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14 Of My Favourite Books About The Camino de Santiago

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It’s fair to say that I’m passionate about the Camino. When I’m not walking it or writing about it, I’m reading about it.

When I first decided to walk, Gerry gave me a copy of Tim Moore’s Travels With My Donkey. He thought it might put me off but it did the opposite; I loved it. I’ve read it many times since and it still makes me laugh and cry and reminisce.

There’s no shortage of Camino books out there.  Some are amazing, a few unsung heroes and a few… well, let’s just say they might be better left on the bookshelf.

My list includes Camino books I’ve loved, a few iconic must-reads and a couple of famous favorites. If you’re looking for inspiring memoirs, humorous tales, history or practical guides, there’s something here for everyone.

My Best Camino Book Choices

Books, like so many things in life, are personal.

When I look at our Kindle account, I can instantly tell which books are Gerry’s and which are mine. Just like wine or walking boots, we all have our favourites.

I’m no literary critic, but after years of reading, walking, and rereading, I do know which Camino books I’ve loved the most.

So, here are the books that speak to me; in alphabetical order.

1. Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son

by Martin Sheen & Emilio Estevez

OK, I know I said this was a list of my favourite books, but while researching dates and titles for this post, I stumbled across this and can’t believe I’d never heard of it before!

Written in 2012, this dual memoir by Martin Sheen & Emilio Estevez explores their father-son relationship through their journey across Spain.

While it’s not exclusively about the Camino de Santiago, it does touch on the pilgrimage, particularly in connection with the making of The Way.

I read a review that said the audiobook is better than the print version because both Sheen and Estevez narrate it themselves. That was all the encouragement I needed; I’ve treated myself to a month of audiobooks and will be listening to this on my upcoming train ride to St. Jean Pied de Port.

2. I’m Off Then: Losing and Finding Myself on the Camino de Santiago

By Hape Kerkeling

When this book was first published, it caused quite a stir on Camino forums. Some loved it, others debated whether Hape Kerkeling really walked the Camino at all. Written by a German comedian, I’m Off Then has since been translated into 11 different languages and sold over 3 million copies!  

In some ways, his writing style reminds me of Tim Moore’s comedic rants, but while Moore’s humour is distinctly British, Hape’s German perspective didn’t always hit the mark for me.

He’s a self-professed couch potato, overweight, and maybe not quite ready for a pilgrimage, which sounds a lot like me on my first Camino! He kept daily journals (also like me), which became the foundation for this book. He walked in 2001, and it’s fair to say that the Camino, and its albergues, have changed a lot since then.

This is not a guidebook, though there are plenty of references to the Camino Frances. It’s also not about a deep spiritual transformation. Hape took taxis, buses, and trains and opted for nice hotels instead of bunk beds. Yet, despite all that, there’s something very real about his journey.

I like his trail descriptions and how they pushed him.  His account of the walk to Zubiri is particularly dramatic, and if you’ve done that descent, you’ll know he’s not entirely wrong. His exaggerated struggles offer a light-hearted insight into the challenges of the Camino, and while he may not have walked every step, he certainly captures some of the reality that many first-time pilgrims face.

For me, it was the English ladies that he met after Leon and their unexpected friendship that redeems the book. Some things were definitely lost in translation, and I found myself skimming at times, but it’s still a good read; one that sparked debate, created chatter and deserves its place on my list.

3. I’ll Push You: A Journey of 500 Miles, Two Best Friends, and One Wheelchair

by Patrick Gray & Justin Skeesuck

On my first Camino, we walked into León and arrived in the square in front of the Cathedral. Beside us was a team of French men and women; four in wheelchairs, carried on the shoulders of four walkers each. They had spare walkers, switching out so they could work in tandem.

They had walked the same steps we had. They had crossed mountains, cities, and the Meseta, navigating every obstacle that we had faced. But they were either being carried, or carrying someone else. It was a humbling moment.

When I learned about Patrick and Justin’s story, I knew I had to read and watch.

This is an incredibly inspiring true story of two best friends, one in a wheelchair, the other able-bodied, who decide to take on the Camino together. Their journey is a testament to friendship, resilience, and the power of human connection.

The book begins with a foreword that perfectly sets the tone : Rarely have I encountered a story, lived out in everyday life, where the hero—or in this case, heroes—could easily be us: ordinary people who choose to embrace an extraordinary life. That sums up this book beautifully. Patrick and Justin are extraordinary.

