I wanna walk the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, beginning in Saint-Jean-Pier-de-Port, and I wanna know how much will I spend (in Euros), including hostels, food and other things (not including the travel to Saint-Jean and back from santiago)?
Heather K is right with a figure of around 25euros per day. The Camino Frances (that’s the route of the Camino de Santiago from St Jean Pied de Port) is well set up with pilgrim albergues which are either municipal or private. The municipal albergues are cheapest with an average cost per night of 5 or 6 euros. Private albergues, which often have better facilities, cost around 10euros per night.
Some albergues have fully equipped kitchens so, if you cook, it’s possible to prepare a nightly meal which will save you money. Often a group of pilgrims will put money together to prepare a group meal. Or, you can buy a Pilgrim Menu or Menu del Dia lunch at any bar or cafe for around 10euros. This is usually a three course meal, sometimes basic, other times really value for money.
You will also need money for coffee, drinks, snacks, while you’re walking, and maybe a drink or two at night.
Don’t forger to take out travel insurance before you leave home, just to cover any medical expenses you might have while on the Camino.
It would be worthwhile joining a Camino Internet forum where you can ask questions of pilgrims who’ve walked recently. Try http://www.caminodesantiago.me And have a look at the Confraternity of St James website for information on the route, albergues, what to pack, training etc http://www.csj.org.uk. The CSJ also publish a good, lightweight, guide to the Camino Frances. This is updated each year with feedback from the previous year’s pilgrims. The next issue will be available at the end of January 2012.
Do some training before you leave, break in your walking shoes, and buy a lightweight backpack. The key to walking the Camino is to travel light. So make sure your gear weighs no more than 6 or 7 kg. Remember that, in addition to your clothes and personal stuff, you’ll also need to carry water, and each litre weighs 1 kilo, plus a bit of food in case you don’t find a shop when you’re hungry.
Buen Camino