is it safe to walk alone at 18

[blairurchin8]

I'm currently planning to walk the camino in June of 2025. I'm 18 and I will be alone. I was wondering if anyone has any specific safety tips or things I should know about walking that camino alone as a teenager.

 

[henrythedog]

I'm currently planning to walk the camino in June of 2025. I'm 18 and I will be alone. I was wondering if anyone has any specific safety tips or things I should know about walking that camino alone as a teenager.

Generally ‘yes’ it’s safe - probably more safe than most other countries - but that’s not a reason to switch off and not stay aware and make judgements about what’s around you.

You may start out alone, unless you really prefer not to you’ll be making friends on day 1.


18 is considered adult and you’ll be treated as one if you act like one.

It’ll be fine.

 

[alexwalker]

You may start out alone, unless you really prefer not to you’ll be making friends on day 1.

Agree. You will be pleasantly surprised. Most likely you will make friends for life. I have.

You are young and strong; you will do just fine.

As an oldtimer (70), I am so pleased to see young people walking the Camino. It may be a lifechanger and eyeopener, sending your life in a much better direction than the threadmill that many people unfortunately end up in. But it's up to you. Life has so many rich opportunities; unfortunately, many people make bad decisions, and end up in the trap.

Buen Camino!

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

Welcome, and may your camino be everything you need it to be.

There are some things you can do to make things easier on yourself:

A good whistle (in case of falls, or if you want to catch the attention of someone nearby for help).

A good phone app with a downloadable map for your camino route ( like both Wise Pilgrim and Buen Camino).

A SIM card for your phone for while you are walking (if you are not already on an EU plan). Options range from an eSIM you can pre-purchase, to a nano-SIM that tyou can pick up in most airports. Download "Alert Cops" -- which gives you an easy way to access local police if you should ever need it.

If you have the option on your phone, you might want to set up "fall detection" for some spots (You will know them when you see them), especially if you are making steep descents or climbs all alone (it's the descents that are more likely to result in a tumble if there's been a lot of rain, and the loose scree can trip anyone up).

Exercise caution and awareness because as with any other part of the world, there will be opportunists; keep your boundaries, and if you want to walk alone, it's still a good idea for folks to know where you intend to be or to meet up at the end of day.

To protect my personal belongings, I always put my documents, phone and money pack in the foot of my sleep sac at night, and take precious things with me to the showers. It's really *nice* when you get to stay in an albergue that has personal storage space for each person and a key to lock it!

Buen camino.

 

[alexwalker]

I'm currently planning to walk the camino in June of 2025. I'm 18 and I will be alone. I was wondering if anyone has any specific safety tips or things I should know about walking that camino alone as a teenager.

I'm currently planning to walk the camino in June of 2025. I'm 18 and I will be alone. I was wondering if anyone has any specific safety tips or things I should know about walking that camino alone as a teenager.

There are 2 apps you should install on your phone:

The Wisepilgrim Camino Frances app: It will guide you, have maps, albergue contacts and much much more, As a pilgrim of +15 years I now completely trust it as my guide. Download also its offline maps and you can use it without Internet connection. With this app, you can also plan your daily walks, places to stay, and do bookings ahead.

The Alertcops app, It will give you instant connection to all Spanish emergemcy services Like 911 in Spain.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

You should be safe. Even safer if you aren't using ear buds.

 

[rojasa]

Yes. Might be dosed with a lot of love from we grannies, though...prepare to defend yourself! You've already received excellent safety and security advice (AlertCops app, Wise Pilgrim app; minimize headphone use while walking, and what to do with valuables while in an albergue). I add: people older than you have a tendency to snore more loudly than you do. Bring earplugs. When you prepare to leave in the mornings, check around your bunk - especially make sure you've packed any electronics and chargers. As an hospitalera, I have found that whenever young people/teens stay in an albergue where I'm serving, I'm confident I'll find earbuds, chargers, and other media paraphernalia the next day...

Don't forget to check in with the people who love you from time to time. Buen camino!

 

[dreaming]

You will be fine. Ensure that you have enough money to fund the camino. One student I met didn't have enough money for pilgrims meals, no hat , no sunscreen, no food, no water and took off like a rocket from SJPP. He and another young pilgrim had a bed at the albergue in Roncesvalles but didn't have enough money to buy the pilgrim dinner or breakfast and the supermarket wasn't close by. I met this young man a day later crying and struggling physically. He went to a German albergue and called his parents. The next time I met him he was carrying a bag of food and had water and was a lot happier. I met a young student in a hostel in Finisterre living off potato chips until she flew home. This was quite common on the camino.
Please make sure you have enough money

 

[Lexicos]

Only a couple of things to add to the excellent advice above.