It’s difficult, and painful, and joyous, and as I read, I kept thinking back to the French group in León. Their journey was already awe-inspiring to me, but after reading this book, I had even more respect for what they had achieved.

Everyone should read this book. Trust me, you’ll never moan about your aches and pains again without feeling a pang of churlishness!

4. Sinning Across Spain: Walking the Camino

By Ailsa Piper

I read this book because I was walking the Via de la Plata, and most Camino books focus on the Camino Frances.  Reading it set me on a path that I haven’t walked since.

Ailsa wanted to walk the Camino again, but this time, she raised money for her journey by carrying people’s sins to Santiago, much like medieval pilgrims, who could walk in proxy for the rich and famous.

Her story planted a seed in me. Instead of walking away people’s sins, I decided to walk with purpose, carrying strangers’ dreams, regrets, and wishes. It was a fundraising effort, but not for ourselves; Maggie and I each chose a charity, raising several thousand dollars. However, I found the experience of walking for others emotionally draining and deeply challenging.

I have no regrets about following in the author’s footsteps, but it’s probably not an experience I would choose to repeat.  Although, writing these words have made me reflect on that; maybe one day?

Ailsa’s journey was different from mine, but the idea of carrying the weight of others’ burdens still shaped my own experience. This book is as much about that emotion as it is about the Camino. If you’re planning to walk the Via de la Plata, this offers a unique perspective, different from any other Camino book I’ve read.

5. The Camino: A Journey of the Spirit

By Shirley MacLaine

I’ve included this on my list because everyone references this book.  It’s almost as iconic as John Brierley’s walking guides.  But, I have to hold my hand up and admit that I’ve never actually read it.

Why? Because initially I heard mixed reviews of a few wild tales within it’s pages and that it was fanciful and not a reflection on the reality of the Camino Experience. 

I loved Shirley MacLaine in Sweet Charity… If They Could See Me Now! And over the years I keep reminding myself that I should read this book but for some reason I never do. 

Writing this guide has given me resolve to bite the bullet and just get on with it.  But all that said, this is one of the most iconic books about the Camino, and no self-respecting book list would be complete without it.

6. The Cat Who Walked the Camino

by Kate Spencer

I need this book. After all, I love cats, and I walk the Camino; what could be more perfect?

Last year, while sitting in a café in Viana, I spotted this book on the coffee table. It’s a delightful little read, perfect for children and cat-loving pilgrims alike.

As you can imagine, it’s a simple story and it won’t help anyone plan their Camino, but that’s not the point. The illustrations are beautiful and it makes for an ideal gift for anyone you know who has walked (or is planning to walk) the Camino!

7. The Pilgrimage

By Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho was born in 1947 in Rio de Janeiro, and in 1986, he walked the Camino de Santiago. I can only imagine that his experience then would have been very different from that of any pilgrim walking in the 21st century.

From this journey, he wrote The Pilgrimage. And much like Shirley MacLaine’s book, it has become an iconic Camino read. However, I’m not sure if that’s because it’s a great book, or simply because it’s one of those books you feel you need to read.

I read The Alchemist on a flight to Malta, and I loved it so much that I’m not ashamed to say I cried. Not because it was sad, but because it spoke to me; it whispered my name amongst the pages of adventure. So naturally, I had to read The Pilgrimage.

It’s a strange read. At times, I wasn’t sure if it was even about the Camino or if Coelho had actually walked it (he did). There’s a lot of mysticism, diverging from the trail, and philosophical reflection. It’s not a long book, so I never tired of reading, but it felt very different from any other Camino book.

A few phrases jumped out at me, Coelho is a great wordsmith, and this line in particular stayed with me: The path of the extraordinary lies in the path of ordinary people. This is the Camino that I love and know. It is an extraordinary adventure, yet it is there for everyone; kings and paupers, old and young. It is a path for ordinary people.

A dear friend gave me a well-read, dog-eared copy of this book before my first walk, and he referenced it many times as I walked. It gives the reader a lot to think about, but I’m still not sure if I liked it. However, if you’re curious about all things Camino, then this is a book worth exploring.

8. The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago: The Complete Cultural Handbook

by David M. Gitlitz & Linda Kay Davidson

I’ve had this book on my phone since my first Camino. Someone mentioned it in passing on a Camino forum, and since I love the history of the trail, I figured it was a good book for me.  And oh my, what a fabulous resource this is.

This step-by-step guide to the cultural history of the Camino Frances (and Camino Aragones) is wonderful. I’ve dipped in and out of it so many times, and on every walk, I learn something new.

