Things I would do Differently if I walked the Camino again | Stages and Recommendations

You can watch my Camino de Santiago series here :
• My FIRST DAY on the Ca...
My favourite albergues on the Camino:
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Cirauqui www.booking.com/Share-6HYZUf
Logrono www.booking.com/Share-gES2VG
Tardajos www.booking.com/Share-Yslr1S
Carrion de los Condes www.booking.com/Share-QTcVaD
Ledigos www.booking.com/Share-FxnSJf
Hospital de Órbigo www.booking.com/Share-GKcOjv
Murias de Rechivaldo www.booking.com/Share-Bgt3V7
El Acebo de San Miguel www.booking.com/Share-w0AiBw
Melide www.booking.com/Share-45LEv4
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Thank you for watching! 💜

[@lermatorres9837]

Great info! I think this is the most helpful video I’ve seen as I am prepping for my first Camino next year. Thank you!

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you so much! ❤

[@jimmyjohnson9401]

One of the single most helpful videos in terms of where to stay and what to expect. Thanks!

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! 😊

[@erwindekker8184]

Wow this is the best video ever, I have done the Camino and have the same feeling you are having, in 2025 I will go for the second time!

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you so much! ❤ Wishing you an amazing journey in 2025! 🌄

[@griseldanelson2141]

Gracias por la informacion. Me encanto tu video ❤

[@rowanmulvey8632]

Thank you! This is so helpful. Great format.

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! 😊

[@Alex-xr8kn]

Thank you so much for this video. I will definitely use it to help me plan my Camino.

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! 😊

[@patsyince5323]

Thank YOU Olive! I have been following you for a while now and loved all the great information you shared on the walk and the albergues, hostels etc. I will be staying at a few of them too! So, thank you again.

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you, I'm really happy to hear that you found the information helpful! 😊 Wishing you an amazing time on your journey! 🌄

[@anxomillaraveiga9404]

Thanks for the notes

[@the-billy-goat]

I'm planning on walking the Camino one day myself, so this is great advice to keep in mind! Gonna go back and watch the rest of your videos soon!

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@user-gz4kk4ee5u]

Thank you, thank you for putting together this video!!! I loved hearing more about your adventure and your thoughts on the various places you visited and stayed. Also, your insights into what you would do differently next time are very helpful. I will be watching this video again very soon. This time I will be taking notes for my upcoming trip in September/October 2024. Thank you again for all the time and effort you put in to making these videos

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you so much! ❤ I'm so happy to hear that you found the information helpful! Wishing you an incredible journey in September/October! 🏞

[@rampartranger7749]

Thx, good info! Hoping to go in the Fall

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! 😊

[@PJ_Hawke]

Wonderful And most honest recap of your Beautiful Camino.

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! 😊

[@pixalu]

Oh my goodness. This video is one of the most helpful I've e encountered. I am not following the guidebooks amd have an open return home so i can go my own pace. The albergue and small town info is valuable.

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you so much! ❤ Wishing you an amazing journey! 🌄

[@patsyince5323]

Good Job.! Thank you for sharing. I will be doing the Camino Frances alone in 5 weeks. First time. Can't wait! Congratulations on completing the Camino!

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! ❤ Wishing you an amazing journey on the Camino! 🌄

[@Laura-rp5jh]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video. I am planning my first camino either in 2024 or 2025 at which time I will be close to 80! Rain gear the Altus brand of poncho gets 5 stars from so many pilgrims and you can order online or pick it up at the outdoor shop near the pilgrim's office in SJPP. I plan to use this poncho and waterproof trousers. For footwear in the wet weather I plan to wear hiking sandals probably Keen brand and waterproof socks and in case of slippery conditions I have Nordic hiking grips like crampons but for hiking and instead of spikes it has studs Enjoy your future hikes in comfort.

