7 Things I Packed That Made Every Stay Better on the Portuguese Camino

Before I left for the Camino, I researched many forums and did my own in-store comparisons when it came to what I should bring with me and ensure I was equipped with items that would render me the best experience possible– especially when resting and getting ready for the following day.

Packages came rolling at my doorstep and, in the end, I had to cull it down.

My focus here: not the typical while-walking Camino essentials—but the little things that made me genuinely look forward to arriving at my accommodation each evening.

After walking 180 miles through Portugal and Spain—staying in albergues, hostels and hotels—I was able to really spotlight the top items that I kept reaching for and made the biggest difference in my comfort as I went along the pilgrimage.

Let’s get to it!

1. Silk Blend Sleeping Bag Liner

• Why I packed it: Sleep is #1 on the importance heirarchy when on the Camino. The liner helped me with my fears of coming in contact with bed bugs (they won’t easily stick onto a more slippery surface like silk) and it felt like my own “security blanket” and big “from home, it’s mine” comfort as I was going to be sleeping in a different bed every night, for 14 nights straight. A little touch of luxury at a compact size!
  
• Why I was so glad I did: There were times where I needed an extra “sheet” to help keep me warm during cooler nights where accommodations didn’t have a duvet and just offered a simple flat sheet; this came in so helpful. Totally worth the investment in my opinion.
  
  Bonus Tip: You don’t even have to pack a pillowcase (I did, but didn’t need to use it!) because the top part of the slip liner can just go over your pillow at night (and now your face is also sleeping on silk!) :).

2. Silk Eye Mask

Why I packed it: Yes, another silk product—but as someone who is really sensitive to light, I knew that staying in albergues and hostels would mean I couldn’t control when the lights went on or off. Packing an eye mask was important because, even if I couldn’t control the room, I could at least control how much light reached me and give myself a better chance of actually sleeping.

Why I was so glad I did: This became part of my nightly routine. After walking all day, slipping on my silk eye mask felt like telling my brain, “Okay, it’s time to rest.” It was cool against my skin, completely blocked out the light, and somehow felt like a little hug for my tired eyes. Whether someone flipped on the lights before sunrise, an outside street lamp peeked through the curtains, or the morning sun came in earlier than I was ready for, I could stay in my own little bubble and enjoy a few extra moments of sleep.

I actually own two. At home, I love my light pink Slip silk eye mask because it feels a little luxurious. But for travel, I always bring the black one—it doesn’t show makeup, sunscreen, or travel grime as easily, so after weeks of living out of a backpack, it still looked great.

3. Microfiber Travel Towel

Why I packed it: A microfiber travel towel is lightweight, compact, and easy to clip to the outside of my backpack with a carabiner. I liked having it within reach throughout the day—not buried somewhere inside my pack.

Why I was so glad I did: I used it for so much more than showering. It was perfect for drying my hands, wiping my mouth after eating, and dabbing away sweat while walking. And on the occasions when a hostel unexpectedly didn’t provide a towel, it absolutely saved me. Drying my whole body with such a small towel took a little longer, but it worked! The fact that it was also quick drying was such a positive.

4. Flip Flops for Showering

Why I packed it: Technically, I didn’t because I didn’t think I would need them, but I quickly realized my mistake! I purchased a pair of lightweight flip-flops while I was already on the Camino because showering in my Tevas meant they would get soaked and take forever to dry.

Why I was so glad I did: They were incredibly useful for communal showers, where I wanted to keep my feet clean without getting my everyday sandals wet. Because they weighed almost nothing, they didn’t add unnecessary bulk to my backpack, and I could easily slip them on around the albergue, too. This is one item I genuinely wish I had packed from the beginning: simple, lightweight, and far more useful than I expected.

5. Soft Yoga Shorts (My Dedicated Sleep Shorts) / Amazon CRZ Yoga Dupe Here

Why I packed it: I wanted an alternative to any sort of formal pajamas to sleep in and I love my Lululemon soft, high-rise yoga shorts. Though I typically use them for yoga back home, I instantly knew that they would be an excellent lightweight, travel-friendly short to pack to rest in! I packed just one pair!

Why I was so glad I did: It rolled so small and dried quick when I needed to wash them! I’d shower, throw these on and instantly feel like the day was over. I typically slept with the shirt I was walking with the next day so that it made getting ready in the morning more of a breeze with less to think about! Something soft is so important so that, again, we can get that very important quality sleep! I genuinely looked forward to putting them on at night.

6. Instant Superfood Hot Chocolate Blend

Why I packed it: This one might not make everyone’s Camino packing list, but it definitely made mine! I love my hot chocolate—especially when it helps with de-stressing and chilling as its blended with adaptogenic mushrooms(!)—and I just knew it would be the perfect treat to look forward to as I cozied up in my accommodation at night after a long day of walking.

Why I was so glad I did: I looked forward to this as my little desert at night and it was just the best. A perfect companion when journaling, too. Sometimes, if I was just too tired, I would have it the following morning with my breakfast and who doesn’t love a little healthy chocolate to start their day?! It was comforting, cozy, and felt like a little piece of home no matter where I was sleeping that night.

7. Aloe Spa Socks (hear me out!)

Why I packed it: I’ve used these socks for years and while these definitely weren’t a Camino essential, I wanted one little comfort item that made me feel cozy after a full day of walking. After spending all day in my merino hiking socks, I liked the idea of having one pair of socks that was just for relaxing.

Why I was so glad I did: Infused with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, these just felt like such a luxury at night while winding down. Your feet get a little TLC in the form of and after pounding the pavement for miles upon miles on end, the plushness felt very rewarding and healing! I didn’t wear them every night—sometimes I wanted my feet to breathe, especially if I had a blister—but on the nights I did, they felt SO nice. I’d put a little extra lotion if I felt like my feet needed them, but otherweise it was one of those little comforts that made a hostel experience feel like a 5-Star Hotel one :).

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning your own Portuguese Camino and wondering where to stay each night, I’m putting together the complete list of every albergue, hostel, and hotel I stayed in—including what I paid, what I loved, and whether I’d stay there again.

👉 Join my email list (or check back soon) for the downloadable guide.

xx,