Queer Camino de Santiago: 7-Day or 15-Day Journey on the Camino Português

Q: What if the required number of travellers isn't met?

A minimum of 8 travelers is needed for this trip to operate. We will confirm whether the minimum has been met two months before the trip start date. We recommend that you wait to book flights until after the trip is confirmed, unless your tickets offer full flexibility. Queer Connect will not reimburse third-party costs (airfare, visas, insurance, etc.). If the trip is not confirmed, you’ll receive a full refund of all payments made to Queer Connect, or you can choose to transfer to another Queer Connect trip (subject to availability).

Question 1

Who is this experience for?

Answer

Our Queer Camino is designed for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking something deeper than a typical vacation.

Queer solo travelers looking for community
LGBTQ+ people seeking connection and belonging
First-time Camino walkers, or experienced pilgrims who want to make the experience a little more gay
Travelers interested in personal growth and self-reflection
Those who enjoy active travel without needing to be highly athletic
Anyone looking to slow down and experience travel more intentionally

You don’t need to be a seasoned hiker, deeply spiritual, or have a specific goal in mind. Many people arrive simply curious about the Camino and leave with an experience that stays with them long after the journey ends.

Question 2

Do I need to be LGBTQIA+ to join?

Answer

Queer Connect trips are intentionally created by and for queer people – while we sometime allow space for allies on our other trips, due to the small group size this time, we are keeping this journey exclusive to the queers.

Question 3

Can I come solo?

Answer

Absolutely! The Camino is often a deeply personal and individual experience, so it’s perfectly suited to solo travelers. It’s likely that you’ll come solo and leave with lifelong friends. We offer private rooms for solo travelers at a supplemented price.

Question 4

What is the group size for this trip?

Answer

The maximum group size for this experience is 12 people (plus hosts and guide). Though if you have chosen the Full 15-Day experience, the journey through Portugal will be with a much smaller group (6-8 people) until the 7-Day crew joins the group in Vigo.

Also keep in mind that although we’re travelling as a group, each day is self-paced. At times you may be walking on your own, with a couple fellow queers, or with other pilgrims you meet along the way. It’s all part of the Camino experience.

Question 5

What if the required number of travellers isn't met?

Answer

A minimum of 8 travelers is needed for this trip to operate. We will confirm whether the minimum has been met two months before the trip start date.

We recommend that you wait to book flights until after the trip is confirmed, unless your tickets offer full flexibility. Queer Connect will not reimburse third-party costs (airfare, visas, insurance, etc.).

If the trip is not confirmed, you’ll receive a full refund of all payments made to Queer Connect, or you can choose to transfer to another Queer Connect trip (subject to availability).

Question 6

What should I pack?

Answer

One of the beautiful things about our Queer Camino is that you’ll be able to focus on the journey itself rather than carrying everything on your back. Luggage transfers are included throughout the trip, meaning your main bag will be transported between accommodations while you walk with just a small daypack carrying your daily essentials.

We recommend bringing:

Comfortable, well-broken-in walking shoes or trail runners
A well-fitted backpack
Moisture-wicking clothing suitable for walking
A lightweight rain jacket (just in case)
Layers for changing weather conditions
A small daypack for water, snacks, and daily essentials
A reusable water bottle
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
Any medications you may need
Comfortable clothes for evenings and group dinners

Weather conditions can vary each year, so it’s best to plan for changes in weather, including rain that can sometimes be common in late April.

If you’re new to the Camino, don’t worry. We’ll help you understand exactly what to bring, what to leave at home, and how to pack comfortably for a successful journey.

Question 7

Is airfare included in the price?

Answer

No — flights are not included.

Question 8

What airport should I fly into?

Answer

The best airport for you will depend on which Queer Camino experience you’ve chosen.

For the 15-Day Queer Camino (Porto → Santiago)

The best airport to fly into is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) in Porto, Portugal. We recommend arriving in Porto on the trip start date or a day or two earlier if you’d like extra time to settle in, explore the city, or adjust to any time zone changes before we begin our journey together.

If you’re looking for additional flight options, you can also fly into Lisbon Airport (LIS) and travel to Porto by train or bus, which takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.

