You walked the Camino. You followed the yellow arrows. You reached Santiago. You returned home. And now, something strange is happening. You find yourself daydreaming about the trail, longing for the simple rhythm of walking, the weight of your backpack, the shared laughter of pilgrims, the quiet beauty of a sunrise over the hills.

You thought you were done. But the Camino is calling you back. Why does this happen? Why do so many pilgrims return—sometimes again and again? The answer is different for everyone, but one thing is certain: once the Camino is in your heart, it never truly leaves.

The Camino is a reset button. For weeks, life is simple. You walk. You eat. You reflect. You connect. There are no distractions, no stress, no unnecessary complications. You feel alive, present, free. But then, you return home. Schedules take over. Notifications flood back in. Busyness creeps in. And that feeling you had on the Camino? It starts to fade. Before long, you miss it, not just the walking, but who you were while walking. And so, you start to wonder: What if you went back?There’s Always Another Camino to Walk.

You return because there are so many ways to walk the Camino. Did you walk the Camino Francés? Now you want to try the Camino Portugués. Did you start in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port? Next time, maybe Seville, Lisbon, or Le Puy. Every route has a different personality, different landscapes, different challenges. Some pilgrims even choose to walk the same route again, because no two Caminos are ever the same.

The first time you walked, you had a reason, even if you didn’t know it at the time. Maybe you walked to heal from something, find clarity, or reconnect with yourself or others. And you did. But life keeps moving. New challenges arise. New questions emerge. And so, the Camino calls again, this time, for a new reason.

It’s strange, but true: the Camino feels like home. Maybe it’s the simplicity. Maybe it’s the kindness of strangers. Maybe it’s the rhythm of walking, eating, and sleeping. Whatever it is, stepping onto the Camino again feels familiar, comforting, and right. You no longer worry about where to sleep, what to eat, or how to pace yourself. You just walk, breathe, and let the road unfold. And that feeling? You crave it.

If you’ve walked the Camino before, you know this: you never forget the people you met. Some became lifelong friends. Some were only part of your journey for a day, but left a mark. Some are waiting for you to return, to walk together once more. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll meet new people who will change your life all over again.

At home, walking is just a way to get from Point A to Point B. On the Camino, walking is life. You walk with purpose. You walk through beauty. You walk through your thoughts. And after weeks of that, walking becomes a part of you. When you return home, you keep walking, maybe on local trails, maybe through your neighborhood, but it’s not the same. The Camino? That’s where walking feels magical. And so, you long for that feeling again.

The Camino doesn’t stop in Santiago. It continues in the way you see the world. It lives in the lessons you carry home. It stays with you, waiting… And one day, when the time is right, you’ll feel it again. That quiet whisper. That deep longing. It’s time to go back. And when that happens? You’ll tie your boots. You’ll grab your pack. And you’ll walk. Because the Camino always calls you back. And you always, always answer.

Buen Camino! until next time. 🥾✨

P.S. in two weeks time, I will once again depart for Spain to walk yet another Camino. This time, I will pick up from where I left in May of 2024 when I cut my Camino short. This time, starting in Bilbao, I will cross the Cordillera Cantábrica three times, on six different named routes. It’s not the shortest path from point a to point b, it’s a meandering path through the mountains, for I am still searching for something that eludes me.

I will be sharing my journey on this same blog, join along to live vicariously through my journey.

You have walked the Camino. Step after step, you followed the yellow arrows, crossed mountains and plains, pushed through blisters and exhaustion, and, at last, stood in front of the cathedral in Santiago. A journey that once seemed endless suddenly found its end. And now, you are home.

At first, everything feels slightly out of place. Your body still expects to wake up and walk, your mind is restless, and the world around you moves too fast, too loud, too full of things that no longer seem as important. The simplicity of the Camino lingers in your thoughts, the quiet rhythm of footsteps, the open sky stretching ahead, the clarity that came with each day’s purpose. It is a strange kind of longing, an ache for something just beyond reach, and you are not alone in feeling it. Many pilgrims return home to find that the life they left behind no longer fits quite the same way. The Camino changes you in ways you do not always expect, and the real challenge is not the journey itself, but learning how to carry its lessons forward into the life you left behind.