You will be a walking alone only if you choose to. If you feel unsure, keep some pilgrims with you or within eye sight, either in front or behind you. You will make friends on day one, especially on the Camino Frances.

I’ve seen many young women walking solo on all my camino walks, and young guys too. They get along just fine and 99% of the time they merge with pilgrim groups in no time.

All the good advice above will see you safely to the end of your camino. Do not fear …. It’s safer than lots of other places you’ve been to is my guess.

Buen Camino.

 

[Donna Sch]

Learn some Spanish including a few swear words. Be aware that if you see a decent sized building with a big "Club" sign on top in a smaller area that this could be a place where men attempt to pick up sex workers. I heard of one young attractive lass that got harassed by a bloke who thought she was a sex worker and when I heard where I could understand why it happened. Was frightening for her and she ended up finding other pilgrims to walk with.

You don't have to be nice to anyone who gives you the creeps. Trust your gut.

The word for condom is profiláctico. Vending machines stock them.

Make the most of people's experiences and be open to listening to their stories.

Don't be scared to ask questions.

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

I'm currently planning to walk the camino in June of 2025. I'm 18 and I will be alone. I was wondering if anyone has any specific safety tips or things I should know about walking that camino alone as a teenager.

it is
&
nothing pertaining to your age, except for, assuming you are a woman, the usual attention expected anywhere in the west.

you will most likely not be walking alone by day three (unless you want to), informal walking groups and friendships are quickly made by day three. june will be busy too.

good luck and Buen Camino

 

[MinaKamina]

well, we don't know you, do we? so it is hard to say how safe you will be.
generally speaking, American minors who are planning to have a good time by consuming alcohol to their heart's desire at last, are not as safe as they might think they are.

keep a clear head, don't drink alcohol and you will be a lot safer.

 

[J Willhaus]

Look into phone service before you go. If your phone is unlocked, you can get a SIM in country to give you less expensive data, etc. If you don't have an unlocked phone, check in advance with your current service on international costs.

I took a group of university students on the Camino last year. Some issues included incompatibility of chargers and adapters for iPhones, food likes and dislikes, and too many clothes to comfortably carry.

 

[CTLawGal]

All great advice! I would just add, that if your parents are just a bit worried, you might consider letting them track your phone (just for this, ha!), just so they know where you are - I turned the tracking on for my spouse so he would worry less.

Buen Camino! I think you will have an amazing time, I wish I had known about this and thought to do it when I was your age!!

 

[Glenshiro]

You will almost certainly meet people your own age, or close to it, of both sexes. I met several groups of teenage women on the CF who walked during the day singly or in twos and threes as the mood suited them, meeting up at a pre-arranged spot in the evening. And there will be older women (and men) who will keep a discreet look out for you. Go - it will be the experience of your life. (The first of many, I hope!)

 

[Ptermini]

You do not have to walk with anyone. I have met young women who connected with a young man, but after a few days, she was ready for some “alone” time. Don’t be afraid to be honest, or leave a little later, take a day off. It’s YOUR Camino.

 

[tpmchugh]

I'm currently planning to walk the camino in June of 2025. I'm 18 and I will be alone. I was wondering if anyone has any specific safety tips or things I should know about walking that camino alone as a teenager.

I am way too old to give an answer other than I met a young German girl walking on her own who was escaping the pressure of waiting on exam results that would get her in to university so I guess she was about 18. Met her a couple of times in the last stages and she was quite happy and chilled out so I guess she was safe enough. She teamed up eventually with an older German woman whom I met in Santiago and she told me she had got her compostella and was happily on the way home. Hope that gives you some confidence and sorry I could not be of more help

 

[trecile]

Here's a recent post from a member who walked solo at age 14.

I walked the Camino de Santiago alone during my summer vacation in 2024 (just a few months ago) when I was only 14 years old. It took 32 days to reach Santiago de Compostela from Saint Jean pied de port. (I probably was the youngest person to do it alone?)

I think that it's much more common to find 18 year olds walking alone.

 

[trecile]

Check to see if there is a chapter of American Pilgrims near you who can help you with your planning and training.

Local Chapters - American Pilgrims on the Camino

Local Chapters American Pilgrims on the Camino is a community of pilgrims organized in chapters throughout the United States. We share Camino de Santiago experiences, support each other, have fun and encourage one another to live The Spirit of the Camino in our everyday lives. We have nearly 60...

americanpilgrims.org

 

[Walkingat70]

I'm currently planning to walk the camino in June of 2025. I'm 18 and I will be alone. I was wondering if anyone has any specific safety tips or things I should know about walking that camino alone as a teenager.

