The Camino de Santiago is often portrayed as a physical challenge, a test of endurance and determination. And while it can be all of those things, it doesn’t have to be. For many, the Camino is less about pushing boundaries and more about slowing down, reconnecting with yourself, and taking time to truly experience the landscapes, cultures, and people along the way.
Here at Walk the Camino, we offer a variety of El Camino Tours in Spain that range in distance, difficulty, and location. If you’re looking for a more relaxed approach to the Camino, you’re not alone — and you’re absolutely in the right place. We’ve created this guide to why the Camino is perfect for relaxed, gentle-paced journeys, along with some of our suggested routes. If you have any questions about our tours in the meantime, don’t hesitate to contact us!
The Camino is A Journey, Not a Race
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Camino is that it isn’t a competition. While the endpoint is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, there’s no prize for the first to arrive. The real reward is the journey itself: the conversations, the quiet moments, the countryside views, the regional meals, and the sense of calm that comes with walking at your own pace. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, easing into walking holidays, or simply prefer not to rush, there’s a Camino route and itinerary perfectly suited to you.
If you’re still considering your reasons for completing the Camino, read our blog about the Appeal of Walking the Camino de Santiago.
Why Walk the Camino at a Gentle Pace?
Taking a gentler approach may seem counterintuitive in our fast-paced world, but that’s perhaps all the more reason to do so. The Camino is originally a pilgrimage, completed over a number of days and weeks. It’s practically designed to slow you down!
Here are some of the benefits of taking the Camino slowly:
- Time to reflect: Walking slowly gives you more time to absorb the experience. Whether you’re seeking spiritual insight, personal healing, or creative inspiration, a gentle pace opens up space for reflection.
- Connection with nature: The Camino’s beauty is in all its details, from the rustling of trees to the morning mist over a meadow and a breathtaking sunset. These are best appreciated unhurried, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature’s spectacle, away from city streets and screens.
- Comfort and enjoyment: Walking long distances every day isn’t for everyone. Slower itineraries reduce physical strain, making the journey more enjoyable and accessible for walkers of all ages and fitness levels.
- Meaningful encounters: With fewer miles to cover each day, there’s more time to connect with fellow pilgrims, chat with locals, or simply sit and soak up the Camino spirit. Learn about the incredible connections you may forge with our blog about how Walking the Camino Turns Strangers into Lifelong Friends.
The Camino Frances: Gentle Steps Tour
For those who want to experience the iconic Camino Frances without the pressure of long daily walks, our Camino Frances Gentle Steps Tour is an ideal choice. This specially designed itinerary breaks the final stretch of the Camino Frances, between Sarria and Santiago, into more manageable distances, averaging around 10 kilometres or six miles per day. Most people choose to complete it in 14 days, but you can choose anywhere between nine and 17 days.
You’ll have plenty of time to take in the Galician countryside, linger over coffee in tiny village cafés, and explore charming towns like Melide and Palas de Rei at your leisure. With quality accommodations, luggage transfers, and local support, all you need to focus on is enjoying the walk — and the delicious food! Read our guide to Camino Cuisine: A Culinary Pilgrimage to find out more about what you can savour along your journey.
Walk the Camino with Confidence
At Walk the Camino, we believe there’s no “right” way to walk the Camino, only the one that brings you the most fulfilment. That’s why we offer a variety of itineraries and the flexibility to customise your journey. Whether you’re a first-time walker or returning to the Camino later in life, we’ll help you create a route that matches your pace and priorities.
If you’re ready to slow down and savour the experience, our Camino Frances Gentle Steps Tour can be tailored to suit your needs and your pace. Walking the Camino is a deeply personal journey, one that should reflect you! If you have any questions about our tours or if you’re ready to start planning your Camino, get in touch with our team.
