.

The benefit of having everything arranged in advance is that you can focus on enjoying your walk without needing to organise accommodation or luggage transfers along the way. Once your trip has started, changes to your itinerary are not possible. Your accommodation, luggage transfers and other services are arranged and confirmed in advance based on your agreed travel dates and cannot be modified once you are on the trail.

During the planning stage, our Camino experts will work with you to create an itinerary that suits your walking ability, available time and interests, including shorter stages, rest days or additional nights where possible. Their experience and expertise can help you make the right choices and create a Camino experience that is tailored to you before your trip begins.

If you need to request a change before your trip begins, this will be subject to availability and cannot always be accommodated. Requests must be made in writing by the original booking holder or their travel agent at least 56 days before departure. An administration charge applies, with date changes subject to an AUD $250 administration charge per person and travel required to take place within 12 months of the original departure date.

See our Booking Conditions for more information.

The weather on the Camino varies considerably depending on the route, season and region. Weather patterns are also becoming less predictable, so it is important to be prepared for changing temperatures and conditions, including rain, wind and periods of heat.

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) generally offer the most comfortable walking conditions on many routes, with cooler temperatures and fewer extreme heat days. However, spring and autumn can also bring changeable weather and rain. The Camino Francés and Le Puy Camino are best suited to the shoulder seasons, particularly spring and early autumn, when temperatures are generally more comfortable for walking. Higher sections can still experience cold or wintry conditions early or late in the season.

Summer (June to August) is warmer and generally busier. Inland Camino routes can experience very hot and busy conditions. Coastal routes such as the Camino Portugués, Camino Inglés and Camino del Norte tend to have milder temperatures, although rain and wind are possible. The Camino Primitivo crosses mountainous terrain, so conditions can be more variable. Even in the warmer months, you should be prepared for cooler temperatures, rain and rapidly changing weather at higher elevations.

Winter (December to February) is the coldest and most challenging time to walk. Snow and icy conditions are possible in higher areas, some accommodation closes for the season, and certain sections may be unsuitable or require alternative routes.

Whatever time of year you travel, we recommend checking the forecast before each walking day and packing layers and reliable wet-weather protection. Your RAW Travel App also includes a weather section, where you can check current and upcoming weather conditions for each town along your itinerary. This makes it easy to check the forecast for your next destination as you travel.

The Camino routes are generally very well signposted, with the iconic yellow arrows and scallop shell symbols guiding you along the way. Keep an eye out for these markers, which can appear on kerbs, buildings, roads, walls and signposts.

To make navigating even easier, you’ll be provided with our unique RAW Travel app. It shows your location in real time and works without an internet connection. Your route is mapped every step of the way, with detailed information about the terrain, towns and your accommodation, along with a host of other useful features. You’ll receive information about downloading and using the RAW Travel app in your pre-trip information.

For any walk, we recommend a few simple precautions to help you stay safe and comfortable:

• Stay connected: Keep your phone fully charged and share your itinerary and daily plans with family or friends.
• Walk during daylight hours: Start your walk early enough to finish before dark.
• Follow the trail markers: Keep an eye out for yellow arrows, scallop shells and other official trail markers, particularly at junctions and in more remote areas.
• Be prepared: Carry enough water and snacks, suitable clothing and footwear for the weather, and a basic first aid kit.

As RAW Travel organises your services, we are always aware of your hiking schedule. Our local team in Spain oversees our walkers on the ground and is available to assist if you need help during your journey.

Food is an important part of the Camino experience, and part of the adventure is discovering new flavours along the way. Each route has its own local cuisine, regional specialities and traditional pilgrim fare.

With RAW Travel, breakfast is included, while lunch and dinner are at your own expense. This gives you the freedom to choose how you spend your food budget. You might enjoy a special dinner at a local restaurant one night, then pick up some local produce for a relaxed picnic with new friends the next day.