No one warns you about the difficulty of returning. For weeks, your world was reduced to the essentials, walking, eating, resting, and connecting with those around you. There were no schedules to keep, no emails demanding responses, no constant noise of daily responsibilities. Now, you are back in a world that expects you to pick up right where you left off, but something inside you resists. Restlessness creeps in as you find yourself longing for open spaces, the simplicity of carrying only what you need. Disorientation follows, as everything is familiar yet strangely different. Conversations seem rushed, the concerns of everyday life feel trivial, and those around you struggle to understand what you have experienced. This adjustment, often described as reverse culture shock, is as much a part of the pilgrimage as the walk itself. The Camino is still working within you, reshaping the way you see the world, and it will take time to settle. Be patient with yourself. Write about what you are feeling, capture the memories while they are fresh, and accept that not everyone will understand. That is okay. The Camino is yours to carry, and no one else needs to fully grasp its meaning for it to remain a part of you.

One of the greatest gifts of the Camino is its simplicity. Each day had a singular purpose, walk. There was no excess, no clutter, just the essentials carried on your back. Returning home, it is easy to fall back into the familiar patterns of busyness, of filling space with things and time with obligations. But what if you didn’t? The Camino has already shown you how little you truly need. Let that lesson shape your life moving forward. Declutter your surroundings, keeping only what holds meaning. Simplify your time, prioritizing what brings you joy and letting go of unnecessary distractions. Step away from the constant pull of technology, allowing moments of presence and quiet to exist in your daily routine. Appreciate your meals as you did on the Camino, where every bite was a welcome relief at the end of a long day. The pilgrimage taught you that less is more, and there is no reason that wisdom must remain in Spain.

Your body, conditioned by weeks of walking, will not want to stop. Let movement remain a part of your life. Whether it is a morning stroll, a weekend hike, or simply choosing to walk instead of drive, keep that rhythm alive. Walking was never just about reaching a destination, it was about the journey itself, the thoughts that came and went with each step, the way the world unfolded at a pace slow enough to be noticed. Walk not just for exercise, but as a way of thinking, of breathing, of staying connected to the person you became on the road.

Beyond the steps and the simplicity, the Camino gave you something else, people. The friendships formed along the way are unlike any other. These were the people who saw you at your most exhausted and your most elated, who shared meals, stories, and quiet stretches of road, who understood you in a way that is difficult to explain. Leaving them behind can feel like losing part of the journey, but the Camino does not have to end with goodbyes. A simple message, “Buen Camino” can bridge the distance. Reunions, future pilgrimages, or even online groups can keep the spirit of those connections alive. The Camino is more than a place; it is a shared experience that binds people together long after the walking ends.

At its core, the Camino is a way of living. The lessons it teaches, patience, gratitude, simplicity, kindness, are not meant to be left behind. Walk through life as you did on the trail, with awareness, openness, and a willingness to embrace each moment as it comes. Slow down. Let go of the unnecessary. Trust the journey, even when the path ahead is uncertain. And most of all, remember that the pilgrimage does not end in Santiago. The Camino stays with you, shaping the way you see the world, whispering to you in quiet moments, reminding you of the road and all it gave you.

At some point, the longing will return, the quiet pull, the feeling that something is missing. You will catch yourself thinking about it, recalling the sound of boots on gravel, the sight of arrows leading ever forward, the feeling of being on a path with no need to rush. And then, without quite knowing when it began, you will start planning again. Because the Camino does not truly end. It waits. It calls. And when it does, you will answer.

Buen Camino, wherever your path leads next.

For weeks, maybe even months, you have walked. Step after step, through rain and sun, over mountains and plains, through exhaustion and joy, you have followed the yellow arrows. And now, at last, you are here, Santiago de Compostela, the end of the Camino. But as the spires of the cathedral rise before you, as you take those final steps into the Plaza del Obradoiro, something unexpected happens. Instead of feeling finished, you feel something else. A mix of relief and disbelief, joy and loss. After all this time, after all these miles, the question forms almost immediately, what now?

For many pilgrims, stepping into the Plaza del Obradoiro is one of the most emotional moments of their lives. The cathedral stands before you, grand and weathered, its stones holding centuries of pilgrim stories. Some pilgrims rush forward, arms raised in celebration. Others fall to their knees, overwhelmed by the journey’s end. Many simply stand in silence, staring at the cathedral, unsure of what to feel. It is a moment too big for words, a moment that does not unfold the way you imagined. You expected closure, a clear sense of completion, but instead, something lingers, an awareness that the Camino is not so easily left behind.

There is no rush now. After walking so far, you have earned the right to pause. Find a spot to sit, lean against your pack, and watch as others arrive. Some have been walking for weeks, others just a few days, but here, in this moment, everyone shares something unspoken. If you have walked with others, now is the time to celebrate together, hugs, laughter, maybe a few tears, perhaps even an impromptu bottle of wine passed between friends. Eventually, you take the classic pilgrim photo in front of the cathedral, but more than the snapshot, it is the details that stay with you, the faces of fellow pilgrims, the quiet smiles of those who understand exactly what this moment means.