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you so much! 😊 I really appreciate your suggestions, that's very helpful to know! Wishing you an amazing journey on your first Camino! 🌄

[@donnapartow]

This was great. I'm leaving in 10 days and I had already booked some of the places you suggested, so we have the same taste. I'll follow some of your suggestions for future places to stay

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! 😊

[@creativeultreia]

Thank you. That was an awesome and a wholesome sharing. Buen Camino Peregrina! To the next time! 😃🔥👋

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! 😊 Buen Camino! 🌄

[@christinetaggart2715]

Great thoughts thanks Olivia, having tried waterproof trail shoes and getting worst blisters of my life, I urge caution. Shoes didn’t dry out holding moisture which led to friction. Ouch. Best for me was changing out the socks ( part wool ) to keep drier. Just my thoughts, and to keep dry in the backpack, a waterproof liner or dry sac also works, saves buying a new backpack if it otherwise works for you. I hope you are enjoying your accomplishments, the long days were admirable. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺 😊

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! 😊 I really appreciate you sharing your experience with waterproof shoes - that's very helpful to know! Also, thank you for your suggestion about the backpack, I will definitely do that! 🎒

[@afptoronto1]

@@oliviaelenat Listen to Christine, waterproof shoes are a bad choice unless you are doing a trip that is all in wet. Because keeping water out seems good, but it also means it keeps water (ie sweat) in. So on hot dry days you'll have hot wet feet. Better choice: Waterproof SOCKS. Just one pair. Only wear when raining. I wore them with sandals. They worked perfectly.

[@oliviaelenat]

​@@afptoronto1 Thank you so much! 😊 Waterproof socks sound like a much better option indeed. I will definitely buy a pair for my next hiking trip! 🧦

[@afptoronto1]

@@oliviaelenat Waterproof shoes/boots are also a good option for winter. But other than winter trips or trips that are in majority wet zones go for the combo of shoes and waterproof socks/sandals.

[@oliviaelenat]

@@afptoronto1 Thank you! 😊

[@FarmerLynneSaskatchewan]

Very informative and interesting video! Thank you

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! 😊

[@asprelskcalling1151]

Great video!! I am glad I stayed at Roncesvalles and had the cena de peregrino. I got to know so many pilgrims during the dinner, and we got to know eachother during all the way to Santiago.

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! 😊 That sounds incredible. There's truly nothing like those places along the Camino, that encourage community and allow you to meet so many wonderful people.

[@robmathesonphotographer7581]

Lots of great information and tips! I have saved this video so I can re-watch it again as I get closer to my Camino next year.

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! 😊

[@edwardF6494]

I enjoyed all of your footage. I WAS thinking of doing a different camino then frances 9/21. But the frances holds so nany memories & things I like you wiuld like to a little differently. I agreed w your rest days & time.

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! 😊 I completely understand, I too am contemplating whether I'd prefer to revisit the Camino or explore a different route!

[@andersphansson8335]

Great video and good advice!

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! 😊

[@me-lg1yw]

Great video, thank you for sharing. I walked the Frances in 2022 and stayed at many of the same places as you. I also walked the Del Norte and Portuguese. After watching your video, I think I may want to walk the Frances again.

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! 😊 I'm really happy to hear that it's inspired you to consider walking the Frances again! 🌄

[@maggiecu3657]

This is the most informative video because you seem to understand that the journey is as important as reaching the destination. I wish you had a video for Camino Portuguese because I bet you'd find great places to stay.

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you so much! 😊 Hopefully in the future, I'll walk the Camino Portuguese too! 🌅

[@bryanpeters5034]

Great advice all around. It really is a good idea to allow a few extra days to stop in someplace you find interesting and experience it. Also, the rain is for real, no doubt. Find the best rain gear you can afford and then get one level better. Great video!

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@LavenderHazelwood]

This was really helpful! Thank you!

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! 😊

[@LavenderHazelwood]

@@oliviaelenat You're welcome :)

[@KT-ml1sy]

Thank you for this video, great info! I especially appreciate the info about areas where the walk is NOT lovely or scenic. I will begin my walk in SJPP in 5 weeks . I only have 30 days, plus I want to allow for rest days, so I know there will be days I will need to take a bus or taxi between towns to make up time. Before watching your video I had no idea where to take the shortcuts. Also appreciate the recommendations on accommodations. I am prebooking the first 2 nights only. I will definitely check out some of your recos - thank you!

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! 😊 I'm so happy to hear that you found the information helpful! Starting your journey in just 5 weeks sounds incredibly exciting. Wishing you an amazing time on your Camino! 🌄

[@santiagodelpilar6701]

Siempre en grupo, acampar en la naturaleza y no olvidar sellar.