For the 7-Day Queer Camino (Vigo → Santiago)

The easiest option is to fly into Vigo Airport (VGO) in Spain, which is located just outside the city and offers convenient access to the start of the trip.

You can also fly into Porto Airport (OPO) and travel to Vigo by train or bus, which typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. Many international travelers find Porto offers more flight options and better fares than Vigo.

We highly recommend arriving a day or two early (depending on your travel time) to allow yourself time to rest and recover from jet lag before starting the Camino.

Question 9

Do I need a visa for Portugal and/or Spain?

Answer

For many travelers, the answer is no.

Portugal and Spain are both part of the Schengen Area, which allows visitors from many countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, to travel visa-free for short stays.

If you hold a passport from one of these countries, you can typically stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without obtaining a visa in advance.

Because this journey (15 Day) begins in Portugal and ends in Spain, you’ll be traveling between two countries within the Schengen Area, so there are generally no additional border checks or visa requirements once you’ve entered.

Visa requirements can vary based on your nationality, and entry regulations may change over time. We recommend checking with your local embassy or government travel website for the most up-to-date information before booking your flights.

If you’re unsure whether you need a visa, feel free to reach out and we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction.

Question 10

How much spending money should I bring?

Answer

Most of your major expenses are already covered, including accommodations, most breakfasts, several group dinners, and daily guided support along the Camino. You’ll mainly need spending money for lunches, dinners not included in the itinerary, drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and any personal purchases.

Light Spender: €15-25 per day
Simple lunches, occasional coffee stops, and minimal shopping.

Average Traveler: €30-50 per day
Comfortable spending for meals, wine or drinks, snacks, and a few souvenirs along the way.

Extra Treats & Shopping: €50+ per day
For travelers who enjoy frequent sit-down restaurant meals, cocktails, wine, shopping, and bringing home plenty of souvenirs.

One of the wonderful things about the Camino is that it can be surprisingly affordable day-to-day. Many towns along the route offer pilgrim-friendly cafés, bakeries, and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious local food without spending a fortune.

We recommend bringing a mix of credit/debit cards and a small amount of cash for smaller businesses, cafés, or rural stops that may not always accept cards.

Question 11

Can I reserve my spot with a deposit?

Answer

Yes! You can secure your place with a 25% deposit and pay the remaining balance later (due 60 days prior to the start date).

Once your deposit is paid, your space on the trip will be reserved, and we’ll send reminders as the final payment date approaches.

If you’d prefer, you’re also welcome to pay the full balance upfront when booking.

Please note that all payments are subject to our booking terms and cancellation policy.

Question 12

Is the trip refundable?

Answer

The trip deposit is non-refundable (unless the trip is cancelled by us for some reason).

If you pay in full, you may be eligible for a partial refund depending on the timeline of your cancellation.

You can view our full Cancellation & Refund Policy for more details.

Question 13

Are payment plans available?

Answer

Yes! When paying a deposit, the cost is split into 2 payments.

OR – when paying in full, you can pay in 4 installments through Klarna – subject to their approval.

Question 14

Do I need travel insurance?

Answer

We strongly recommend it, and partner with SafetyWing for flexible, queer-friendly coverage.

Question 15

I have a medical condition or accessibility need, can I still join?

Answer

As long as you are able to walk long distances each day, the answer is most likely yes. This route on the Camino Português is fairly accessible, and the journey is self-paced.

However, before you book, please email us to make sure we can support you and ensure the journey is safe and comfortable for your needs.

Question 16

Do I need to be in great shape to join?

Answer

No. The Camino is designed to be walked by everyday people, not elite athletes.

That said, this is an active trip, and you should be comfortable walking for several hours a day over consecutive days. Most days involve between 14-26km/9-16 miles of walking on a mix of paved paths, dirt trails, countryside roads, and coastal routes.

Many people who walk the Camino are first-time long-distance walkers. What matters most is preparing beforehand, listening to your body, and walking at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Our Queer Camino is beginner-friendly and non-competitive. Some travellers walk faster, some slower, and that’s completely okay. The goal isn’t to finish first. The goal is to experience the journey.

We recommend spending a few months before the trip gradually increasing your walking distance and getting comfortable spending time on your feet. We’ll also provide preparation tips and guidance to help you arrive feeling confident and ready for the adventure ahead.