Hiking the Camino de Santiago: What It’s Really Like (And Why You Might Do It Twice) with Sofie Dolan

What would make someone walk hundreds of miles across Spain… and then go back and do it again?In this episode, I sit down with my friend Sofie Dolan, who has hiked the Camino de Santiago not once, but twice, to talk about what makes this experience so powerful, addictive, and honestly… life-changing. If you’re not familiar, the Camino is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that lead to Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain, and people walk it for all kinds of reasons: adventure, reflection, healing, or just the desire to slow down.Sofie shares what inspired her to go the first time (without really knowing what she was getting into), and why she felt so pulled to return again.We talk about what it’s actually like day-to-day, including:Walking 6–20 miles a day (yes, really)What to pack (and what you don’t need)Where you stay, from simple inns to surprisingly beautiful hotelsHow luggage transfers work (so you don’t have to carry everything)But what really makes the Camino special isn’t just the walk… it’s everything that happens along the way.We get into:The people you meet from all over the world, each with their own storyThe mental and emotional shifts that happen when you unplug and just walkWhy it feels like a moving meditation (and a break from the “hamster wheel” of real life)The incredible sense of accomplishment when you finally arrive in SantiagoSofie also shares practical tips, from the best time of year to go (spring and fall win) to why good socks and foot care can make or break your experience.And one of my favorite takeaways? You don’t have to be an elite athlete to do this… but you do have to be willing to take it one step at a time.If you’ve ever been curious about the Camino, or are craving a slower, more meaningful way to travel, this episode might just plant the seed.👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.Read more here: Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Camino de Santiago02:56 The Journey of Discovery and Reflection05:51 Planning and Preparing for the Camino08:51 Experiencing Nature and Spirituality11:55 Accommodations and Daily Routines14:57 Meeting Fellow Pilgrims18:06 The Diversity of Camino Travelers21:09 Reflections on Safety and Solo Travel32:16 Fascinating Stories from the Camino34:10 The Arrival at Santiago36:02 Experiencing the Terrain40:12 Preparing for the Camino42:22 The Walking Meditation43:38 The Culinary Rewards44:54 Reflections on the Journey48:19 Favorite Stops Along the Way51:42 The Power of the Camino53:01 Future Plans for the CaminoSupport the show