Take care of your body
- Before undertaking the pilgrimage, prepare physically and bear in mind that you should plan the different stages accounting for your physical condition. Pace yourself and take breaks, whose length and frequency should depend on your physical capacities.- Don't start out too fast, adopting a slow pace for the first few days.
- It is essential to take good care of your feet in order to prevent blisters. Wear comfortable shoes that have been broken in, and with thick and light rubber soles. Pilgrims are advised to wear two pairs of socks, which should fit well, feature good breathability (thread or cotton) and always be clean, dry, and snug in order to prevent chafing. At the end of the day, wash your feet with soap and water, and change your socks.
- Drink water frequently, but make sure it is potable. Do not consume water from streams, rivers, springs or sources if you are not certain it is safe. To prevent dehydration, a minimum daily intake of 2 liters of water is recommended. There are also isotonic drinks on the market whose sodium and potassium-based composition can be beneficial for adults.
- If you are exhausted, and suffer cramps, rest in a cool place and drink plenty of fluids.
- To refuel along the way, eat high-energy foods (nuts, figs, chocolate, etc.).
Organize your backpack
- Wear light and somewhat loose light-colored (reflective) clothing suitable for the time of year.- Wear a hat and sunglasses, avoid the hottest hours of the day, and use sunblock.
- Pack a flashlight and a mobile phone.
- Bring a basic first aid kit containing alcohol, gauze, silk tape, an antiseptic, adhesive bandages, sunblock, a needle and thread to cure blisters, mini scissors, Vaseline, mosquito repellent, antihistamines (for allergies) and aspirin.
Observe safety measures
- Never stray off the designated paths, avoid walking after dark, and respect the rules of the road. If you are riding a bicycle, remember that wearing a helmet and high-visibility vest is mandatory.- On paved roads featuring traffic, always walk on the left side.
Always carry your ID
- Spanish pilgrims should travel with their health card.- If you are from another EU country, it is advisable to carry your European Health Insurance Card.
- If you come from a country that is not a member of the European Union, be aware that there are countries that have travel agreements with Spain, so it is important to obtain this information before starting your trip so that you can arrive with all your papers in order.
People with disabilities
- Get information in advance regarding the difficulties that a pilgrim with disabilities may encounter; and about the accessibility of the different services found along the routes to the Camino de la Cruz de Caravaca (accommodations, restaurants, etc.)- If you have a hearing impairment, exercise extreme caution when crossing roads; and do not walk alone if you have a visual impairment, due to the crossings, detours and irregularity terrain you will encounter.
If you are making the pilgrimage with animals
- Make sure that they have been duly vaccinated and dewormed, with this properly documented on their veterinary card, which you must carry.
- Plan your route and stages taking into account the locations of accommodations that will permit your animal