Before long, you make your way to the Pilgrim’s Office, a short walk from the cathedral, where you will receive your Compostela, the certificate marking the completion of your journey. It is just a piece of paper, yet it carries the weight of every step, every challenge, every moment of doubt and perseverance. The line may be long, but that too is part of the experience. You wait among fellow pilgrims, swapping stories, sharing reflections, knowing that this gathering is one of the last before everyone disperses, each returning to their own lives.

For many, the true ending comes not in the plaza, but inside the cathedral itself. The Pilgrim’s Mass, held daily at noon, welcomes all who have walked the Camino, regardless of faith. As the names of newly arrived pilgrims are read aloud, their nationalities listed one by one, a quiet recognition settles over the room. You are part of something larger than yourself, something that has existed for centuries and will continue long after you have left. If you are fortunate, you may witness the Botafumeiro, the enormous silver incense burner that swings across the cathedral in a breathtaking arc. Once used to cleanse medieval pilgrims of the dust and sweat of the road, it now serves as a symbol of the journey’s history, a final moment of awe before you step back into the world beyond the cathedral doors.

Beneath the altar, many pilgrims visit the crypt where the remains of Saint James are said to rest. Some touch the statue of the apostle in gratitude, while others kneel in silence, reflecting on all they have carried, physically, emotionally, spiritually. Even those who do not come for religious reasons often find something deeply moving in this space. It is a place to say thank you, to acknowledge the journey, to recognize that, in some way, you are leaving a part of yourself behind.

And then, suddenly, it is time to celebrate. The first meal in Santiago is unlike any other. Wine flows freely, plates of pulpo a la gallega and Padrón peppers fill the table, and voices rise in laughter and storytelling. You toast to the miles walked, the friendships formed, the lessons learned. This meal is not just about the food, it is about the shared experience, the knowledge that everyone at the table has walked the same path, endured the same struggles, and arrived here transformed in ways they may not yet fully understand.

But even in the midst of celebration, there is a strange feeling, one that no one warns you about. For weeks, every day had a clear purpose: to walk. Now, there is no next stage, no yellow arrow pointing the way. A restlessness stirs, a feeling that something is missing. Some pilgrims revel in the freedom, while others struggle with the sudden stillness. What do you do when the Camino is over?

For many, the answer is simple, they keep walking. Some continue to Finisterre or Muxía, following the ancient tradition of walking to the coast, where the land meets the sea. It is a three-to-five-day journey to what was once thought to be the end of the world, a place where pilgrims historically burned their old clothes or boots as a symbol of leaving the past behind. Standing at the ocean’s edge, watching the sun dip below the horizon, many find the closure that Santiago did not provide. Others stay in the city for a few more days, unsure of what comes next, reluctant to step back into a world that now feels too fast, too disconnected from the simplicity they have come to love. And some head home, only to realize, not long after, that the Camino is calling them back.

Because here is the truth, the Camino does not end in Santiago. It stays with you, woven into the way you see the world, into the choices you make, into the way you carry yourself each day. The question is no longer about where you are going, but how you will bring the Camino home with you. Will you slow down, as you did on the trail? Will you let go of what no longer serves you? Will you be more open, more patient, more grateful? The Camino is not just a walk; it is a way of being. And when you return home, you will realize that the journey is never truly over.

At some point, after the excitement fades, after the last hugs and goodbyes, after the final sip of Galician wine, you will feel it, that familiar pull, that quiet voice reminding you of the road. And one day, almost without realizing it, you will start planning again. Because the Camino never really ends. It is a path you will carry with you forever. And maybe, just maybe, you will find yourself, once more, at the starting point, tying your boots, ready to walk again.

Buen Camino.

If you walk the Camino long enough, you will experience every kind of weather imaginable. One day, you are basking in golden sunlight, feeling like the star of a travel documentary. The next, you are trudging through ankle-deep mud, rain dripping from your nose, questioning every life decision that led you to this moment. The Camino is unpredictable, and the weather is no exception. Even in the height of summer, a cold wind can catch you off guard, and even in spring, the heat can be relentless. No matter when you walk, you need to be prepared for anything. But do not worry, weather is not something to fear. With the right mindset (and a little preparation), you will learn to embrace whatever the sky throws at you. In fact, some of your most unforgettable moments on the Camino will happen in the worst conditions.