[@memestead4264]

Very helpful information

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! 😊

[@seanclark2085]

Good info and presentation . I'd also try and make time to walk to finesterre , even skipping the last 100km from Sarria ( if you don't want a compostella) and using the saved time to walk to the end of the world. The last 100km have become a Tourist trail and can be a let down for those who've walked all the Way.. Buen Camino 🙏🏼

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! 😊 I completely agree, I would definitely walk o Finisterre instead. Buen camino! 🚶‍♂🌟

[@KT-ml1sy]

Does one not receive a compestella without actually walking Sarria to Santiago? I will be walking from SJPP, and I would like to continue to Fenestere, but due to limited time I might taxi or bus for at least part of Sarria to Santiago. Is walking from SJPP not enough to get the compestella?

[@oliviaelenat]

@@KT-ml1sy Technically, to qualify for the certificate, you need to walk the last 100 km into Santiago, regardless of where you start your journey or which direction you're coming from. So if you skip the entire stretch from Sarria to Santiago, you might not meet the requirement. However, if you're missing a few stamps due to taking shortcuts, you should still be able to get it. 😊

[@peterc5167]

Nice and useful recap. Out of interest, how heavy was your pack without water ? Guess the filming gear made it heavy. Next month I restart my camino in Bordeaux, a journey which started last year in Brussels Belgium. Dreading the crowds that you mentioned during the final 100 km. Walking through France last autumn I met only around one pilgrim every second day. In Spain, I will take the Norte for a hopefully quieter experience, but I expect spring and early summer will be a busier time than when you were walking. I am carrying a very light tent which will hopefully will give me some flexibility. Keep up the good work!

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you! 😊 I didn't actually weigh my backpack, so I'm not sure, but the filming gear did feel really heavy, especially since I had a laptop too. I hope you'll experience a quieter journey on the Norte! Personally, I found it preferable to set out from accommodations a bit later to enjoy a quieter walk, although that might not be as feasible in hotter weather. Wishing you an amazing time on your journey! 🌄

[@bavarian_wanderlust]

So funny, how different experiences are. Los Arcos was the only town I would skip the next time

[@oliviaelenat]

Haha, maybe it's because I haven't actually stayed there! 😄 When I visited, I found the atmosphere in Los Arcos much nicer compared to Torres del Rio. But you're absolutely right, experiences can vary so much - from the time of year to the people we encounter and even our own mood in the moment. 😊

[@raymarcarloballeta5202]

Did you use any app or anything similar for stages? And what did you use for booking albergue or hotel?

[@oliviaelenat]

I used the PDFs I found on this website, which have all the stages and distances: stingynomads.com/camino-frances-walking-itinerary/ For booking the accommodation, I used booking.com. Even though not all the albergues are there, I found it more convenient to have all of my bookings in one app, and it was easier to make changes along the way if needed.

[@manonthemoon2912]

Was the 260 bed monestary in Roncesvalles closed or didn't you want to stay there

[@oliviaelenat]

I wasn't actually aware of it when I booked my Camino. If I had known about it, I definitely would have chosen to stay there!

[@LavenderHazelwood]

Can you make a video about the 'bad' parts of the Camino?

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you for your suggestion! In my Camino videos, I aimed to provide honest information about everything. Personally, I didn't have any truly negative experiences, but rather ones that were less interesting or exciting. I'm not sure if I could compile enough content for a video specifically focusing on the 'bad' parts, but I will keep it in mind. 😊

[@raymarcarloballeta5202]

From Sarria, which you said the last 100 km, how many days did you get to Santiago, and what are the names of the places you stop? Thank you

[@oliviaelenat]

From Sarria, I had 4 days of walking: Day 1: Sarria - Castromaior - 30 km (Castromaior was a very small village which only had private accommodation) Day 2: Castromaior - Melide - 31 km (Stayed at Albergue O Candil) Day 3: Melide - O Pedrouzo - 35 km Day 4: O Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela - 20 km

[@harrykey2448]

I have walked multiple Caminos including four Frances from St Jean. I wish young fit pilgrims wouldn't stop off at Orisson and Borda. I am 75 and walked the Frances last year. Staying at Orisson or Borda were not an option for me due to them being filled, in the main, by fit, young, affluent hikers. As it happens, I am fit enough to walk over the Pyrenees but I have met several older pilgrims or people with health issues who would have jumped at the chance of taking two days to get to Roncesvalles.