If you’re walking the Camino, you should have this book. But don’t carry it; download it on your phone! It’s a big book, and trust me, you won’t want to add that weight to your pack.

The authors first walked the Camino in 1974, and over the years, they’ve returned many times, gathering material to create this incredible encyclopedia of all things Camino.

I often feel this isn’t a book to read at home; it’s a book to walk with you. They’ll tell you about the lintels above the doors, the battles that raged in the hills beyond the trail and the forgotten history of the very path you’re walking.

What more can I say? It’s a great read. Take it with you, and you’ll be surprised at how much more colour and depth these history lessons add to your Camino.

Top Tip: If you’re really into the history of the Camino, consider reading translations of the Codex Calixtinus and Dominic Laffi’s Diary from his Pilgrimage for even deeper insights into the medieval pilgrimage.

9. The Moorish Whore

By Rebekah Scott

Rebekah Scott is, for me at least, a quiet, unsung heroine of the Camino Frances. She lives on the Meseta, has opened her home to pilgrims in need, and works tirelessly to ensure that the heart and soul of the Camino survives the changes and demands of the modern world.

The world, and the Camino, needs more Rebekahs.

But as well as being a champion for the Camino, she is an accomplished writer, and The Moorish Whore is a wonderful historical novel, weaving together pilgrims, princesses, and intrigue into a richly detailed medieval world.

The novel is set in medieval Spain and takes place in and around Sahagun, a town along the Camino Frances. While the historical details may or may not be entirely factual, the characters feel real, and you feel that the story should have happened.

It makes my list for 2 reasons 1) Rebekah Scott wrote it and 2) It’s an excellent read and a beautifully written historical novel set along the Camino Frances.  

I highly recommend you discover the story for yourself.

10. To the Field of Stars: A Pilgrim’s Journey to Santiago de Compostela

By Kevin A. Codd

I once read a review of this book that said that Maps can tell you how far it is to the next town, and guidebooks can tell you how much to pack—but none will really tell you what the Camino is actually like.

And maybe that’s true. After all, everyone’s experience is different.  But Kevin Codd, a Catholic priest, does a good job of showing us pilgrimage through his own perspective. I’m not particularly religious, I was raised Church of England, not Catholic but To the Field of Stars is one of the most highly rated Camino books, so I knew I had to give it a try.

This is a charming book. There are no lectures, lots of joy, thoughtfulness, and reflection. Codd, like the rest of us, has good days and bad days. He meets kind people, frustrating people, and everything in between. His journey is spiritual, yet there are no lectures.

At the start, he promises to take us to where the stars dance. Later, he describes a fog moving with grace, dancing to the mountain breeze. That reminded me so much of a day on the Via de la Plata, when I sat and watched a simple sheet of black plastic on a farm dancing on the wind. It’s odd, the things we notice, and that move us when we slow down. 

This book isn’t trying to be funny or deeply philosophical; it’s simply the story of one man walking the Camino his way. If you’re looking to learn more about the Camino, this book will give you a different perspective.

11. Travels with My Donkey: One Man and His Ass on a Pilgrimage to Santiago

By Tim Moore

I love this book.  They say you never forget your first love.  Well, Tim Moore was mine, and there will always be a special place in my heart for him and his donkey.

Moore, an English comedian and travel writer, is known for his dry, self-deprecating humour and he wrote this book after his journey along the Camino Frances.

It starts with his visit to The Donkey Sanctuary, just a few miles from my old home in Devon. From there, he embarks on a comedic, sometimes chaotic, and occasionally sweet adventure across the Camino from France to Santiago de Compostela, with a stubborn donkey named Shinto.

This book doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it’s clear that Moore truly walked the Camino. I recognized so many of the places he stayed along the way, and like him, I ended most days with an Ensalada, Lomo, and Flan combo from the pilgrim menu.

He thought walking with a donkey would be easier than carrying a backpack; easy is not the word I’d use to describe his journey!  I read this book three or four times before my first Camino, and I can vividly remember walking over bridges and past car washes thinking, Tim and Shinto were here.

I have laughed out loud and sobbed alongside him. Oddly, I’ve never loved his other books as much, but this one will always be in my top ten!

12. What the Psychic Told the Pilgrim: A Midlife Misadventure on Spain’s Camino de Santiago

By Jane Christmas

I read this book in stages. It started well, then I waned, then I came back to finish it. It didn’t help that Jane introduced a character called Colleen, described as a fiery sort with a raspy voice, a cackling laugh, and a ruddy complexion that hinted at an explosive temper and some serious alcohol issues. Thankfully, not like me at all!