The Spanish sun is no joke. If you are walking in July or August, you will face relentless heat, often with little to no shade. The Meseta, those flat plains stretching across central Spain, can feel like a furnace by midday, the air thick with heat, the road shimmering in the distance. Walking in extreme heat is more than just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous if you are not careful. The best defense is to start early. Many pilgrims begin walking before dawn, hoping to finish before the worst of the heat settles in. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are essential, and sunscreen should be applied liberally and often, especially on exposed areas like the back of your neck and ears. Hydration is key, always carry at least a liter of water, more if the next stop is far. If you see shade, take it. Wetting a buff or bandana and wrapping it around your neck can provide instant relief. The warning signs of heat exhaustion, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and, ironically, a lack of sweating, should never be ignored. If you feel any of these symptoms, stop immediately, rest in the shade, and drink water. The Camino is not a race, and pushing through heat exhaustion is never worth the risk.

At some point, it will rain. Galicia, in particular, is known for its damp, misty days, and if you are unlucky, you might find yourself walking through a full week of drizzle. A little rain can be refreshing, but a torrential downpour is another story. A good rain jacket or poncho is invaluable, do not rely on cheap plastic ponchos, as they rip easily and provide little real protection. Waterproofing your backpack is just as important; a rain cover helps, but keeping essential items in dry bags inside your pack adds an extra layer of security. Quick-drying clothes are a must, as cotton holds onto moisture and will leave you damp for hours. Wet socks mean blisters, so change them often, and embrace the reality that, some days, you will just have to walk through the rain. If your shoes get soaked, stuffing them with newspaper overnight helps absorb the moisture, if you can find a café that still carries newspapers, that is.

Wind is sneaky. It seems harmless until you are walking straight into a powerful headwind, making progress feel impossible. The worst winds hit in open areas, the Pyrenees, where the first days of the Camino Francés can be brutal, the Meseta, where there is nothing to block the gusts, and Galicia, where the Atlantic breeze can turn into a full-force battle. Strong winds mean tightening your backpack straps to minimize drag, using walking poles for stability, and layering up, wind cuts through fabric fast, so a lightweight windbreaker can make all the difference. If the wind is especially strong, a buff or headband will protect your ears from the sharp, aching pain that can come from prolonged exposure.

Despite what many imagine, Spain is not warm year-round. If you are walking in early spring, late autumn, or winter, you may find yourself facing bitter cold, frost-covered paths, and even snow. The Pyrenees often see snowfall in the off-season, and the Meseta, while scorching in summer, can be brutally cold in the mornings. The Galician mountains bring an added windchill that makes even mild temperatures feel harsh. The key to staying warm is layering, a good base layer to wick away sweat, a fleece for insulation, and a windproof shell to keep the elements out. Cold hands and feet make everything miserable, so gloves and warm socks are a must. Counterintuitively, sweating too much in cold weather is dangerous, moisture trapped in your clothing can freeze quickly, so adjust layers as needed to keep comfortable without overheating. A hot cup of coffee or tea does wonders, not just for warmth but for morale.

Thunderstorms on the Camino can be intense. If you hear thunder, count the seconds until you see lightning, if it is less than 30 seconds, the storm is dangerously close. Open fields, hilltops, and metal objects (including walking poles) should be avoided. If you are caught on an exposed ridge or plain, descend as quickly as possible. The safest option is to find shelter in a building or a forest, but never under a lone tree, which is more likely to be struck by lightning. If no shelter is available, crouch low to the ground, keeping your feet together to minimize the risk of a ground current. Thankfully, most storms pass quickly, so if one rolls in, it is often best to wait it out in safety before continuing.

Here is the truth, you cannot control the weather. No matter how much you prepare, there will be days when you are uncomfortable. Mornings that start with rain, afternoons that turn blisteringly hot, and nights where the wind howls outside your albergue window. You will find yourself trudging through thick mud, squinting against the relentless sun, or bracing against a cold that cuts through every layer you own. And yet, these will be the days you remember most. The days where you curse the sky, only to laugh about it later. The days where you push through discomfort and discover just how resilient you are. Because the Camino is not about perfect conditions, it is about learning to walk forward, no matter what.

Some of your best Camino memories will be made not in the easy, pleasant moments, but in the ones where you endure, adapt, and embrace the unpredictable forces of nature. When you finally reach Santiago, sunburned, soaked, or windblown, you will know, no matter what the weather threw at you, you walked through it all. And that is something you will carry with you long after the journey ends.

Buen Camino—rain or shine.

