Rest days on a pilgrimage: when you need a break

In short: About every seven to ten days. Sooner if you are in pain.

Many pilgrims lose days because they don't plan any. If you walk without stopping, you risk tendon problems and blisters that end up costing more time than a day off.

How often?

A good rule of thumb is every seven to ten days. Your legs and feet are at their most sensitive in the first week. Go by how your body feels rather than by your plan. There is more on sensible daily distances in our article How far do you walk on a pilgrimage?

Where?

Larger towns have pharmacies, shops and sights. On the Camino Francés, Burgos and León are good choices, and on the Portuguese Way, Porto or Pontevedra. If you prefer nature, look for a small village with a good dinner.

Albergues and rest days

Public albergues usually allow only one night. So for a rest day, take a private albergue or a small hotel. Treat yourself to a single room if you have been sleeping in dormitories for a while.

What to do

Not much. Put your feet up, do your washing, look after your blisters, go for a stroll. A short walk helps more than lying in bed all day. There is more on this under Planning breaks.