Walking the Camino in December is much more common than is often thought. In this post we inform about the benefits of walking the St. James Way in December. Discover the best routes and tips to make the Camino.
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Walking the Camino in December
December is the synonym of cold and even snow in some places of the Camino. Moreover, in the mountain areas the Way could be harder. But I am surely that these reasons will not stop nature and walking lovers. They know how to perceive the magic of walking through the snow, of finishing a day appreciating more than ever the heat of the fireplace, good food, rest, pure air …
The Camino de Santiago, a great pilgrimage route, shows its most authentic face in this month: silence, reflection, cold, nature … and leaves aside the crowd of the high seasons. On the Camino everything changes on these dates, from the landscapes to the services to which you will have access.
In winter the services are less than in summer season. Further planning is necessary to make the Camino de Santiago in December and also take into account daylight hours.
Planning your Camino
The hours of sun in the Iberian Peninsula vary, but in general they are around 9-10 hours. You have to take it into account to plan your daily stages and distances. You will walk at your own peace, enjoying the landscape but remember, you need to have booked your hotel. In Spain Incoming, we organize every stage, the luggage transport, hotels, and a good gastronomy offer.
The Camino in December also coincides with Christmas. It is certainly an added value!
On the other hand, the Camino de Santiago in Winter is safe. It is common sense to heed the weather forecasts and relevant indications. For example, if you choose the French Way and start in Saint Jean Pied de Port, you should keep in mind that in the winter the first stage will be by the Luzaide-Valcarlos variant since the Napoleon route is cut and prohibited.
The best routes of the Way of Saint James
The best routes to pilgrimage in December are the French Way, the Winter Way and the Portuguese Way. The Via de la Plata could be a good option too.
If you choose the French Way, you also can start in Sarria and walk during 7 days until getting Santiago de Compostela. There are many options! For example, of you choose O Cebreiro as the starting point, you will enjoy landscapes like this:
The Winter Way is also a good choice. This official route of the Way of Saint James is a detour of the French Camino. Medieval pilgrims created this route in order to avoid the snow of O Cebreiro.
Another option is to do the Portuguese Way. If you have many days you can start in Lisbon or if you only have 7 days you can start in Tui.
Camino de Santiago Packing list
We offer you the service of luggage transfer so you can pack everything you need. The ideal is to get clothes suitable for cold and humidity. A polar jacket covered by waterproof materials, polar shirts, winter mountain pants, leggings, windbreakers, suitable boots, warm hat, neck gaiter or scarf, gloves …
* Do not save on the purchase of your clothes and shoes for the Camino de Santiago.
In the backpack for your day to day on the Camino, you can carry: the raincoat, sun cream, lip balm, a polar t-shirt and spare socks in case you need to change them, water, nuts, your documentation, your phone and the credential!
Finally, remember we help you and organize your Camino de Santiago. We are at your disposal before, during and after your pilgrimage.
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