[@oliviaelenat]

Thank you for sharing this perspective! It does seem that these two albergues have become a race for booking far in advance, and I think that is the only way for pilgrims to secure a spot. However, I walked the Camino in October, when there weren't as many pilgrims as there are in other months. So, my wish to spend some time at one of these places was also influenced by that. When I arrived at Borda for a quick break, I had the place to myself. 😊

[@dennismmcloughlin6084]

Harry…Dennis in Santa Barbara…in my 80th year….more details on everything you did correctly for a great experience: distance each day, shoes, shape you’re in…everything, please.

[@Laura-rp5jh]

Questions: What mobile phone did you use? Actually what was the battery capacity so that it lasted the whole hiking day? What app did you use to navigate the route and to tell you how much time you had to your destination that day? Finally, what weather app did you rely on? Thank you very much

[@oliviaelenat]

I used a Huawei P30 Pro phone during my Camino, and the battery capacity is 4,200mAh. Whenever I took a break for coffee or a snack, I'd seek out a power outlet to give my phone a quick boost. The trail was very well marked, so I only occasionally relied on Google Maps for reassurance or to estimate the remaining time. Although I had the AllTrails app, I didn't need it for the Camino. In western Spain, where weather patterns are particularly unpredictable, apps were not very reliable for rain forecasts, but I generally like the Weather Underground app and website. Hope that helps! 😊

[@Laura-rp5jh]

@@oliviaelenat Thank you so much for your reply

[@michel.h_cf99]

How heavy was your too heavy backpack the last time?

[@oliviaelenat]

I didn’t weigh it at the time, but based on a backpack with the same items from my last trip, it was around 10 kg (approx. 22 pounds), which didn’t seem like much, and I thought would be fine. However, adding the over 30 km walks to that, it was too much for me.

[@michel.h_cf99]

@@oliviaelenat Thx, I agree. For my camino, I'm planning on the lightweight side (Baseweight 5-6 kg plus water)

[@jncma]

What months did you walk the Camino?

[@oliviaelenat]

I walked the Camino from October 2nd to November 1st. 😊

[@placidobaamonde6374]

Olive, cometes una injusticia en tu vídeo del Camino. De los 17 minutos del mismo dedicas solo 2 minutos (!) al Camino por Galicia, que es la parte más importante (Santiago de Compostela) y hermosa del mismo. Galicia no se merecía eso.

[@oliviaelenat]

Lamento que sientas que no le di suficiente atención a Galicia. Simplemente compartí donde pasé más tiempo y lo que más me llamó la atención, sin ninguna mala intención. Me hubiera gustado tener más tiempo en el Camino para hacer justicia a cada lugar, pero en mi experiencia, mi parte favorita fue desde Foncebadón hasta O Cebreiro y quería compartir mi preferencia personal. 😊

[@03085716]

i dont think the camino is for you, would yo consider a cruise?

[@oliviaelenat]

Oh, you must be the gatekeeper of the Camino! A cruise does sound pretty good right now to be honest. It's good to be flexible and keep an open mind! 😉

[@robkunkel8833]

St. Thomas Virgin Islands was dedicated by Columbus to the Holy Virgin Mother of the Seas … we have cruise ships daily and a reasonably holy hill for a House of Worship that dates back two centuries. God bless. 🕎

[@jornspirit]

Hola Olive-Olivia 🫒💚... fascinating: the last few days I was thinking about going back to your first camino videos just to pick up, how you felt in the beginning (compared with the ending), and here's your overall camino reflection! I walked the camino twice, and yet there are so many new ideas from your experiences now, and some attractive albergues, that I haven't seen... you also had bits of anti-cyclic walking patterns, which are so worthwhile at times (not staying where everyone stays). The luggage transport, in my view, can be avoided through smart packing & buying good quality, and pay attention to its weight, even if more expensive - if you spare the transport expense then with being able to carry it easier. Transport and pre-booking of places to stay have the downside, that you then are not flexible anymore 'on the spot', e.g. if you are tired or love a place very much, that you planned only to pass... And - hey ho - everyone will have their own 'surprises' anyway - its part of the pilgrimage... you live and learn... The major addition I would have for this, also for you, is: add another 3-4 days to your expanded time frame plan, and walk all the way to the sea (Finisterre or Muxia). Arriving in Santiago was a bit weird, with complex feelings attached to it... arriving at the sea was pure joy and euphoria - it makes the 'hero's journey' complete in my eyes: starting in the mountains, then the monotonous plains of the meseta, then the big cities :) and the long stomping along roads :( ...then again the mountains and lush greens of Galicia, and finally lands end (just a couple of centuries ago it was literally the end of the known world)... its such a vibe getting there... So nice to see you again! I'll be curious if(when) you decide to walk again, and whether you will repeat the same one, or chose another one in the future... and: how about filming some nice trips in your home country?! - I'll watch it for sure! ...adios for now...