What you’ll find varies by region. Coastal routes are known for fresh seafood, the Camino Francés for Spanish and traditional pilgrim fare, and the Le Puy route for delicious French dishes and regional produce.

Our experts have written a range of insight guides about food and dining along each Camino route, with tips on local specialities and what to look out for. Explore our Camino food guides here.

Water is readily available along most routes, with fountains, cafés, shops and accommodation providing opportunities to refill your bottle. We recommend carrying enough water for the section you are walking each day, particularly in warmer weather or on more remote stages.

Dietary requirements can generally be accommodated along the Camino, although options vary between regions and villages. Gluten-free and vegetarian diets are usually easier to accommodate, while vegan and more restrictive requirements may have fewer choices.

We recommend carrying a laminated card explaining your dietary requirements in the local language to help when ordering. If your requirements are very strict, carrying suitable snacks and planning to purchase supplies from local supermarkets can also be helpful.

Your pilgrim passport, or credential, is a special part of the Camino experience and a wonderful souvenir of your time on the trail. Every RAW Travel booking includes a pilgrim passport, which you’ll receive before your trip.

As you walk, you collect stamps, from accommodation, churches, cafés and other places along the route. These stamps record your journey and help verify the distance you have travelled.

To qualify for the Compostela certificate in Santiago, walkers need at least two stamps per day for the final 100km of their pilgrimage. Once you arrive in Santiago, your passport is checked at the Pilgrim’s Office before your Compostela is issued.

Your completed passport is also a lovely keepsake, filled with stamps and memories from your Camino.

For more information, see our guide to Pilgrim Passports and Compostelas.

Most pilgrims wash as they go, either by hand in their accommodation or using self-service laundrettes. Look for lavandería autoservicio in Spain, laverie automatique in France and lavandaria self-service in Portugal.

Larger towns and cities generally have more laundry options, so you can also plan to do a larger load along the way. Not all properties offer a laundry service, and where it is available, there may be an additional cost.

For hand washing, a small amount of travel washing liquid and a lightweight travel clothesline can be useful.

For more tips, see our guide to Washing on the Camino.

For a serious or emergency situation, contact the local emergency services immediately so you can receive appropriate assistance. Emergency contact details are available in the RAW Travel App. Once you are safe, contact our local support team so we can assist with the next steps.

For non-emergency situations, such as a mild injury or illness while walking the Camino, contact our local support team so we can assist with the next steps. They can help you understand the best options based on the local services available, such as nearby clinics, pharmacies and medical centres. Their contact details are provided in your pre-departure information and are also available in the RAW Travel App. Your hotel or guesthouse may also be able to help arrange local medical services or a doctor’s appointment. Our local support team can assist with translation if needed.

If you need to end your trip, contact your travel insurer as soon as possible. As accommodation and other services are pre-booked and paid for in advance, refunds are not usually available. Depending on your policy, you may need to make a travel insurance claim. If you visit a doctor or hospital, ask for a medical certificate or other written documentation, as this may help support your claim.

If you are unable to walk the full distance on a particular day due to illness or injury, there may be options to modify that day’s walking arrangements. See below for information on what to do in this situation. This is different from discontinuing your entire trip.

If you need to skip a walking day, you can usually arrange local transport to reach your next accommodation. Options will depend on the trail and the location you are walking through.

Some routes, such as the Camino Francés and Camino Portugués, are well supported by local transport, making it relatively easy to travel between towns. On more remote trails, such as the Le Puy Camino and Camino Primitivo, public transport options can be more limited and may require more advance planning.

Travellers are responsible for arranging and paying for any local transport they need during their walk, so we recommend planning ahead where possible. Your accommodation hosts or reception staff can often advise on local taxis, buses and other transport options. Local tourist offices can also provide information on bus services and timetables.

If you are unsure of your options, our local support team can provide advice based on your location and help you understand what options may be available.

