Planning Your Camino, Part 5 - What to Eat
- Arlene Laskey
- Jul 24
- 5 min read
Wow, we are up to Part 5 already! What else have we covered for planning your Camino? Routes, accommodations, hydration, and some general things to consider. Today - food! A very important topic, right?
Keep in mind that you will be burning an extra 1,000 calories OR MORE each day by walking 20 kilometres. (I like to walk about 20-25 km per day on Camino - you might prefer more - or less). You will probably have a healthy appetite, and can eat pretty much whatever you want - guilt-free!
Many people lose weight while walking the Camino, but not everyone! Some enjoy the food (and wine/beer) VERY much!
Planning Your Camino: Where to Get Your Food
Food is readily available in Spain, but sometimes you do have to plan ahead. On the Camino Frances, as I have previous mentioned, there are facilities for just about anything every five to ten kilometres, so you won't starve.
On some of the other routes, however, you could be walking thirty kilometres without any service at all, so you do need to carry food and water.
Most towns and villages have tiendas or mercados (shops or markets), and the larger centres have supermercados (supermarkets). I suggest you stock up on at least a few snacks. Hunger can strike between villages!
One other thing to consider is that on Sundays (and sometimes other days of the week) most stores are closed. It can be a challenge to remember what day of the week it is, but do try to plan ahead for Sunday!
Rhythm of Food on the Camino
Some pilgrims like to cook most of their own meals, some like to eat in a restaurant every time. I like to do a mix. I usually started my morning with a granola bar or grocery store pastry, then walked for a hour or two to the next town with a bar or café, where I would (hopefully) find a café con leche and a snack (second breakfast - yes, it is a thing).
Depending on how far I was walking that day, I might stop for another snack with a Coke, or I might just have some backpack snacks as I walk. Once I got to my albergue, I would either clean up first or go out for food right away (depending on hunger levels) - so maybe a small lunch/snack and a larger supper later; or a large lunch and just snacks later.
Sometimes it would depend on whether or not there was an option for a communal meal at my albergue.
Communal Meals
Communal meals are awesome, and I usually participated when that was an option. It is a great way to meet and socialize with your fellow pilgrims and it is very convenient as you are dining in your albergue!
In some albergues, this is combined with a memorable activity or ceremony, which could be a prayer, sharing your journey, a song, or something else.
Cooking on the Camino
Some albergues provide kitchen facilities for the pilgrims. If you want to do your own cooking, look in your guidebook or app, as kitchen facilities are generally indicated.
Cooking can ensure a healthier diet, can solve any concerns with food restrictions, and can become a fun group activity. I have been involved a few times when everyone worked together to create a special meal.
On my last Camino I stayed in a few places with no options for eating out, so I was forced to plan ahead. In one of those locations, my lodgings host offered to purchase some groceries for me (and add the cost to my bill, of course). That was great - I ended up with enough for two meals and several breakfasts!
Restaurants
There are also many bars, cafés, and restaurants along the Way. Pilgrim meals are generally very economical and filling, a great value! Though sometimes there is not so much variation.
A pilgrim meal includes a starter (salad, pasta, soup, for example), a main course (meat and fries, often), bread, dessert, and wine - all for about 10-16 euros! I have had some wonderful pilgrim meals, and some just mediocre - but all filling!
In some parts of the Camino you can find Michelin Star restaurants! I think there are several on the Camino del Norte. This might stretch your budget, but could be worth the stretch!
Food Restrictions and Allergies
I am lucky, I can eat anything! But I have friends that have food intolerances and allergies, and others who have preferences.
Here is where it really helps to know some Spanish. And if you aren't confident, write it out on an index card, or store the phrase in your phone notes. Here are some examples:
I am allergic to... * Soy alérgica a ... (feminine) Soy alérgico a ... (masculine) - then list what you are allergic to - this could save your life!
I am a vegetarian * Soy vegetariana (feminine) Soy vegetariano (masculine)
I can't eat gluten * No puedo comer gluten
I have good news for those of you who are gluten intolerant - two of my favourite Spanish treats are gluten free (as well as dairy-free) - tortilla española and Tarte de Santiago!
A Few Specialties
As you walk through the various regions of Spain and Portugal, be sure to enjoy some of the especialidades regionales (local specialties) - not just the regional wines! I believe this can enhance your experience and I know the local residents love to share their specialties.
Here are a few that I have tried:
Pintxos / tapas - kind of a tasting size, available in many Spanish cities and towns. Pamplona is famous for the pintxos, with tapas being found in other areas.
Pulpo - octopus - I first tried this in Melide where one restauranteur was slicing off chunks and sharing with pilgrim walking by.
Arzua cheese - Arzua is known for its cheeses, very tasty!
Pimientos de Padron - Padron peppers - these are very tasty green peppers, sometimes in a dish and sometimes on their own. They say that maybe one in 12 is spicy hot, but I only got the yummy sweet ones.
Seafood - The Camino del Norte and the Camino Portuguese da Costa follow a route along the ocean - enjoy the freshest seafood there!
Tortilla española - my favourite!!
Tarte de Santiago
I am compelled to again share the Shell Toucher website, as he has recipes and videos to help you prepare some of these specialties at home. The Tarte de Santiago pictured here was made my me:)
Please share some of your favourite Camino snacks!
Tomorrow is St. James Day, what should I make for the potluck? Click HERE to learn why the pilgrims celebrate July 25th!
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