[@oliviaelenat]

Hello! 🌟 I completely agree that venturing off from the main stages can lead to discovering some hidden gems along the Camino! 🏞 Regarding luggage transport, I agree with you, but I think people traveling long-term might be an exception or, in my case, it was the filming gear. So, I felt it was worth mentioning it for those exceptional cases. 😊 Pre-booking accommodations is definitely a trade-off between convenience and spontaneity! I would love to walk to Finisterre, and next time, whether it'll be revisiting Camino Frances or trying a different route, I will go all the way there! 🌅 As for future plans, I haven't made any decisions yet about another Camino, but I do have some exciting trips planned in my home country that I'll be sharing soon! 🌲Thank you so much for your continued support! 💚

[@jornspirit]

...completely agree with your comments on luggage transport... I mean it more like a consideration, before going for an 'easy solution'... I'm not sure how I would have coped with having some heavy camera gear with me on top of my basics... 😊@@oliviaelenat Two memories popped up, when I read your reply (PS. thanks so much!): 1: there was a word-of-mouth story of a young woman, who walked the camino a short time before me, which was like this: on arrival in Santiago she fell very unfortunately and broke her leg, about 100 m before arriving at the cathedral... ambulance assistants arrived shortly after with a stretcher to carry her to the van, and what they did, drove tears to my eyes: they carried her to the cathedral, let her touch St James statue's feet, went through the church, and then transported her to the hospital... wow! ...so much respect for us peregrinos, and my second story is related to that too... 2: when I passed through Burgos, and idled along the banks of the Arlanzon river, a small older Spanish guy started to talk to me, and wouldn't stop, despite us having a hard time to understand each other - he only spoke Spanish, and mine was really basic - not good enough for a proper conversation... when I eventually kept on walking he still followed me, and I started to feel a bit strange, and I tried to get the message across, that I'd like to walk on my own... when he realized what I mean, he came out with what he actually wanted from me: he lived all his life in Burgos, and envied the pilgrims for going to Santiago - he never had the time or money to do that... so he asked me, if I would please pray for him in the cathedral, when I'm there... again: a tear-dropper, I was very touched by it, and hugged him when I gave my fare-well... dear Olive - another loong comment, oh well... 🙏 😂

[@oliviaelenat]

@@jornspirit Thank you for sharing those touching stories! 😊 The experiences you described truly highlight the spirit of solidarity and humanity along the Camino! ✨

[@TY-rc6ti]

Hi Olive. I’ve just watched this video. We both did it at the same time. We met in the later stages. I am the man that asks everyone lots of questions… like where are they from- i remember thinking that you hooked up with that Italian young man ( everyone is young to me 😀)…. But I was wrong, I think!!. Anyway, thanks for this video, it’s a brilliant reminder of the key stops and great recommendations for new different towns and Albergue’s to stay in when I do it again this September hopefully! It’s very professional and pleasing to listen to. Best wishes for your future. Frank.

[@oliviaelenat]

@@TY-rc6ti Hi Frank, thank you! 😊 It's great to hear from someone I shared the Camino with! It seems you might have gotten things a bit mixed up! I didn't actually have any interaction with an Italian man during my time on the Camino, so reading that got me confused and slightly offended. However, after giving it some thought, there was another girl in the later stages of the Camino who actually spoke Italian and often spent time with an Italian guy; she was a few years younger than me. It's possible you crossed paths with both of us and are now mixing us up. I hope you'll have a fantastic time if you go back in September, and I wish you all the best! 🌄