I don't think you have to worry about your personal safety. Keep all your valuables, phone and passport in a waterproof cross body bag with you at ALL times

 

[Nelle]

Traveling alone requires a bit if street smarts at any age, and particularly if you’re just learning to navigate the world on your own. You might want to read a few articles on how to carry yourself in an unfamiliar environment aimed at college students attending big city universities for the first time, as well as articles with tips focused on personal safety in rural/remote settings. Knowledge is power and it will help you better evaluate your situation and make adjustments - such as walking with others - when you feel it’s necessary.

Many years ago in my early twenties I traveled solo in Spain without knowing any Spanish and it changed my life. This could be the start of your grand adventure. Good Luck and Buen Camino!

 

[sinein]

Enjoy the independence you will have in a relatively safe context ! Both locals and fellow peregrinos tend to look out for others - this is the hidden luxury of the camino.

 

[dbeatriceb]

I'm currently planning to walk the camino in June of 2025. I'm 18 and I will be alone. I was wondering if anyone has any specific safety tips or things I should know about walking that camino alone as a teenager.

Lots of good advice already in this thread. I also suggest joining a private Facebook group called “Camigas,” which is for women only. There could be questions you might want to address in that group.
Have a wonderful time!

 

[Joynz]

Yes, it is just as safe to walk at 18 as at 30. I can’t think of anything where your age might be a problem - and 18 you are an adult.

Many people on the Camino have never travelled internationally, or walked the distances so you won’t be unusual in that regard. What are you worried about that you think might be a problem?

If you want to meet more young people, I suggest walking in the northern hemisphere’s university holidays - as I’ve heard that there are more students then - on the French Camino anyway.

 

[Llew]

I'm currently planning to walk the camino in June of 2025. I'm 18 and I will be alone. I was wondering if anyone has any specific safety tips or things I should know about walking that camino alone as a teenager.

Just as save at 18 as any other age. I take it you be walking the Frances in which case you will only be alone if you want to be.

 

[jbreuner]

All excellent advice above, including that from MinaKamina about abstaining from alcohol while on your Camino. I would add, keep your wits about you and maintain situational awareness at all times. Listen to your gut. You will be fine, and you will enjoy an incredible journey that you'll never forget. If you still feel you need an extra measure of security, you might consider getting a small, discreet personal alarm device. You can travel with it, keeping it close at hand, and it activates simply by pulling out a pin that sets off an ear-splitting siren of around 130 decibels, often accompanied by a flashing light. That will get the attention of any other pilgrim(s) in your vicinity, and will also likely send anyone with the wrong intentions scurrying away from you as fast as their legs can carry them. Here's an example of just one of many offered by Amazon: She Birdie Personal Safety Alarm.
Have a wonderful adventure, and Buen Camino!!

 

[steve392]

I'm currently planning to walk the camino in June of 2025. I'm 18 and I will be alone. I was wondering if anyone has any specific safety tips or things I should know about walking that camino alone as a teenager.

On my first Camino back in 2016, we met a young lady who had just turned 19, from Seattle and was walking on her own. When I say we, I mean my Camino family that was forming at the time.
Her name is Rain and we first met her at one of the food trucks before Burgos (can't remember where exactly). She was in pain due to the strap on her Bra rubbing under her pack strap and she had an open wound. Everyone around had advise, of course, and we could see that she was getting visibly upset and overwhelmed, especially by one young man who was encouraging her to take her bra off. Alex, my wife, sat with her, calmed her down and basically took control of the situation. We gave her privacy, first aid and help her to continue on her way.

A couple of days later, we met Rain again and she was limping badly. Her shoes were not suited to her and one of her big toe nails was falling off and she had some big blisters. Once again we help her. We help her clean up her feet, lent her some better socks and sandals just to see her through to Burgos. I carried her pack for her and we didn't leave her side until we new she was safe in Burgos for a rest day. We then took her shopping for better lightweight footwear and made sure she was all set to continue.

Further on the Camino she sent a text to Alex one evening saying that she was uneasy and was getting hassled by a guy in the Albergue and wanted help. Alex told her to speak the the Albergue manager and ask for help. As we were 20kms in of so in front of her, Alex was concerned, but Poul and I were ready to walk back to her to make sure she was safe. We didn't have to as the Albergue manager solved the issues and move her to a private room.

After this, she became part of our family and finished her Camino with us. 3 years later she came to Australia to attend our wedding.

Why am I telling you this story?
It certainly isn't to make ourselves out to be heroes, we weren't and are not.
Of all the people that I have met on the Camino, Rain remains the one person who has impressed me the most. Although she may have made a few mistakes in her preparation, she approached the Camino with an open mind, confidence and a willingness to ask for help when she needed it. Her lust for life and adventure at such a young age was infectious.

Although there is almost 30 years in age difference between Rain and the rest of our Camino family, and the distance that we all live apart, Rain is still one of our closest friends.

Many others have given great practical and sound advice. My advise is this, be like Rain. Be open minded, polite, strong and kick the butt out of life.

Buen Camino.