If you are the kind of pilgrim who wants to unplug, disconnect from technology, and immerse fully in the Camino experience, look away now! But if you’re planning to bring your phone, here’s a list of ten apps I recommend downloading before you go.
1. Wise Pilgrim
There are several apps that replace the need for a physical guidebook, including Buen Camino and Gronze—but my favourite by far is Wise Pilgrim. Created by Camino veteran Michael Matynka, this app is a fantastic guide and well worth its $4.99 price tag.
The app lists all the villages along the route, and you can freely scroll up and down instead of being restricted to set stages, as many guidebooks often are. The app shows the distances between each town and village, as well as the remaining distance to the end. There are symbols for each village indicating if there are accommodations, restaurants, and other amenities, plus quick descriptions for larger towns. Simply tap on any town to access more details, like accommodation options, reviews, and direct links to Booking.com or WhatsApp contacts.
Two features, in particular, make navigating and planning with this app incredibly easy. First, by swiping left on any village, you can “like” it, highlighting it in red. This might sound simple, but it’s a lifesaver when scrolling through hundreds of Spanish village names—making it easy to spot your favourites or places you’re considering staying. Second, you can set or reset your starting point on the route with a single tap, letting you quickly calculate distances to upcoming stops.
What I love most about this app is how user-friendly it is. The interface is intuitive, straightforward, and most importantly has never crashed on me. It has just the right amount of detail—perfect for any walker looking for a reliable, easy-to-use guide.
2. Booking.com
People often talk about the “bed race,” but honestly, I’ve rarely had trouble finding somewhere to stay. I usually just walk into town with nowhere specific to rest my head. However, if you’re looking for peace of mind and prefer to secure your accommodation ahead of time, Booking.com is fantastic. It’s also perfect if you’re seeking a break from the typical hostel vibe, with plenty of private hostel options and hotels.
One feature on Booking.com that people often overlook is the Attractions Listing. I’ve used it to book cathedral tours, walking tours, wine tastings, and even a memorable pub crawl tour in Santiago. It’s a fantastic way to add some extra experiences to your Camino and make the most of each stop.
Just keep in mind most of my favourite municipal and donativo albergues don’t take reservations and aren’t listed on Booking.com, so if you rely solely on Booking.com, you will miss out on some of the most special and authentic experiences along the Camino.
3. Strava
Strava is my go-to for tracking daily progress. It logs each day’s distance, elevation, and pace, and lets you share your journey with friends and family. Months later, I love retracing my tracks and reliving the journey! Just a heads up: Strava can gobble up your battery and data plan, so manage its use wisely. And with Strava’s social side, you might even connect with fellow Camino walkers along the way.
4. ProCam
For anyone who loves snapping great photos, ProCam turns your phone into a mini DSLR. I used to lug heavy camera gear, but I finally ditched it and now rely on my iPhone—and ProCam is a big reason why. With adjustable exposure, focus, shutter speed, and more, you’ll be capturing top-notch Camino memories without the extra weight. Best of all you can take photos in Raw.
5. SkyView Lite
SkyView Lite is a gem for stargazers, perfect for those nights under the big, open Meseta sky. With almost zero light pollution, this app makes it easy to spot constellations, planets, and more. Check the moon cycle and aim for a no-moon night, then hope for clear skies! Just point your phone up, and let SkyView introduce you to the night sky.
6. Google Maps
Next on my list is Google Maps – for most of the Camino you can just follow the yellow arrows, but there are times when Google Maps is super helpful, I am thinking, when you are leaving a city and can’t find the arrows. You will probably lose the arrows when entering any of the cities on the Camino too, but all you need to do is follow the signs to the center and you will reconnect with the Camino. Leaving any city can be tricker, what I do is just find the first village on the Camino that’s on the outskirts of the city and set my google maps to bring me there, where I can pick up the arrows again.
7. PictureThis
PictureThis is an absolute must for nature lovers. On my walks, I loved using it to identify the endless flowers and plants along the route. Just snap a pic, and the app gives you details about the species, habitat, and other fun facts. It’s the perfect way to feel more connected to the Camino’s natural beauty and learn something new.
8. TrailSmart
“Why would I need a trail app when there are yellow arrows?” you might ask. Good question! The answer is twofold: first, it’s surprisingly easy to lose track of those arrows when leaving a bigger town, and second, if you decide to take a side route, like the Dragonte, TrailSmart is a lifesaver. This app has detailed maps and route guides that work offline, and it even includes fascinating cultural notes and tips for each stage.
9. Google Translate
Google Translate can be a real hero on the Camino, especially in rural spots. Download the Spanish pack before your trip so it works offline—you’ll have a trusty translator on hand for reading signs or navigating local menus.
10. MyPostcard Postcard App
And last but not least, MyPostcard is a fun way to send postcards straight from your phone! Pick one of your best Camino photos, add a message, and MyPostcard will send it as a physical postcard to friends or family anywhere in the world. It’s a personal touch that’s way more memorable than a quick text.
There you have it! These ten apps add some serious value to your Camino, whether you’re tracking your progress with Strava, capturing the night sky with SkyView Lite, or sharing the experience with a postcard from MyPostcard. Let them enhance the journey and help you make the most of every step along the Way.
