First, you need to choose your route. For those who are going for the first time, here is a tip:

 

Start in the city of Porto, besides being shorter, this route will make it easier to communicate with the Portuguese. And there will be no moments of walking alone, since many people choose this route. In terms of safety, there is not much to worry about. Since it is a common route, there are hostels for pilgrims to spend the night without any problems and, as we said, many people are going to the same destination.

 

Previous training and personalized planning of the stages are fundamental parts of the preparation. It is advisable to prepare in advance by doing exercises. To do the Camino de Santiago, it is advisable to prepare in advance, doing exercises that help tone and give elasticity to the muscles, especially in the legs, back and neck. The training should begin a few months before starting the pilgrimage, for example, by doing walks that gradually increase in time and difficulty.

 

If you are elderly or suffer from any pathology, a prior medical examination is recommended to determine the suitability of the plan, the recommended level of effort and the problems to be avoided. You need to develop a step-by-step plan that adapts to each person's physical abilities. In the marked stages, you should not set rigid and inflexible goals that require superhuman efforts, as this can lead to injuries or excessive fatigue and frustrate the experience of the Camino.

 

It is very important to balance your efforts and follow your own pace, especially if the pilgrimage is long and lasts for several days, and to take into account the distances between stops and hostels. An essential aid in planning the Camino is to have a guide on hand.