Women Walking the Camino de Santiago Alone

The Camino de Santiago is much more than just a pilgrimage. It’s a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, connection with nature, and reflection. For many women, undertaking this transformative experience alone can be a challenge. But what does it mean for a woman to walk this path solo?

Whether male or female, walking the Camino de Santiago alone comes with both challenges and rewards, and taking certain precautions is key to ensuring a safe journey.

That said, we also know we live in a world where being a woman can carry certain risks, especially when engaging in solo activities—whether in remote areas, bustling cities, or even within our own homes.

But if you’re considering walking the Camino alone, don’t worry! There are safe routes, and by adopting simple strategies, you can enhance your safety. Keep reading to discover how…

 

Walking the Camino Alone

According to statistics from the Oficina de Acogida Al Peregrino, in 2023, 53.01% of pilgrims arriving in Santiago de Compostela were women. Whether in groups or alone, women make up the majority of those who choose to walk the Camino.

So why do they do it? The reasons are varied, yet many overlap:

• Self-discovery and empowerment: Many women view this experience as a chance to step outside their comfort zones and reconnect with themselves.
• Freedom and introspection: Walking the Camino alone offers more flexibility, providing an opportunity to find and respect your own rhythm.
• A moment just for you: In a fast-paced world, finding a pause that prioritises both physical and emotional well-being is highly valued by both men and women.

 
Whatever the reason that drives you to walk the Camino alone, know that you will experience something incredible and unforgettable.

 

Is It Safe for Women?

The Camino de Santiago is considered one of the safest pilgrimage routes in Europe. However, it’s important to be prepared for any unexpected situations.

We’d like to highlight the sense of solidarity that forms among all pilgrims, united on the same journey. A true network of protection is created, fostering a sense of equality as everyone shares the same ultimate goal.

Still, many women choose to walk the Camino alone, feeling capable of overcoming any adversity that may arise. They feel empowered to face their fears and insecurities, building resilience and finishing the journey with the certainty that they can overcome all of life’s challenges.

Therefore, here are some safety tips for those who decide to walk the Camino alone:

• Choose more popular and well-trodden routes.
• Keep your family and friends informed about your progress. Regularly share your location with them.
• Share your itinerary with close ones.
• Trust your intuition, and avoid situations that make you feel uncomfortable.
• Carry a whistle and keep it within reach, in case of danger.
• Always keep your documents secure and never let them out of sight.
• If a stranger suggests a shortcut, ignore it. Always follow the route marked with the yellow arrows, which you’ll find along the way.
• If you experience any incidents, report them immediately to the authorities. Here are some useful emergency numbers to carry with you:
  • Portugal:
    112 (emergency for INEM, Police, GNR, and Firefighters)
    SNS 24: 808 24 24 24 (National Health Service)
  • Spain:
    112 (emergency for doctors, police, and fire brigades)
    Salud Responde: 955 54 50 60 (Health information)
    Policía Nacional: 091
    Guardia Civil: 062
    Policía Local: 092
    Firefighters: 080 or 085 (depending on the region)

 
If you decide to walk the Camino de Santiago with Portugal Green Walks, we’ll ensure you have all the support you need. We work with secure and trustworthy accommodation providers and are just a phone call away. We’ll do everything we can to help you.

 

Useful Tips for Women on the Camino

We’d like to share a few more tips to help you make the most of this experience:

• Logistics and planning: Ensure that your backpack is light and that the stages are aligned with your physical preparation. Don’t forget to train before embarking on this adventure! This advice applies to both men and women.
• Appropriate clothing and footwear: Choose light, weather-appropriate clothing and well-fitted footwear to avoid discomfort and blisters.
• Food and hydration: Always carry water and snacks with you to keep your energy up during the journey.
• Engage in online communities: There are many forums on social media and WhatsApp groups dedicated to female pilgrims. They’re an excellent source of information, encouragement, and support.
• Trust yourself: This will be a transformative experience. While it may seem daunting at first—for both you and those around you—the Camino offers valuable lessons that will help you overcome any obstacle in life.

 

Women Pilgrims Who Made History

Many women have walked the Camino de Santiago and were transformed by the experience! Their inspiring stories help dispel fears and encourage those still uncertain about taking the first step.

Here are a few women who walked this ancient route:

• • Jimena of Asturias: A devout woman, she was the first recorded female pilgrim to Santiago. She was the wife of Alfonso III, the last King of Asturias. She visited Santiago in 874 and again in 899, the second time to celebrate the consecration of the second basilica of Compostela.

 

• • Gerberga of Flanders: Records show she accompanied Aymeric Picaud between 1135 and 1140 in the transfer of the Codex Calixtinus from the Vatican to Compostela.

 

• • Bona of Pisa: Despite the great dangers of the medieval period, this Italian nun walked the Camino de Santiago alone nine times. She was also the founder of the San Iacopo monastery in Pisa, which was established to host pilgrims.

 

• • Isabel of Portugal, the Holy Queen: Queen of Portugal between 1282 and 1325, she was deeply devout and made the pilgrimage to Santiago twice. Her first pilgrimage was accompanied by a caravan carrying luxury offerings for Santiago, including her own royal crown. The second time, she travelled on foot, aiming to remain unnoticed, begging for alms along the way. She passed away shortly after returning.

 

• • Saint Bridget of Sweden: A noblewoman and mystic, her pilgrimage is said to have been filled with visions.

 

• • Edith Wharton: The famous 20th-century writer and Pulitzer Prize winner in 1921, walked the Camino to Santiago twice in the 1920s. Her personal experiences, recorded in diaries, have become an inspiration to many female pilgrims.

 

• • Shirley Maclaine: The famous actress walked the French Camino during a personal crisis. She interacted anonymously with fellow pilgrims and later published El Camino, sharing her experience.

 

• Kim Nam Hee: A South Korean author who recounts her journey in the book The Journey of a Woman Alone, bringing the Camino de Santiago to South Koreans, many of whom now walk this route thanks to her.

 
Source: https://artsandculture.google.com/story/wgXxEEhLggxCvA?hl=pt

 

Equality is a reality we strive for, and it is already visible in many sectors of Western society. However, differences still exist that women must navigate.

Nevertheless, walking the Camino de Santiago alone is a transformative and enriching experience for many women. The benefits far outweigh the fears, and each step is an opportunity for growth, discovery, and connection—with others, with nature, and, above all, with yourself.

 

WALK THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO WITH PORTUGAL GREEN WALKS AND NEVER FEEL ALONE. OUR PROGRAMMES ARE DESIGNED TO ENSURE YOU WALK THIS JOURNEY SAFELY.

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