If there is one thing every pilgrim looks forward to at the end of a long walking day, it is food. And maybe a glass of wine. Or two. The Camino is more than just a walk—it is a culinary adventure. From fresh-baked bread in the morning to tapas in the evening, the food along the route is as much a part of the experience as the walking itself. But not every meal is memorable for the right reasons. Alongside incredible home-cooked dishes, you will encounter bland pilgrim menus, mysterious sausages, and the occasional dry chunk of bread that makes you wonder if you should have packed peanut butter. Food on the Camino can be nourishing, exciting, disappointing, and surprising—sometimes all in the same day. But if you know where to look, every meal can be an experience worth savoring.

There are a few staple foods that will become part of your daily Camino life. Freshly baked pan is everywhere, often served with olive oil, tomato, or cheese. Each region has its own specialty queso—try the soft, creamy Tetilla cheese in Galicia or the smoky Idiazabal in the Basque Country. Jamón is unavoidable, thinly sliced and delicious, a salty, cured ham that finds its way into sandwiches, tapas, and breakfast plates. Tortilla Española, a thick, golden omelet made with eggs, potatoes, and sometimes onions, is a go-to meal at any café along the way. And then there is the wine. Vino tinto flows freely on the Camino, often cheaper than water, pairing beautifully with just about everything. As you move through different regions, you will discover local specialties—pulpo a la gallega, tender octopus drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with paprika in Galicia; caldo gallego, a warming soup of potatoes, greens, and beans; bacalao, a rich salt cod dish in the coastal towns. For dessert, nothing beats a slice of Tarta de Santiago, a moist almond cake dusted with powdered sugar in the shape of a cross, the perfect way to celebrate reaching the end of your journey.

Most albergues and restaurants offer a Menú del Peregrino, a fixed-price pilgrim’s menu that includes a starter, main course, dessert, bread, and wine for around €10-15. It is a simple, affordable way to refuel at the end of the day. Some pilgrim menus are hearty and homemade, while others feel like uninspired cafeteria food, offering the same uninspired options—basic pasta, grilled chicken, or fish—night after night. To find the best ones, look for handwritten menus, a sign that the food is made fresh each day, or choose a place where locals are eating. If you want something better, opt for the Menú del Día instead—it is usually just a few euros more but offers better quality and more variety.

Mornings on the Camino start light, which is why second breakfast is a sacred tradition. Since many albergues offer little more than toast and coffee, most pilgrims walk for an hour or two before stopping for a proper meal. A plate of tostada con tomate, thick slices of toasted bread rubbed with tomato and drizzled with olive oil and salt, is a staple, best paired with a strong café con leche. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice is an instant energy boost, and a croissant or slice of tortilla rounds out the perfect mid-morning break. Wherever you stop, you will find other pilgrims doing the same, resting their feet and savoring the moment.

As the Camino winds through different regions of Spain, each area offers its own distinct flavors. In Navarra and La Rioja, early on the Camino Francés, you will find rich red Rioja wines, roasted pimientos del piquillo (small sweet red peppers), and chuletillas de cordero, perfectly grilled lamb chops. Castilla y León, the vast central region, is known for its roasted meats, like cochinillo asado (suckling pig), and hearty soups like sopa de ajo, a garlic-rich broth perfect for chilly mornings. Finally, in Galicia, the food takes on a coastal influence—plates of pulpo a la gallega, lacón con grelos (pork with greens and potatoes), and of course, the famous Tarta de Santiago await those nearing the final stretch.

Wine is a way of life on the Camino, and some of Spain’s best wines are produced along the route. Rioja reds are world-famous, full-bodied and smooth, while Albariño, a crisp, slightly fruity white from Galicia, pairs beautifully with seafood. Mencía, a lesser-known but excellent red from the Bierzo region, is a must-try for those who enjoy discovering hidden gems. And for a true Camino experience, do not miss the free wine fountain in Irache, near Estella, where pilgrims can fill their cups with red wine straight from the tap.

If you are walking on a budget, eating well does not have to mean spending a fortune. Grocery stores and bakeries offer fresh bread, cheese, and fruit for a simple, satisfying picnic. Splitting meals with other pilgrims is another way to save—many portions are large enough to share. And choosing the Menú del Día instead of the pilgrim menu often means better food for just a few extra euros. House wine is almost always a good value, and in Spain, even the cheapest bottles are surprisingly good.

The Camino is not about rushing. The best meals are not just about the food—they are moments to rest, reflect, and share stories with fellow pilgrims. Whether you are indulging in a gourmet feast in a bustling city or enjoying a simple picnic overlooking the rolling hills, every bite is part of the journey. And when you finally sit down in Santiago for that first celebratory meal, with a glass of wine in hand and the road behind you, you will know—you have earned this.

Buen Camino… and buen provecho. 🍷🥖