Hikers seek shade and water in the face of unusual temperatures in May
The Camino de Santiago is experiencing one of the hottest starts in northern Spain in memory. Pilgrims who these days travel the Camino del Norte and the Camino Primitivo through Asturias are having to adapt to temperatures much more typical of July or August than the end of May.
In towns in western Asturias, many walkers have admitted feeling surprised by the intense heat during the stages, especially in long stretches with little shade and strong exposure to the sun.
Some pilgrims even say that they expected rain, fog and mild temperatures typical of the north, but they have found themselves with very hard days of walking carrying backpacks for hours.
The north also changes on the Camino
For years, many travelers chose northern routes precisely seeking to escape the extreme heat of the French Way or other inland routes.
But this 2026 is leaving very different situations.
Rising temperatures and episodes of anomalous heat are also affecting traditionally cooler communities such as Asturias, Galicia or Cantabria.
And that is beginning to be clearly noticed among the pilgrims.
In some sections of the Camino del Norte we are already seeing the usual summer scenes:
pilgrims desperately searching for sources,
long stops under trees,
stages advanced to dawn
and walkers avoiding walking during the middle hours of the day.
Many hostels have also begun to recommend increasing hydration and reducing the pace in the most demanding stages.
The Camino under high temperatures
Hiking and active tourism experts remember that walking long distances with a backpack in intense heat can cause:
dehydration,
exhaustion,
dizziness,
heat stroke
and muscle injuries.
Especially among international pilgrims unaccustomed to Spanish temperatures.
And precisely the Camino de Santiago is currently experiencing an enormous growth in visitors from:
USA,
Germany,
South Korea,
Italy,
Brazil
and other countries where climatic conditions are different.
Many arrive expecting a mild Atlantic climate and end up facing very physically demanding hot days.
Stages change completely in extreme heat
Veteran pilgrims explain that the heat totally modifies the experience of the Camino.
Stages that are normally comfortable become much harder routes when temperatures exceed certain levels.
The backpack weighs more.
Tiredness appears earlier.
And the body needs a lot more water and rest.
For this reason, many walkers are completely changing their schedules:
departures before six in the morning,
long breaks at midday
and shorter stages to avoid physical problems.
Asturias continues to attract thousands of pilgrims
Despite the heat, Asturias continues to be one of the favorite areas of the Camino de Santiago.
More and more people choose the Camino del Norte or the Primitivo looking for:
nature,
green landscapes,
rural tourism,
gastronomy
and a quieter experience than other crowded routes.
Especially the north of Spain has become one of the great European references of the so-called:
slow travel,
wellness travel
and emotional tourism.
Many pilgrims claim that walking along the Cantabrian Sea or passing through small Asturian towns continues to be a unique experience even on difficult days.
The weather begins to change the Camino
The situation also reopens the debate about how climate change is beginning to modify some traditional experiences of the Camino de Santiago.
Hospitallers and Jacobean associations recognize that episodes of extreme heat are increasingly frequent and appear earlier on the calendar.
This requires adapting:
schedules,
infrastructures,
sources,
rest areas
and health recommendations for pilgrims.
Especially thinking about the constant growth of the Camino de Santiago for the future Xacobeo 2027.
The Camino continues to teach humility
Many pilgrims agree on something:
The heat ends up becoming another of the great lessons of the Camino.
Because it forces you to listen to your body, slow down and accept that you can't always control everything.
And precisely there is still part of the essence of the Camino de Santiago.
Learning to move forward... even when the road becomes harder than expected.
