Modern life can feel like a constant stream of notifications, deadlines, and background noise. Even when we have a moment to ourselves, it’s tempting to reach for a screen, scroll, and let another hour slip away.
The Camino de Santiago offers the perfect chance to step out of that loop entirely. Its rhythm is simplistic but potentially revolutionary for the always-online: wake up, walk, eat, rest. Getting back to basics, the pace is human again.
Whether you’re looking for a complete digital detox or just a gentler relationship with your devices, the Camino may be the spur to get you to break bad habits! Continue reading to find out more about what to expect on the Camino de Santiago. And do be sure to explore our Camino Trips.
What “Unplugged” Really Means on the Camino
Going unplugged on the Camino isn’t about swearing off technology entirely. A smartphone can still be useful for maps, checking the weather, or snapping a photo, but the endless refresh of news and social feeds? You can ditch that in favour of being more present.
What’s different on the trail is the social norm. Most pilgrims aren’t glued to their phones while walking. Conversations happen face-to-face, over coffee in a village square, or at the communal table in an albergue. When you see others doing the same, it feels natural to keep your own phone out of sight. The Camino becomes a place where connection is measured in shared miles, not memes or notifications.
The Camino Environment Makes Disconnecting Easy
The trail itself does a lot of the work for you. Long, quiet stretches through farmland or along the coast give your mind space to wander without distraction. The repetitive rhythm of walking – step after step, day after day – fosters a meditative focus.
Villages appear just when you need a coffee or a rest, and between them, there’s little to pull you back into the frantic pace of home. Even the larger towns along the way tend to move at a slower tempo. Many walkers describe slipping into a present-moment awareness without trying.
Yes, There’s Wi-Fi, but You Can Set Your Own Boundaries
The reality is, you’ll find Wi-Fi and mobile signal in most towns and accommodation along the Camino. The difference is that you get to choose how and when you use it. A simple boundary can make all the difference: keep your phone in aeroplane mode while walking, then check in briefly once you’ve settled for the evening. Turn off push notifications, so you’re in control of when to engage, not your device.
Some pilgrims go even further and only keep a basic phone for calls and emergencies, leaving their smartphones behind altogether. Others carry a paper map and guidebook, relying on waymarks instead of GPS. However you approach it, the Camino’s slower pace makes these boundaries easy to keep.
A Simple Unplug Plan for Your First Few Days
If you’re used to checking your phone dozens of times a day, the first step of unplugging can feel strange. Having a plan for the first two or three days helps you settle into it.
Morning: Start with your phone in aeroplane mode, tucked away in your pack. Walk the first few kilometres in silence or conversation, not in screen time.
Midday: If you need to check your route or the weather, keep it brief and avoid “just a quick look” at everything else.
Evening: Once you’re off the trail and showered, take 30–45 minutes to call loved ones, confirm your next night’s accommodations, and attend to any other essentials. Then, put the phone away and focus on the people and the place around you.
What Changes When You Disconnect
The shift happens quietly. You start to notice the crunch of gravel underfoot, the smell of eucalyptus after rain, and the sound of church bells drifting from a nearby village.
Conversations with fellow walkers feel richer because you’re not half-distracted. Meals taste better when you’re not eating with one hand while scrolling with the other. Your sleep deepens – partly from the walking, partly from the absence of late-night screen glow.
And perhaps most importantly, you begin to feel more present. Without the constant tug of notifications, you can better appreciate the daily wonders that life presents, especially when you’re crossing beautiful natural landscapes.
Routes and Styles That Suit a Digital Detox
If your goal is to slow down and step away from modern noise, truly, some Camino routes lend themselves to that more than others:
Camino Francés (Classic French Way): Sociable but straightforward, with plenty of facilities. This is an ideal route if you want a human connection without logistical headaches.
Portuguese Coastal Way: Long stretches by the ocean, quieter than the Francés but still well-supported. Sea views and salty air help you stay grounded in the moment.
Camino Primitivo (Last Section): More physically challenging and less travelled, with rugged mountain scenery. The Camino Primitivo is perfect if you want space and solitude.
Whichever route you choose, booking a self-guided trip with pre-arranged accommodation and luggage transfers removes many of the minor stresses that can tempt you back to your phone.
Staying Safe While Semi-Offline
Going unplugged doesn’t mean you have to be unprepared. Here are some tips to ensure your safety while you disconnect:
1. Share Your Itinerary: Let someone at home know your travel plans and overnight stops.
2. Daily Check-Ins: Send a quick text each day to update your contact that you’re okay.
3. Carry Offline Maps: Have physical maps on hand, and write down important phone numbers in a notebook in case your battery dies.
4. Monitor Weather and Local Updates: Check conditions and any local news every morning before you head out.
Low-Tech Packing That Supports Unplugging
A few small items can make it easier to stay off your phone:
- A watch with an alarm so you don’t rely on your phone to wake up.
- A paper map or guidebook for navigation.
- A small notebook and pen for jotting down thoughts, instead of reaching for a notes app.
- A lightweight camera for taking photos without using your phone.
- A paperback or e-reader for downtime in the evenings.
By using non-digital tools for common tasks, you remove the reasons to unlock your phone in the first place.
Trade Notifications for Nuance
When on your chosen Camino, take the chance to live differently, if only for a while. By stepping away from the constant hum of modern life, you give yourself the space to listen, notice, and connect in ways that rarely happen when your phone is in charge of your attention.
And the best part? You don’t have to give it all up when you return home. The small boundaries you set here can follow you back into everyday life, keeping a little bit of that Camino calm alive long after the walk is over.
Ready to plan your own unplugged adventure? Explore our Camino Tours. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
