Advice for a Summer Camino?

[Anniesantiago]

I have walked the Camino in the Spring months (April through early June) and in the Fall months (August through November) several times. But I've never done a summer camino.

I'm thinking of going sometime between May and August this year.
Any advice from those who have walked during summer?
Gear?
Lodging?
Weather?
anything?

 

[Laliibeans]

While I can only speak from hiking in the Australian summer quite often (sometimes in temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius) and not through Spain, one of the most important things to remember is to drink plenty of water.

The space and weight you save leaving the heavy winter gear at home can be used for extra water, and on many hikes most of us also take an extra bottle of gatorade powder mix, too. Gastrolite sachets are also handy for fighting dehydration.

Despite the heat, keeping your skin covered is always wise. Or at least your shoulders and the backs of your knees! But I'm not sure how that might differ between here and Spain. From the amount of photos I've seen of tank tops and short shorts on the Camino I'm guessing the sun can be milder on the skin that it is here? (I'm a winter person, I tend to hibernate all summer unless absolutely necessary).

I usually go with polo style t-shirts to keep the back of my neck covered. Haven't ever bothered with UPF rated clothing yet though as I haven't ever gotten burnt through an average t-shirt.

If wearing sandles, remember to sunscreen the tops of your feet. Nothing worse than trying to hobble around with burnt feet when you put your boots back on.

Hope some of that helps a bit. Stay hydrated!