Budget Pilgrimage: A Guide to Saving Money on the Camino de Santiago

Walking the famous Camino de Santiago in Spain doesn’t have to mean draining your savings account. For budget-conscious travelers, the Camino provides a unique opportunity to explore Europe on foot without incurring significant expenses. With a bit of planning and some insider tips, it’s entirely possible to complete the journey affordably while still enjoying the camaraderie, and transformative experience.

Spain is not featured in my book The World’s Cheapest Destinations, but it’s still one of the best values in Europe, especially when buying food and wine at the stores. So walking across the countryside for days is not going to break the bank.

This guide breaks down practical ways to save money on the Camino and do a budget pilgrimage, with some quotes from people I know who have completed it. If you can manage somewhere between €35 and €100 per day, then you’re ready to take on the challenge (as long as your feet agree).

Why Hike the Camino de Santiago?

The Camino de Santiago is a historic pilgrimage route that spans part of France and much of northern Spain, culminating at the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of Saint James are believed to be interred. Pilgrims have been walking this route for over a thousand years, and today, it welcomes travelers from around the world. Over the past few decades it has transformed from an obscure walking route for travelers in the know to one of the most popular long-distance treks in the world.

The landscape along the Camino is as diverse as the people who walk it, ranging from rolling vineyards and medieval towns to lush forests and rugged coastlines. Weather can vary significantly depending on the season and region. Generally, spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer the most comfortable conditions, characterized by mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in inland areas, while winters bring colder weather and limited services.

While walking the Camino de Santiago, the pilgrimage is the central activity, but the experience encompasses much more. Pilgrims often explore historic churches and monasteries and take time for reflection or spiritual practice. Many other hikers are not religious though and have other reasons to walk from town to town. Some are seeking an active adventure, some want a chance to disconnect, and others are setting out to prove they can rise to the challenge. The Camino offers a unique blend of physical challenge, cultural immersion, and personal growth. Plus of course you get to sample local cuisine, engage with fellow travelers, and enjoy the sites and landscapes.

This is not a casual walk, however. Even the shortest “sampler route” that would even count is 122 kilometers, or 76 miles, which takes days. The most popular full route starts in Saint Jean Pied de Port, France and crosses about two-thirds of northern Spain. It goes for around 780 kilometers, or 500 miles. Map out that distance from where you live now to get an idea of how long you’ll walk: it’s the equivalent of a good road trip.

Low-Cost Camino Tricks: Spend Less, Walk More

Walking the Camino de Santiago on a budget is entirely possible with a few innovative, money-saving strategies that many seasoned pilgrims swear by. First, opt for public albergues (hostels), which offer the most affordable accommodations—often for less than €10 a night. Most also include kitchens, allowing you to prepare simple meals, ideally shared with fellow pilgrims, for both cost efficiency and community.

Barcelona resident expat Marina Villatora of Travel Experta says to take advantage of Spain’s reasonably priced groceries. “For me the biggest money saver on the Camino was shopping in the supermarkets that all towns have, regardless how tiny. They have great ready-made salads, or you can make delicious sandwiches with fresh baguettes and delicious cheeses. It’s far cheaper and healthier than eating out every day. The only thing that is really really important to remember is that on Sundays, everything is closed, so if you are going to need to buy food, and it’s Saturday, buy enough to last until Monday.

Also explore the “Menú del Peregrino” (Pilgrim’s Menu) offered at many restaurants during lunchtime. Stacey Wittig, author of five Camino guidebooks, celebrates 20 years of walking pilgrimage routes in Spain, France and Italy this year. “Before dinner, meander through the old town and read the “Pilgrim Menus” posted on sidewalk chalkboards or in bar windows,” she says. “Most offer 2–3 choices for a starter, a main course, dessert, and wine—all for 10 to 20 euros. Choose the menu that includes something you’ve never tried before. That way, you’ll keep your meals interesting—and stop feeling like you’re always eating the same thing.”

Packing Right for Weeks of Walking

Packing light is another significant money- and energy-saver. Bring just a few changes of clothes and hand-wash items every couple of days. They’ll dry quickly in the sun. This reduces pack weight and eliminates the need for paid laundry services.

For hydration, refill your bottle at the many free fountains along the route instead of buying soft drinks or bottled water. Whenever you do need to use services like washing machines, taxis, or baggage transfers, share the cost with other pilgrims. A bit of coordination can go a long way in stretching your budget.

Obviously it’s important to bring a comfortable, well-fitted backpack, ideally one with a waist support strap and a chest strap so all the weight is not on your shoulders. Another place not to skimp is what goes on your feet. Shoes that don’t fit well or are not supportive are not going to hold up for hundreds of miles of walking.

“Budget-conscious pilgrims can avoid costly trips to the local farmacia (pharmacy) by taking a few preventive measures before leaving home,” says Wittig. “First, invest in Injinji ultra-thin liner toe socks for blister prevention—available at REI or Amazon. I’ll admit, I thought toe socks sounded ridiculous when I first heard about them at an American Pilgrims on the Camino gathering back in 2015. But once I gave them a try, I was hooked. I’ve worn them on every long-distance hike since. Just make sure you get the ultra-thin version to use as a liner under your regular hiking socks.

Second, pick up a Body Glide Foot anti-blister stick. Apply it generously to the areas on your feet where you’re prone to chafing, blisters, or raw spots.”

She also advises testing both products during your training hikes at home. “Your feet will thank you—and you’ll be less likely to need emergency pharmacy runs on the trail.” See her full packing list here at the Unstoppable Stacey travel blog.

What Will it Cost You? Budgeting for a Camino de Santiago Journey

As the editor of Perceptive Travel, I’ve published quite a few stories from one of the world’s leading experts on hiking the route. Beebe Bahrami has done all stretches of the journey several times, from the less-traveled parts in France to the most popular sections in Spain. In her book, Moon Camino de Santiago, she lays out what you should expect to spend at different budget levels.

“I suggest in my guidebook that people can budget a minimum of 35-40 euros a day and as much as 100 euros a day, depending on types of accommodation and food options. The 35-40 euros a day is for those staying in pilgrim dorms (albergues) exclusively, and buying most of their food at grocery stores and cooking at the albergue kitchens, but it does allow for the occasional pilgrim menu at a cafe. The 100 euros a day is like having no budget, allowing a person to stay in a nice family pension or hotel, eat out, and not worry about money.

A middle road 55-70 euros a day can capture a mix of dorms and private rooms, meals out and cooking in shared kitchens. These are the current prices but prices have risen quickly on the Camino, so I would also advise people to add a buffer to their budget.”

The Camino de Santiago is more than a physical journey—it’s a deeply personal experience that invites reflection, connection, and transformation. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, however. Even that €100 per day figure, or maybe €150 for a couple sharing a room, is still far less than you’d spend on an organized tour elsewhere in Europe.

With a bit of foresight and a flexible mindset, the Camino can be a surprisingly budget-friendly adventure. By choosing public hostels, preparing simple meals, packing light, and embracing a minimalist lifestyle along the way, pilgrims can walk hundreds of miles without spending a fortune.

The beauty of the Camino lies in its simplicity. Every day on the trail brings new landscapes, unexpected conversations, and the quiet satisfaction of moving forward—step by step. The low-cost strategies outlined in this guide not only help you save money but also enhance the journey, encouraging a slower, more intentional pace. For veterans and first-time walkers alike, the Camino offers a powerful reminder that meaning and memories come from the moments you create, the people you meet, and the effort you put into the path.