Walking the Camino de Santiago with Kids: A Family Guide

Can You Walk the Camino with Children?

Absolutely. Families walk the Camino de Santiago every year, including with toddlers in backpack carriers and teenagers. The last 100 km from Sarria to Santiago is especially family-friendly: stages are manageable, villages are frequent, and the trail is well-marked.

Best Age to Start

• Under 3: Parents carry the child in a hiking carrier. The Camino is about your pace, not the child's.
• Ages 3-6: Children can walk 5-10 km per day. Plan very short stages or combine walking with taxi transfers. Luggage transport is especially helpful at this age.
• Ages 7-12: Most can walk 12-18 km per day with breaks. Plan 7-8 days for the last 100 km instead of 5.
• Teenagers: Can walk adult distances. The Camino is a powerful experience for teens.

Planning Your Stages

Instead of the standard 5-day itinerary, consider spreading the last 100 km over 7-8 days:

• Sarria → Barbadelo (4 km)

• Barbadelo → Portomarín (18 km)

• Portomarín → Palas de Rei (25 km — consider a taxi for part of this)

• Palas de Rei → Melide (15 km)

• Melide → Ribadiso (7 km)

• Ribadiso → Arzúa (8 km)

• Arzúa → O Pedrouzo (19 km)

• O Pedrouzo → Santiago (20 km)

Accommodation

Private rooms are recommended for families. Book ahead in summer. Options include:

• Private albergues with family rooms
• Small hotels and pensiones — see our albergues vs hotels guide
• Casas rurales (rural guesthouses) — often the best option for families

Tips for Walking with Kids

• Start early: and stop by early afternoon
• Bring snacks: — lots of them. Hungry children do not walk.
• Make it a game: — count hórreos (grain stores), spot yellow arrows, collect stamps
• Let children set the pace: — forced marches create miserable memories
• Have a backup plan: — if a child is exhausted or ill, be ready to take a taxi

The Credential and Compostela

Children of any age can receive the Compostela certificate, as long as they walk (or are carried) the required distance and have a stamped credential.

Family Transport

Taxi Castro specialises in family transfers on the Camino. We can drive you to the start in Sarria, transport luggage between stages so you walk light, or rescue the family on a tough day. Child seats available on request. Call +34 659 99 31 39.