Why I loved walking the Camino alone
In March 2024, I traveled to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to start my solo Camino adventure. If you ask me whether I’d walk the entire Camino alone again, my answer is a resounding yes. No matter how far you plan to walk or which of the many routes you choose, I can wholeheartedly recommend giving yourself the experience of doing it solo.
The freedom to set my own pace and make every decision based on how I felt in the moment meant a lot to me.
Getting to know myself better
When you’re walking day after day, it’s hard to match someone else’s pace and needs perfectly. Every day felt different for me: my energy levels, how sore I was, and how many breaks I wanted to take. It was such a relief to listen only to myself and not have to compromise.
It became a journey of self-discovery. I got better at tuning into my body, figuring out what I truly wanted, and letting go of what others might expect.
I met a woman in her 40s who told me it was her first solo trip without her husband. She shared that she often felt dependent on him because they made every decision together. She wanted to prove to herself that she could handle things on her own and reconnect with her independence. She was so happy, and it was clear that walking alone meant the world to her.
You’re never truly alone on the Camino
Even though I walked solo, I was never really alone. I promise—you’ll meet so many lovely people along the way. Some of my best conversations happened while walking. There’s something special about moving forward together, talking without distractions, and having all the time in the world.
I felt that people were genuinely good at checking in with each other and asking how things were going, always ready to help if needed.
Did I Feel Safe?
Like on all my other solo trips, I had moments of worry before leaving, but I honestly felt very safe during my entire Camino journey. I joined several Camino Facebook groups before I left and read a few stories of people having unpleasant experiences, but those were very rare.
I think as with anywhere, it’s important to trust your instincts, stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid walking alone in the dark. Once I was on the trail, any fears melted away. Honestly, it just felt so nice.