Jane (a Canadian writer and journalist) announced live on air that she was going to walk the Camino and somehow ended up leading a group of 15 middle-aged women along the trail. It was a disaster. The group fractured, broke apart, and turned on itself.

I liked Jane most of the time. But she was a little fierce, and oh my, her Camino was a difficult trial.  This was her 50th birthday gift to herself; a time to let her gypsy spirit run free, and I totally understood that. 

There are moments where you can’t help but laugh, like her description of pilgrims hobbling along like a line of women recovering from a C-section, or the group struggling to get water out of their bladders, saying “I’m practically getting a hernia from sucking on the hose!”

There was a lot I could relate to.  But I found her testiness difficult at times. I know the Camino is a challenge, but I don’t recall it being quite so much of a challenge.

That said, the rawness of her experience and the way she writes about it makes this a great book.  It’s a great viewpoint, and good for anyone who wants a realistic take on the Camino. And she’s right, the Camino is a long, hard walk and not for everyone.

13. Walking Back Home: Finding Clarity on the Camino

By Margaret Caffyn

After completing my first Camino, I knew I had to walk again. I waited for winter to pass and a few months later, I planned a second trip; crossing the mountains from St Jean Pied de Port and walking onwards for two weeks.

Halfway up the mountain, I met an Australian lady. She was nervous but unstoppable, and after sharing a cold drink, a glass of wine, and dinner in Orisson, we became firm friends.

Two weeks later, I had to leave her behind, but she walked on to Santiago and a year later, we walked 1,000 kilometres together along the Via de la Plata.

Since then, she has moved to Spain to learn Spanish, moved back to Australia, fought more than a few demons, and she wrote a book. And I’m in it!

And I couldn’t have a Camino book list without a mention of my fearless lady from Oz.

14. John Brierly Camino Guides

By John Brierley

I’m not sure if this feels like a bit of a cheat at the end of my list but I think my reasons are clear.  I know I could have included so many more books; some great that I loved and some not so great.  But I am sure that no list about the modern Camino would be complete without mention of the guidebooks of John Brierley.

John Brierley passed away in 2024, but his legacy will live far longer.

He was the author of the bestselling guidebooks to all the major Camino routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. Remarkably, his first book was only published in 2003, and yet, in just 20 years, he shaped the modern pilgrimage into what we now call the Brierley stages.

John, like me, believed that the Camino de Santiago could transform lives, and that, in turn, might just make the world a better place.  I’ve often said that everyone should walk the Camino; politicians especially could learn a little from the experience!

His books do more than provide maps, distances, profiles, and accommodation listings. They invite pilgrims on an internal, spiritual journey, offering reflections alongside the practical details.

On my first Camino, as I walked toward the Alto de Perdón, I overheard a lady say “We call him Uncle John!”  I became firm friends with that lady too. 

Pilgrims walking the Camino rely on the words of John Brierley, and no list would be complete without him.

So Which Book About The Camino De Santiago Should You Read?

I’ve been collecting and reading these books for over 12 years. Before I walked, I devoured everything I could that was Camino related and even now, if the pilgrim chatter is about the latest new book or film, I’m itching to go get my copy.

Some books had a huge impact on me, some made me sad and other made me angry and some made me roll my eyes and wonder if they’d even walked!  But what all the above have in common is emotion; every book on my list made me laugh, or cry, or reflect.  How odd that words on a page, written by a stranger can shape our world. I wonder if the writers know this?  

Your favourite Camino book might well be different from mine, and that’s okay. Your list will change over time, as has mine, in the same way that every pilgrimage is different and personal.

No matter what you choose to read, I believe that one thing is certain; the Camino changes us. And that’s a message repeated over and over in these books.  And as long as I’m able, I’ll keep walking, reading, and learning from the stories of pilgrims past and present.

Which Camino book has inspired you the most? Join my private Walking The Camino Facebook Group and tell us about your favourite read!

Are You Walking the Camino De Santiago?

You may have noticed that I love the Camino. I’ve walked countless times since 2013. If you’re planning your own walk I have many other resources that can help :

Along with many other posts covering travel, insurance and currency, travel to St Jean Pied de Port and What to do in Santiago and pilgrim guides to Porto! I have a lot of great content for pilgrims!

If you’re planning your Camino or already on the trail, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Join my Camino Facebook Community, share your stories, and or ask questions and find inspiration for the road ahead.