In a medical or other emergency, please contact the local emergency services (dependent on the nature of the incident); their numbers are listed in our App.

Please also be sure to contact our local team in Spain so they can assist with any translation needed and support you require. You may for instance need to cancel subsequent night’s accommodation and our team can help do that so that the hotel/ guesthouse owners do not think you may be missing on the trail and alert authorities and us. (If we don’t know, we can’t help!) Our local team’s contact details will be provided to you in your pre-trip information and their details are also saved in the app, so you will always have them handy.

If the emergency is serious or if it’s likely to result in a travel insurance claim, you should contact your travel insurance company for instructions or assistance via the travel insurance company’s 24 hour contact number.

The best footwear depends on your route, the season and your personal preference. For many walkers, lightweight hiking shoes or trail runners are a comfortable choice, particularly during the warmer summer months when breathable footwear can help keep your feet cooler.

In spring and autumn, when conditions can be wetter, lightweight waterproof hiking shoes or boots can provide extra protection from rain and mud. Whatever you choose, make sure your footwear is comfortable, well-fitting and properly broken in before your Camino.

For more advice, see our detailed guide: What hiking boots should I buy and how do I look after them?

On walking days, RAW Travel transfers your main luggage between accommodations, so you only need to carry a comfortable daypack with what you’ll need for the day.

Your packing list will depend on your route and the season you’re walking. Think lightweight, breathable clothing for warmer months, with layers and reliable wet-weather gear for cooler or changeable conditions.

Our Camino experts can help you prepare for the conditions you’re likely to encounter on your particular walk. For a detailed packing list and practical tips, see our What to wear when walking the Camino

Walking poles can provide extra stability and support, particularly on steep, uneven or rocky terrain. They can be particularly useful on routes such as the Camino del Norte and Camino Primitivo, where the terrain can be more challenging.

If you don’t normally use walking poles, we recommend trying them before you buy. They can be very useful for some walkers, but if you don’t find them helpful, they can simply become something extra to carry.

If you decide to bring poles, choose lightweight, adjustable poles that are easy to pack. Walking poles cannot be carried in your cabin luggage on flights and should be packed in your checked luggage.

For more advice, see our guide to “Do I need trekking poles?”

While our RAW Travel app uses GPS and works without mobile data, you’ll still need to travel with a mobile phone with connectivity set up before you start your Camino. Your phone will be useful for checking transport schedules, finding restaurants, contacting your accommodation and reaching emergency services if needed.

For mobile connectivity overseas, you can use your existing provider’s international roaming, a local SIM or an eSIM, depending on what works best for your phone and travel plans. An eSIM allows you to add a mobile plan without changing your physical SIM, although not all phones are eSIM compatible. For more information, see our guide to How to Set Up Your Phone for International Travel.

We also recommend downloading WhatsApp before you travel, as it is widely used for free messaging and communication while overseas.

Most properties and locations will have Wi-Fi, but it is not guaranteed. Availability and connection strength can vary, and some smaller or historic properties may only offer Wi-Fi in communal areas. Thick walls can also affect the signal in guest rooms.

Cards are widely accepted along the Camino, particularly in larger towns and cities. However, smaller villages, cafés and some local businesses may only accept cash, so it’s important to carry some euros with you.

ATMs are available along the routes, although they can be less frequent in smaller villages and more remote areas. We recommend having a backup payment method in case your preferred option isn’t available.

We recommend you always carry around 200€ per person in cash for drinks, meals and any unexpected extras (taxis, etc). You need to always be aware of the money that you will need in the days ahead, as there will times when you will be walking for a few days without any ATM access.

More information is provided here: Accessing money on the Camino

Spain, France, Portugal and Italy are all part of the Schengen Area. Australian passport holders can generally visit these countries without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Entry requirements can change, so always check the latest information before you travel. Visit Smartraveller for current visa, entry and travel advice, and consider subscribing to updates for the countries you’ll be visiting.